7 Tourist Spots in Shiga to Visit on a Rainy Day – Enjoy the Historic Charm of Shiga in the Rain

Shiga Prefecture is a land rich in nature, home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. At the same time, it boasts many of the country’s leading historical and cultural sites. But sometimes, even on a long-awaited sightseeing trip, you get unlucky with rainy weather. Everyone’s experienced that at some point, right? This time, we’ll introduce indoor tourist spots you can enjoy even on rainy days—perfect for when you’re in a pinch!

1. Lake Biwa Museum

The Lake Biwa Museum is an interactive museum where you can "see, touch, and have fun learning" with the theme of "The Lake and People." While museums often have the image of being geared toward children, this spot is surprisingly popular among adults as well.

After its renovation, the facility became even more beautiful, featuring plenty of exhibits. There are spaces where you can enjoy learning about the history of Lake Biwa, aquarium-like display tanks, and even a corner where you can play with nostalgic traditional toys. This is sure to lift your spirits, even if they’ve been dampened by rainy weather.

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, it's also convenient for changing plans if a Lake Biwa cruise gets canceled due to bad weather. At the on-site restaurant Nihonoumi, you can enjoy delicious freshwater fish dishes and bass caught in Lake Biwa. It’s highly recommended to satisfy both your hunger and curiosity.

2. Hands-on Classes at Kurokabe Square

The former Nagahama Branch of the 130th National Bank, once affectionately known as the "Kurokabe Bank," was renovated and reopened as Kurokabe Building No. 1 / Kurokabe Glass Museum. Around 30 shops now line the streets of Kurokabe Square, with this building at its heart.

Located where the Minotani-Kumi Kaido and Hokkokukaido roads intersect, this area has flourished as the center of Nagahama since ancient times. Today, it has been reborn as a new tourist spot while preserving its old-world charm. In Kurokabe Square, the popular hands-on classes range from classic glassblowing and pottery workshops to unique figure-making classes.

With plenty of galleries, souvenir shopping is a fun experience. Find your favorite traditional crafts, each carefully handmade by skilled artisans. If you need a break, stop by one of Kurokabe Square’s cafes or restaurants, where delicious local dishes and warm hospitality await you.

3. Hōrai Garden at Daichiji Temple

Hōrai Garden at Daichiji Temple is a renowned temple in Kōka City, celebrated for its exquisite gardens. The temple features a dry landscape garden (Karesansui) crafted during the Edo period, complemented by vibrant seasonal flowers. While visiting a garden on a rainy day might seem unconventional, the prime attraction here is the view from the veranda of the tea room located behind the study hall, ensuring visitors remain dry.

Although the garden is splendid on sunny days, the gentle sound of raindrops hitting leaves and pebbles adds a uniquely Japanese ambiance. Embrace the serene atmosphere as you listen to the soothing sounds of rain in this tranquil setting.

4. Tanuki Village

At Shigaraki Tōen Tanuki Village, you'll find yourself surrounded by tanuki (raccoon dog) figures as far as the eye can see. Initially, the sheer number is overwhelming, but upon closer inspection, each statue boasts unique faces and expressions, exuding a kitschy charm. Visitors often find themselves searching for their favorite tanuki among the myriad of options.

Beyond the vast display of tanuki statues, the village offers pottery and painting workshops. With a parking lot accommodating up to 100 vehicles, a souvenir shop, and a dining area, many travelers stop by for a break. Given that tanuki are considered auspicious symbols, selecting one as a souvenir might bring good fortune.

5. Kōga-ryū Ninjutsu Yashiki (Ninja House)

Kōga is famed for its ninja heritage. The Kōga-ryū Ninjutsu Yashiki offers insights into the rich history of ninjas, utilizing the former residence of the prominent Mochizuki family, leaders of the Kōga ninja clan. This authentic ninja house, constructed during the Edo period, retains various ingenious mechanisms that visitors can interact with firsthand.

At first glance, it appears as a traditional thatched farmhouse. However, it stands as a valuable cultural entertainment facility steeped in history. Experience the numerous contraptions and tricks embedded throughout the house by genuine ninjas. Additionally, the facility offers activities like shuriken (ninja star) throwing and photo sessions in ninja attire.

6. Azuchi Castle Tenshu and Nobunaga no Yakata

In 1992, at the Expo '92 in Seville, Spain, the full-scale replica of the Azuchi Castle Tenshu (main keep) was a major attraction in the Japan Pavilion. After the expo, it was transferred to Azuchi Town and reassembled. At Nobunaga no Yakata, visitors can experience this enhanced replica of the tenshu. Bungei

Azuchi Castle, constructed in 1579, was the world's first high-rise wooden structure, reaching 46 meters in height. Its opulent design was groundbreaking, even by today's standards. The castle, symbolizing Oda Nobunaga's ambition for national unification, tragically burned down after only three years, becoming a legendary "phantom castle." The phrase "the rise and fall of fortunes" comes to mind.Bungei

The newly opened VR Azuchi Castle Theater allows visitors to explore the castle's spaces using controllers. With features like changing time periods and perspectives from Nobunaga or Hideyoshi, this immersive experience offers a novel way to enjoy history. It's easy to lose track of time while being engrossed.National Museum of Nature and Science Shiga Shiro.

7. Yanmar Museum

Yanmar, renowned for heavy machinery and construction equipment, offers the Yanmar Museum, where visitors can experience the company's history and technology. This popular spot is enjoyable for both adults and children. Activities like operating a shovel car and boat simulators provide dream experiences, especially for young boys.

Additionally, workshops such as assembling wooden engines offer unique experiences exclusive to this museum. Adults often find themselves fully engaged alongside children. The museum shop sells character goods of Yanbo Marbo, evoking nostalgia among many adults.

◎ Summary

Shiga Prefecture, with its abundance of historical buildings, offers tourists ample enjoyment even on rainy days. Exploring its captivating indoor attractions can transform a rainy excursion into a delightful experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that rain brings to Japan. Embrace the opportunity to enjoy sights and experiences that are uniquely enhanced by the rain, offering perspectives not available on sunny days.

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7 Tourist Spots in Shiga to Visit on a Rainy Day – Enjoy the Historic Charm of Shiga in the Rain