Summer 2013 fireworks in Shiga Prefecture

Here’s the fireworks (hanabi) schedule for Shiga Prefecture in summer 2013 listed by date. If you want to see the schedule for 2013 summer festivals (matsuri) instead, click here. Essential… Read more

Shiga’s Top 10 festivals in April-May

Updated: Aug. 2, 2025 April is a great month. Soon after the onslaught of cherry blossoms, we have an onslaught of festivals (matsuri). This is the time to go out… Read more

Shiga’s top cherry blossom spots

Updated: March 27, 2023 Here are my favorite cherry blossoms (called sakura in Japanese) in Shiga. They bloom in April, starting with southern Shiga (Otsu, etc.) and followed by northern Shiga… Read more

Hina-matsuri doll festivals in Shiga 2013

Hina-matsuri dolls (雛祭りの雛人形) are being displayed at various locations in Shiga to celebrate Girl’s Day on March 3. On the weekend of Feb. 23-24, 2013, Gokasho in Higashi-Omi is having… Read more

London Olympic medalists from Shiga Prefecture

Big congratulations to Shiga-native and Shiga-based Olympians who won medals at the London 2012 Olympics. They include Olympians who made history as being Japan’s first Olympic medalist in their sport.… Read more

Golden Week festivals in Shiga

This page is outdated. See the latest version here: https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2017/04/videos-of-golden-week-festivals-in-shiga/ Golden Week is Japan’s spring vacation from late April to early May with a string of national holidays. April 29… Read more

Sagicho Matsuri at Omi-Hachiman

The Sagicho Matsuri (左義長まつり) in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga will be held on March 17-18, 2012. This is one of Shiga’s must-see festivals. The annual Sagicho Matsuri is a dramatic parade and… Read more

Hina-matsuri doll festivals in Shiga

Updated: Feb. 15, 2017 Hina-matsuri dolls (雛祭りの雛人形) are being displayed at the following locations in eastern Shiga to celebrate Girl’s Day on March 3. Gokasho, Higashi-Omi: Normal hina ningyo dolls are displayed… Read more