Shiga

Overview

Shiga is a first-level administrative division of Japan in the Kansai region. Its area is about 4,017 km2 and its population about 0.0 million (2024), with its capital at Otsu.

History

Part of old Omi Province held by the Azai and Rokkaku clans in the Sengoku era, with Hikone domain (Ii clan) in the Edo period; the prefecture formed in 1876.

Geography and industry

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, features Chikubu Island, Hikone Castle, Azuchi Castle ruins and Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji. It is a logistics hub linking the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe area with Nagoya; machinery and chemicals industries thrive.

Transport

Tokaido Shinkansen runs via Maibara toward Kyoto; Maibara is also the junction of the Hokuriku and Tokaido Main lines.