Congress Report

Participating Local Governments ：Japan / Shiga Prefecture

Photo: Nara City Sightseeing Information Center, Kofuku-ji Temple
Photo taken by Tatehiko Yano
Shiga Prefecture

Head of Prefectural Government

Mr. Taizo Mikazuki, Governor
Assumed the governorship in July 2022 (third term)

 

Location

Emblem

Area

4,017.38km²
38th largest out of 47 prefectures

Population

1,400,103 (As of January 1, 2025)
Men: 690,167 Women: 709,936
 

GDP

Nominal: JPY 6.8637 trillion
Real: JPY 7.80 trillion (both in FY2021)

Capital

Otsu

Geographic features

A basin surrounded by mountains over 1,000 meters high, located roughly at the center of Japan. At its center, occupying a sixth of the prefecture, is Lake Biwa, the greatest lake in the country. About 450 rivers flow into Biwa from the mountains, forming deltas. This is the Omi Basin. Lake Biwa is an important water source for people and industries in Kansai.

Main industries

Chemicals; general, production and industrial machinery; electrical machinery and equipment; transportation equipment; food

Symbols

Tree: Japanese maple

Flower: rhododendron

Bird: little grebe

Number of visitors

50,328,036 (2023)

Administrative divisions

13 cities, 6 towns (2024)

Official website

https://www.pref.shiga.lg.jp


Sources: Sources: Official website of Shiga Prefecture;  monthly population estimates (as of 25/1/1) and 2021 estimated results of economic calculations by the Shiga Statistics Division; 2023 tourist survey by the Shiga Tourism Board 

 

                                                                                    （As of January, 2025）



International Exchange Section, International Affairs Division
Office of Governor, Nara Prefectural Government,Japan
Zip code 630-8501 Noborioji-cho 30, Nara city, Japan
TEL +81-742-27-5821　FAX +81-742-22-1260