A Journey Through Time and Scenery: Exploring Shiga’s Summer Magic via the ‘Hanaakari’ Sightseeing Train

July 2, 2026 — As the summer sun begins to shimmer over the surface of Lake Biwa, JR West is set to unveil a travel experience that bridges the gap…

Posthumous Vindication: Prosecutors Abandon Retrial in Decades-Old Shiga Murder Case

OTSU, SHIGA PREF. — In a landmark development that marks a rare, albeit belated, admission of judicial fallibility, public prosecutors announced on Friday that they will not seek to prove…

Summer Skies Over Lake Biwa: A Comprehensive Guide to Shiga’s 2026 Fireworks Season

As the heat of July settles over the Kansai region, the shores of Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest freshwater lake—transform into a vibrant stage for one of the country’s most anticipated traditions:…