Museums Hikone Castle Bryan Baier One of the 12 remaining pre Edo-era castles in Japan just outside of Kyoto
Historical Hiking to Enryaku-ji Temple Ryoji Aramaki Hike to Enryakuji is a great way to see a world heritage site for free.
Festivals Mii-dera Cherry Blossom Awa Odori 2026 Early Apr Shiga's Mii-dera Temple is set to host a lively new event this spring—the Mii-dera Cherry Blossom Awa Odori— bringing the ..
Culture The Hachiman-Bori Alicia Scarfe Explore the historic merchant village of Omihachiman via a river cruise on the Hachiman-Bori.
14 Temples & Shrines Plum Blossom at Ishiyamadera Cathy Cawood Plum blossom at a Shiga temple with a connection to the life of Murasaki Shikibu, the world's first novel writer.
11 Temples & Shrines Ishiyama Temple in Otsu Cathy Cawood A large, unusual wollastonite rock formation is surrounded by beautiful temple buildings of Ishiyama-dera in Otsu.
9 Gardens & Parks Ishiyamadera's Muyu-en Pond Garden Cathy Cawood Muyu-en, a beautiful Japanese pond garden at Ishiyamadera in Otsu, has koi ponds, red bridges and a small waterfall.