Search Hotels in Shiga Prefecture

Top reasons to visit Shiga Prefecture

• Stunning Landscapes: Shiga Prefecture boasts breathtaking natural scenery, including the beautiful Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Explore historic sites like the well-preserved Hikone Castle and traditional temples in Otsu.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking trails and thrilling winter sports at local ski resorts, perfect for adventure seekers.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Visit amusement parks and water parks, offering fun for visitors of all ages.
• Diverse Accommodations: Stay in everything from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, catering to all preferences.

Find great hotels in Shiga Prefecture

Discover the charm of Shiga Prefecture with a variety of hotel accommodations tailored for every traveler. From traditional ryokans to modern hotels, you'll find options that cater to your needs, including hot spring experiences, business amenities, and LGBTQIA-friendly environments. Whether you're seeking the best hotels or top-rated stays, Shiga Prefecture offers a welcoming atmosphere for a memorable vacation.

• Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel: Nestled by the scenic shores of Lake Biwa, this 3.5-star hotel offers a unique blend of business and leisure experiences. Ideal for business travelers, it features multiple meeting rooms, a fully-equipped business center, and expansive conference spaces. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby golf facilities, perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings. The hotel’s serene lakeside location provides breathtaking views, making it a tranquil haven for both work and leisure.
• Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu: This 3.5-star accommodation is located in the vibrant Kusatsu area, offering guests a delightful mix of entertainment and dining options. Visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences at the on-site restaurant, bar, and lounge, with a tempting breakfast selection available. The hotel also provides modern entertainment amenities, including LCD TVs and digital TV channels. With its proximity to the city center and shopping districts, guests can easily explore local attractions and enjoy a lively urban atmosphere during their stay.
• Apa Hotel Biwako Seta Ekimae: A cozy 3-star hotel situated in Shiga Prefecture, Apa Hotel Biwako Seta Ekimae is perfect for travelers seeking convenience and comfort. The hotel boasts a variety of dining options, including a daily breakfast buffet that caters to both adults and children. Guests can relax while enjoying digital TV and other entertainment options in their rooms. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Lake Biwa and the surrounding area, ensuring a memorable stay for all.

Where to stay in Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable travel experience. Explore the historic city of Otsu, home to beautiful temples and Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Don't miss the charming town of Hikone, known for its well-preserved castle. Enjoy local shops and traditional cuisine, all while soaking in the friendly atmosphere that makes Shiga a perfect destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

• Otsu: Nestled at the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa, Otsu is a picturesque city that draws visitors throughout the year, though peak seasons occur in March to April and July. Known for its stunning outdoor scenery, Otsu is perfect for romantic getaways and offers a variety of activities such as body treatments, skiing, and a visit to the planetarium observatory. The nearby onsen and hotsprings provide a relaxing retreat, while the tranquil lake offers opportunities for leisurely strolls and breathtaking views.
• Nagahama: Situated along the western shore of Lake Biwa, Nagahama is a charming city that boasts a blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Tourist numbers peak in April and during the summer months from July to August. Visitors come to enjoy skiing at local resorts or indulge in rejuvenating body treatments. The landscape is dotted with serene lakes and inviting hotsprings, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking romance and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• Hikone: Located in the eastern part of Shiga Prefecture, Hikone is rich in culture and history, attracting travelers particularly from March to April and again in August. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, with highlights including visits to its famous castle and historic sites. Visitors can also enjoy body treatments, amusement parks, and water parks, making it a great destination for families and couples. Hikone’s proximity to Lake Biwa enhances its allure, providing stunning views and outdoor exploration.

Things to do in Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture offers a fantastic blend of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy body treatments, thrilling amusement and water parks, as well as ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure, there are beautiful hiking trails and options for exciting day trips. Shiga also provides various shopping opportunities, making it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Pieri Moriyama Mall offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and dining options, perfect for families. Aeon Mall Kusatsu also features a range of shops and activities. For a quick stop, check out Taga Service Area Nobori for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Kibogaoka Culture Park offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscapes and walking paths, perfect for relaxation. Big Breath Ibuki Sports Park is ideal for sports enthusiasts, featuring various facilities. Ritto-city Yasu River Athletic Park combines nature and wellness, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Adventure

Biwako Valley Ski Resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding opportunities amid stunning mountain scenery. Experience the exhilaration of outdoor adventures and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a family-friendly adventure, take the Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins Lift, providing breathtaking views and access to historic sites.

Nightlife

In Shiga Prefecture, Biwako Hall enchants with its cultural performances and romantic ambiance, ideal for families. For a cosmic experience, the Hotaru Planetarium and Astronomical Observation Center offer captivating shows that elevate the nightlife with stellar entertainment vibes.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shiga Prefecture

To save money during your trip to Shiga Prefecture, consider visiting in the off-peak months of June, July, or September for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and Eco-certified options, and consider bundling flights and activities with your hotel for additional discounts. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and cash back on future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Shiga Prefecture are June to July and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, August and November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Shiga Prefecture about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Shiga Prefecture is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Shiga Prefecture is Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Shiga Prefecture with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions in Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions such as temples, shrines, and museums, making it an ideal destination for those seeking cultural experiences and family fun. Whether you're hiking through its beautiful landscapes or immersing yourself in local traditions, Shiga Prefecture promises a memorable vacation for everyone.

• Lake Biwa: Explore Japan's largest freshwater lake, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy romantic strolls along the beach, partake in water sports, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
• Hikone Castle: Step back in time at this beautifully preserved castle, a symbol of Japanese culture and history. Wander through its picturesque gardens and admire the elegant architecture. The romantic ambiance and cultural significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
• Mount Hiei: Discover the rich cultural heritage at this sacred mountain, home to the famous Enryaku-ji Temple. Experience serene hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views that offer insight into Japan's spiritual traditions. It’s a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Best time to go to Shiga Prefecture

The best time to visit Shiga Prefecture is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.2°F (2.9000000000000004°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
August	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.9°F (22.700000000000003°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Shiga Prefecture

To visit Shiga Prefecture, you can fly into several major airports. Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located 53 miles away and offers nearby hotels like the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, situated 0.1 mile from the terminal. Alternatively, Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), 55 miles away, features options such as the 4-star Kamenoi Hotel Chitamihama, 6 miles from the airport. Lastly, Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) is the closest at 28 miles, with luxurious accommodations like the 5-star InterContinental Osaka, 7 miles away. Each airport provides various transportation services to ensure easy access to Shiga Prefecture.