A comprehensive guide to accessing Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine, as well as the recommended tours to visit the large torii gate!

A comprehensive guide to accessing Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine, as well as the recommended tours to visit the large torii gate!
Update Date:
Activity Japan Editorial Department

On this page, Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine Special feature on Shirahige Jinja (pronounced Shirahige Jinja)!

Access, directions, nearest station, parking information, etc. Recommended activity tour to visit the floating torii gate on the lake We will introduce it in detail.

There are various benefits The most spiritual and power spot in the Lake Biwa area Let's check out all the information you need to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine Tour Popularity Ranking

First of all, based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine Tour Popularity Ranking "We would like to introduce you to "

It can be said to be synonymous with Shirahige Shrine. Tours that allow you to visit the floating torii gate on the lake are popular We are collecting.

Tour contents and fees (prices), Check out the reviews and testimonials Please use this to help you compare plans.

POINT!
We expect many reservations and inquiries for each plan during weekends, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, Silver Week, and other long holiday seasons. We recommend that you check the availability of your schedule and make reservations early.
1 Rank

Biwako Valley & Shirahige Shrine Day Tour

Shuzenji Takitei Co., Ltd.
Otsu
8,450 Yen ~ (tax included)

Lake Biwa: Japan's largest freshwater lake, located on the border between Honshu and the Kansai region, and one of the oldest in the world. Shirahige Shrine: One of the oldest shrines in the area, with a floating torii gate on the shore of Lake Biwa. Ukimido: Built on an artificial island in Lake Biwa, also known as the "Water Palace." La Collina: A cafe located in the midst of lush nature that serves baumkuchen, bread, and light meals.

2 Rank

[Takashima City, Shiga] Experience SUP in the beautiful waters of Lake Biwako. Take a photo in front of the large torii gate of Shirahige Shrine!

BLUE bike&soap
Lake West
6,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

A SUP tour to the great torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, a photogenic spot for Biwako. We offer an extraordinary experience as you ride on a SUP over the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Lake Kita to the great torii gate of Shirahige Shrine. Take a commemorative photo in front of the great torii gate. The great torii gate towering over the lake is very impressive! The water of the lake is crystal clear along the way, so you may encounter fish and turtles. Of course, if this is your first time SUPing,

3 Rank

[Shiga, Lake Biwa] Visit Shirahige Shrine and the Torii Gate in the Lake by Kayak (120 minutes)

GOODTIMES Shirohigehama store
Lake West
6,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.7
  • (42 reviews and experiences)

Would you like to go kayaking on Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan? With this plan, you can visit the torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, the oldest shrine in Shiga Prefecture, from the lake. This is a popular tour where you can fully experience the divine torii gate and the vastness of Lake Biwa.

4 Rank

[Lake Biwa SUP experience] Lake Biwa, Kosai SUP, Shirahige Shrine visit plan (2 hours)

SUP - KYOTO SUP TRIP -
Lake West
5,500 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.7
  • (130 reviews and experiences)

A SUP experience tour heading to the mystical Shirahige Shrine with its beautiful, crystal clear water and floating torii gates! In the beautiful western part of Lake Biwa, which boasts the best water quality, you can feel the overwhelming vastness of Lake Biwa and the grandeur of nature while gazing at the horizon. Enjoy the majestic mountains and the beautiful Lake Biwa! You can also take a commemorative photo in front of the torii gate in the middle of the lake! The destination is Shirahige Shrine.

5 Rank

[Shiga / Lake Biwa SUP Tour! Lake West] COVID-19-proofed, Instagram-worthy power spot with a spectacular view! Shirahige Shrine SUP Tour!!

NORTHSTYLE Oku-Biwako
Lake West
5,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

Located on the west side of Lake Biwa, also known as the Mother Lake of Japan, is Shirahige Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in Omi, in Takashima City. It is also a popular power spot and a popular spot for posting on social media! This tour will take you to the majestic floating torii gate there! The water is so clear that on a clear day you might mistake it for the sea, and the location changes in various ways depending on the season and time of day.

Recommended tour plan for Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine

" Shirahige Shrine What tours can you enjoy? "or" What's the best way to see Shirahige Shrine? I'm sure there are many people researching tourist information such as "."

If you want to enjoy Shirahige Shrine to the fullest, Visit the floating torii gate on the lake through an activity tour This is the recommended way to enjoy it.

