Shiga Prefecture surrounds Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, just a short train ride east of Kyoto. Landlocked and often overlooked by international visitors, it pairs the UNESCO-listed temple complex of Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei with the National Treasure castle at Hikone, Edo-era merchant towns, Shigaraki pottery villages, and some of Japan's finest wagyu in Omi beef.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
BIWAFRONT HIKONE
A wellness resort on the Lake Biwa shoreline near Hikone Castle, built around its own natural hot spring, the Biwako Matsubara Onsen. Suites over 50 square metres and standalone villas all face the lake, with a spa and a kaiseki restaurant centred on Omi beef and local produce.
Hatago Wakatsu
A two-room culinary ryokan beside the Hachiman-bori canal in Omihachiman, converted from a late Edo-period merchant house. Kaiseki dinners built around Omi beef and Lake Biwa fish are served in a private dining room, with rates including breakfast and dinner.
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
A 38-story lakefront tower designed by Kenzo Tange, the tallest hotel on Lake Biwa. Upper-floor rooms and the 34th-floor sky lounge look across the full width of the lake toward the Hira mountains, with lake cruises departing directly from the hotel's dock.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Omi View Lounge (BIWAFRONT HIKONE)
A lakefront lounge and dining room pairing panoramic Lake Biwa views with a menu centred on Omi beef and seasonal Shiga produce, alongside curated sake and wine pairings.
Kaiseki Dining at Hatago Wakatsu
A multi-course kaiseki dinner served within the ryokan's Edo-period dining room, drawing on Omi beef, Lake Biwa fish, and seasonal vegetables from the surrounding countryside.