Shiga: Enjoy Different Scenery in Winter and Spring
Shiga Prefecture is located to the east of Kyoto and boasts a high level of snowfall among prefectures of the Kansai region. However, in spring, the scenery transforms as flowers bloom and bask in the warm sunshine. Here are some recommended spots in Shiga that highlight distinct expressions in winter and spring.
Biwako Valley
This ski resort, located at an elevation of 1,100 meters, operates from December to March. Enjoy skiing on quality slopes of natural and artificial snow while taking in views of Lake Biwa. The adjacent “Biwako Terrace” offers menus that utilize local ingredients, allowing those who don’t ski to enjoy the snowy scenery and meals.
| Access | JR Shiga Sta. → Kojak Bus bound for Biwako Valley (10 min) → Biwako Valley → ropeway (5 min) |
| Business hours | Check the official website for details (hours may vary depending on the weather and facility conditions). |
| URL | https://www.biwako-valley.com/en/ |
Ukimido Floating Hall (Mangetsuji Temple)
This Buddhist “floating temple hall,” built nearly 1,000 years ago to pray for safe lake transportation, can be enjoyed from a distance. However, crossing the bridge to the back of the hall reveals a fantastical scene surrounded by snow and Lake Biwa.
| Access | JR Katata Sta. → Kojak Bus bound for Katatahonmachi/Katatademachi (6 min) → Katatademachi → 7 min |
| Business hours | 8:00–17:00 (8:00–16:30 in December) / Admission Fee:：300 yen |
NANASAN MIO
This kohakuto “crystal candy” encapsulates the “Adoberry” boysenberry, a specialty of Adogawa Town, and its thin outer layer resembles ice. It is popular as the flagship product of a new brand from a long-established Japanese confectionery store and can be purchased at the Tomoe Toju Kaido Main Store.
| Access | JR Adogawa Sta. → 8 min walk |
| Business hours | 9:00–19:30 / Price：1,728 yen (tax included) |
| URL | https://73-nanasan.com/product/mio/ |
Daiichi Nagisa Park
From late January to early February, this park offers a unique view of the snow-covered Hira Mountains, Lake Biwa, and about 12,000 field mustard flowers, creating a three-layered landscape of beauty.
| Access | JR Moriyama Sta. → Ohmi Railway Bus bound for Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel (35 min) → Daiichi Nagisa Park |
| URL | https://moriyamayamamori.jp/kaika/ |
Sandai-jinja Shrine
From late April to early May, the wisteria flowers in the shrine grounds reach their peak bloom. The beautiful flowers stretch long enough to brush the ground during the day, while the nighttime illumination creates a mystical atmosphere.
| Access | JR Kusatsu Sta. → Kokoku Bus bound for Oroshimo (10 min) → Kitaogaya → 10 min walk |
| Business hours | Cooperation Fee：200 yen required during the wisteria blooming season |
| URL | https://kanko-kusatsu.com/ |
Miidera Temple
For over 1,300 years, Miidera has been renowned as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. From late March to early April, 1,200 cherry trees are illuminated, creating a magical, dreamlike scene.
| Business hours | 9:00-16:30 (may vary during the light-up event) / Admission：Adult 600 yen, Child 300 yen (separate ticket required for the light-up event) |
| URL | https://miidera1200.jp/ |
LAGO Otsu
On March 24, 2025, a new branch of “Taneya,” a traditional Japanese confectionery store that has been beloved for over 150 years in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, will open in Nagisa Park. Overlooking Lake Biwa, the new store offers a relaxing space where visitors can enjoy freshly baked castella and seasonal sweets, surrounded by water and nature.
| Access | Nishiki Sta. (Keihan) → 15 min walk |
| URL | https://taneya.jp/lago/ |
