Model Itineraries in Shiga

A full-day course featuring the 43rd Katata Lake Tribe Festival held from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Katata Kozu Park Tsukikage Square and other locations in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Spend the afternoon in quiet moments at the Ukimido floating on Lake Biwa, enjoy views of the small lighthouse on the lakeshore and the Biwa Lake Bridge. After picking up light snacks at the station, head to the festival venue starting at 4 PM to enjoy the day's finale. As the sun sets amid the bustling food stalls, fireworks light up the sky. A perfect plan to immerse yourself in Katata's summer, enjoying both the tranquil scenery of the lakeshore and the vibrant energy of the festival.

A one-day course starring Shirahige Beach Adventure Water Park, the water obstacle course that appears at Shirahige Beach in Takashima City, Shiga. In 2026 it was originally due to open on June 27, but was postponed because of Typhoon No. 7 and now runs from Saturday, July 4 to Wednesday, September 23, a public holiday. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends, holidays and during the summer break, with a 10:00 a.m. start on weekdays, in 45-minute sessions. Start the morning with a visit to Shirahige Shrine (白鬚神社), famous for the vermilion great torii gate rising from Lake Biwa, then browse local specialties and pick up lunch at Michi-no-Eki Tojunosato Adogawa. After lunch it is finally time to move to Shirahige Beach and enter the water obstacle course floating on the lake. Climb over floating islands and bounce on trampolines, moving your body freely until closing. Combining the superb lakeside scenery with water play on Lake Biwa, it makes a perfect day for family summer memories.

A course taking center stage around the Kotō Summer Festival Kotobon 2026, held on August 8th (Saturday), 2026, to enjoy the history and nature of the Higashi-Ōmi City Lake Tō area throughout the day. At midday, walk through the serene historic grounds of Hyakusai-ji, one of the three temples of Lake Tō. In the afternoon, spend relaxed time surrounded by flowers and greenery at the Michi no Eki Aitō Margaret Station. In the evening, visit Chiju-ji Temple, then finish dinner and secure your spot at Lake Tō Hibari Park. At night, with the same Lake Tō Hibari Park as your stage, enjoy the summer festival fireworks with family. A summer day plan full of the charm of Kotō, combining temple and shrine visits steeped in history with community festivals.

This is a course to enjoy Imazu in Takashima City for a full day, centered on Yassa! Imazu!! 2026, held at 7 PM on August 1, 2026 (Saturday). At noon, visit the Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Song Museum to learn about the story of the song connected to Imazu, and enjoy the waterside of Lake Biwa at Imazu Beach. In the afternoon, stop by Sumiyoshi Shrine to spend a quiet moment, and in the evening, move to the area around Sumiyoshi Park, the venue, and wait for the festival to begin while enjoying street food. From 7 PM to 8 PM, fireworks light up the night sky above Lake Biwa. A summer day plan unique to Imazu where you can enjoy both the natural beauty of the lake shore and the community's summer festival.

A full-day course exploring Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, where historic temples with National Treasure designations are scattered throughout, centered around the Konan City Summer Festival 2026 being held on Saturday, August 1, 2026. In the daytime, visit the historic temples called the 'Konan Three Mountains' and explore Ishibe Shukubanosato, which retains the charm of an Edo-era post town. In the evening, get dinner in the city center, and at night enjoy the fireworks at Yasugawa Shimizukoen Park. A single day where you can fully enjoy history, nature, and summer festival atmosphere.

Celebrate the Ogoto Onsen Natsu Yokoboyoku Fireworks Festival on August 1st, 2026, held around Ogoto Harbor in Otsu City. Spend a full day exploring the historical sites and hot spring district of Lake Biwa's shores. Pay respects at Hiyoshi Taisha, the head shrine of the Sanno faith, then leisurely stroll Sakamoto's temple town featuring historic Anao stone walls. Enjoy scenic Lake Biwa views at Karasaki Shrine, one of the Eight Views of Omi, and secure your fireworks viewing spot with dinner at Ogoto Hot Spring. At 8 PM, approximately 1,200 fireworks illuminate Lake Biwa's night sky. This quintessential Otsu day experience combines historical temple towns, lakeside hot springs, and spectacular fireworks.

