• Omi Shrine - Oumi Jingu is located at the historic site of Capital Otsu “Otsukyo”. Emperor Tenji, a key figure in the Taika Reformation and a significant leader in ancient Japan, is honored here. After his passing, he was revered as a Shinto deity. During the Meiji Era, a movement began to establish shrines for the Emperor across Japan. Finally, on November 7, 1940 (the 15th year of the Showa Era), the shrine was completed at the site of Capital Otsu, near the former palace “Oumi-Otsu-no-Miya”. Shortly thereafter, the shrine was elevated to “Chokusai-sha” status. The Annual Great Festival is celebrated on April 20, marked by a visit from a specially dispatched imperial messenger.

• Hiyoshi Taisha - This principal shrine oversees a network of over 3,800 sub-shrines named Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno, boasting a rich history spanning more than 2,100 years. The monkey, Masaru, symbolizes the shrine and is believed to ward off evil. This symbol is featured in the shrine’s decorations and good luck charms. The shrine is also renowned in the Kansai region for its stunning autumn foliage, thanks to the 3,000 trees planted throughout its expansive grounds.

• Biwako Terrace - Biwako Terrace is a nature resort offering breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, from an elevation of 1,100 meters. There are two terraces, atop Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai, where visitors can relax and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and delicious food. The Terrace Café provides a luxurious experience with elegant tables and sofas overlooking the lake. Café 360 offers a panoramic 360-degree view from a height of 1,174 meters. Guests can savor sandwiches and gelato made with local Shiga produce, along with a special drink menu.

*The Biwako Terrace is closed during the winter. Please check the homepage for opening details.

• Sagawa Art Museum - Opened on March 22, 1998, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sagawa Express Co., Ltd., the Sagawa Art Museum is situated in Moriyama, in the historic district of Omi, surrounded by lush nature and overlooking Lake Biwa. Its mission is to promote and develop art and culture through various cultural initiatives, showcasing works by exceptional artists who embody the spirit of Japanese art, such as painter Hirayama Ikuo, sculptor Sato Churyo, and ceramic artist Raku Kichizaemon XV - Jikinyū.

Adults: 1000 JPY
Students (16+): 400 JPY

• Miho Museum - Designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, the Miho Museum harmonizes nature and architecture, blending art with tradition and modernity, and merging Eastern and Western influences. Over 80% of the building is underground, preserving the surrounding natural environment. The museum opens seasonally three times a year, featuring special exhibitions and permanent collections. The on-site café and restaurant offer meals made with ingredients grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and free from artificial additives.

• Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park - Shigaraki is a leading pottery-producing region in Japan, and the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park showcases ancient ceramics passed down through generations, as well as pottery associated with Shiga Prefecture.

• Ukimido - The Ukimido, or “floating temple hall” at Mangetsuji Temple, is renowned for its depiction in one of the Eight Views of Omi, “wild geese returning home at Katata.” The current structure, rebuilt in 1937 and repaired in 1982, retains the original’s atmosphere. The Kannondo on the temple grounds houses an Important Cultural Property, a statue of Sho Kannon. During the Heian period (794 - 1185), the monk Genshin (also Enshin Sozu) observed a mysterious light in Lake Biwa nightly. Investigating with a net, he retrieved a glowing golden Amida Butsu. In memory, he carved 1,000 Buddha statues and created the Ukimido to house them in the lake’s center. It became a place of prayer for lake safety and swift rescue, and such water-related faith continues to protect the region today.

• Azuchi Castle Ruins - Azuchi Castle, built by Oda Nobunaga on Mt. Azuchi on Lake Biwa’s eastern shore, was a grand structure with the first large keep symbolizing the owner’s prestige, atop stone walls. Subsequent castles followed Azuchi’s design. Today, only the castle walls remain, along with the pagoda and gate of Sōken-ji Temple and a mausoleum to Nobunaga. These remnants and their mountaintop location are impressive, hinting at the former grandeur. The nearby Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum and Nobunaga’s Castle Museum offer detailed visual insights into the castle and its history, making them worthwhile visits.

• Hikone Castle - Hikone Castle is a splendid 400-year-old structure, standing three stories tall with a stone base and ivory white stucco above, creating a harmonious appearance. The castle grounds are surrounded by what was once a triple moat, now a double moat. Hikone Castle’s value was measured at 300,000 koku (an old measurement system, where one koku equals the amount of rice needed to feed one person for a year). For nearly 260 years, from the reign of the first lord, Naomasa Ii, in 1601, to the 14th lord, Naonori Ii, in 1860, the castle was ruled by one family, during which time it faced no assaults or significant structural changes. In 1951, the castle was designated a historic site, and in 1956, a special historic site and cultural property.

• Chikubushima - This small island, with a circumference of just 2km, is located off Lake Biwa, approximately 6km from the shore. It is home to Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) at Hogonji Temple is renowned as one of Japan’s top three, and the temple is the 30th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The gabled karamon gate at Hogonji Temple is believed to be the only remaining piece of Hideyoshi’s Osaka-jo Castle and is a registered national treasure, along with the main shrine at Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. Revered since ancient times as an island where the god of water resides, this deity has been worshipped for ensuring safe water travel. The island is now recognized as a powerful spiritual energy spot on Lake Biwa, offering a profound experience of water and prayer.

• Customizable tour of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Private vehicle with pick up & drop off in Kyoto
• Licensed local English speaking guide

• Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under ‘What to Expect.’

Located in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is easily reachable from Kyoto and offers stunning lakeside views and numerous activities.

The Takashima and Kosei Areas feature the Shirahige Shrine, known for bestowing various blessings. Additionally, Umezu Osaki is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot.

In the Otsu and Konan Areas, visitors can explore Omi Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and Ukimido. Biwako Terrace is a favored destination for its spectacular views, while Ukimido is believed to have been constructed to ensure safety on Lake Biwa’s waters.

For those fascinated by the Sengoku period, the Azuchi Castle Ruins, once home to the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, are a must-see.

Hikone Castle, celebrated as one of Japan’s most exquisite castles, is located in the Koto Area. In the Koga area, visitors can find the Miho Museum and “Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura,” where they can admire Shigaraki ceramics featuring Japanese tanuki!

This tour includes pick-up and drop-off services exclusively in Kyoto city.

• The allotted time is for transportation.
• There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.