Shiga Prefecture Specialties, Souvenirs, Shrines, Temples, and Travel | 47 Prefecture Guide

Shiga is one-sixth Lake Biwa by area. And it is next to Kyoto. These two facts shape both its food and its faith.

Specialties

Omi beef is, is considered one of Japan’s oldest wagyu brands, as far as records show, and during the Edo period, the Hikone Domain presented it to the shogun’s family as a “restorative medicine.”

This was an era when meat eating was restrained under the influence of Buddhism. Only the pretext of “medicine” was accepted as an exception. The starting point of today’s branded beef was not a feast, but a convenient justification.

Funazushi is a fermented sushi made by pickling nigorobuna crucian carp from Lake Biwa together with rice for more than one year. a technique for preserving freshwater fish across the year in an age without refrigerators Omi rice, red konjac, and Asamiya tea also come from this prefecture.

Souvenirs

Ubaga mochi, funazushi, and Shigaraki ware tanuki figures.

It was not so long ago that the tanuki figures once seen in gardens came to stand in front of shops across Japan. Even so, Shigaraki now immediately brings tanuki to mind. Tradition can also have things added along the way.

Shrines and Temples

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei in Otsu City is the head temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Saicho in 788.

What makes this temple special is that the people who later founded their own Buddhist schools studied here Honen of Jodo Buddhism, Shinran of Jodo Shinshu, Eisai of Rinzai Zen, Dogen of Soto Zen, and Nichiren of Nichiren Buddhism. Many of the major schools of Japanese Buddhism passed through this mountain. This is why it is called the “mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism.” In 1994, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, although it is located in Shiga Prefecture.

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu City is the head shrine of the roughly 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan It enshrines the guardian deity of Mount Hiei, whose messenger is said to be the divine monkey, masaru. The relationship between shrine and temple, which developed side by side, remains visible in the landscape itself.

Taga Taisha Shrine in Taga Town is affectionately called “Otaga-san” and is known for longevity blessings. Ishiyamadera Temple in Otsu City is said to be the place where Murasaki Shikibu began writing The Tale of Genji.

Omi Jingu Shrine in Otsu City enshrines Emperor Tenji. Because Emperor Tenji installed Japan’s first rokoku water clock, it is regarded as a shrine of timepieces, and there is a clock museum within the grounds. It is also known as a venue for competitive karuta tournaments.

Sightseeing

Hikone Castle is one of the five surviving castle keeps designated as National Treasures. Shirahige Shrine is known for its torii gate standing in the lake, a view that has become one of Shiga’s signature scenes.

The metasequoia avenue (Takashima City) is about 2.4 kilometers long. The Biwaichi route, which circles Lake Biwa (about 200 kilometers), is also well maintained.

Traditional Crafts

Nationally designated items are Shigaraki ware, Hikone Buddhist altars, and Omi jofu: three items in total.

Shigaraki ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. And Hikone butsudan altars originated with artisans who had made arms and armor for the Hikone Domain The techniques used for wooden bases, lacquer, and metal fittings in armor became the techniques used for Buddhist altars.

For details, see [VILLAGE Report vol.21] Armor Artisans Became Makers of Buddhist Altars

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References: Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, Hikone City, Koka City, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries -- Value Village Editorial Department