A full-day itinerary centered around the Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns Dedicated Fireworks held at Tamura Shrine in Kita-Tsuchiyama, Tsuchiyama Town, Koka City on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Tsuchiyama Town is a historic town that flourished as a post station on the old Tokaido road, with the charm of peaceful landscapes dotted with tea plantations. In the afternoon, visit Michi no Eki Ai no Tsuchiyama to experience local specialties, then head to Tokaido Denma Hall to learn about the history of Tsuchiyama as a prosperous post town. In the evening, walk down the approach to Tamura Shrine, the venue, enjoy dinner, and secure a spot in the shrine grounds illuminated by the lantern festival lights. From 7 PM to 8 PM, dedicated fireworks light up the night sky. The history of the post town, the lanterns of the festival, and fireworks - an itinerary to fully enjoy the charms of Koka and Tsuchiyama in one day.

This 1-day course centers on the Yaito Festival Fireworks (やいと祭花火大会) held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) from 1:30 PM throughout the Nakasendo Kashiwabara Post Town (中山道柏原宿一帯) in Kashiwabara, Maibara. Kashiwabara Post Town is an area where historic streets and architecture from its days as a Nakasendo post town still remain, while the adjacent Samegai Post Town is known for its clear waters and delicate plum blossoms (梅花藻). Begin at Samegai Trout Farm (醒井養鱒場), enjoying the cool, pristine water and interactions with trout. Next, walk along the Jizo River (地蔵川) in Samegai Post Town to admire the gently swaying plum blossoms in the clear stream. In the afternoon, visit the Kashiwabara Post Town History Museum (柏原宿歴史館) to learn about the history of the moxa trade, then head to the Yaito Festival venue. As the festival transforms the post town streets with lively atmosphere, message fireworks illuminate the night sky around 8:30 PM. Clear streams, historic post towns, and festive fireworks—enjoy Maibara's charm to the fullest in one perfect day.

This is a 1-day course centering on the Millennium Festival Dedication Fireworks held at Tarōbō Shrine (Aga Shrine) in Okobi, Higashiōmi City on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8 PM. Tarōbō Shrine is an ancient shrine known as a sacred mountain of giant rock worship, and at its foot lies the town of Yōkaichi, where traditional kite culture thrives. At midday, experience the impressive world-class giant kites at the Higashiōmi Takokaikan, then spend family time in the greenery of Rokuha Park. In the evening, enjoy dinner and shopping at Yōkaichi Honmachi Shopping Street, then head to the venue of Tarōbō Shrine. Climb the approach and secure a spot in the shrine grounds, then from 8 PM, approximately 30 minutes of dedication fireworks light up the night sky of the sacred mountain. Traditional kites, the sacred mountain, and dedication fireworks—a plan to enjoy all of Higashiōmi's charms in one day.

A one-day course centered on the Shotoku Festival Tourism Fireworks Festival held at Yokaichi Station front in Higashi-Omi City on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) at 7 PM. Yokaichi is a town packed with Higashi-Omi's unique charm where traditional giant kites and sacred mountains with boulder worship coexist. At midday, experience the impressive scale of the world's largest giant kite at the Higashi-Omi Takekite Museum, then climb the stone steps of Taro-bo Shrine to visit the ancient shrine surrounded by massive boulders. In the afternoon, spend time in the greenery of Rokuha Park, then enjoy dinner and shopping at Yokaichi Station front shopping street in the evening. At 7 PM as the sun sets and festival excitement builds, fireworks light up the night sky. Giant kites, sacred mountains, and fireworks adorning the station front. A plan to generously enjoy Higashi-Omi's charm all in one day.

