Go!Central Japan × Centrip JapanStep on to the JR Shinkansen
and Back in Time on the Tokaido

The unique food culture of Shiga is centered about fermented foods. The area has a rich tradition of cooking with freshwater fish from Lake Biwa, creating its own brand of sushi using fermented fish (to help with long-term preservation). The local type of sushi is called funazushi, and is made using fermented buna [crucian carp] fished from Lake Biwa. It has a sharp and vinegary flavor that lovers of bleu cheese will surely love! Funazushi is often presented as a gift. Long ago, it was used as an offering to the gods at Shinto shrines and later it was given to the shogun in Edo because funazushi became a favorite of the shogun's family.

Shiga is home to some excellent alcoholic drinks. You'll find craft beer, unfiltered wine, and a whiskey distillery. While you're in town, checking out these wonderful local brews is highly recommended. These places are a little bit off the beaten path, but well-worth checking out if you have time..

The Lake Biwa area isn't all about eating though. There's a lot of beautiful nature to explore here as well. The best way to experience Lake Biwa is on a bicycle. There are rental cycle companies located by the lake that offer not just bikes, but also tours of the nearby countryside. You can make your way around the lake on a bicycle, enjoy the scenery and local cuisine, or head out away from the lake and check out some of the historical places around the area. There are farms, temples, and shrines to be explored.