Welcome to Yogo Town, Nagahama City! 3 sightseeing spots around Lake Yogo and the setting of the Sengoku period

Have you heard of Yogo in Shiga Prefecture? It’s a town at the northernmost tip of Nagahama City, best known for Lake Yogo as its iconic sightseeing spot. Yogo Town borders Gifu and Fukui Prefectures, and much of the area is mountainous. Because of this, it’s a designated heavy snowfall area in the Kinki region, with many ski resorts.

In summer, it's a popular retreat to escape the heat, where families can enjoy camping and barbecues. The abundant forests make it a perfect place to breathe in fresh air and refresh yourself. If you climb Mt. Shizugatake, famous for the "Battle of Shizugatake," you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of both Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Now, let us introduce you to the sightseeing spots of Yogo, where nature and ancient history still remain.

1. Spend a relaxing time at “Lake Yogo,” surrounded by tranquil rural scenery.

Located north of Lake Biwa, Lake Yogo is a beautiful lake also known as the “Mirror Lake.” It attracts many repeat visitors who come to admire its scenic beauty throughout the seasons. According to a local legend, a celestial maiden whose robe was stolen bore a child here—making the lake a romantic and mystical place. Remarkably, the child is said to have been Sugawara no Michizane.

Lake Yogo is home to many species of fish, including the rare iwatoko catfish. Other fish found here include crucian carp, carp, catfish, and eels. One of the most popular activities for visitors is smelt fishing (wakasagi). It’s known to be easy enough even for beginners to enjoy, so why not give it a try while sightseeing? The lakeside is equipped with walking trails, shops, and facilities. Rental bicycles are also available, offering a refreshing ride through the natural air.

2. Feel the history at “Shizugatake Battlefield and Oiwayama Fort Ruins.”

The “Shizugatake Battlefield” was the stage of the famous “Battle of Shizugatake,” where Oda vassals Shibata Katsuie and Hashiba Hideyoshi fought for power. The war memorial built to honor the fallen soldiers stands at the summit. A lift ride to the top takes about 6 minutes. Once you arrive, a panoramic view of Lake Yogo and Lake Biwa unfolds before you.

From there, a short walk takes you to the battlefield site, where a local guide explains the events of the Battle of Shizugatake. This fierce battle lasted only two days, but the tales of valor are well worth hearing. Seven warriors who distinguished themselves under Toyotomi became known as the "Seven Spears of Shizugatake," a legacy of bravery. Shizugatake is also a well-maintained hiking course—perfect for enjoying the beauty of the seasons on foot.

To the northeast of Shizugatake lies the Oiwayama Fort, built by Hideyoshi’s forces and guarded by the camp of Nakagawa Kiyohide. As both armies stared each other down across Lake Yogo, a surprise attack by Shibata Katsuie’s nephew Sakuma Morimasa captured the fort and ignited the Battle of Shizugatake. The Oiwayama Fort Ruins sit at the end of a ridge extending eastward from Shizugatake, reachable in about 30 minutes from the trailhead.

3. Dash through the forest at “Woody Pal Yogo.”

“Woody Pal Yogo” is a comprehensive outdoor leisure facility that makes full use of Yogo’s natural environment. It’s especially popular among outdoor enthusiasts, with many families visiting repeatedly from both within and outside the prefecture.

The facility has plenty of spaces for parents and children to play and experience things together. It’s a great chance for busy fathers who rarely have time to spend with their kids—enjoy quality bonding time here. The athletic playground inspired by the Battle of Shizugatake is unique to Yogo. Why not challenge your child in a friendly competition?

Additionally, the facility offers seasonal activities like strawberry picking and soba noodle making, so you’ll never get bored. There are also amenities for mini-golf and tennis, making it ideal for adult visitors as well. With large lodging facilities, cottages, and campsites, Woody Pal Yogo is perfect for an overnight stay and sightseeing trip.

◎ Summary

This time, we introduced four carefully selected sightseeing spots in Yogo Town, Shiga Prefecture. As you can see, there are many popular spots in the area. Using Yogo as your sightseeing base, spending a night and exploring Nagahama is also a great idea. Or you might consider extending your trip to plan a tour around Lake Biwa.

Yogo and Nagahama are places where traditional structures remain, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of Japan’s precious and historic areas. The mountains of Yogo show different colors in each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Capture this beautiful scenery as a memory of your trip. Yogo is a sightseeing destination beloved by many. Please do visit when you have the chance.