A full-day course centered on the Kusatsu Yoshi Torch Festival held at a special venue on Karasumaru Peninsula in Shimomono-cho, Kusatsu on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) from 4 PM. Karasumaru Peninsula juts into Lake Biwa and gathers spots for nature and learning. Spend midday at Yahashi Kihan Island Park (矢橋帰帆島公園) along the lake shore feeling the lake breeze, then visit Lake Biwa Museum (琵琶湖博物館) to learn about the lake's creatures and local history. At the adjacent Water Plant Park Mizu no Mori (水生植物公園みずの森), leisurely stroll and enjoy the waterside views colored by lotus and water lilies. As evening approaches, walk along the Karasumaru Peninsula lakeshore where the festival will be held and feel the festival mood, then head to the torch festival starting at 4 PM. As torch flames and torch lights illuminate the lakeside, approximately 1,000 fireworks will color the night sky around 7:50 PM. Lake Biwa's nature, tradition, and fireworks—a plan to greedily enjoy Kusatsu's summer in one full day.

From July 1 (Wednesday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026, this full-day course centers on Makino Sunny Beach (Takagi-hama) in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, enjoying the entire northern end area of Lake Biwa. In the morning, walk through the green tunnel of the Metasequoia Tree-Lined Avenue and take a deep breath amid the spacious highland landscape of Makino Highland. For lunch, enjoy local flavors while gazing at Lake Biwa at Michi-no-Eki Makino Oizaka Pass. The climax is Makino Sunny Beach in the afternoon. Equipped with parking for approximately 300 vehicles, this family-favorite beach offers shallow, gentle lake swimming. Swimming is free and perfect for your first lake experience with pristine water quality and calm waves. After fully enjoying water play until evening, you'll have created wonderful summer memories savoring both highlands and lakes in one day. Bring your swimsuit and towel and venture out to summer in Lake Biwa Takashima.

A one-day course touring the history and nature of the shores of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), starring SHIRAHIGE BEACH (白ひげビーチ) in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, open from Saturday, July 11 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 8:00 in the morning to 17:00 in the evening. In the morning, visit Shirahige Shrine (白鬚神社), which stands right beside the beach. Its vermilion great torii gate floating on the lake is also called the Itsukushima of Omi (近江の厳島), and it is perfect for a family visit. Next, visit the Toju Shoin Ruins (藤樹書院跡), where the Edo period Yomeigaku scholar Nakae Toju (中江藤樹) opened his private academy, and touch on the history of Takashima (高島). For lunch, enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and shop for specialty products at Michi-no-Eki Toju no Sato Adogawa (道の駅 藤樹の里あどがわ). Once you have eaten your fill, it is finally time for SHIRAHIGE BEACH (白ひげビーチ). Admission is 500 yen for elementary school students and older, and parking is 1,000 yen per vehicle. With hot showers, a shared cooking area, changing rooms and a shop, it is a beach where families can spend time with peace of mind. Until closing at 17:00, enjoy summer to the fullest in the clear waters of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) and on its sand. Why not pack a swimsuit and a towel and head out for a summer day in the lake country?

A half-day enjoyment course featuring "Oji ga Oka Park Pool," an outdoor leisure pool in Otsu City operating from July 20 to August 31, 2026. Visit nearby Omi Shrine in the quiet morning air right at opening time, then enjoy cool interactive exhibits at Otsu City Science Museum within the park before finally heading to the pool. At this safe facility with pool, showers, lockers, pro shop, and AED, enjoy fully water play from 9 AM to noon. Admission is 490 yen for adults, 330 yen for junior high students and under, seniors 65 and older, and people with disabilities—an attractive, budget-friendly price. A summer-like outing in Otsu City's verdant park with experiences packed from morning to noon. Located near Lake Biwa with good parking access. A half-day course perfect for families whose summer vacation morning schedules are easy to plan. Taking advantage of time before crowds build up is a point not to miss.

