5 Local Experiences Not Found in Guidebooks: Shiga Edition

Located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Enman-in Temple reflects over 1,000 years of Japanese heritage. It is one of only 17 temples nationwide with direct Imperial Family connections, highlighting its prestige and historical significance.

The temple’s crown jewel, Shinden Hall, is an Important Cultural Property that has a remarkable royal legacy. Originally built in 1619 for an empress entering the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it was carefully relocated to Enman-in Temple in 1647. The temple’s Mii Garden, with its serene pond, evolves beautifully with the seasons, with delicate mountain cherry blossoms in spring and Japanese tree frogs leaping among the greenery in summer. The on-site art museum also displays priceless Otsu-e paintings.

Enman-in Temple hosts a variety of authentic Japanese cultural experiences. One essential Buddhist activity is “zazen” meditation, where the calming fragrance of incense invites a peaceful atmosphere for deep self-reflection. Visitors can also learn tea preparation and relish matcha paired with exquisite wagashi sweets or select from around 400 beautiful kimono to dress up in and become part of the traditional ambiance.

With knowledgeable English-speaking staff available, this prestigious temple is the ideal place for travelers seeking a more personal understanding of Shiga culture.

Just a short walk from Otsu Station (about 9 minutes from Kyoto Station), Ichie Wado Seminar House runs a half-day tour combining a guided exploration of this historic post town with a painting class. English-speaking guides are available, allowing international guests to fully enjoy without language barriers.

Participants will gain fascinating insights into Otsu's rich history and culture through visits to old townhouses and Otsu-e art shops. Otsu-e is a distinctive folk-art dating back 400 years, originally prized by travelers on the Tokaido highway as both souvenirs and protective charms. It has also attracted Western fans - a 2019 Paris exhibition highlighted its appeal, and notable collectors reportedly included Siebold and Picasso.

Otsu-e is a beloved symbol of the city, appearing on everything from manhole covers to sake bottles and food packaging, and displayed in countless shopfronts throughout the area. Spotting these artistic treasures during your walk adds a fun element of treasure hunting.

Once you’ve toured the town, you’ll enter a former Otsu-e master’s workshop. Here, you’ll choose your favorite colors to paint either a protective “oni” demon on an unglazed clay bell or the famous “Three Monkeys” on decorative paper.

In the afternoon, you can partake in peaceful meditation or try sutra copying at the historic Mii-dera Temple. Escape the urban chaos for a moment of tranquility in this charming lakeside town!

Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture is a historic castle town centered around the magnificent national treasure, Hikone Castle. Circled by a beautiful moat teeming with greenery, the castle is a picturesque oasis amongst urban streetscapes. If you’re looking for something to do after strolling the castle grounds, join a unique sushi-making class inspired by Hikone’s beloved mascot, Hikonyan.

You’ll find this at “teraitei,” just a 10-minute walk from Hikone Castle. The complex but fun sushi-making process involves nearly 20 steps, resulting in charming sushi rolls that capture Hikonyan’s cute face. English support is provided through translation devices, and each technique is clearly demonstrated so that participants of all ages can follow along with confidence. For easier communication, an English interpreter can be arranged for an additional 5,000 yen.

These special sushi rolls are packed with delicious local ingredients, including Hikone-produced eggs, Lake Biwa fish, and premium Omi rice, providing a genuine taste of the region. Furthermore, the use of natural colors like beetroot juice reflects a safe, health-conscious approach.

The facility is family-friendly, with toys, picture books, and a nursing room for young children. teraitei also operates as a restaurant and cafe, making it a convenient stop for a casual meal while exploring the castle town.

Join this fun-filled class where creativity, local food, and tradition unite!

Matsukiya first opened in Tokyo in 1883 as a pioneering Omi beef sukiyaki restaurant and later established itself in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, under third-generation management. The restaurant painstakingly sources top-tier Omi beef from designated ranches, hand-selecting each cattle and aging the meat until its umami flavors are fully developed, ensuring every serving is the pinnacle of quality.

Omi beef cattle are raised in a pristine environment with pure mountain spring water and nutrient-rich plains, producing meat with an exceptionally fine texture and sweet marbling that melts on the tongue.

At Matsukiya, you can learn the fascinating histories of both the restaurant and Omi beef while receiving expert guidance in preparing sukiyaki using proper Kansai and Kanto techniques. With full English support, this cooking session is ideal for those eager to better appreciate the nuances of premium wagyu beef and Japanese cuisine.

We recommend enhancing your meal with the sake pairing option, which features four Shiga sake brews carefully chosen to complement the menu and current season (additional fee applies). The program also highlights how different serving vessels and temperatures influence sake’s flavor, creating one-of-a-kind combinations that elevate each dish.

For foodies, indulging in Shiga’s superb Omi beef at Matsukiya, paired with perfectly matched regional sake, is a culinary experience like no other.

Shigaraki Town in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, is the heart of Shigaraki pottery, which boasts a history spanning around 800 years. Shigaraki ware is known for its rustic warmth and natural texture, ranging from everyday tableware and iconic “tanuki” (raccoon dog) statues to sophisticated architectural pieces. Ogama is a unique venture run by the prestigious Meizan Kiln, a pottery studio with a 400-year legacy. Its shop features original pieces with clean, contemporary designs suitable for everyday use.

The climbing kiln provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional firing methods from centuries past. Staying at Ogama is just as exceptional, with guest rooms transformed into living galleries where Shigaraki pottery can be found in every corner. Decorative vases, tiles, lampshades, tableware, and ceramic bath fixtures form a showroom-like environment that flaunts the craft’s versatility.

At the pottery workshops, participants can select between two time-honored techniques to craft personal pieces such as cups, plates, or vases. Breathing in the earthy aroma of raw clay, you’ll find your creativity naturally flowing through this ancient medium. Every element, from shopping and crafting to staying overnight, promises full engagement with Shigaraki pottery’s timeless beauty while providing the ideal setting for a culturally enriching and relaxing retreat.

Otsu, Shiga Prefecture's capital, enjoys an incredibly convenient location, just 40 minutes from Osaka and 10 minutes from Kyoto by train, making it an ideal addition to any multi-city itinerary. Use this article as a base to create truly unique memories through authentic activities found only in Shiga Prefecture!