The relentless influx of tourists means that popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are getting noticeably more crowded as the day goes by. More importantly, sticking strictly to an itinerary focused on these three major hubs means easily bypassing the locations that were absolutely central to Japan’s past. If you’re interested in exploring the deeper side of Japan’s history and culture, specifically the forgotten world that surrounds the word “samurai,” you must venture beyond the well-worn path.
Turn your attention to a region that once held the balance of national power: Shiga Prefecture, which sits surprisingly close to Kyoto.
A quick look back
What is now Shiga Prefecture was once the historically significant Ōmi Province, a central region where Japan’s main roads intersected and where armies, merchants, and travellers frequently passed. With the expansive Lake Biwa at its heart, the area naturally provided major strategic advantages for anyone seeking to gain power. This strategic location is precisely where figures like Oda Nobunaga, a powerful samurai and daimyō (a regional lord who controlled land, armies, and political authority), chose to build his impressive Azuchi Castle to demonstrate his strength.
After Nobunaga came Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the skilled strategist who rose from humble origins to unify the country, and he based himself at Nagahama Castle during his climb to power. Ōmi was the vital ground where their national ambitions began, making it a compelling place for anyone who truly wants to step into the world of the samurai.
What to visit
Let’s address the hard truth first: if your primary travel goal is to wear samurai armor on demand, I have to manage your expectations. In Shiga, a daily, walk-in armor rental shop is not the norm. While occasional special events, like the memorable Samurai Armour Experience in Hikone, where visitors tried on the bright red armor of the famously brave Ii Clan, do happen, they are rare. However, don’t let that deter you. Even without the full historical costume, you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic samurai spirit. Shiga is rich with places offering real warrior history and a powerfully atmospheric environment waiting to be explored.
Hikone Castle – Photo Credit: Martin Falbisoner on Wikipedia
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s five National Treasure castles and one of the few still standing in its original form. Built in the early 1600s by the Ii Clan, loyal allies of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it served as an important stronghold for the Tokugawa Shogunate. Visitors can walk through the original keep, explore the defensive structures, and then head to the Hikone Castle Museum to see samurai armor, swords, and artifacts from the Ii family. The grounds also include Genkyuen Garden, a peaceful spot that reflects how the lords once relaxed when not in battle.
Website: https://hikonecastle.com/
Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00
Admission:
- Castle + garden – ¥1,000
- Museum – ¥700
- Combo ticket – ¥1,500
*Those are guide prices. Please check the full list of rates here
Location: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061
Model of Azuchi Castle – Photo Credit: Azuchi Castle Museum
Azuchi Castle Museum
Although only the ruins of Azuchi Castle remain, you can still experience part of it at the Azuchi Castle Museum. The museum lets you feel as if you were in the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, named after this famous castle. The original castle, built between 1576 and 1579, was one of Oda Nobunaga’s main fortresses. The museum displays detailed models and reconstructions of the castle, including a full-scale replica of its distinctive seven-story tower. It also exhibits samurai armor and weapons from the era, helping you understand the ambition and style of the man who nearly unified all of Japan.
Website: https://www.azuchi-shiga.com/n-jyoukakusiryoukan.htm (in Japanese)
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Monday)
Admission:
- Adults – ¥200
- Students – ¥150
- Children – ¥100
Location: 700 Azuchicho Konaka, Omihachiman, Shiga 521-1343
Nagahama Castle – Photo Credit: Nagahama Castle History Museum
Nagahama Castle
Nagahama Castle gives you a close look at one of the most important chapters in Shiga’s samurai history. The original castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi when he was still rising to power, and the location shows how he used Lake Biwa to control trade and movement in the region. The current keep is a reconstruction, yet the museum inside does a good job explaining Hideyoshi’s life, his military strategies, and how the surrounding castle town developed under his rule. The lakeside park around the castle makes the visit calm and easy, so you can take in both the history and the scenery without rushing.
Website: https://nagahama-rekihaku.jp/
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Monday)
Admission:
- Adults (+15) ¥500
- Children (+6) ¥200
Location: 10-10 Koencho, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0065
Koka Ninja House – Photo Credit: Koka Kanko
Koka Ninja House
The Koka Ninja House is a restored Edo-period residence built in the Genroku era and once tied to Mochizuki Izumonokami, a leading figure among the Koka ninja families. The home looks simple from the outside, yet it hides trapdoors, secret stairways, and escape routes that show how these warriors protected themselves and moved unseen. Visitors can explore the hidden mechanisms, learn about the tactics of the Koka clans, and try hands-on activities that bring their history to life.
Website: https://www.kouka-ninjya.com/la_en/
Opening hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Wednesday)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission:
- Adults (+12) – ¥750
- Children (+3) – ¥550
*Those are guide prices. Please check the full list of rates here
Location: 2331 Konancho Ryuboshi, Koka, Shiga 520-3311
Ninja experience – Photo Credit: Norma Delgado
Koka Ninja Village
This playful experience lets you dive into the history of the Koka ninja clans. Set in a quiet wooded area, it mixes hands-on activities with small exhibits, so you learn by doing rather than just looking. You can try shuriken throwing, walk through obstacle paths, and explore buildings styled after traditional ninja training spaces. The atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, though the stories behind the displays still point to the real tactics and discipline that shaped the region’s warrior culture. It is a simple but enjoyable stop if you want an active taste of Koka’s past.
Website: https://koka.ninpou.jp/
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Monday)
Admission:
- Adults (+18) – ¥2,000
- Children – ¥1,500
*Those are guide prices. Please check the full list of rates here
Location: 394 Kokacho Oki, Koka, Shiga 520-3405
Samegai-juku – Photo Credit: 663highland
Samegai-Juku
If you’re looking for a quieter experience while enjoying the historical depth of old Japan, Samegai-juku in Maibara is a great choice. This small post town once welcomed samurai and travelers moving between Kyoto and Edo, and it still keeps that calm, old-fashioned atmosphere. The clear Jizogawa River runs through the middle of the town, and in summer, you can see water buttercups blooming in the stream. A few buildings from the Edo period still stand, so walking here feels simple and real, almost like stepping back in time. It is an easy place to visit if you want history without crowds.
Website: https://koka.ninpou.jp/
Location: 428 Samegai, Maibara, Shiga 521-0035
A suit of samurai armor on an armor stand – Photo Credit: delo on Pixabay
Shiga is the ultimate destination for exploring deep samurai history without the overwhelming crowds. The region’s castles, historic post towns, and secretive ninja spots all reveal essential pieces of the story that forged modern Japan, and walking through them feels genuinely relaxed and authentic.
Even if the opportunity to wear full armor is limited, you can easily absorb the atmosphere and stand in the very places where legendary warriors trained, traveled, and consolidated their power. If your curiosity about Japan’s past demands an itinerary that moves beyond the typical tourist route, Shiga is the perfect place to conclude your journey, leaving you with a profound sense of calm and genuine historical discovery.
Featured Photo Credit: Karori Production