A full-day course centered on the outdoor leisure pool at "Vacationland Omihachiman" (休暇村近江八幡), a lakeside resort operating from July 18 to August 30, 2026. In the morning, climb 808 stone steps at Chomeiji (長命寺), an ancient temple among the Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage sites, and be moved by the Lake Biwa views from the main hall. Next, stop at "La Collina Omihachiman" (ラコリーナ近江八幡), a signature Omihachiman spot, and take a break while admiring the grass-roofed main building and enjoying freshly baked baumkuchen. From noon, head to Vacationland Omihachiman's pool. The heart-shaped pool is divided into a shallow area about 40cm deep and a deeper area about 90cm deep, making it safe for children from toddlers through elementary school. Changing rooms, coin showers, and coin lockers are fully equipped, so you can travel light with just your swimsuit. A classic summer outing where you can experience nature while enjoying water play until evening on the shores of Lake Biwa. Please note that from August 24 onward, pool operating hours are shortened to 10:00-15:00, so check the operating hours for your visit date in advance.

A one-day course featuring Nagahama City Public Pool (opening July 4, 2026 through August 30, 2026; daily operation begins July 18). In the morning, leisurely stroll through the glass craft town streets of Kurogane Square, then spend time at Toyokouen Park near Nagahama Castle History Museum, enjoying the lake breeze by Lake Biwa. From noon, head to Nagahama City Public Pool. Drift lazily down the 140-meter current pool, thrill on two water slides, and let small children play safely in the toddler pool. A 25-meter pool is also available for children and adults who want to swim seriously. With 230 parking spaces, it's convenient for driving. An ideal full-day course for families to enjoy both Nagahama's town walks and serious water activities during summer vacation. Hours close at 4:00 PM (3:00 PM on weekdays), so plan accordingly.

A full-day course to enjoy the Aichi River Gion Natsuzuki Festival Fireworks Grand Finale held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as the centerpiece, exploring Aizushi Town, Shiga Prefecture, and its surroundings from afternoon through evening. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Ōmi atmosphere at the historic Toyosato Elementary School buildings conveying Ōmi's history and culture, and at a roadside station gathering local bounty. In the evening, move to the Aichi River riverbed to secure your viewing spot and prepare for the opening while enjoying food stall cuisine. As night falls, fireworks light up the Aichi River's water surface against the summer night sky, with reflected light and river breezes bringing the unique coolness of the Gion festival. A full-day relaxed family plan experiencing summer on the eastern shores of Lake Biwa in the Ōmi plain.

A full-day course held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday) featuring Symphonic Starmine as the main attraction, allowing you to enjoy the nature of Lake Biwa's southern basin and the Kusatsu and Omihachiman areas from afternoon onwards. In the afternoon, experience the waterside breeze in the Natural Observation Forest that spreads across the Karamatsuhantou Peninsula on the shores of Lake Biwa, and explore the world of lotus and aquatic plants in their prime season at Kusatsu Aquatic Plant Garden Mizunomori. In the evening, secure a spot at the Karamatsuhantou Grass Plaza near the venue and wait for the performance to begin amidst the cool breeze that crosses Lake Biwa. The fireworks that light up the lake surface as dusk falls showcase a scale unique to Lake Biwa, where the vast water surface and night sky become one, creating an evening deeply etched in the summer memories of the whole family. This is the definitive summer plan for Shiga's Kusatsu, packed lavishly with lake, greenery, and fireworks.

A course featuring the Nagahama & Kita-Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival "Nagahama no Jin" (長浜の陣) on September 16, 2026 (Wednesday) as the centerpiece, allowing you to enjoy the history of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, and lakeside scenery throughout the day. In the afternoon, savor glasswork and town-walking at Nagahama Kurogane Square (長浜黒壁スクエア), which retains the atmosphere of a Sengoku-era castle town, then visit Nagahama Castle History Museum (長浜城歴史博物館), associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉). In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely early dinner at the lakeside of Toyō Park (豊公園) while viewing the twilight of Lake Biwa. Once the sun sets and the lake's surface turns indigo, watch the fireworks launched from offshore in Lake Biwa from the Toyō Park Free Plaza (豊公園自由広場). A one-of-a-kind autumn day in Nagahama where you can enjoy a historic castle town, the nighttime Lake Biwa landscape, and magnificent fireworks all at once.

