Shigaraki (信楽町 Shigaraki-chō) was a town located in Kōka District, Shiga, Japan.
On October 1, 2004 Shigaraki was merged with the towns of Kōka, Kōnan, Minakuchi and Tsuchiyama, all from Kōka District, to form the new city of Kōka.
As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 14,035 and a density of 85.40 persons per km². The total area is 164.34 km².
The location served as Imperial capital for a few months in 745, before the transfer to Heijō-kyō due to a forest fire destroyed the palace (Shigaraki Palace).
Shigaraki has been famous for pottery making since ancient times. The area is known for its clay beds, and locally mined clay is often used by local potters. Works produced here are known as Shigaraki-yaki. Many local potters use wood fired anagama kilns. Many tanuki statues are also made here.