Shiga Prefecture is located in the center of Japan. It is surrounded on four sides by other prefectures and does not touch the ocean, but is home to Japan’s biggest lake in its center, Lake Biwa. The lake actually takes up 1/6 of the area of the entire prefecture, making it an essential part of Shiga’s culture and charm. Pastoral scenery spreads out around the edges of the lake and the changes from one season to the next are something not to be missed. The rich water from Lake Biwa has created a unique culture of food in Shiga, and funa-zushi, a fermented dish made from rice and the crucian carp caught in Lake Biwa is said to be one of Japan’s finest delicacies. Lake Biwa is not only about food and scenery though, there are also a great variety of ways to play around the lake. There are various towns where you can enjoy camping and outdoor activities in the summer, and in the winter you can enjoy skiing at Biwako Valley.

Because Shiga has been located close to cities such as Kyoto and Osaka since ancient times, it has a history of prospering from its strategic location as a transportation hub. As is fitting of a place that sees a lot of people coming and going, it is known for its historical heritage events, many of which can still be seen today.