From Drive Dates to Breathtaking Views! Spots in Shiga Prefecture Known for Beautiful Nightscapes

When it comes to Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is famous! While the daytime views of Lake Biwa are beautiful, it’s also renowned for its stunning nightscapes. There are several other spots within Shiga Prefecture that are known for their beautiful night views. Whether you prefer to take a drive, get to a nearby location by train or bus, or walk to enjoy the night scenery, we introduce popular night view spots suitable for dates or outings with friends.

1. Otsu Port

Otsu Port, famous within Shiga Prefecture, was developed in 1998. This allowed for the installation of two large piers capable of accommodating cruise ships, resulting in an increase in tourists. Otsu Port is also known for its beautiful night views. In summer, a nationally famous fireworks festival is held, and in autumn, a music festival takes place. It’s a recommended night view spot where you can enjoy different scenes throughout the seasons.
Throughout the year, a fountain show called "Hanahun-sui" is held at Otsu Port. It is illuminated at night, making it a great reason to visit the fountain!

2. Yumemigaoka Mount. Hiei Driveway

When it comes to beautiful night view spots in Shiga Prefecture, the Mount Hiei Driveway is a must-visit. The Yumemigaoka Observatory, in particular, is renowned and has been selected as one of the 100 best night views, offering a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. You can enjoy the view from inside your car, making it comfortable to appreciate the scenery in summer and warm in winter.
A little further up from the bus stop, there’s a breathtaking viewpoint. If you walk about 200 meters from the viewpoint, there’s another spot where you can enjoy a panoramic night view.

3. Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park

Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park offers a promenade along Lake Biwa where you can enjoy night views. From here, you can also overlook Otsu Port, making it a good spot if you want to see the Hanahun-sui fountain.
With its long promenade, Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park is perfect for walking to enjoy the night views. The scenery is beautiful during the day, but it presents a completely different charm at night. The docked cruise ships are illuminated at night, making them worth seeing. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, attracting many visitors for night sakura viewing. It’s a popular night view spot loved by locals in Shiga Prefecture.

4. Mt. Ryuo

Mt. Ryuo is located directly opposite Hiei Mountain, across Lake Biwa, and is one of the top night view spots in Shiga Prefecture. While many people associate night views in Shiga with Mount Hiei, Mt. Ryuo is somewhat of a hidden gem.
From Mt. Ryuo, you can overlook the entire area around Lake Biwa, and the expansive view is breathtaking. Access is by car, and it's recommended to take the road from Prefectural Route 113. However, be aware that it can freeze in winter, so it's best to check conditions beforehand. The view from the Bato Kannon Temple parking lot is exceptional! This is a great night view spot for those confident in their driving skills.

5. Tarobogu Shrine

Tarobogu Shrine is famous as the god of victory who brings happiness and is located on the slopes of Akagiyama, where the Aga Shrine can be found. It’s bustling with worshippers during the day, but it’s also popular as a night view spot, making it a lively place even at night. There’s a free parking lot in front of Aga Shrine, so you can park there and enjoy the night view from your car.
The parking area has benches, making it a good idea to step outside and fully enjoy the panoramic night view that spreads out in 360 degrees. It’s a popular spot among locals in Shiga Prefecture, attracting many couples on dates.

6. Koshin-san Kotoku-ji

The night view from the observation deck at Koshin-san Kotoku-ji is also well-known in Shiga Prefecture. You can overlook Koka City and the Meishin Expressway, making it a great view during the day, but at night, the lights and illuminations scattered like stars are truly beautiful. While it’s famous within Shiga Prefecture, it’s not frequently visited by tourists, making it a hidden spot.
If you want to enjoy the night view in peace, this could be a perfect place to visit. The night view spot is about a 3-minute walk from the parking lot, and the view from the observation deck is absolutely stunning! There are no surrounding lights, so it’s recommended to bring a flashlight while walking.

Summary

We introduced six recommended night view spots in Shiga Prefecture. While some are well-known among locals, hidden gems with fewer tourists allow for a more relaxed experience of the night views. Popular night view spots are busy even at night, but they offer beautiful sights worth seeing at least once.

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