Ride on a "SUP" or "canoe/kayak" A tour to the large torii gate that cannot be reached by land is gaining popularity.

From here, we will introduce some carefully selected activities by the Activity Japan editorial team. Recommended tour plan for Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine "We will introduce you to "

Shirahige Shrine Otorii SUP (stand-up paddle) tour

[Lake Biwa SUP experience] Lake Biwa, Kosai SUP, Shirahige Shrine visit plan (2 hours)

SUP - KYOTO SUP TRIP -
Lake West
5,500 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.7
  • (130 reviews and experiences)

A SUP experience tour heading to the mystical Shirahige Shrine with its beautiful, crystal clear water and floating torii gates! In the beautiful western part of Lake Biwa, which boasts the best water quality, you can feel the overwhelming vastness of Lake Biwa and the grandeur of nature while gazing at the horizon. Enjoy the majestic mountains and the beautiful Lake Biwa! You can also take a commemorative photo in front of the torii gate in the middle of the lake! The destination is Shirahige Shrine.

[Takashima City, Shiga] Experience SUP in the beautiful waters of Lake Biwako. Take a photo in front of the large torii gate of Shirahige Shrine!

BLUE bike&soap
Lake West
6,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

A SUP tour to the great torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, a photogenic spot for Biwako. We offer an extraordinary experience as you ride on a SUP over the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Lake Kita to the great torii gate of Shirahige Shrine. Take a commemorative photo in front of the great torii gate. The great torii gate towering over the lake is very impressive! The water of the lake is crystal clear along the way, so you may encounter fish and turtles. Of course, if this is your first time SUPing,

Shirahige Shrine Torii Canoe/Kayak Tour

[Shiga, Lake Biwa] Visit Shirahige Shrine and the Torii Gate in the Lake by Kayak (120 minutes)

GOODTIMES Shirohigehama store
Lake West
6,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.7
  • (42 reviews and experiences)

Would you like to go kayaking on Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan? With this plan, you can visit the torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, the oldest shrine in Shiga Prefecture, from the lake. This is a popular tour where you can fully experience the divine torii gate and the vastness of Lake Biwa.

What is Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine?

A comprehensive guide to accessing Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine, as well as the recommended tours to visit the large torii gate!

Located on the west side of Lake Biwa, in Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Shirahige Shrine (Reading: Shirahige Jinja) "

It is said to be the oldest shrine in Omi, "The White-bearded God of Longevity and Life" It is a shrine representing the Lake Biwa area and has been revered since ancient times.

Also, Benefits include matchmaking, fertility, good fortune, protection from disasters, prosperity in business, and road safety. Since ancient times, he has been worshipped as a god who guides and opens the way for all things in the human world.

A large torii gate that appears to float on the lake It is a spot visited by many tourists and worshippers as a model course for sightseeing around Lake Biwa.

Cruise around the Great Torii Gate "SUP" and "canoe/kayak" tours are popular We are collecting.

History and Divine Virtue

Deity Sarutahiko
Alternative name Shirahige Myojin and Hira Myojin
Divine crest Left three-cornered
Annual Festival (Spring) May 3rd (Autumn Festival) September 5th and 6th

Admission Fee

free

parking

Available (30 spaces)

Access to Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine

The location and address of Shirahige Shrine is: 215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-1122 .

The nearest station is Omi-Takashima Station on the JR Kosei Line. It will be.

In the following, Main access methods and directions to Shirahige Shrine We have summarized the following.

By car

  • Kyoto Higashi IC → Kosai Road / National Route 161, head north for 40km → Shirahige Shrine (travel time: about 40 minutes)
  • Maibara JCT → Hokuriku Expressway → Kinomoto IC → Head south on National Route 8, Route 303, and Route 161 for 45km → Shirahige Shrine (travel time: about 1 hour 15 minutes)

By train

  • JR Kosei Line, Omi-Takashima Station → Taxi → Shirahige Shrine (Time required: approx. 5 minutes)
  • JR Kosei Line, Omi-Takashima Station → Walk → Shirahige Shrine (Time required: approx. 40 minutes)

A model sightseeing course around Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine

A comprehensive guide to accessing Lake Biwa and Shirahige Shrine, as well as the recommended tours to visit the large torii gate!