A full-day course held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, featuring the Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks as the main attraction, allowing you to enjoy the land of ninja, Koka, entirely from daytime to evening. In the afternoon, visit the classic spots that convey the history and culture of Koka City, and in the evening, spend time leisurely along the Yasu River before the show begins. When dusk falls, move to the riverbed near Minakuchi Bridge to enjoy the spectacular sight of approximately 3,000 fireworks illuminating the summer night sky up close. A definitive summer plan for Shiga's Koka, combining the ninja-associated town with the Yasu River fireworks.

A full-day course to enjoy the Nagahama · Kita-Biwako area of Shiga Prefecture from afternoon through evening, with the Nagahama · Kita-Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival "Yogo-no-Jin" held on October 16, 2026 (Friday) as the centerpiece. In the afternoon, walk through Nagahama city, which flourished as a post town on Kitakuni Kaido, and visit the Nagahama Castle History Museum (長浜城歴史博物館), which has ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉), and feel the breeze of Lake Biwa from the lakeside of Nagahama Port. Then head north to Lake Yogo and stroll along its mystical, serene shores. In the evening, secure a viewing spot and fill your stomach with food stall delicacies while waiting for the show to begin. The light of the fireworks reflecting on Lake Yogo's surface as dusk falls is a beauty unique to this quiet lake, where the celestial maiden legend remains. A special autumn plan where you can enjoy Nagahama's history, the natural beauty of Lake Yogo, and fireworks that color the autumn night sky all at once.

A full-day course centered on the Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival held on August 6, 2026 (Thursday), allowing you to fully enjoy the Otsu area from afternoon. In the afternoon, stroll through the Lake Biwa Cultural Museum and Hama-Otsu area that spread along Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa, while enjoying views of the Hiei mountain range. At the historic Miidera Temple (Onjoji), calm your mind in its National Treasure structures and quiet grounds. In the evening, secure a viewing spot around Otsu Port while having an early dinner. As the sun sets, approximately 10,000 fireworks launch from the water off Otsu Port, illuminating the vast Lake Biwa water surface and night sky with brilliant blooms of light. The Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival, representing summer in Shiga Prefecture, the "Land of Lakes," is also known for the beautiful reflections of fireworks on the water surface, creating an unforgettable night for the whole family. This ultimate Otsu summer plan combines daytime temple and shrine walks, the cool lakeside breezes, and the emotional thrill of the night.

A full-day course centered on the Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival held on July 23, 2026 (Thursday), where you can enjoy the entire Lake Biwa area from afternoon onwards. In the afternoon, experience the cool forest atmosphere at Hiyoshi Shrine nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei, and take a leisurely historical walk along Sakamoto's traditional satobou street with its stone-paved paths and Shigain Monzeki. In the evening, move to the Omifunako area along Lake Biwa, where you can secure your viewing spot while enjoying an early dinner on the lake shore. As night falls, watch approximately 2,000 fireworks launch from Lake Biwa right before you, reflected beautifully on the water's surface. A luxury summer plan in Shiga that lets you enjoy both the history at the foot of Mount Hiei and the stunning nightscape of Japan's largest lake all in one experience.

A full-day course centered on the "Higashi-Ōmi Daitokuji Jizōbon 10,000 Lantern Festival" held at Daitokuji Temple in Higashi-Ōmi City (scheduled for August 22, 2026). In Higashi-Ōmi City, the hometown of Ōmi merchants, visit Tarōbō Shrine, known as a shrine for good fortune, and walk through the merchant residences of Gokashō Kondōchō, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Experience the impressive scale of the world's largest kite at the Higashi-Ōmi Large Kite Exhibition Hall, enjoy flowers and local bounty at the roadside station, then in the evening gather at Daitokuji Temple as countless lights illuminate the 10,000 Lantern Festival. Experience this quiet and beautiful lantern festival that marks the end of summer in Ōmi with your family.