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Lesser travelled Eastern Biwa is a complicated melting pot of regional cultures, crafts and history unique to central Japan. From the remarkable nature and pristinely preserved merchant towns of Shiga, to the atmospheric enclaves of Gifu, the spiritual hub of Eiheiji in Fukui, and the engaging Iga in Mie, the area has a depth and variety few regions of this size could hope to offer, all tied together with a history of significant castles and battlefields liberally spread around the four prefectures. Eastern Biwa affords a deep and interesting experience for any style of travel.

Our journey begins from historical and cultural hub Kyoto, first heading to quiet Iga and a gentle town stroll here provides an education in local folklore and crafts. 

Stay at a stylishly renovated premium townhouse inn in the centre of Iga and then head onwards by local train lines to the lovingly preserved merchant town of Omi-Hachiman in Shiga. Rent bikes to explore this quiet historic town and see the wider area, connecting to Lake Biwa to the north-west.

After a comfortable stay at an historic private residence close to Hikone Castle, head east by train to Gifu Prefecture and the remarkable Sekigahara &ndash; an important site of historic conflict, which featured one of the key battles in the unification of Japan, where the country underwent dramatic change. Learn about this fascinating turning point through museums and key sites in the area. 

Head on to Gifu town, with another iconic castle in the area, together with an immersive historic quarter. Heading on finally to Fukui, and explore the delightful cuisine and local culture of the region, together with two excellent walks, one culminating in a dramatic arrival at Eiheiji; the key spiritual site of the region, and another to learn about the feudal lifestyle at a restored museum at the Ichijodani village ruins before heading onwards by train.

To extend the trip further, it is possible to add additional days in the Shiga pottery village of Shigaraki and the historic town of Gujo Hachiman.

Eastern Biwa: Self-Guided Walking 5 Days Premium

Follow historic Eastern Biwa from Mie in the south to Fukui, via Shiga and Gifu, with five gentle hikes or cycles of two to four hours.