Shiga 2-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan’s Largest Lake and Surroundings

How to Get to Shiga From Tokyo and Kyoto

Shiga Prefecture is easily accessible from both Tokyo and Kyoto by train. From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train for approx. 134 minutes to Maibara Station. From Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen for approx. 20 minutes to Maibara Station. After arriving at Maibara Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line for a 5-minute ride to Hikone Station, the starting point of this itinerary.

Alternatively, other destinations in Shiga, such as its capital city of Otsu, are also popular day trips from Kyoto. Otsu is just a 9-minute train ride from Kyoto Station on the Biwako Line Special Rapid.

While Shiga is well connected by train, some destinations require multiple transfers and long walks. To make the most of your time in Shiga, we recommend renting a car after visiting Hikone Castle. Cycling is another popular way to experience the beauty of Lake Biwa. Many visitors opt to circle the lake by bicycle, and there are a number of rental bicycle stores dotting the lakeside.

Day 1: Castles, Canals, and Culinary Delights in Shiga

Hikone Castle

Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Hikone Station.

Hikone Castle, one of Shiga’s most iconic landmarks, was built over 400 years ago under the orders of revolutionary shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa to strengthen his rule. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Hikone Castle faced the threat of demolition, but it was preserved thanks to an order by Emperor Meiji himself. It continues to stand today as just one of 12 original Japanese castles that have survived intact since the Edo Period (1603-1868), making it an invaluable historical relic worlds apart from reconstructed castles like Osaka Castle.

Hikone Castle stands on a tall hill and has a grand white exterior and rustic wooden interior, packed with military defense features like arrow slits and more. The walk up to the castle tower passes through beautiful gardens, and the view of the cityscape and Lake Biwa from the top is spectacular.

Lunch: Oumiya

Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Hikone Castle.

Located on the scenic Yume Kyobashi Castle Road, Oumiya is a renowned restaurant run by a sake store with over 300 years of history. It specializes in ingredients from the Omi region (modern-day Shiga), including A5-grade Omi beef, one of Japan’s most esteemed wagyu brands. Its Omi Beef Tataki Bowl even won top prize at the National Donburi (rice bowl) Competition, making it a must-try. Other local specialties such as Omi chicken, Omi rice, and Omi vegetables provide a complete taste of Shiga's finest flavors.

After lunch, be sure to take a walk around Yume Kyobashi Castle Road. Just steps away from Hikone Castle, this street is known for its traditional architecture, with white-walled and black lattice designs. There are many shops selling traditional Japanese sweets and local products, too.

Hachiman-bori Canal

Access:
Car: Approx. 40-minute drive from Yume Kyobashi Castle Road.
Public transport: Return to Hikone Station and take the Biwako Line Special Rapid train to Omihachiman Station (approx. 15 mins). Then walk for 30 mins or take the Hachiman-bori (Osugicho) Hachimanyama Ropeway bus and get off at the stop with the same name (approx. 10 mins).

The Hachiman-bori Canal is a historic waterway located in Omihachiman City. It was originally dug in 1585 to support Hachimanyama Castle and its surrounding castle town by connecting it with Lake Biwa. Once a bustling trade route, the canal played a vital role in bringing economic prosperity to the region. However, as land transportation developed, the Hachiman-bori Canal fell into obscurity. By the 1950s, it had become a heavily polluted drainage channel, but thanks to the efforts of locals, the canal was restored to its former scenic beauty.

Visitors can take a boat ride on the canal to admire the white-walled storehouses and other old buildings while immersed in the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Afterwards, walk around the town to find other historic buildings, such as the rustic brick Hoffman kiln, built in the early 1900s; the grand Western-style Hakuun-kan, opened as a school in 1877; and more.

