1-Night, 2-Day Shiga Itinerary: Explore Omi's History and Spectacular Scenery, from World Heritage Sites to Castle Towns

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station, then transfer to the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable Railway and head from Motate Yama Station toward the To-do (East Tower) Area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hieizan Enryakuji Temple.
Spread across Mt. Hiei at an elevation of approximately 848 meters, Enryakuji is the head temple of the Tendai sect and is known as the “Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism.” A wide range of Buddhist teachings have been passed down here since Saicho founded the temple, and many eminent monks who later helped shape Japanese Buddhism studied on the mountain. Because of this history, it has also been likened to a “comprehensive university of Buddhism.”
Dai Ko-do (Great Lecture Hall) in the To-do area is a place of learning where monks study Buddhist teachings and where events such as the Hokke Daie, which includes doctrinal debates, are held. Inside are statues of major founding masters of Japanese Buddhism, including Honen, Shinran, Eisai, Dogen, and Nichiren, offering a sense of how different Buddhist schools spread outward from Mt. Hiei.
Saicho's teaching of “Light Up Your Corner,” which emphasizes the importance of each person fulfilling their own role, remains alive on Mt. Hiei more than 1,200 years later. Spend a quiet moment surrounded by the mountain's rich natural beauty and experience a part of Japan's spiritual culture as you begin your historical journey through Shiga

After leaving Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, take the cable car and JR trains to Amisada. In its atmospheric setting overlooking the Seta River and Seta no Karahashi Bridge, you can enjoy traditional local cuisine featuring ingredients from Lake Biwa.
A large irori (traditional sunken hearth) sits inside the restaurant, and the aroma of ayu (sweetfish) grilling over charcoal stimulates the appetite. Carefully grilled after each order is placed, the ayu has crisp, fragrant skin and tender, fluffy flesh. The traditional setting around the irori also adds to the memories of your journey.
The dishes feature ingredients long enjoyed in the region, including ayu, Biwa trout, small ayu, and Omi Beef. Savor the flavors nurtured by Lake Biwa in the warm atmosphere of the irori and enjoy a meal that satisfies both body and soul.

After satisfying your appetite with irori cuisine, board a JR train again and head to Mii-dera (Onjoji) Temple.
Founded in the 7th century, it is the head temple of the Tendai Jimon Sect, and its expansive grounds are dotted with numerous historic structures, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
The name Mii-dera is said to derive from the sacred spring Akaiya, whose water is traditionally believed to have been used for the first baths of Emperors Tenji, Tenmu, and Jito. Highlights throughout the grounds include the National Treasure Kondo, Kojoin reception hall, Toin, and Kannon-do, each offering a different atmosphere to appreciate as you explore.
Around Kannon-do, sweeping views of Lake Biwa and the city of Otsu spread out below, allowing you to enjoy expansive scenery alongside the historic architecture.

Next, head from Mii-dera to the area around Otsu Port and Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park to enjoy the tranquil scenery of Lake Biwa.
A promenade runs along the lakeshore, allowing you to take a leisurely walk while looking out over Japan's largest lake. Watching the broad expanse of water and sightseeing boats passing by creates a wonderful sense of openness even though you are still in the city.
There are also several cafes overlooking the lake nearby, making it a great place to relax with coffee or sweets and spend some time at your own pace.

After strolling along Lake Biwa, seek out some of the long-established flavors that remain part of Otsu's cityscape. Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and local sake handed down through generations make perfect treats during your trip or souvenirs to take home.
One place worth stopping at during your walk is Miidera Chikara-mochi Main Shop, founded in 1869. For more than 150 years, this long-established shop has preserved Miidera Chikara-mochi, a famous sweet inspired by Mii-dera's legend of Musashibo Benkei dragging the bell known as “Benkei's Dragged Bell.”
Soft mochi is placed on bamboo skewers, coated with white syrup to order, and then generously covered with a special kinako (roasted soybean flour) blend made from white and green soybeans mixed with matcha. The rich flavor unique to green soybeans combines with the aroma of matcha to create an elegant taste.
You can enjoy the sweets inside while looking out at the garden or take them away as souvenirs. It is a place where you can experience a freshly made local specialty while also connecting with the history of Otsu.

Next, visit Hirai Shoten Brewery, a long-established sake brewery founded in 1658. Using sake rice grown in Shiga Prefecture and the abundant waters of Lake Biwa, the brewery continues to make sake carefully in small batches.
Centered on its signature brand ASAJIO, the brewery produces approximately 20 varieties of sake each year and places particular importance on sake designed to pair with food.
Building on techniques passed down through generations, the brewery also continues to take on new challenges, including sake brewing inspired by new encounters with rice and farmers and traditional methods such as kimoto, a traditional sake-brewing method.
Seasonal limited-edition sake may also be available at the shop, making it a recommended stop for finding a memento of your trip or a souvenir. As you walk through Otsu's historic streets, discover a glass of sake shaped by the local climate and landscape.

