Last Updated: 04/05/2023
Straddling Kyoto to the right, Shiga is home to thirteen cities, with Otsu standing out as the capital, and one of the country's greatest feats of nature: Lake Biwa. It is the largest freshwater lake in Japan with an approximate surface area of 670 square kilometers and spins many of the best things to do in Shiga. This lake is popular throughout the year for its diverse range of watersports that include kayaking, canoeing, banana boat rides, SUP yoga, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, and the country's first-ever eFoil surfing! Its shores meanwhile are famous for bonfire cafes and delicious barbecues with friends and family!
Beyond the lake, there's plenty of other things to do in Shiga. With winter around the corner, the Hakodateyama Ski Resort should be on your radar for amazing skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe walking, and more winter activities. Meanwhile, generational handcrafts spearhead the list of authentic experiences and cultural activities in Shiga; that entailing adventures across ikebana flower arrangement classes, pottery workshops, and leather making shops.
If the prefecture is in your sights this holiday, here are the many best things to do in Shiga!
1. Blissful Lake Biwa and its heavenly kayaks
Kayaking around the clear waters on the shore of Biwa lake is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Strike the experience off your bucket list with exciting kayaking adventures!
Enjoy a Kayaking Tour Around the Sacred Torii Gate and on the Largest Lake in Japan Lake Biwa! (2-hours course)
Takashima, Shiga
Ride a Two-Seater or One-Seat Kayaks in a Beginner and Family-Friendly Tour on Lake Biwa!
Otsu, Shiga
2. SUP in Lake Biwa's blue paradise
Experience the beauty of Lake Biwa's renowned torii gate with a picturesque stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) excursion. Combine sightseeing and fitness by choosing SUP yoga, immersing yourself in the stunning blue paradise that surrounds you.
Explore the Surrounding Area of the Otorii Gate of the Shirahige Shrine in Lake Biwa on a SUP
Takashima, Shiga
Enjoy a Walk on the Water on an SUP at Lake Biwa!
Otsu, Shiga
Ride-Up on an 8-Seat Mega SUP for a Fun Activity with Your Friends and Family!
Otsu, Shiga
Refresh Your Mind and Body While Enjoying the Sea Breeze in a Relaxing SUP Yoga Experience!
Otsu, Shiga
3. Conquer Lake Biwa by wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is the highlight of watersports on Lake Biwa, and it is just what the doctor ordered for all you adrenaline seekers. Nothing quite measures up to the rush of surfing the water at explosive speeds!
Fly in the Sky and Float Over the Water on a Wakeboard at Lake Biwa!
Otsu, Shiga
Beginner-Friendly Thrilling Wakeboarding Course in Otsu, Shiga!
Otsu, Shiga
Wakeboarding Experience: Enjoy the Excitement of Floating Above the Water
Otsu, Shiga
Wakeboarding for Experienced Users with an Optional Bbq Set Plan
Otsu, Shiga
4. Canyoning with a twist: Climbing waterfalls in Shiga
Take your canyoning skills to the next level with rock climbing across a waterfall. Enjoy the splashes in nature's water slider, and swims in the secluded pond below!
Please note that the availability of the plans below depends on the season.
Enjoy a Refreshing and Exhilarating Experience in the Nature of Takashima, Shiga in a Half-Day Canyoning Tour!
Takashima, Shiga
Slide Down the Natural Water Slides and Explore the Nature in Half-Day Canyoning Adventure!
Takashima, Shiga
5. Good food and beach views at Biwa
Take your family and pet out for a swim or sit back to enjoy the impressive backdrops from the shores of Lake Biwa. These barbecue plans ensure more treats beyond the sights!
Relish Your Time at the Beach While Enjoying Delicious Bbq (All Drinks, Ingredients, and Equipment Included)
Otsu, Shiga
Enjoy a Spectacular Bbq with a Beautiful View of Biwa Lake Overlooking the White Sand Beach!
Otsu, Shiga
Call Your Friends and Enjoy a Tasty Bbq with Incredible Views!
Otsu, Shiga
6. Climbing the magnificent Hira mountains
The daring slopes of the Hira mountains make for awesome rock-climbing tours in Shiga. Test your might against gravity as you lock hands with mother nature!
Get the Thrills with an Exciting Rock Climbing Adventure
Takashima, Shiga
Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience in Shiga!
Takashima, Shiga
7. Lake Biwa from the sky: Paragliding tours in Shiga
Lake Biwa's shimmering waterscape and lush, forested surroundings provide a breathtaking backdrop for paragliding adventures. Embrace the exhilaration of soaring high above to take in the most spectacular views imaginable!
Fly Over Lake Biwa with a Tandem Flight Motor Paragliding!
Moriyama, Shiga
8. Hang Gliding in Shiga: Venture Boldly into the Skies
You don't need wings to fly; all you need is this hang-gliding tour in Hikone to soar above the world and all its pleasures. The green grass is especially beautiful from the sky
Hang-Gliding Experience in Hikone, Shiga (One-day Course)
Hikone, Shiga
Hang-Gliding Experience in Hikone, Shiga (Half-day Course)
Hikone, Shiga
9. Bounce on the waters of Lake Biwa
You too can walk on water with a water ball experience on Lake Biwa. Roll around in the plastic bubble and unlock the secrets of fun out on a beautiful lake with stunning views!
