Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Shiga

Shiga Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Shiga — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Shiga has 6+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Mt. Hiei Pilgrim Trail to Enryaku-ji, Hira Mountains: Mt. Bunagatake via Biwako Valley Ropeway and Mt. Ibuki Summit Trail. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Shiga Prefecture surrounds Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, just a short train ride east of Kyoto. Landlocked and often overlooked by international visitors, it pairs the UNESCO-listed temple complex of Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei with the National Treasure castle at Hikone, Edo-era merchant towns, Shigaraki pottery villages, and some of Japan's finest wagyu in Omi beef.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Mt. Hiei Pilgrim Trail to Enryaku-ji

    8.5 km one way (Sakamoto to the Enryaku-ji main precinct)3.5–4 hours one waymoderate848 m summit; roughly 700 m gain from Sakamoto

    A historic pilgrim route climbing from the lakeside town of Sakamoto through cedar forest to the World Heritage temple complex of Enryaku-ji atop Mt. Hiei.
  2. 2

    Hira Mountains: Mt. Bunagatake via Biwako Valley Ropeway

    7 km round trip from the ropeway summit station to Mt. Bunagatake and Mt. Uchimi3–4 hoursmoderate1,214 m summit (Mt. Bunagatake); ropeway rises to roughly 1,100 m

    A ridge walk across the Hira range reached by ropeway, taking in Mt. Bunagatake and Mt. Uchimi with sweeping views over Lake Biwa.
  3. 3

    Mt. Ibuki Summit Trail

    2.6 km round trip from the 9th Station parking area to the summit1.5–2 hours round tripeasy1,377 m summit; roughly 120 m gain from the driveway parking area

    One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains straddling the Shiga–Gifu border, known for dramatic wildflower meadows and panoramic ridge views.
  4. 4

    Lake Biwa Otsu Lakeside Promenade Walk

    6 km one way (Otsu Port to Karasaki Pine)1.5–2 hours one wayeasyFlat lakeside promenade, minimal elevation change

    An easy, flat waterfront walk along Otsu's Nagisa Park promenade with open views across Lake Biwa toward the Hira mountains.
  5. 5

    Mt. Ryozen Susuki Grass Trail

    8 km round trip4–5 hoursmoderate1,212 m summit

    A Suzuka Mountains ridge hike famous for its golden susuki (pampas) grass slopes, especially vivid in autumn light.
  6. 6

    Chikubushima Pilgrim Steps

    400 m round trip (165 stone steps)30–45 minuteseasyRoughly 40 m gain via 165 steps to Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine

    A short but steep climb of stone steps up a sacred island in the middle of Lake Biwa, leading to a historic temple and shrine complex.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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