Shiga

Shiga (滋賀県; -ken) is a prefecture in western Japan.

Shiga is most famous for the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. It is also extremely close to Kyoto, but has a reputation for being out in the boonies.

Sights

• Gichuji temple(義仲寺) Burial sight of famous poet Matsuo Basho, as well as one of his disciples. The staff at the temple are very knowledgeable and helpful, and along with the entrance fee will give you a guided tour and explanation of the entire temple grounds. They will also show you the building Basho lived in when he was ill, the temple dedicated to him, and the walking stick that Basho used on his famous travelogue "Narrow Road to the Interior."

  滋賀県大津市馬場1-5-12
  TEL 077-523-2811.

• Hikone Castle (彦根城) A castle directly in the center of Hikone City, Hikone Castle is one of the 12 castles in Japan to have its original keep in tact. It is also one of the 5 castles in Japan to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Hikone Castle's ideal strategic location, on a mountain, surrounded by rivers, prepared it for a war that never ended up coming. As a result of never being involved in conflict, the Castle is in great condition, and fully tour-able. On the personal request of Emperor Meiji, the castle was not to be dismantled. While climbing up the mountain, you can enjoy several scenic spots that let you look out over Hikone, and even Lake Biwa. Hikonyan, the famous mascot of the city makes frequent appearances here. When finished, feel free to hit up Castle Road, a section of Hikone made to look like the town would have when the castle was in use.

  1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture 522-0061
  TEL 0749-22-2742/
  Cost: ¥600
  Website

• Koga Ninja Village(甲賀の里忍術村) Secluded village in the middle of a forest south of Hikone. Try your hand at various ninja arts, tour the ninja house, and walk through the ninja museum.

  〒520-3405 滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町隠岐394
  TEL 0748-88-5000.
  Cost: ¥1,000

• Kawachi Wind Cave This cave, with walls of coal, stretches on for about 6,800 meters. It takes about 30 minutes to tour the usual 200 meters.

  滋賀県犬上郡多賀町河内宮前
  TEL 0749-48-0552.
  Cost: ¥500.

See also

• Shiga JET website