Events in Shiga

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

Taking place in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the Hikiyama Festival is named for the wheeled festival floats which are pulled along at many traditional festivals. However, the festival is known for …

Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

On the last Sunday of May each year, Higashiomi in Shiga Prefecture hosts a festival in which enormous traditional kites are hauled into the air by teams of up to 100 people. The festival …

Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

On the last Sunday of May each year, Higashiomi in Shiga Prefecture hosts a festival in which enormous traditional kites are hauled into the air by teams of up to 100 people. The festival …

The Japan International Birdman Rally

From a jetty jutting into Lake Biwa from the scenic Matsubara Beach in Hikone City, “bird men”—mildly insane people in human powered flying machines—will attempt to fly as …

Hikone and Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival 2023

Held by Matsubara Swimming Beach, this firework festival is an impressive display of over 10,000 rockets launched over Lake Biwa. Close to Hikone castle and with romantic cruises available, this …

Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks

This display takes place on the Northern side of the Lake Biwako at Nagahama Port. In normal years, there are 10,000 rockets launched above the water and the display is best viewed from the small …

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival

Watch as over 10,000 fireworks are launched over Lake Biwa, along with crowds of over 350,000 on a normal year. The event features fireworks and water jets to a create unique display with …

Otsu Hikiyama Festival

One of Shiga’s largest three festivals, the Otsu Hikiyama festival is a stunning display of elaborate Mikoshi and parades through the city streets.  The festival celebrates Otsu as a …

Nigohachi Festival

The Nigohachi Festival (ni-go-hachi means two-five-eight) is an autumn festival that takes place in Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture. The road is closed in front of the Higashiomi city office, with a …

Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival

This fiery celebration takes place in mid-March each year in and around Himure Hachimangu Shrine in the city of Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture. What happens In preparation for the festival, the …

Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

On the last Sunday of May each year, Higashiomi in Shiga Prefecture hosts a festival in which enormous traditional kites are hauled into the air by teams of up to 100 people. The festival …