Kansai

For over 400 years, Hikone Castle has been one of the few castles in Japan to survive wars and disasters and maintain its original condition. This historic building looks even more beautiful in spring when it is surrounded by the approximately 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom, and its adorable mascot, Hiko-nyan, is also very popular.

Sitting proudly at the center of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and was created approximately four million years ago. Due to its size, it offers a wide variety of unique seasonal scenes in different areas. "Biwa-ichi" is a popular recent activity which involves cycling in a loop around this large lake. It has now been selected as one of the National Cycle Routes certified by the national government.

Now popular around the world, Japanese wagyu beef consists of over 200 brands, and Omi, Matsuzaka and Kobe are renowned as the top three wagyu brands. Omi beef is a Japanese Black cattle raised in the rich natural environment and waters of Shiga Prefecture. With a fine texture and sweet flavored fat, the tender meat is best enjoyed as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pot dishes.

Ishiyamadera Temple is the 13th stop of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route said to have been established in 747. The temple's display of seasonal flowers and nature are so beautiful that it has been referred to as the "Temple of Flowers." Ishiyamadera is also famous as a moon gazing spot, as depicted in the famous ukiyo-e painting "The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama." Built on a huge wollastonite rock designated as a natural monument, there are numerous national treasures and important cultural...

Recognized as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, Shigaraki pottery boasts a long history centered around Shigaraki in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. It is perhaps best known for the comical raccoon dog ceramic statues found at many storefronts in Japan. Shigaraki Pottery Village is a long-standing potter with over 100 years of history, with some of the few completely preserved climbing kilns built using the slope of a mountain, as well as old-fashioned cave kilns.

At a pH value of 9.0, the hot spring water of Ogoto Onsen in Shiga Prefecture is a simple alkaline hot spring that exceeds standard levels and has a skin smoothing effect after bathing. The gentle water is safe even for people with sensitive skin and pregnant women.