Shiga
URL: https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/jp-pref-shiga.html

A prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, with its capital at Otsu.

## Overview

Shiga is a first-level administrative division of [Japan](https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/japan.html) 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](https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/concepts/jp-shinkansen-tokaido.html) runs via Maibara toward Kyoto; Maibara is also the junction of the Hokuriku and Tokaido Main lines.

Updated: 2026-10-28

Tags:
- 行政区划 https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/tags/admin-division.html

Sources:
- 滋賀県 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%BB%8B%E8%B3%80%E7%9C%8C 日本語ウィキペディア・公式サイト, 2026-10-28確認