Shiga Prefecture, Prefecture in Kansai region, Japan
Shiga is a prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, centered around Lake Biwa, the country's largest freshwater body. The terrain consists of mountains ringing the lake, with Kyoto to the south, Fukui to the north, Gifu to the east, and Mie to the southeast.
This area once formed Omi Province, a strategic corridor linking Kyoto with eastern territories throughout medieval and early modern Japan. Castles and manor houses built by feudal lords still mark the landscape, reminders of its role as a contested zone during civil wars.
Fishermen on Lake Biwa still use traditional methods to catch ayu sweetfish, a practice visible during the warmer months when small wooden boats dot the shoreline. Visitors to lakeside towns often encounter restaurants specializing in local freshwater dishes, reflecting the deep connection between residents and the water.
Rail connections run through Maibara on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo and Osaka, with local lines serving towns along the eastern and western shores of the lake. Travelers planning to explore smaller villages and mountain temples should consider regional buses or renting a bicycle in lakeside towns.
The northern part of the lake contains a submerged forest where ancient tree stumps stand upright on the bottom, visible when the water is clear. Divers visit this sunken forest regularly, as it provides habitat for freshwater species found nowhere else in the region.
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