For Seniors: Shiga Prefecture Local Quiz – Learn About Famous Tourist Spots and Regional Cuisine
What comes to mind when you think of Shiga Prefecture? Why not enjoy a fun time with a “Local Quiz about Shiga Prefecture” that anyone can enjoy, whether or not you have a connection to Shiga? From Lake Biwa and Shigaraki ware to Hikone Castle, we’ve prepared questions that let you engage with Shiga’s history and culture while pleasantly stimulating the mind together with older adults.
As you search for hints to the answers, the conversation will flow—and it might even spark fond memories.
Please enjoy a heartwarming moment that brings to mind nostalgic streetscapes, traditional flavors, and the scenery of your hometown.
[For Seniors] Shiga Prefecture Local Quiz: Learn about Famous Tourist Spots and Local Cuisine (1–10)
Which of the following is the local mascot character of Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture?
- Bary-san
- Kumamon
- Hikonyan
See the answer
Hikonyan
Hikonyan, famous as a PR ambassador for Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture, is known as a lovable yuru-chara wearing a samurai helmet modeled after a castle’s headgear. Created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Hikone Castle’s construction, Hikonyan is a local character of Hikone City based on a white cat.
“Doro-kame-jiru,” a traditional dish from Shiga Prefecture, is a hearty soup in which a certain ingredient is made to resemble a turtle. What is that ingredient?
- eggplant
- taro (taro root)
- shiitake mushroom
See the answer
eggplant
In “Doro-kame-jiru” (Mud Turtle Soup), the “turtle” actually refers to eggplant, which is said to resemble a turtle’s shell in appearance. The eggplant is scored, making it look just like a turtle shell. The sesame seeds in the miso soup look like mud, which is how the dish got its name. In Shiga Prefecture, dishes made with taro are popular, and Doro-kame-jiru is known as one of them.
What is the name of the popular prepared-bread (savory bread) in Shiga Prefecture that uses takuan (pickled daikon)?
- Salad Bread
- takuan bread
- Pickled-vegetable bread
See the answer
Salad Bread
Salad Pan, a local specialty bread from Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture, is a unique savory roll filled with chopped takuan pickles mixed with mayonnaise, and it has long been loved by locals. The creator of Salad Pan is Tsuruya Pan in Nagahama City, a popular bakery visited not only by locals but also by tourists.
Which of the following is a historic building located in Shiga Prefecture that is also designated as a National Treasure?
- Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei
- Hikone Castle
- Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine
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Hikone Castle
The main keep of Hikone Castle was built in the early Edo period and is designated as a National Treasure. It is one of the rare castles with its original keep still standing and is known as a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors as a symbol of Shiga Prefecture. The founder of Hikone Castle was Ii Naotsugu, and his successor, Ii Naotaka, became the second lord of the castle.
What is the capital city of Shiga Prefecture?
- Otsu City
- Hikone City
- Nagahama City
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Otsu City
The capital of Shiga Prefecture is Otsu City. Otsu is located at the southern end of Lake Biwa and has long developed as a key transportation hub. It is home to many tourist attractions, including Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, Ishiyama-dera Temple, and Ogoto Onsen, and is bustling with many visitors.
Lake Biwa is said to have moved to its current location over a long period of time. In which present-day prefecture was its original location?
- Gifu Prefecture
- Kyoto Prefecture
- Mie Prefecture
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Mie Prefecture
Lake Biwa is said to have formed about 4 million years ago around what is now Iga City in Mie Prefecture, and then gradually moved into Shiga Prefecture due to crustal movements. It settled into its current location and shape about 430,000 years ago.
Which beef, a branded product of Shiga Prefecture, is also known as one of Japan’s top three wagyu?
- Matsusaka beef
- Omi beef
- Yonezawa beef
See the answer
Omi beef
Omi beef is a brand of wagyu that Shiga Prefecture is proud of, and it is one of Japan’s three great wagyu brands alongside Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef. It is also said to be Japan’s oldest branded beef, with a history of over 400 years. Its meat is finely textured, with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a sweet flavor.