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.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Tip
Buy multi-day or weekly transit passes if you'll use public transport more than twice a day.
Tip
Keep small change handy for buses and shorter trips where contactless may not work.
Tip
Avoid rush hour (typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) for a more comfortable journey.