Shirahige Shrine Takashima City, where the school is located, is a popular destination with many visitors from the Sea of Japan side, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukui. A popular area for sightseeing and driving is.

A recommended sightseeing model course is to join the Otorii worship activity tour and enjoy the surrounding tourist spots and gourmet food. .

Finally, the lakeside of Lake Biwa Sightseeing spots around Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture We will introduce you to the following:

Metasequoia Tree Line

Approximately 500 metasequoia trees are planted along the 2.4 km long " Metasequoia Tree Line "

The tree-lined road that runs through the Makino Pickland Agricultural Park and continues to the Makino Plateau is Beautiful scenery for every season It is a spot where you can enjoy.

In 1994 Selected as one of the "New 100 Landscapes of Japanese Street Trees" by the Yomiuri Shimbun Since then, it has become a tourist landmark in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture.

Location/Address 〒520-1835 Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

Recommended Plans

[Shiga / Lake Biwa] Mountain bike tour where you can enjoy the Metasequoia trees

MacEarth Co., Ltd.
Lake West
1,500 Yen ~ (tax included)

Cycling to the much talked about photogenic spot "Metasequoia Tree Line"! Fresh greenery in early summer, red leaves in autumn. Enjoy the beauty of each season. Enjoy comfortable touring on a mountain bike from the famous brand GT! ~Experience process~① Gathering and check-in Please gather and check-in. ※Check the terms of use, fill out the application form. ② Explanation Please read the precautions and mountain bike information.

Cherry blossoms of Kaizu Osaki

Approximately 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the 4-kilometer shoreline of Lake Biwa. Cherry blossoms of Kaizu Osaki "

Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" It is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Shiga Prefecture.

Also, One of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa: "Dawn Mist - The Reefs of Kaizu Osaki" It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and many tourists visit the area even outside of cherry blossom season.

Location/Address 〒520-1811 Kaizu, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

Lake Biwa Children's World, Shiga Prefecture

" is an outdoor park boasting a vast area on the shores of Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa Children's World, Shiga Prefecture "

There are athletic play equipment, an adventure waterway, a campsite, and the Rainbow House where you can enjoy various activities. There's plenty of content to stimulate your child's imagination This is the spot.

Of course, families with children, Recommended for couples and friends is.

Location/Address 2981 Kitafunagi, Azumigawa-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-1232
Fee Free admission
Opening times January to March 9:00 to 17:00
April to September 9:00 to 18:00
October to December 9:00 to 17:00

Makino Highlands

You can enjoy the nature of Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, in all seasons, regardless of the season. Makino Highlands "

Campsites, ski resorts, hot spring facilities, golf courses, etc. , and enjoy a variety of outdoor leisure and sports.

Around Lake Biwa A must for those who want to enjoy the outdoors It is a spot where you can say that.

Location/Address 931 Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-1836
Fee Day trips or car camping available
Opening times 9:00-16:00 (for day trips)

Biwako Hakodateyama Ski Resort

For those who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Takashima City, Biwako Hakodateyama Ski Resort " is recommended.

A slope with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa It is famous for its skiing and snowboarding, and is visited by many skiers and snowboarders during the winter sports season.

Of course, intermediate and advanced players will be satisfied, We also offer a wide range of school plans for beginners and kids. We are doing it.

Location/Address 〒520-1655 Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Imazu Town, Hioki
Fee Please check the official website for lift and gondola prices.
Business period December to March
Opening times 8:30 - 17:00 (varies depending on the day)

Recommended Plans

[Shiga / Takashima] Snowshoeing half day @ Hakodateyama Ski Resort

GOODTIMES Shirohigehama store
Lake West
5,500 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (1 review/experience)

Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa are areas with heavy snowfall. Enjoy a safe snow tour at the well-managed Hakodateyama Ski Resort! You can enjoy high-quality snow that you wouldn't expect to find in the Kansai region.

[Shiga, Takashima] "Snowboard" activity tour @ Hakodateyama Ski Resort

GOODTIMES Shirohigehama store
Lake West
5,500 Yen ~ (tax included)

Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture is a deep snow area. Enjoy a safe snow tour at the well-maintained Hakodateyama Ski Resort! An original tour only available at GOODTIMES! Get on a board called a "snow board" and play in the natural field! It's easier and more fun than a snowboard!

*The content of this article is current as of January 2025.

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