To finish the day, head to Nikubar - Modern Meal, located inside the Former Otsu Public Hall. Operated directly by a butcher shop, this popular restaurant offers Omi Beef and Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black beef) in a casual atmosphere.
A recommended choice is Omi Mari, a three-tiered jubako (stacked box) that lets you enjoy the appeal of Omi Beef in several different ways. The boxes contain house-made cured ham made from Kuroge Wagyu and seasonal vegetables, a rice box topped with rare Omi Beef steak, and Omi Beef braised in red wine, allowing you to savor a different flavor in each tier.
The restaurant also offers an extensive range of meat dishes, including steaks made from rare cuts and roast beef. Enjoying Omi Beef inside this historic building makes an evening in Otsu even more memorable.

Your accommodation for the night is Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel. Standing on the shore of Lake Biwa, this approximately 133-meter-tall, 38-story landmark hotel is a striking presence.
Designed by world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the hotel is distinguished by its circular form, and every guest room offers a lake view. Beyond the large windows, expansive views stretch across Japan's largest lake.
The changing appearance of the lake throughout the day is another attraction, from the surface glowing at sunset to nighttime views reflecting the lights of the city. From guest rooms on the upper floors, you can relax and enjoy scenery unique to the hotel's elevated setting.

On the second day, leave the hotel and take a JR train to Omihachiman, which prospered as a town of Omi merchants. Begin by strolling along Hachiman-bori Canal, where white-walled storehouses and machiya (traditional townhouses) are reflected in the water.
Developed by Toyotomi Hidetsugu during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the canal was once used to transport goods and preserves the history of how it supported the growth of the Omi merchants.
Cafes and souvenir shops are also scattered along the canal, making it enjoyable to stroll slowly while admiring the historic townscape. Take in the atmospheric streets in the clear morning air.

When visiting Omihachiman, the Omihachiman Canal Boat Tour is another experience not to miss. Climb aboard a rowboat and travel leisurely along waterways connected to Lake Biwa's small inner lakes, guided by a boatman who skillfully handles the vessel with a single oar. Because the boat has no engine, you can experience the tranquil natural surroundings up close, from the gentle movement of the water and breezes passing through the reed beds to the calls of waterbirds.
The boatman's commentary also provides insights into how the waterways developed and the relationship between reeds and local people's lives, helping you learn about the culture passed down through generations in this area.
Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, lush green reed beds in summer, and golden scenery in autumn give the waterways a different character with every season. The peaceful landscape offers a soothing contrast to the bustle of the city.

After traveling to Hikone by JR, begin with a visit to Hikone Castle, the symbol of the city.
Construction began in 1604, and the castle was completed after approximately 20 years as the residence of the Ii family, rulers of a domain assessed at 300,000 koku, a traditional measure of domain wealth based on rice. It is renowned as one of Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps.
The three-tiered, three-story main keep is distinguished by its graceful combination of kirizumahafu (straight gables) and karahafu (curved gables), bringing together defensive ingenuity and beautiful design. Historic structures including the Tenbin-yagura Turret, Taikomon-yagura Turret, and Nishi-no-Maru Three-Story Turret remain within the castle grounds, and as you walk along the stone walls, moats, and undulating paths leading up to the castle, you can see the distinctive features of castle architecture up close.
Another highlight is the panoramic view of Hikone's castle town and Lake Biwa from the top floor of the main keep. Explore the castle grounds and enjoy both the history and spectacular views unique to Hikone Castle.

After touring Hikone Castle, head to Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road for an Omi Beef lunch. Operated by an Omi Beef specialist, the restaurant offers a menu centered on udon with the aim of making Omi Beef more approachable and enjoyable.
Omi Beef Udon “Nidaime” features lean Omi Beef carefully raised on the company's own farm and partner farms, paired with a special dashi (Japanese soup stock) based on red miso.
The beef is served while still pink, allowing you to cook it to your preferred doneness in the piping-hot dashi, almost like shabu-shabu. The firm, chewy udon noodles pair perfectly with the rich dashi, bringing out the savory flavor of the Omi Beef.

After satisfying your appetite with Omi Beef, take a leisurely stroll along Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road.
White-walled streets evoke the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town, lined with shops selling Omi specialties, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), local sake, crafts, and more. There are also shops offering food to enjoy as you walk and cafes, making it part of the fun of the trip to browse anywhere that catches your eye.
Continue a little farther to Yonban-cho Square, where a retro streetscape unfolds. Buildings evoking the romance of the Taisho era and stone-paved streets create a popular walking area filled with restaurants and shops selling miscellaneous goods. Photogenic spots are scattered throughout the area, including a monument to Hikonyan, Hikone's popular mascot character, offering a different atmosphere from the traditional castle town. Stopping at shops that catch your interest along the way makes exploring Hikone's historic streets even more enjoyable.

Conclude your journey at Kurokabe Square, located in the historic castle town that developed around Nagahama Castle.
Centered around Kurokabe Glass House, housed in a former bank building from the Meiji era, this walking area is dotted with glass shops, workshops, cafes, and restaurants.
Kurokabe Glass House was built as a bank in 1900 and became affectionately known as the “Kurokabe Bank” because of its black exterior walls. The historic building was preserved and revitalized, becoming a center for developing glass culture as a new attraction for the local area.
Today, visitors can admire beautiful glassworks inside, while nearby facilities offer opportunities to watch artisans at work and try glassmaking themselves.
Another pleasure is searching for souvenirs and sampling food as you stroll through the historic townscape. Take in the scenery unique to Nagahama and enjoy a leisurely walk right through to the end of your trip.