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

• Hiyoshi Taisha - This main shrine oversees a network of over 3,800 sub-shrines named Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno, with a history spanning more than 2,100 years. The shrine’s symbol, Masaru the monkey, is believed to ward off evil and can be seen in the shrine’s decorations and good luck charms. Hiyoshi Taisha is also renowned in the Kansai region for its stunning autumn foliage, thanks to the 3,000 trees that create a vibrant display of colors in the fall.

• 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 scenic mountain views along with food. The Terrace Café provides a luxurious experience with elegant tables and sofas overlooking the lake, while Café 360 offers a panoramic 360-degree view from a height of 1,174 meters. Both cafés serve sandwiches and gelato made with local Shiga ingredients, as well as a special drink menu.

*Note: Biwako Terrace is closed during the winter. Please check the homepage for opening dates.

• Sagawa Art Museum - Opened on March 22, 1998, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sagawa Express Co., Ltd., the Sagawa Art Museum is located in Moriyama, in the historic district of Omi, surrounded by nature and overlooking Lake Biwa. The museum aims to promote art and culture through various initiatives, showcasing works by notable Japanese artists 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 emphasizes harmony between nature and architecture, blending traditional and modern elements, and merging Eastern and Western influences. Over 80% of the museum is built underground to preserve the 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 pesticide-free and chemical-free ingredients, with no artificial additives.

• Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park - Shigaraki is a prominent pottery-producing region in Japan, and the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park displays ancient ceramics from the area, as well as pottery related to Shiga Prefecture.

• Ukimido - The Ukimido, or “floating temple hall” at Mangetsuji Temple, is famous for being depicted 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 atmosphere. The temple grounds also feature the Kannondo, which houses an Important Cultural Property: a statue of Sho Kannon. During the Heian period (794 - 1185), the monk Genshin saw a mysterious light in Lake Biwa every night. Investigating the source, he found a glowing golden Amida Butsu. In commemoration, he carved 1,000 Buddha statues and built the Ukimido to house them in the lake. It became a place of prayer for safety on the lake and the swift rescue of those in danger, a tradition that continues to protect the region.

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

• Hikone Castle - Hikone Castle, a 400-year-old structure, stands three stories tall with a stone base and ivory white stucco above, creating a beautiful harmony. The castle grounds are surrounded by a double moat, originally a triple moat. Valued at 300,000 koku (an old measurement system where one koku equals the amount of rice needed to feed one person for a year), the castle was ruled by the Ii family for nearly 260 years, from 1601 to 1860, without any assaults or major changes. In 1951, it 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 in Lake Biwa, about 6km from shore. It is home to Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) at Hogonji Temple is one of the three best in Japan, and the temple is also the 30th location on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The gabled karamon gate at Hogonji Temple, believed to be the only remaining piece of Hideyoshi’s Osaka-jo Castle, is a national treasure, as is the main shrine at Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. Revered since ancient times as an island where the god of water dwells, it is worshipped for providing safe passage across water. The island is now known as a powerful spiritual spot on Lake Biwa, offering a profound experience of water and prayer.

• Fuel, Highway, & Parking Fees
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Government Licensed 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 forms of good fortune. Additionally, Umezu Osaki is a renowned spot for cherry blossoms.

In the Otsu and Konan Areas, you’ll find Omi Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and Ukimido. Biwako Terrace is famous for its breathtaking views, while Ukimido was built to ensure safety on Lake Biwa’s waters.

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

Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, is located in the Koto Area. The Koga area boasts the Miho Museum and “Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura,” where you can admire Shigaraki ceramics featuring Japanese tanuki.

Lake Biwa is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for a day trip from Kyoto!

• The allotted time is for transportation.

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