Shiga

Shiga (滋賀県; -ken) formerly known as Ōmi Province, is a landlocked prefecture located in the Kansai region.

Shiga is famous for the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. While Shiga is considered rural compared to some of the surrounding prefectures, many locals boast the benefits of living within easy traveling distance of metropolitan areas without the prices of living in said areas. It is also extremely close to Kyoto, but has a reputation for being out in the boonies.

History

Once known as Ōmi Province,

Local Specialties

• Funazushi

A relic of the past, this Japanese sushi is considered a delicacy among the locals. Made since ancient times using Lake Biwa's nigorobuna (crucian carp), it is believed to be one of Japan's oldest forms of nare-zushi. Known for its pungent smell due to the fermentation process, it was used as a substitute for medicine because it contains lactic acid, which helps improve intestinal health. Recently, the number of nigorobuna has decreased as a result of environmental damage to Lake Biwa and the surrounding areas, and the number of households making funazushi has subsequently decreased as well.

• Red Konjac

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 in the center of Hikone City, Hikone Castle is one of the twelve castles in Japan to have its original keep intact. It is also one of only five castles with buildings that are listed as National Treasures. Since 2023, the UNESCO committee—at Hikone City's behest—has begun to evaluate Hikone Castle under the "Preliminary Assessment and Formal Nomination to the World Heritage" in hopes that Hikone Castle will become a 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 tourable. At 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