Japan tourism information: Shiga

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Biwako Valley

Biwako Valley is a tourist spot in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

The charm of Biwako Valley

You can climb to the top of the mountain with an altitude of 1100m by the fastest ropeway in Japan. With a total length of 1,783m and a height difference of 783m, you can see the scenery of Osaka in the distance from the 360° glass cabin. Biwako Valley has activities such as the Biwako Terrace and zip lines, as well as a highland area.

Recommended spots and gourmet information around Biwako Valley

There are sightseeing spots such as Lake Biwa and Mount Horai in the surrounding area.

Access information

About 10 minutes by bus from JR Kosei Line Shiga Station.

Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Biwako Valley.

https://www.biwako-valley.com/

Omi Jingu

Enjoy history and nature at Omi Jingu!

Omi Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, which enshrines the 38th Emperor Tenchi. Although it is a new shrine built in 1940 to commemorate the 2600th year of the Imperial era, it is enshrined in the ruins of Omi Otsumiya (Otsukyo), the ancient capital of Emperor Tenchi, and has a historical atmosphere. It is also located on the west bank of Lake Biwa and is surrounded by rich nature. Omi Shrine is an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy both history and nature.

Charm of Omi Shrine

The attraction of Omi Jingu is its shrine buildings. It is a masterpiece of modern shrine architecture called Omi-zukuri and Showa-zukuri. Of particular note is the corridor that connects the main shrine and the worship hall. The corridor is about 100 meters long and is famous as the longest corridor in Japan. From the corridor, you can see the beautiful appearance of the main shrine and worship hall, as well as the scenery of the greenery and pond in the precincts. A walk in the corridor will calm your mind.

There is also a clock museum at Omi Shrine. At the clock museum, there are exhibits where you can learn about the history and mechanisms of clocks in Japan and around the world. Especially not to be missed is the water clock, Japan's oldest mechanical clock. The water clock is said to have been made by Emperor Tenchi based on the one brought from Baekje. A water clock is a mechanism that measures time by the flow of water, and it uses fire so that it works even at night. The water clock makes you feel the wisdom and skill of Emperor Tenchi.

Recommended spots around Omi Shrine

There are many other things to see and enjoy around Omi Jingu. for example,

Otsukyo Ruins Park: A park about a 10-minute walk from Omi Jingu, where you can see the remains of Otsukyo and restored buildings. Otsukyo is Japan's first capital and the place where Emperor Tenji developed politics and culture. In the park, you can learn about the history and culture of Otsukyo, and also enjoy nature such as flowers and trees.

Biwako Ohashi Bridge: A 15-minute drive from Omi Jingu Shrine, it is Japan's longest arch bridge across Lake Biwa. The Biwako Ohashi bridge connects Koto and Kosai, making it a convenient route for sightseeing and transportation. In addition, from the bridge, you can see beautiful scenery such as the blue water of Lake Biwa and the greenery of Mt. Hiei. From the bridge, you can enjoy driving and cycling while feeling the breeze.

Omi Shrine can be accessed by train.

The closest station is Omijingumae Station on the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line, which is about a 9-minute walk from the station. About 15 minutes on foot from JR Otsukyo Station

summary

Omi Shrine is a tourist destination where you can enjoy history and nature. It is a place related to Emperor Tenchi, and the highlights include the shrine building, which is a masterpiece of modern shrine architecture, and Japan's oldest mechanical clock, the water clock. In addition, there are spots such as Otsu Kyoato Park and Lake Biwa Bridge in the surrounding area. If you come to Shiga, please visit Omi Jingu.

Here is a website where you can obtain detailed information about Omi Jingu.

https://oumijingu.org/

Hikone Castle

A trip to experience the history and culture of Hikone Castle, a national treasure

Introduction

Hikone Castle, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a flat mountain castle that was built in the early Edo period. Construction of Hikone Castle was started in order to clear out Sawayama Castle by order of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it took 20 years to complete. Hikone Castle was the residence of the Ii family, an important foreign daimyo of the Tokugawa shogunate. Even after the Meiji Restoration, it was protected twice by the emperor and became one of the five castles designated as national treasures.

Charm of Hikone Castle

After all, it is a national treasure castle tower. The castle tower has a beautiful white plaster wall and black tiled roof, and inside there are displays of weapons and armor. From the castle tower, you can overlook Lake Biwa and the city. In addition, around the castle tower, there are turrets designated as important cultural properties, such as the Tsukuyagura and Tamon turrets, and you can feel the remnants of when the castle was first built. Inside the turret, there is also a museum that introduces items related to the Ii family and the history of the Hikone domain.

The history and culture of Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is a castle ruled by the Ii family throughout the Edo period. In the Battle of Sekigahara, Ii Naomasa killed Mitsunari Ishida, who had joined the Western Army, and was confined to Hikone, Omi Province for his achievements. After that, the Ii family was loyal to the shogunate as a foreign daimyo, and at the end of the Edo period, they held important posts such as Kyoto shugoshoku and Osaka castle lord². Even after the Meiji Restoration, the Ii family was respected by the emperor, and Hikone Castle was also preserved by being designated as a national treasure⁶.

Recommended spots around Hikone Castle

Around Hikone Castle, there are many spots where you can enjoy history and culture, as well as gourmet foods. for example,

Opening Memorial Hall: This facility introduces the achievements of Naosuke Ii, who was involved in the conclusion of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan.

Hikone Castle Garden: A Japanese garden on the north side of Hikone Castle, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves.

Hikone Castle Museum: Materials and items related to the Hikone clan and the Ii family are on display.

Yumekyobashi Castle Road: A shopping street on the north side of Hikone Castle, where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere inspired by the castle town of the Edo period. There are many shops where you can buy souvenirs, eat, and experience things.

Hikone Castle Access Information: 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from JR Hikone Station. There are two parking lots: Honmachi parking lot and Kyobashiguchi parking lot.

Hikone Castle is a flat mountain castle with many existing buildings such as castle towers and turrets designated as national treasures, and you can experience the history and culture of the Ii family. Also, around Hikone Castle, there are many places where you can enjoy history and culture, as well as gourmet foods. How about visiting Hikone Castle and taking a trip to experience history and culture?