Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) is a landlocked prefecture located in the Kansai region of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is situated east of Kyoto Prefecture and encompasses Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. The capital city is Otsu.
Shiga Prefecture is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and traditional crafts. One of the most famous attractions is the aforementioned Lake Biwa, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is also a source of freshwater fish, such as Biwa trout and ayu, which are popular local delicacies.
Shiga Prefecture is home to many important historical sites, including Hikone Castle, one of only a handful of surviving original castles in Japan, and the Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Mount Hiei, which overlooks Kyoto.
The prefecture is also known for its traditional crafts, such as Omi-jofu, a type of hand-woven hemp fabric, and Shigaraki ware, a style of pottery that has been produced in the region for over 800 years.
Destinations in Shiga
