The connection between Kyoto and Shiga has been strong because of Tokaido Road, the very important aorta-like road for transportation, which has been set through them since ancient times, in addition to the water route from Lake Biwa through the Yodo-gawa River (which is called as the Seta-gawa River in this area).
京都と滋賀の間には昔から交通の大動脈である東海道が整備されており、加えて琵琶湖・淀川（瀬田川）の水路もあり、結びつきが強かった。