Top 10 Hidden Tourist Spots In Shiga Prefecture [Secret Gem Edition]

April 22, 2025

Shiga Prefecture has many quiet and attractive hidden spots with few tourists!

We have carefully selected famous spots where you can fully experience nature, history, and culture.

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1. Chikubushima

A mysterious island floating on Lake Biwa.

A special experience is to travel around the island to visit Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine.

- Access
About 30 minutes by ferry from Nagahama Port or Imazu Port

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2. Koto Sanzan

Famous for its autumn leaves, it has relatively few tourists and you can feel the history and silence.

- Access
About 30 minutes by car from Omihachiman Station

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3. Koga-ryu Ninjutsu House

A hidden spot where you can see an actual ninja's residence.

You can also experience throwing shuriken.

- Access
About 15 minutes by car from Konan Station

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4. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

A historic shrine located at the foot of Mt. Hiei.
The moss-covered grounds are filled with tranquility.

- Access
About 10 minutes on foot from Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station

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5. Gokasho Kondo Streets

Known as the hometown of Omi merchants, Gokasho has a charming streetscape lined with white-walled storehouses and townhouses with lattice windows.
A great spot for history buffs who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town.

- Access
About 20 minutes by bus from Notogawa Station

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6. Takagejima Island

An uninhabited island floating on Lake Biwa.
Access by regular ferry to enjoy quiet island time

- Access
About 20 minutes by regular ferry from Otsu Port

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7. Ibukiyama Driveway

You can drive to the summit of Mt. Ibuki, which is 1,377m above sea level.
From the summit, you can see Lake Biwa and the Japanese Alps.

- Access
About 30 minutes by car from Sekigahara IC

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8. Chomyoji Temple

A temple at the end of 808 stone steps.
A hidden spot with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Biwa.

- Access
About 15 minutes by car from Omihachiman Station

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9. Kannonshoji Temple

A temple of the Thirty-Three Temples of the Western Provinces, standing on the summit of Mt. Hijiri, about 400m above sea level.
The vermilion mountain gate and main hall that appear at the top of the stone steps are a sacred place enveloped in silence in the mountains.

- Access
About 30 minutes by car from Omihachiman Station + about 30 minutes on foot along the mountain path

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10. Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Art Forest

In the village of Shigaraki ware, you can enjoy pottery experiences and art museums.
A cultural spot with few tourists where you can relax.

- Access
About 10 minutes by bus from Shigaraki Station

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[Summary]

Shiga Prefecture's hidden attractions are full of spots where you can quietly feel the history and nature.
Recommended for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourist spots and enjoy the charm of Shiga at their own pace.
On your next trip, be sure to visit these hidden spots too!

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