Prefecture Directory · Kinki
Shiga 滋賀県
Shiga Prefecture surrounds Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, and forms the immediate eastern neighbor of Kyoto. The prefecture has a long industrial corridor along its eastern shore and a substantial Brazilian, Chinese, and Vietnamese resident population. Otsu is the prefectural capital; the southern Biwako area is closely integrated with Kyoto's metro services.
Healthcare landscape
Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital and Shiga General Hospital are the main tertiary-care facilities. The prefecture's proximity to Kyoto and Osaka means residents in the south often access major hospitals across the border. Shiga International Association (SIA) provides consultation in 20 languages and coordinates medical interpretation referrals for foreign residents.
Multilingual medical support
しが外国人相談センター（Shiga Foreign Residents Information Center）
しが国際交流協会（Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization, SIA）
- Phone
- 077-523-5646
- Hours
- 月〜金 10:00〜17:00（土日祝・年末年始閉所）
- Languages
- Portuguese, Spanish, English, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Consultation Desk for Foreigners | Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization →
Public health center (保健所)
Shiga Prefecture operates public health centers (保健所, hokenjo) across its municipalities. Public health centers manage infectious disease surveillance, maternal and child health programs, and mental health consultation. Contact the prefectural health department or your municipal office to locate the nearest hokenjo.
Emergency numbers in Japan
- Ambulance / Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Japan Helpline (24-hr English): 0570-000-911
- JNTO Tourist Helpline: 050-3816-2787 (available for medical referrals)
See our emergency guide for full details on calling an ambulance and communicating with emergency services in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026