Shiga
The lake that has fed Kyoto for 1,400 years, a castle that survived every war intact, and a merchant culture that built Japan’s commercial highways — Shiga is Kansai’s best-kept secret.
日本最大の湖・琵琶湖、現存天守の彦根城、水郷の近江八幡。滋賀は関西の隠れた宝が詰まった県です。
Shiga Prefecture wraps around Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest freshwater lake, covering one sixth of the prefecture’s area and supplying drinking water to 14 million people. Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles, never destroyed or reconstructed. The Omi merchants (Omi shonin) built commercial networks across Edo-period Japan from this lake-basin crossroads. Miho Museum — designed by I.M. Pei in mountain forest — houses a world-class collection of ancient art.
琵琶湖は日本最大の淡水湖であり近畿1400万人の水源。国宝・彦根城は戦火を逃れた現存12天守のひとつ。近江商人の町・近江八幡とIM・ペイ設計のMIHO MUSEUMも必訪。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Funazushi
Japan’s oldest sushi — fermented nigorobuna carp aged in salt and rice for 1–3 years
1〜3年塩漬け発酵させた世界最古の寿司。独特の酸味と旨みは奈良・平安から続く滋賀の至宝。
Tawara Yokan
Premium yokan (sweet bean jelly) from Hikone’s famous Tawara confectioner — velvety smooth
彦根の老舗・俵屋の羊羹。なめらかな口当たりと上品な甘さが特徴。
Omi Beef
Japan’s oldest branded Wagyu — raised on Lake Biwa water and Omi rice for over 400 years
400年以上の歴史を持つ日本最古の銘柄牛。琵琶湖の水と近江米で育つ。
Shigaraki Tanuki
Hand-painted raccoon dog ceramics from Shigaraki — Japan’s most beloved good-luck pottery figure
縁起物として全国で親しまれる信楽焼のたぬき。手描きの表情がそれぞれ異なる。
Baumkuchen
Shiga is Japan’s baumkuchen heartland — artisan bakeries using Omi milk produce exceptional ring cakes
クラブハリエなど名店が集まる日本のバウムクーヘン聖地。近江牛乳を使った逸品。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Hikone Castle
One of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles — with a moat, gardens and stunning views
戦国から江戸を通じて取り壊されなかった国宝の現存天守。
Lake Biwa
Japan’s largest lake — cruise boats, cycling routes and the iconic submerged Shirahige torii
日本最大の淡水湖。湖上クルーズ・サイクリング・白鬚神社の水中鳥居が名所。
Miho Museum
I.M. Pei’s architectural masterpiece hidden in mountain forest — housing ancient Persian, Greek and Asian art
I・M・ペイ設計の山中の美術館。古代ペルシャ・ギリシャ・アジアの名品を所蔵。
Omi-Hachiman
Preserved canal town built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu — peaceful waterways and merchant houses
豊臣秀次が開いた水郷の商家町。琵琶湖と繋がる堀を舟で巡れる。
Biwako Terrace
Mountain-top terrace at 1,108m above Lake Biwa — spectacular view across the lake to Kyoto
ロープウェイで登る標高1,108mの展望テラス。琵琶湖と京都まで見渡す絶景。
Frequently Asked Questions
What is funazushi and should I try it?
Funazushi (鮒ずし) is a 1,000-year-old fermented sushi made from nigorobuna carp — salty, pungent and deeply umami, like a Japanese version of aged cheese. It’s an acquired taste but a genuine culinary heritage experience.
鮒ずしはフナを塩と飯で1〜3年発酵させた日本最古の寿司。強烈な酸味とうま味は熟成チーズのような感覚。
How far is Hikone from Kyoto?
JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station takes about 1 hour. A day trip from Kyoto is easy and highly recommended.
京都駅からJR琵琶湖線で彦根駅まで約1時間。京都からの日帰り旅行に最適。
What is special about Shiga’s baumkuchen?
Shiga, especially the Moriyama–Otsu area, has become Japan’s most celebrated baumkuchen production region. Clubs Harie (クラブハリエ) and other artisan bakeries use Omi milk and natural eggs to produce remarkably moist, layered ring cakes.
クラブハリエを筆頭に滋賀はバウムクーヘンの聖地。近江牛乳と新鮮な卵を使ったしっとり食感が全国的に人気。
Travel Tip
Rent a bicycle at Hikone Station (¥500–1,000/day) — Hikone Castle, the Genkyu-en garden, the moat and the castle town are all within a pleasant 2km loop. Electric assist bikes are available and make the route effortless.
