Home ACJS/Aichi OCJS/Online Japan Guide FAQ Network Databases Contact Us Multimedia Log in                                         yamasa.org / home / japan / english / destinations / shiga    - Chikubu Island - Omi Hachiman     Ní thuigim thú

Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute

Sitemap | Search Tips | Help Desk

Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Shiga moments... Best ways to get there Shiga Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife Accommodation/Discounts Practise your Kanji?

Shiga is an inland prefecture appropriately known as the 'Lake Country' in both senses of the word. Shiga prefecture completely encompasses Lake Biwa (Biwako) which covers about one-sixth of the prefecture's total area. It is also sparsely populated, with only 1.35 million people spread over the prefecture's 4,000 square kilometers, many of whom are engaged in a rural lifestyle. Some are truly unique, such as the five hundred people who live on the small fishing village on Okishima - an island on the lake. The region's natural setting, historical attractions and culture draw more than 40 million visitors every year, but the pace remains laid back.

Despite its inland position and sparse population, Shiga has always been an important location throughout Japan's history. Lake Biwa and the Tokaido, Nakasendo, and Tokuriku roads comprised a vital transport network between Western and Eastern Japan, all going through Shiga. The region's fertile grounds and rich natural resources also helped to provide for the imperial courts in nearby Kyoto and Nara.

These attributes were all important in the development of the Omi Shonin, or Omi Merchants who were traders who developed a base in Omi Hachiman during the Edo Period from where they organized a branch location product distribution system in major centers such as Kyoto, Osaka and Edo (now Tokyo). These merchants were the forefathers of many of today's major Japanese trading houses, department stores and other businesses.

In addition to the strategic advantages, the beauty of the region's natural environment may have been the reason why the prefecture has been able to attract some very important historical figures:

• For a brief period (567 to 572), the city of Otsu located on the south shore of Biwako was Japan's capital during the reign of Emperor Tenchi and is currently the capital of Shiga Prefecture.
• Oda Nobunaga built his grand castle in Azuchi from where he had intended to rule the country.
• The man who would follow him in that title, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, built his first castle in Nagahama and was the lord over three provinces in the northeastern region of Biwako.
• Ishida Mitsunari, the man who lost his bid for the shogunate to Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara, was based in Sawayama, now known as Hikone. Hikone Castle, one the country's oldest and most beautiful, was built in the battle's aftermath. It is now listed and protected as a national treasure.

While its natural resources and transport networks made the region important from a military standpoint, Shiga's natural beauty and proximity to Kyoto and Nara also inspired many outstanding cultural achievements. There are many famous temples and treasure in the prefecture, so much so that Shiga possesses the fourth highest number of designated cultural assets in the nation. Chikubu Island, inside the northern waters of Biwako, is a fine example of the impressive and unique religious destinations in the region. The island is home to several ancient buildings including Hougonji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine set on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa. The island is one of the 33 stops on the Temple Pilgrimage route of the western country as is Ishiyama Dera near the Seta River.

Ishiyama Dera was also where Murasaki Shikibu created the plot of the literary masterpiece Genji Monogatari (the Tale of Genji) which is now recognized by many to be the world's first novel. Nearby Otsu city was a favourite of haiku master, Matsuo Basho, who chose to be buried at Gichu-ji, one of its historic temples.

Of course, the natural setting offers many recreational opportunities, from cruising Biwako, to hiking the surrounding shore and mountains, or skiing in winter at resorts such as Mount Ibuki. Shiga is bordered by mountainous areas in every direction: Nosaka Mountains form its northern border with Fukui, Ibuki Mountains constitute the eastern border with Gifu, the Suzuka Mountains (including Gozaisho-dake) form the south-eastern border with Mie, and Hira and Hiei Mountains constitute the western border with Kyoto. Shiga prefecture also shares a border with Nara.

Highlights

• Eastern Lake Biwa area:
  Hikone, Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en, Chikubu Island, Mount Ibuki, Mount Ibuki Skiing, Nagahama

• Ohmi Hachiman area:
  Choumeiji, Okishima, Suigo Meguri, Azuchi Castle Ruins

• Western Otsu area:
  Ishiyama-dera, Hiei-zan

Daitsuji, Hakodate-yama Skiing, Kunizakai Skiing, Taga taisha

Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visit Shiga.
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.

Photographs and contributions

Do you have good photographs or a story to share about Shiga? Please share it with us.

Bulletin Boards & Newsgroups

Fun/Clubs/Nightlife
Accommodation/Discounts
fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ

Disclaimer and Request:

Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.