Shiga Prefecture

Region · 🇯🇵 Japan

Population 1,411,168

Area 4,017 km²

Time zone Asia/Tokyo

Official website www.pref.shiga.lg.jp

Printable tourist map

Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture – Planning a Trip?

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Featured Lists

2008/7/30 / Public domain

Shiga Essentials

Shiga Prefecture is defined by Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, and a landscape rich in feudal and spiritual history. The region features Hikone Castle, one of the few original Edo-period fortresses remaining, and the sprawling Enryaku-ji monastery complex on Mount Hiei. Cultural highlights include the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum, the Art Brut collections of Omihachiman, and the sacred shrines of Chikubu Island, offering a comprehensive look at Japanese architecture from the 8th century to the modern era.

Daderot / CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic Castles and Ruins

Explore the architectural evolution of Shiga and Kyoto through this selection of feudal strongholds and imperial retreats. This collection includes Hikone Castle, one of Japan's five national treasure castles with its original keep, and the ruins of Azuchi Castle, the former seat of Oda Nobunaga. The list also features the UNESCO-listed Enryakuji Temple complex on Mount Hiei and the 17th-century Shugakuin Imperial Villa, showcasing the transition from military fortifications to refined Edo-period aesthetics.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

Spiritual Sites of Shiga

Shiga Prefecture contains a dense concentration of Japan’s most significant religious landmarks, anchored by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji on Mount Hiei. This collection highlights the Kotō Sanzan Tendai temples, famous for their preserved medieval architecture and autumn scenery, alongside lakeside sanctuaries like Mangetsu-ji and Karasaki Shrine. From the massive wooden Buddhist statues in Koka to Shinto shrines reflecting ancient ties with the Korean Peninsula, these sites offer a comprehensive look at the region’s deep spiritual and architectural history.

笹谷康之 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scenic Parks and Peaks

This collection highlights Shiga’s diverse landscape, spanning the rugged Suzuka Mountains to expansive recreational grounds. It includes Mt. Ibuki, the prefecture’s highest peak at 1,377 meters, and prominent peaks like Kamaga-dake and Mt. Gozaisho. For lower-altitude activities, the list features Kibogaoka Cultural Park, a 416-hectare site across Yasu and Konan, and Mt. Mikami, traditionally known as 'Omi Fuji.' These locations offer established hiking trails, historical mountain passes, and extensive sports facilities.

Shiga Prefecture — Map

Shiga Prefecture — Map

Shiga Prefecture — Printable Tourist Map Open the interactive map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: October

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Poor

7° (feels like 4°) · extremes -3°–12°
0° at night
14 rainy days
3 sunny days
3 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in February

Poor

8° (feels like 5°) · extremes -3°–15°
0° at night
13 rainy days
5 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Poor

12° (feels like 9°) · extremes -1°–19°
3° at night
14 rainy days
8 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Good

18° (feels like 16°) · extremes 3°–24°
8° at night
12 rainy days
10 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in May

Good

22° · extremes 8°–27°
13° at night
13 rainy days
10 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in June

Good

26° (feels like 27°) · extremes 14°–30°
18° at night
16 rainy days
5 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in July

Poor

29° (feels like 33°) · extremes 19°–33°
22° at night
19 rainy days
6 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in August

Poor

30° (feels like 35°) · extremes 20°–34°
23° at night
18 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in September

Good

27° (feels like 29°) · extremes 15°–31°
20° at night
15 rainy days
7 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in October

Great

21° · extremes 9°–26°
14° at night
11 rainy days
9 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Good

15° (feels like 14°) · extremes 4°–21°
8° at night
9 rainy days
8 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in December

Poor

10° (feels like 7°) · extremes -1°–15°
3° at night
12 rainy days
3 sunny days
3 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 2 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency: Japanese Yen JPY ¥ · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers: 118
Electricity: Type A / Type B
100 V · 60 Hz

Languages: Japanese
Tap water: Safe to drink
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +81

Tours & Activities

Related destinations

Japan Lake Biwa

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