Shiga Prefecture is located in Japan’s Kansai region, with its capital in Ōtsu City. The borders of modern-day Shiga align exactly with those of the historical province of Ōmi, and the area has long prospered as a vital transportation hub and strategic point. One of its most iconic features is Lake Biwa, which accounts for about one-sixth of the prefecture’s total area. The lake is deeply intertwined with Shiga's natural environment, culture, and economy, earning the prefecture the nickname “The Land of the Lake.”
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and because it supplies abundant water resources to Kyoto and Osaka, it is often referred to as the “Water Reservoir of the Kansai Region.” Despite being an inland prefecture, the presence of the lake allows Shiga to host around 20 fishing ports, and historically it was a thriving center for waterborne trade. Port towns like Ōtsu and Katata developed as crucial points linking Wakasa Bay with Kyoto and Osaka.
Due to its position at the intersection of major land routes such as the Tōkaidō, Nakasendō, and Hokurikudō, Shiga was historically an important strategic location. During the Warring States period, it was said that “Whoever controls Ōmi controls the nation,” highlighting its significance to those in power throughout various eras.
In modern times, Shiga has developed as a part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. The Konan region, including cities like Ōtsu and Kusatsu, has seen rapid population growth, becoming a bedroom community for neighboring urban centers thanks to the expansion of express train services. Areas like Minami-Kusatsu Station have urbanized with the development of condominiums and commercial facilities. On the other hand, regions like Kohoku and Koto still retain expansive rural landscapes, and although regional disparities exist, local revitalization efforts are actively underway.
Industrially, Shiga is one of Western Japan’s leading manufacturing prefectures, with the secondary sector accounting for approximately 48% of its gross prefectural product—the highest in the country. Thanks to a well-developed logistics infrastructure, many distribution centers and factories are located within the prefecture. Since World War II, the region has also become known as a leader in environmental awareness, attracting businesses and talent.
Climatically, Shiga experiences gradual variations due to the terrain surrounding Lake Biwa. The southern region exhibits characteristics of the Pacific and Seto Inland Sea climates, while the northern areas are part of the Sea of Japan climate zone. In particular, Kosei and Kohoku are known for heavy snowfall, with past records of snowfall exceeding 6 to 7 meters in places like Yogo Town in Nagahama City. However, the climate around the lake tends to be relatively mild, with less severe summer heat and winter cold compared to other basins.
In terms of transportation, Shiga has strong ties with the Chubu region, and because of its position bridging the Kansai and Chubu areas, it actively participates in regional collaboration. Along with Fukui, Gifu, and Mie prefectures, it forms the so-called “Republic of Central Japan”, promoting regional development and cultural exchange through broad-area cooperation.
With its unique characteristics in nature, transportation, history, and industry, Shiga Prefecture is beloved by many as a distinctive region in the Kansai area, standing out for its harmonious blend of rich natural beauty and historical culture, centered around Lake Biwa.