Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県)

Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) is a prefecture in the Kansai Region of Japan. It is 4,017 sq km in size, and ranks 38th among the prefectures in size. The prefecture surrounds Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan. To the north of Shiga Prefecture is Fukui Prefecture, to the northeast Gifu Prefecture, to the southeast Mie Prefecture and to the southwest Kyoto Prefecture.

Hikone Castle, Shiga Prefecture


Shiga Prefecture has a population of 1.3 million people (2011 estimate). It is enclosed by mountains, with the Hira Mountains to the west, the Suzuka Mountains to the southeast and the Ibuki mountain range to the northeast. Seta River flows out of Lake Biwa into Osaka Bay. It is the only river to flow out of the lake whereas all other rivers flow in.

Shiga Prefecture is today an industrialized area with a concentration of industries especially in the southern part. Among the companies having factories here include Canon, IBM Japan and Mitsubishi.

Biwako Quasi-National Park, Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture

Going to Shiga Prefecture

You can take the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train that runs between Kyoto and Nagoya. It stops at Maibara in Shiga Prefecture. There are also local trains from Kyoto to Lake Biwa and Otsu.

Arcade at Daitsuji Temple, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture

Cities of Shiga Prefecture

Tourist Attractions of Shiga Prefecture

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