Category:Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) is located in the Kansai region of central Honshū, surrounding the vast Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. The prefecture’s fertile plains, rivers, and scenic mountains have long shaped its culture, agriculture, and craft traditions.

The capital, Ōtsu, and other towns along Lake Biwa have historically been hubs of trade and transport, linking Kyoto with eastern Japan. Shiga’s landscape and waterways played a crucial role in commerce, religious pilgrimages, and cultural exchange throughout Japanese history.

Culturally, Shiga blends natural beauty with artisan craftsmanship. It is home to famous festivals such as the Otsu Matsuri and is known for traditional crafts like Shigaraki ware pottery, Omi textiles, and handcrafted paper. Shiga’s combination of historic legacy, natural scenery, and enduring craft traditions gives the prefecture a distinct identity within Kansai.

Signature Crafts of Shiga Prefecture

• Shigaraki ware (信楽焼) – rustic stoneware pottery, one of Japan’s “Six Ancient Kilns,” known for tea vessels and garden figures.
• Omi textiles (近江上布) – linen and hemp fabrics with historical significance and refined weaving techniques.
• Handmade paper (washi) – produced in local villages using traditional methods.
• Lacquerware and woodcraft – including utensils and small decorative objects tied to daily life.