Overview
Shiga is a Japanese prefecture to the east of Kyoto, on the island of Honshu. It contains the enormous freshwater Lake Biwa, whose shoreline is home to the regional capital, Otsu, as well as the city of Hikone, Sakamoto, and Nagahama, beaches resort.
Description
Just across the Higashiyama mountains from Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture ( Shiga-ken) is dominated by Biwa-ko, Japan's largest lake. Long an inspiration for poets, the lake was developed in the 20th century as a resort destination; concrete hotel blocks and tourist cruises now overshadow its lyrical charms. But Shiga has a few sights of note: temples that date to the early days of the Japanese empire, a well-preserved medieval castle, and a fantastic (if remote) art museum. And while it's very close to Kyoto, you won't see Kyoto-level crowds out here. To the northeast, 4,000-meter Mount Ibuki can be climbed for far-reaching views over the water.