2025 Taga Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍Taga Taisha, Shiga Taga Taisha is a shrine that has long been affectionately known as Otaga-san, and is dedicated to the god of longevity and matchmaking. The Manto Festival is a festival to give thanks to the god who protects the spirits of ancestors in the underworld. It is held every year on August 3rd after sunset at Sugisakayama, where a purified fire cut according to ancient customs is carried to the main shrine, and over 10,000 lanterns donated from all over the country are lit! It is also famous as a summer feature of Shiga Prefecture. I've been wanting to go for a long time, and this year I was finally able to go! ☺️ The light of over 10,000 lanterns is very beautiful and worth seeing🏮 I also received a paper-cut goshuin with the date of the Manto Festival, and I was able to take a very nice photo with the lantern📷 Because it was a festival, it was very lively and there were many stalls set up🧡 *By the way, I love Taga Taisha's specialty, "Itokirimochi"♡ Add excitement to your daily life:🌙 Festival period: August 3rd to 5th Lighting time: 19:00 to 21:30 Number of lanterns offered: about 10,000 lanterns📍 Taga Taisha📮 604 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture🚗 10 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway "Hikone IC"🚃 10 minutes on foot from Omi Railway "Taga Taisha-mae Station" #SummerFestival #Shiga #ShigaTourism #DomesticTravel #ShigaTrip #SummerEvent

"Kawachi no Kazaana" is located deep in the mountains east of Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. It is an underground limestone cave created by karst topography. The entrance is small, only 1m high, but once you pass through it, you will find a surprisingly large limestone hall. The inside is a natural air conditioner that is 12-13℃ throughout the year, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is not so cool that it is chilly, so you should bring a jacket even on a midsummer day. Be careful when visiting precision machinery, as it will become cloudy with condensation the moment you go outside the cave. You can only visit the cave. The walking path is about 200m long (it dead-ends midway) The inside of the cave is quiet and very mysterious A mossy stream flows along the hiking trail from the entrance to the cave, and the negative ions and fresh greenery make it refreshing and cool This is a recommended cooling spot for those who want to escape the heat and enjoy the cool weather 📍Location: Kawachi, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture 💰Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children 🅿️Parking: 40 regular cars, 400 yen for 2 hours 🗓️Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 in summer (April to October) / Winter 10:00 to 17:00 (November to March) 🚗Access: 30 minutes by taxi from JR Biwako Line Hikone Station, approx. 25 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway Hikone IC #Absolutely free trip #Shiga Prefecture #Cool spot #Breathtaking view

⛩️ : Taga Taisha 📍Address: 604 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga 522-0341 🕰️Business hours: 8:00-17:00 ___________________________________________ A shrine with a history dating back to the 7th century. The worship hall has an overwhelming presence and there are many things to see. Every year, many people visit the shrine at the beginning of the year, and many stalls are set up, making it lively☀️It is expected to be crowded during the New Year's season, so please make sure you have plenty of time to visit☝🏻 #Absolutely free trip #Domestic travel #Shiga

✨ An experiential tour that appeals to the five senses • There is a corner where you can taste malt and learn by touching, smelling, and tasting the aroma of hops  • Check the difference in taste by comparing the first-pressed wort and the second-pressed wort 🎥 Realistic production using video and equipment • Experience the CG video of the manufacturing process on a large screen and the flow of preparation → fermentation → packaging in lines 🍻 Experience the "fresh taste" by tasting • Tasting (20-25 minutes) including freshly poured first-pressed, black draft, and three premium types by the brewery master  • Soft drink alternatives are available for those who do not like alcohol or those who are driving 🏞 You can visit two facilities in one day, beer and tea • You can also visit the "Afternoon Tea" manufacturing factory on the same premises. Fun for both children and adults  📦 Limited edition goods and photo spots • Original souvenirs only available here (goods, snacks, etc.)  • Photo spots with the brewing kettle in the background and trick art 🗾 Location and access rich in nature • Gardens maintained on a vast site the size of 10 Koshien Stadiums • Accessible by JR Minamihikone Station or Omi Railway/car #Absolutely free trip #Domestic trip #Factory tour #Shiga

