Exploring Shiga Prefecture.

#Hikone.

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, the lovely castle town of Hikone makes for the perfect escape from the bustling Kyoto centre.

Highlights: Hikone Castle, Hikone Castle Museum (pictured), Sawayama Castle Ruins, Genkyuen Garden, Shiga Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, Hikoneshi Konki Park, Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road.
Transport: JR Line trains run directly between Kyoto and Hikone and take around an hour each way.
For those planning to travel from Osaka, JR Line trains run directly between Osaka Station and Hikone, taking just over 1.5 hours each way.
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#Omihachiman.

Lying in the Lake Biwa Area, the city of Omihachiman is home to historic streets, temples, castle ruins, and scenic lake views. Located just 45 minutes away from Kyoto by train, it makes for an ideal day trip.

Highlights: Hachiman-bori Moat (pictured), Hachimanyama Ropeway, Himure Hachiman Shrine, Azuchi Castle Ruins, Biwa-ko Yoshibue Road, Murakumo Zuiryu Temple, Sasaki Shrine, Soken-Ji Temple,
Transport: From Kyoto Station, JR line trains run directly to Omihachiman and take about 35 to 45 minutes.
For those based in Osaka, JR line trains go directly from Osaka Station to Omihachiman, taking just over an hour.

#Otsu.

For visitors wishing to experience a truly underrated gem, a visit to Otsu definitely warrants high consideration. Lying alongside scenic Lake Biwa, the city features many beautiful, crowd-free sights.

Highlights - JR Hieizan Sakamoto: Enryaku-ji Temple (pictured - access via cable car), Hiyoshi Taisha, Hiyoshi Toshogu, Former Chirkurin-in Temple.
Highlights - JR Otsukyo: Omi Jingu, Biwako Otsu-kan, Lake Biwa Canal, Onjo-ji (Miidera).
Highlights - JR Otsu: Michigan Cruise (Otsu Port / Lake Biwa Kisen), Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Cultural Centre.
Transport - JR Hieizan-Sakamoto: From Kyoto Station, JR Line trains run directly to Hieizan-Sakamoto and take less than 20 minutes each way.
Transport - JR Otsukyo: JR Line trains run directly between Kyoto and Otsukyo, taking about 10 minutes each way.
Transport - JR Otsu: From Kyoto, JR Line trains run directly to Otsu and take about 10 minutes each way.

Exploring Shiga Prefecture.

#Hikone.

For visitors wishing to experience a truly underrated gem, a visit to Otsu definitely warrants high consideration. Lying alongside scenic Lake Biwa, the city features many beautiful, crowd-free sights.

Highlights - JR Hieizan Sakamoto: Enryaku-ji Temple (pictured - access via cable car), Hiyoshi Taisha, Hiyoshi Toshogu, Former Chirkurin-in Temple.

Highlights - JR Otsukyo: Omi Jingu, Biwako Otsu-kan, Lake Biwa Canal, Onjo-ji (Miidera).

​Highlights - JR Otsu: Michigan Cruise (Otsu Port / Lake Biwa Kisen), Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Cultural Centre.

Transport - JR Hieizan-Sakamoto: From Kyoto Station, JR Line trains run directly to Hieizan-Sakamoto and take less than 20 minutes each way.

Transport - JR Otsukyo: JR Line trains run directly between Kyoto and Otsukyo, taking about 10 minutes each way.

Transport - JR Otsu: From Kyoto, JR Line trains run directly to Otsu and take about 10 minutes each way.

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Highlights - JR Otsu: Michigan Cruise (Otsu Port / Lake Biwa Kisen), Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Cultural Centre.