Run Around Lake Biwa in a Water Ball
Otsu, Shiga
10. Camp out on a beach at Bonfire Cafe
Camp out on a beach at Bonfire Cafe, and enjoy lovely times with your friends while enjoying the sea breeze and watching the beautiful sunset. Enjoy a warm and cozy setting for you to reflect on the day's catch or chat with family and friends about anything.
11. Ceramic pottery tips wrapped up in one class
Are you interested in how beautiful bowls and cups go from bare clay to wonderful designs? Then sign up for a ceramics pottery class and uncover the magic of the potter's wheel!
Beginner-Friendly Pottery Experience Using an Electric Wheel
Koka, Shiga
Shape Clay with Your Own Hands into Your Favorite Designs in a Beginner and Children Friendly Pottery Experience!
Koka, Shiga
Ceramics Painting Experience in Shiga (Beginner and Children-Friendly Course)
Koka, Shiga
12. Hard work and fun at a wood carving village in Maibara
From cartoon inspired ornaments to kitchen utensils, let your imagination run wild with fun wood carving in Maibara. The absence of knives in favor of safe cutting methods makes it a great activity for the entire family!
Wood Carving Experience Directly Taught by Experienced Craftsmen in Shiga!
Maibara, Shiga
13. Get creative with genuine leather in Otsu workshops
Learn how to make wallets by hand, and many other leather accessories for storing your ID and other personal items. Sew your personality into a souvenir you'll be proud to have!
14. Enjoy the winter snow with sports activities in Shiga
Put your abilities to the test with skiing and snowboarding at the snow-blanketed Hakodateyama Ski Resort. With varied elevations and thrilling slopes, you're sure to have an exciting and unforgettable time on the snow!
Note that this is a seasonal activity and are usually available for booking in the winter season in Japan that spans between December to February.
Thrilling Snowboarding Activity Tour at Hakodateyama Ski Area
Takashima, Shiga
15. Trekking gorgeous white slopes in snowshoes
If high-speed action isn't your preference, consider a snowshoe adventure at Hakodateyama Ski Resort. Wander through the enchanting winter landscape, taking advantage of the resort's extensive lift system and convenient transportation options to fully explore the snowy terrain!
Note that this is a seasonal activity and are usually available for booking in the winter season in Japan that spans between December to February.
Beginner-Friendly Snowshoes Trekking Course with Delicious Warm Lunch!
Takashima City, Shiga
Snowshoes Half-Day Trekking Tour at Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Takashima, Shiga
16. Take walks in a palace garden at Genkyuen
Designed to take the appeal of a palace backyard, Genkyuen garden has beautiful settings of traditional houses stepping into a serene pond with islands connected by curved stone bridges. It makes for excellent walks in nature!
17. Get lost in nature and history at Hikone castle
Uncover the history of Hikone castle and enjoy boat rides between islands of green and colored leaves in autumn. The castle's moat makes for splendid views of reflected vegetation!
18. Visit a UNESCO temple on Mount Hiei
Towering nicely above Kyoto, Mount Hiei offers spectacular views of the former capital. Monks regularly take up marathons on the mountain's trails as they chase enlightenment, and you too can appreciate the hikes and the UNESCO world heritage site that is Enryaku-Ji temple!
19. Pray for long life at Chomei-Ji temple
Chomei-Ji temple is a revered shrine in a Buddhist pilgrimage path, and locals believe your prayers for longevity are answered here. If you're not one for myths, the sights of Lake Biwa's beauty and the surroundings will impress you for sure!
20. Magical sunsets at Shirahige shrine
Shirahige Shrine is perhaps most famous for its floating Tori gate on Lake Biwa, which offers nice clashes against the yellow sun in the evening. According to legend, the shrine makes academic, marriage, and longevity wishes come true.
In conclusion, Shiga Prefecture is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, boasting a wide array of bucket list-worthy attractions and activities. From the serene beauty of Lake Biwa to the thrilling adventures on the slopes of Hakodateyama Ski Resort, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring traditional Japanese crafts, embarking on water sports, or simply taking in the stunning landscapes, Shiga is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create cherished memories in this captivating region – start planning your ultimate Shiga adventure today!
Frequently asked questions
QWhat do people do for fun on Lake Biwa?
AThere are many fun things to do in Shiga and Lake Biwa specifically. You can experience water ball adventures, boat cruises, and SUP yoga around the torii gate. Families can enjoy banana boat rides and kayaking too. Kite and wake surfing are also popular!
QWhat is Shiga prefecture best known for?
ALake Biwa is Japan's largest lake with a massive surface area of about 670.4 square kilometers. Shiga is most famous for the lake and the many impressive watersports therein, including Japan's first-ever eFoil surfing activities!
QWhat else can you do in Shiga prefecture?
AShiga is blessed with great nature and an excellent winter season. Consequently, holiday goers can also take part in:
• Beachfront barbecues
• Rock climbing the Hira mountains
• Shiga Kogen skiing and snowboarding
• Kyaking tours at Lake Biwa
• Lake Biwa SUP and SUP yoga
QWhat can you see in Shiga?
AMany people like to visit Lake Biwa because of its sports and enchanting beauty. Other places to see and things to do in Shiga include as well:
• Shirahige shrine visits
• Chomei-Ji temple tours
• Mount Hiei hikes
• Hikone castle tours
• Genkyuen garden boat rides and walks
QWhat do people do in Shiga in winter?
AShiga receives generous amounts of snow in winter, which adorn its many beautiful mountains and hills. You can visit Hakodateyama Ski Resort for snowshoe hikes, snowboarding, and skiing on the amazing slopes!