I went on a tour of the Kirin Afternoon Tea factory in Taga, Shiga Prefecture. I recommend visiting by car. Reservations are required, but because the tour is conducted in small groups, it is easy to ask questions and I was able to take my time to look around the factory. I rarely have had the chance to learn about the tea-making process and the care that goes into making it, so this was a great opportunity. After the tour, we had time to compare different teas and buy souvenirs, and although it was about two hours, it was very fulfilling. I'd like to visit the beer section again. #Taga #ShigaPrefecture

#aprilblooms It is the first shrine in Omi Province that gathers national beliefs as the parent deity of life that has benefits such as healing, longevity, matchmaking, and ward off bad luck. Takeda Shingen prayed for the exorcism, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi prayed for the extension of the life of his mother hall, and it was highly respected by the warlords of the Sengoku period at that time. It is known as "Otaga-san" and is still visited by about 1.7 million worshippers a year. The enshrined deities are Izanagi Omikami and Izanami Omikami, who first formed a marital contract in the past of the Shindai era and gave birth to the land of Japan and eight million gods. Since he is the parent deity of Amaterasu Omikami, the enshrined deity of Ise Jingu Shrine, he has a deep relationship with Ise Jingu Shrine, and it is so much sung that "If you come to Ise, come to Otaga, you are the child of Ise Otaga."

#Spring0yentrip "Emon Street" in Taga Town, Shiga Prefecture is a historic street that has flourished since ancient times as a temple town of Taga Taisha Shrine. The road is about 500m long and is lined with old-fashioned townhouses, long-established Japanese sweet shops, souvenir shops, and charming teahouses, creating a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere. As the name suggests, it is a walking spot surrounded by a warm atmosphere that makes you feel like "good fortune comes to a smiling gate." Along the way, there is a shop where you can taste the specialty "Itokirimochi", and the chewy and slightly sweet mochi is perfect for a body tired from walking! The townscape is picturesque no matter where you look, so you can enjoy a retro stroll around the town with a camera in hand. The light shining through the curtains and the shadows cast by the wooden buildings are so beautiful that you will forget the time. Also, Taga Taisha Shrine is located at the end of the street, so it is a perfect detour before or after visiting the shrine! It's a warm place where you can enjoy not only sightseeing but also interacting with local people, so please take a leisurely stroll. 📍Basic information (check the official website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture (around Taga Taisha Shrine) ✴︎Access: A short walk from Omi Railway's Taga Taisha-mae Station ✴︎Fee: Free to stroll around (separate use of each store) ✴︎Opening hours: Varies by store (approximately 10:00 a.m. to early evening) Emoji-dori is a place where you can relax with the leisurely flow of time and warm human kindness. Enjoy a walk around the town that will put a smile on your face♪

#Spring0yenTrip Taga Taisha, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a shrine that has long been loved as the "guardian deity of Omi" and was founded about 1,300 years ago. The grounds, with their eye-catching large torii gates, are surrounded by nature in all four seasons, making it a place where you can feel at peace no matter what season you visit. In particular, the old trees lining the approach and the majestic main hall are beautiful landscapes that evoke a sense of history, and are popular photo spots. Taga Taisha is a place where locals and tourists come to worship, as it is said to bring various benefits such as business prosperity, traffic safety, and matchmaking. It is said that if you touch the huge sacred tree called "Oki" inside the main hall, your heart will be purified, so be sure to feel its power! The grounds also feature the "Taga Ojin Statue" and the "Taga Taisha Shrine Gate," where you can feel the charm of a shrine that has walked with history. There are also beautiful gardens and teahouses in the surrounding area, making it a perfect place to spend some relaxing time♪ 📍Basic information (check the official website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: 1161 Taga, Taga-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga ✴︎Access: 10 minutes on foot from JR Taga Taisha-mae Station / 20 minutes by car from Meishin Hikone IC ✴︎Admission: Free to visit (stamps and other items are charged) ✴︎Opening hours: Open all day (varies depending on the shrine facility) Calm your mind and spend a moment of prayer at Taga Taisha, surrounded by a sacred atmosphere♪

