Shiga is an underrated prefecture in Japan that needs to be recognized, too. Only few were written about this area yet there are much more to see on this part of Japan.  This is because its neighboring prefecture, Kyoto, usually takes the limelight when it comes to tourism.  Only about 0.02% of the total tourists visited Shiga in 2000 – a fact from Mr. Wiki. I hope I can convince you to have a stopover at Shiga while you are in the country after reading this.