Takashima City, located at the north-western edge of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is a treasure trove of natural wonders surrounded by forests,
villages and of course the lake. Since ancient times, the city has been a busy transportation hub connecting the old capitals of Kyoto and Nara with the Hokuriku region. The main land transportation routes were the Nishi-Omiji highway, which runs beside the lake at the foot of Mount Hiei and Hira, and the Wakasa highway, also known as the Saba-kaido Road because it was used to transport salted mackerel ("saba") to Kyoto. Takashima thus prospered as both an inn town and a port for trade with the Otsu region.
Lake Biwa together with its surroundings have been recognized as a Japan Heritage Site. In addition to the natural attractions, Takashima itself boasts three designated important cultural landscapes, while the Shirahige and Shikobuchi shrines have been nominated as heritage sites.