Taga Taisha, affectionately known as "O-Taga-san," is one of Shiga Prefecture's most renowned power spots. Revered as a deity of health, longevity, and matchmaking, this historic shrine exudes a serene atmosphere that touches the soul. The approach to the shrine is lined with charming souvenir shops, where you can enjoy strolling while sampling the famous Ito-kiri mochi. Inside the shrine grounds, pass through the grand gate to reach the main hall. Surrounded by nature, the tranquil moments spent in prayer here offer a true reset for the mind. The scenery changes with the seasons, making it a delightful photo spot—cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves in fall. After your visit, head to "Cafe Yasashii Uta" in Mie Prefecture, about a 15-minute drive away. This hidden gem is a renovated traditional farmhouse nestled in a lush natural setting. The interior radiates the warmth of wood, and the cafe is popular for its gentle lunches and sweets made with local ingredients. With terrace seating available, you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely time. 📍Basic Information (Check the official website for the latest updates) ✴︎ Taga Taisha: 604 Taga, Taga Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture / 10-minute walk from Omi Railway "Taga Taisha-mae Station" ✴︎ Admission: Free ✴︎ Hours: Grounds open freely (Shrine office: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) ✴︎ Cafe Yasashii Uta: 1021 Akagi, Hokusei Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture / About 15 minutes by car from Taga Taisha ✴︎ Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) This day trip course is perfect for seeking blessings and relaxation. It might just be the kind of day that lightens your heart.

📍Kawachi Wind Cave, Shiga Prefecture The legendary Kawachi Wind Cave Kawachi Wind Cave, located in Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, is a huge limestone cave at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains. The vast space inside the cave is breathtaking in its wild yet mysterious beauty. It changes daily due to natural conditions, and the entire picture has not yet been clarified, so you can experience the feeling of exploring underground in this untouched limestone cave, which is a little different from tourist caves. Go on an exploration to find the small entrance that gapes in the mountainside. Please come and visit! #0yentravelJanuary2025

📍 Shiga/Taga Morning The second store of "Iwasaki Coffee Shop" opened on October 29, 2024~ "Iwasaki Coffee Shop Bread and Coffee Direct Sales Store" Iwasaki Morning C Drink + 250 yen Iwasaki Blend S 550 yen 6-8 types of bread are included‼️ You can eat this assortment for +250 yen It's the best~✨✨ If you can't finish it, you can take it home in a plastic bag in the store◎ The main store in Hikone is cool, but The second store was just too cute💖💖💖 Customers came one after another and there was a line when I left the store✨✨ #FritabiWinter

Taga Taisha Shrine ⛩️ ◆10 minutes from Meishin Hikone I.C. ◆15 minutes from Meishin Koto Sanzan Smart I.C. ◆Transfer at JR Hikone Station, get off at Omi Railway "Taga Taisha-mae" station, 10 minutes walk Shiga Prefecture's first shrine, affectionately known as "Otaga-san" since ancient times ⛩️ As the parent deity of life, it has long been famous as the god of "longevity, matchmaking, and protection from evil" 🕊️ Many people come to visit the shrine for the first time of the year during the New Year 🎍 There will be many stalls, so please enjoy them all! #0yentravelautumn #shiga 📍Location: 604 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture

#Japan and Korea Springtime Destinations Taga Taisha Shrine is an ancient shrine with a history of more than 1,300 years. Its quiet and elegant park scenery has always attracted countless tourists to visit. The most impressive thing are the dozens of ancient giant trees in the community. These huge nanmu pillars, which can be hundreds of years old, reach into the sky and stand tall in various parts of the park. Many huge tree trunks are connected as crowns, forming natural green corridors, adding a refreshing forest fragrance to the park. In addition to the shade of giant trees, another major feature of the park is the gurgling clear spring waterfall. There are seven waterfalls in the park, cascading down. The clear waters converge into streams that flow across the park. Being in it, you feel like you are in a paradise on earth, listening to the gurgling sound of streams and waterfalls, breathing in the fresh air filled with the fragrance of green grass, feeling relaxed and happy. No wonder this park is known as the quiet and peaceful "hometown of the gods". Coming here, it feels like entering a secluded secret place of meditation, immersed in the tranquility and peace of nature, feeling relaxed and happy.

・I went to Taga Taisha Shrine in Shiga Prefecture for the first visit of the year. ●Crowdedness: There were a lot of people, but we were able to move forward smoothly (morning) ●There are many stalls and the famous itokiri mochi, so it's also recommended for families with children. ●Hot amazake (sweet sake) seeps into your cold body. (300 yen per cup, tables available) #Taga Taisha Shrine