Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県)
Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) is located in the Kansai region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Otsu. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), original National Treasure Hikone Castle, Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji UNESCO monastery, Omihachiman canal merchant town, and Shirahige Shrine's floating torii.
How to get to Shiga Prefecture
Just 10m from Kyoto Station to Otsu (or 48m to Hikone) on the JR Biwako Special Rapid line; Maibara is a direct Tokaido Shinkansen stop. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Shiga
When visiting cities across Shiga, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu)
- Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish)
- Biwa trout (Biwamasu)
- Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama)
Best time to visit Shiga
Early–mid April for Hikone Castle moat & Kaizu Osaki cherry blossoms; summer for cycling the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa; November for Enryaku-ji & Lake Biwa temples.
All 13 cities & municipalities in Shiga Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ōtsu 大津市 | Core city | 329,024 | 464.10 km² | City guide → |
| Hikone 彦根市 | City | 110,945 | 196.84 km² | City guide → |
| Kusatsu 草津市 | City | 123,512 | 67.92 km² | City guide → |
| Moriyama 守山市 | City | 74,263 | 54.81 km² | City guide → |
| Rittō 栗東市 | City | 62,353 | 52.75 km² | City guide → |
| Kōka 甲賀市 | City | 94,007 | 481.69 km² | City guide → |
| Yasu 野洲市 | City | 49,821 | 81.07 km² | City guide → |
| Konan 湖南市 | City | 55,144 | 70.49 km² | City guide → |
| Takashima 高島市 | City | 52,967 | 693.00 km² | City guide → |
| Higashiōmi 東近江市 | City | 117,487 | 388.58 km² | City guide → |
| Maibara 米原市 | City | 40,757 | 250.46 km² | City guide → |
| Nagahama 長浜市 | City | 113,079 | 681.02 km² | City guide → |
| Ōmihachiman 近江八幡市 | City | 81,456 | 177.45 km² | City guide → |