5 Photogenic Buildings and Townscapes in Shiga | Recommended Instagrammable Retro Architecture and Castles

Shiga Prefecture, which embraces Lake Biwa, is dotted with spots that make you want to press the shutter — from historic castles to Western-style architecture and retro townscapes. This time, we've picked five especially Instagrammable buildings and townscapes. Grab your camera and head out to capture Shiga's spectacular scenery!

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01. Hikone Castle | A National Treasure Keep That Looks Great Against Lake Biwa

Even among the surviving national treasure keeps, the contrast woven by the white walls and black lattice is of overwhelming beauty. In spring, the collaboration with cherry blossoms reaches its height, with the pink and white gradient making for a dreamlike shot.

• Best Time of Day: Early morning, when the soft morning light looks great on the white walls, is recommended
• Photography Angle: A frontal composition from the Omote-Gomon Bridge, or a low angle looking up from along the inner moat, is full of impact
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Hikone Station

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02. Former Toyosato Elementary School | A Retro-Cute Western-Style Schoolhouse

A Western-style schoolhouse built in 1937, distinctive for its red-brick-style exterior walls. With arched windows and stone staircases that are European in style, it's just like a movie set. It's also famous as a holy site for a popular anime.

• Best Time of Day: On cloudy days the building's colors look vivid, and on sunny afternoons the long shadows are fantastical
• Photography Angle: Framing it symmetrically from the front makes the spectacular worldview stand out
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Toyosato Station on the Ohmi Railway

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03. Hachimanbori (Omi-Hachiman) | A Spectacular Sight of Waterside and Retro Architecture

The stone pavement and waterway of Omi-Hachiman, where the merchant culture of the Edo period remains. The scenery of white-walled storehouses and swaying willows is so atmospheric it's even used as a filming location for period dramas. In autumn, the foliage reflected on the water surface makes it just like a painting.

• Best Time of Day: At the golden hour of dusk, the water surface is dyed orange for the finest sight
• Photography Angle: A composition capturing the waterway vertically from atop the bridge is the standard. Aim for the water-mirror reflection too
• Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Omi-Hachiman Station

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04. Metasequoia Avenue (Makino Town) | A Spectacular Tree-Lined Avenue That Changes Expression With Each Season

A tree-lined avenue, just like overseas, where about 500 metasequoias continue for 2.4 km. The fresh greenery of spring, the autumn foliage, and the snowy scenery of winter — you can enjoy a completely different photogenic look each season.

• Best Time of Day: Early morning when the morning mist drifts has a fantastical atmosphere. The blazing red of an autumn evening is the finest
• Photography Angle: Standing at the center of the avenue and shooting straight toward the vanishing point creates a sense of depth
• Access: About 15 minutes by bus or bicycle from JR Makino Station

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05. Nagahama City, Kurokabe Square | Meiji-Era Glass Architecture and an Old Townscape

A stylish corner where glass crafts and cafes line up, centered on a black-plaster bank building built in the Meiji era. The monotone black-and-white exterior and the stone pavement are a treasure trove of photogenic shots.

• Best Time of Day: Around 9 a.m. before opening has few people, so you can have the quiet and beautiful townscape all to yourself
• Photography Angle: Capturing Kurokabe Building No. 1 in a vertical composition while including the stone pavement in the foreground adds depth and atmosphere
• Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Nagahama Station

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For every spot, just being conscious of light and season raises the quality of your photos dramatically. Do head out on a trip to Shiga to find your favorite shot!

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