Golf Courses in Shiga

36 courses around Lake Biwa, minutes from Kyoto

Shiga is Kyoto’s golf overflow, and a bargain because of it. Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest lake — fills the middle of the prefecture, and courses ring it on the hillsides of the Hira and Suzuka mountains, many with the water in view. Otsu is barely ten minutes from Kyoto Station by JR, so golfers based in Kyoto can be on a first tee faster here than they could reach most courses inside Kyoto Prefecture itself, and green fees are lower on this side of the hills.

Golf in Shiga at a glance

GolfMatchy lists 36 golf courses in Shiga. 36 of the courses carry Google ratings, averaging 4.0 across 14,699 reviews. Best season: March to May and October to November, with mild winter play near the coast. Most international visitors arrive via Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Why Golf in Shiga?

36 Golf Courses in Shiga

For International Golfers

JR Biwako Line trains from Kyoto serve Otsu, Kusatsu and Hikone, with courses 15–30 minutes on by taxi or shuttle. Winter brings snow to the northern and western lakeside hills while the southern end plays through most of the season, so check conditions between December and February.

More golf in Kansai

Kyoto (34 courses) · Osaka (45 courses) · Gifu (42 courses) · Hyogo (83 courses) · Mie (39 courses) · Nara (34 courses) · Wakayama (24 courses)

Golf in Shiga: Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I play golf if I am staying in Kyoto?

Shiga is usually the best answer. Otsu is ten minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line and the Lake Biwa courses start immediately after it, so travel time is shorter than to many courses inside Kyoto Prefecture and the green fees are lower.

Do Shiga courses have lake views?

Many do. Lake Biwa is large enough to dominate the prefecture, and courses on the hillsides above the eastern and western shores play with the water below them. The higher western courses towards the Hira mountains have the widest views.

How many golf courses are there in Shiga?

GolfMatchy lists 36 golf courses in Shiga. Every one of them can be booked in English through our concierge.

When is the best time to play golf in Shiga?

March to May and October to November, with mild winter play near the coast. Weekdays are cheaper and far less crowded than weekends and public holidays in Shiga.

How do I get to golf courses in Shiga?

Most international golfers arrive via Kansai International Airport (KIX). Many Japanese courses run a free shuttle from the nearest train station, and GolfMatchy sends the closest station, shuttle details and directions with every confirmed Shiga booking.

Book with our concierge · How to book golf in Japan as a foreigner · Japan golf etiquette guide · All Japan golf courses