Shiga prefecture (Kinki area)

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan and one of the three largest lakes in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is characterized by beautiful natural scenery and a rich ecosystem, and its scenery can be enjoyed in all four seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lake leisure and fishing can be enjoyed in summer, autumn leaves create beautiful scenery in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is a Japanese castle located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, and is designated as a National Treasure. Hikone Castle was built by Ii Naomasa, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and later flourished as the residence of the Ii family.

One of the unique features of Hikone Castle is the castle tower located in the Honmaru (the center of the castle). It is the only existing tenshukaku built in the Honmaru of Hikone Castle and is designated as a National Treasure. From this keep, visitors can enjoy the view of Hikone city and Lake Biwa.

MIHO Museum of Art

Known for its architectural style in harmony with nature, the MIHO Museum of Art is located in a beautiful setting in the mountains of Koka City. The museum displays art from various periods and cultures, and the collection ranges from ancient to modern.

One of the most unique features of the museum is that a portion of its collection is on public display, while other items from the collection are displayed on a seasonal rotation. Some of the exhibits include a wide variety of ancient Greek, Roman, and Oriental Buddhist art and artifacts, as well as European paintings.

The MIHO Art Museum is also surrounded by beautiful nature, with walking trails and gardens. Visitors can enjoy not only the museum but also the surrounding nature.

Nagashima-Nabano-Sato Illumination

The park features one of the largest flower plazas in Japan (13,000 tsubo), a plum garden with approximately 330 weeping plum trees in full bloom, and a begonia garden, one of the largest in Japan.