Reasons to Choose Japan
Life in Japan by Specific Areas
Shiga
Summary
Shiga Prefecture has the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa , located in the center of the prefecture. There is also Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, which is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. People enjoy cycling around Lake Biwa during holidays and the rich nature is another attraction of Shiga Prefecture.
*This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.
Access
- If arriving by Shinkansen or train
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The other Shinkansen station in the prefecture is Maibara Station.
From Tokyo
Tokyo Station
2 hours 30 minutesOtsu Station
Famous places / spots recommended by locals
Biwako-lake
Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan! There are also several beaches and campgrounds on the shores of the lake. It is crowded with leisure activities such as fishing on weekends.
Enryakuji-Temple
Enryakuji has a solemn atmosphere. It is a temple that covers the entire area of Mt. Hiei at an altitude of 848m at the prefectural border between Shiga and Kyoto.
Foods recommended by locals
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Omi-beef
It is a Japanese beef that has been popular for a long time. There are many long-established stores and reasonable shops that specialize in Omi beef in the prefecture. Omi beef is enjoyed by various cooking methods such as steak, yakiniku and sukiyaki.
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Funa-zushi
It is a Shiga traditional food with a long history appeared in literature over 1200 years ago. It is a delicacy born in Lake Biwa, which has a unique scent.
Climate (temperature / precipitation)
Shiga Prefecture is blessed with a relatively pleasant climate, with an average annual temperature of about 16.4 degrees Celsius (2023).
Monthly temperature/precipitation
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)
Cost of living
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Rent
44,432 yen
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Electricity, gas, and water costs
8,969 yen
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Ramen
(Eating out)
809 yen
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White bread (1 kg)
521 yen
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Milk (1ℓ)
271 yen
*Source
- Rent
“Housing and Land Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Average rent per month (excluding free rent) for privately rented apartments/houses (exclusively residential dwelling) with a total floor area of 29m2 or less in each prefectural capital - Electricity, gas, and water costs
“Family Income and Expenditure Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Per capita expenditure calculated as the monthly average of total annual expenditures on utilities (electricity, gas, and water) per household in each prefectural capital, divided by the average number of members in each household - Eating out (Ramen) / White bread (1kg) / Milk (1ℓ)
“Retail Price Survey (Trend Survey): August 2024,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Related links
Number of international students by country
China
South Korea
Vietnam
Total number of international students in Japan: 279,274
Total number of international students in Shiga Prefecture: 1,873
Based on 2023 “Annual Survey of International Students in Japan”
List of universities in each area
If an area has nine schools or less with information published in the “School & Program search” section of the website, the names of the schools are listed in no particular order. If there are 10 or more schools, those schools will not be posted on this page. Click the “Go to School & Program search” button and use the search function to see a list of the schools.