13 Recommended Family-Friendly Attractions in Shiga: Lake Biwa, Castle Towns, Nature, and Hands-On Experiences

Shiga Prefecture's attractions are spread across distinct areas around Lake Biwa, including the castle towns of Hikone and Nagahama, the temples and shrines of Otsu, and the natural scenery west of the lake.
Narrowing down your destinations by area around Lake Biwa lets you fully appreciate each place without spending your trip rushing between them.

Shiga is home to historic castles, temples, shrines, and museums, as well as parks and hands-on facilities.
Adding these stops to your sightseeing itinerary makes it easy to incorporate learning naturally into playtime.

The open views along Lake Biwa and the peaceful atmosphere of the inland mountains offer different ways to spend your time.
Combining destinations according to the area you visit lets you experience the changing scenery along the way.

Built by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hikone Castle is a hilltop castle completed in 1622. It retains many valuable original structures, including its National Treasure-designated keep, and is known as one of Shiga's leading historic sites. Visitors can tour the keep's interior, and the view from the top floor extending to Lake Biwa is not to be missed.
The Hikone Castle Moat Cruise is also recommended. Families can admire the castle walls and keep from a boat while taking in the castle scenery.

This shopping street near Hikone Castle is known for its townscape modeled after an Edo-period castle town, with rows of traditional townhouse-style buildings featuring white walls and black latticework. The street is lined with restaurants, dessert shops, and souvenir stores, many of which offer specialties found only in Hikone.
Stop by while visiting Hikone Castle to sample local foods and shop for souvenirs as a family.

This hands-on museum opened in Nagahama City to commemorate Yanmar's 100th anniversary.
Its exhibits encourage visitors to see, touch, and learn through experiences such as operating a mini excavator and piloting a pleasure boat. The opportunity to interact with real machinery is a major feature.
There are also areas covering Yanmar's history, food education, and sustainable society, allowing families to have fun while developing an interest in society and manufacturing.

This figure museum is operated by Kaiyodo, a world-renowned figure manufacturer. Its five permanent exhibition rooms display more than 4,000 works created over more than 40 years, from the early days of figures to the latest releases.
The wide-ranging displays, including character figures and dioramas, provide a glimpse into the world of craftsmanship. Families can have fun searching for their favorite pieces together.

Known as the approach road to Makino Highlands, this tree-lined avenue is one of Shiga's signature scenic spots, with metasequoia trees lining both sides of the road. Its appearance changes with the seasons, from spring buds and deep summer greenery to autumn foliage and snow-covered winter trees.
Families can stroll through the area while observing how nature changes from season to season.

Located at the foot of Mount Hiei, this is the head shrine of all Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan. It is a historic shrine complex with numerous structures, including a main sanctuary designated as a National Treasure.
Since ancient times, monkeys have been regarded as messengers of the gods and called masaru, or “divine monkeys,” serving as symbols of protection from evil. The grounds contain many statues and decorations associated with these monkeys, making them fun for families to seek out while exploring.

This nature resort is located approximately 1,100 m above sea level in the Hira Mountains. It is a popular destination offering a variety of activities, including skiing in winter.
Experiences are available throughout the year, including the year-round Zipline Adventure and activities in the highland area during the green season. Families can stay active together in a natural setting.

Spanning approximately 224 m across the Seta River as it flows out of Lake Biwa, this bridge is known as one of Japan's three oldest bridges. It has long served as an important route to Kyoto and has deep ties to Japanese history. The Japanese proverb “More haste, less speed” is also said to have originated from this bridge.
Visitors can enjoy views of the Seta River while learning stories connected to Japanese history and culture.

This interactive museum focuses on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Covering approximately 55,000 sq m, it is Japan's largest museum centered on a lake and is also known for its nationally rare freshwater aquarium exhibits.
Its exhibits cover Lake Biwa's origins, wildlife, and relationship with people, giving families an engaging way to learn about nature and the environment.

This park was developed on Yabase Kihan Island, an artificial island in Lake Biwa. Its leafy grounds have open spaces and play areas where visitors can relax. The most popular attraction is a 10-meter-tall jungle gym, while other play equipment includes a roller slide, trampoline, and zip line.
Fee-based facilities such as novelty bicycles and a campground are also available, providing a full day of active family fun.

This scenic spot represents Omihachiman, a town that prospered through the Omi merchants. Originally excavated as the moat of Hachimanyama Castle, Hachiman-bori Canal still preserves the atmosphere of the former castle town. The white-walled storehouses lining its calm waters create a historic scene that has also served as a filming location for period dramas.
Families can experience Omihachiman's historic scenery by taking a traditional-style boat through the canal or strolling around the surrounding castle town.

Founded in 1361, this is the head monastery of the Eigenji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The grounds and approach are filled with Japanese maples, other maple varieties, ginkgo trees, and more, creating distinct scenery in every season.
Known as one of the Kansai region's leading autumn foliage destinations, the temple holds various events around November each year when the leaves are at their best. These include illuminations and access to the normally closed second floor of the main gate.
Both the autumn colors and the fresh green maple leaves of early summer are striking, allowing families to experience the changing seasons while visiting the temple.

This hands-on agricultural park has a dairy farming theme and is modeled after a medieval German village. Visitors can interact with animals such as kangaroos, capybaras, and alpacas, and try a range of activities including large buggies, grass sledding, a miniature steam train, and pedal boats.
Seasonal programs include sweet potato harvesting from around late September. With activities that vary by season, it offers families plenty to do throughout the day.

This resort hotel stands on the shore of Lake Biwa. It offers five types of guest rooms, all overlooking the lake. Views extend across Lake Biwa to Mount Hiei and the Hira Mountains, creating a relaxing setting for your stay.
The hotel also has a large hot spring bath overlooking Lake Biwa and an outdoor pool, allowing families to enjoy a resort atmosphere together.

This 38-story high-rise hotel was designed by architect Kenzo Tange. Its guest rooms are arranged across three sections—the EIZAN Floor, Sky Floor, and Lake Floor—and all offer relaxing views of Lake Biwa and surrounding mountains such as the Hira range.
The hotel also has an outdoor pool shaped like Lake Biwa and bicycle rentals, making it easy for families to experience a lakeside resort stay.

This hot spring inn in Ogoto Onsen offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms overlooking Lake Biwa and rooms with open-air baths. Guests can soak in Ogoto Onsen, known for its skin-beautifying waters. The smooth water is gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling soft after bathing.
The inn also serves kaiseki cuisine featuring Omi beef and fish from Lake Biwa, providing a relaxing hot spring getaway for families.