Recommended Hotel in Shiga Prefecture: Yumotokan

Day 2: Sacred Mountains and Lakeside Wonders in Shiga

Mount Hiei and Enryakuji Temple

Access:
Car: Approx. 25 min drive from Yumotokan to Enryakuji Temple
Public transport: From Yumotokan, take a taxi (5 mins) or walk (20 mins) to Ogotoonsen Station, then take the Kosei Line (For Kyoto) to Otsukyo Station (approx. 9 mins). Then walk for a few minutes to Keihan-Otsukyo Station, and take the Keihan-Ishiyamasakamoto Line to Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi (approx. 11 mins). Then walk 15 mins to Cable Sakamoto Station, and take the Sakamoto Cable Car to Enryakuji Temple (11 mins).

Mount Hiei, located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, is a sacred mountain home to the ancient Enryakuji Temple. This sprawling complex consists of over 100 structures and is divided into three main areas: Todo (East Pagoda), Saito (West Pagoda), and Yokawa. Founded by monk Saicho in 788, the father of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Enryakuji Temple has played a pivotal role in Japanese Buddhism for over 1,200 years. It nurtured many of Japan's greatest Buddhist figures, such as Genshin, Shinran, Nichiren, and Dogen, earning it the title “the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism.”

Todo is the heart of Enryakuji Temple, containing important structures like the Main Temple (Konpon Chudo), where the Eternal Flame said to have been lit by Saicho is kept. The Saito area, centered around the Shakado Hall, offers a peaceful environment ideal for meditation; while the Yokawa area, established by the monk Ennin, is a historical training ground for monks steeped in a rich spiritual atmosphere.

Enryakuji Temple is also renowned for its stunning surroundings, presenting breathtaking views of Lake Biwa to the east and Kyoto to the west. In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’ll take most of the day to see all of Enryakuji Temple, so either allocate an extra day to your Shiga itinerary, or just stick to the main Todo area. Adventurous travelers can also hike to Enryakuji Temple from Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station, taking about 2.5 hours one way.

Lunch: The Biwako Terrace

Access:
Car: Approx. 40-minute drive from Enryakuji Temple to the Biwako Valley Ropeway Station.
Public transport: Take the cable car back down Mount Hiei, and then walk 20 mins to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station. Take the Kosei Line to Shiga Station (approx. 24 mins), then take the Kojak Bus to the Biwako Valley Mae bus stop (approx. 10 mins). Then take the Biwako Valley Ropeway.

The Biwako Terrace consists of two terraces on neighboring peaks Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai at an altitude of around 1,100 meters, both flaunting breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The experience begins with a 5-minute ride on Japan’s fastest cable car, taking visitors up to “The Main,” which contains the Grand Terrace and North Terrace. For lunch, the Terrace Café is a cozy spot for light refreshments, while Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA serves up more filling barbecue meals.

For a more private experience, visitors can opt for the paid seating at the Infinity Lounge, where you can spread out on luxury sofas and immerse yourself in the scenery in peace.

Shirahige Shrine

Access:
Car: Approx. 25 min drive from the Biwako Valley Ropeway.
Public transport: Return to Shiga Station and take the Kosei Line for 13 mins to Omi-Takashima Station. Then take a taxi for approx. 5 mins or walk for 40 mins to Shirahige Shrine. You can also pick up a rental bicycle from Omi-Takashima Station, but it must be returned by 2:00 pm.

With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Shirahige Shrine is the oldest shrine in the Omi region. It is famous for its vermillion torii gate that stands in the beautiful waters of Lake Biwa, similar to the famous Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

Other highlights at Shirahige Shrine include its Main Hall, whose construction was ordered in the will of influential samurai ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), and carried out by his son. There is also the Worship Hall, which was reconstructed and connected to the Main Hall during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), resulting in the uniquely intricate shape of its roof seen today.

Shirahige Shrine is believed to bring fortune in longevity, matchmaking, childbirth, and more, attracting worshippers from all over Japan.

Lake Biwa and Beyond: A 2-Day Itinerary in Shiga Prefecture

Finishing this 2-day itinerary of Shiga Prefecture, you'll leave with a full appreciation for the diverse attractions that make this region of Japan truly special. From the authentic historical grandeur of Hikone Castle and Mount Hiei to breathtaking panoramas of Lake Biwa from every angle, Shiga promises an unforgettable blend of cultural heritage and natural wonder.

Top image: Tanya Jones / Shutterstock.com