Things to do in Shiga Prefecture

Start your journey to discover the charming beauty of Japan in the autumn on this guided tour in Osaka. Witness the stunning nature of Arashiyama, stroll along the bamboo trail, discover Sanzen-in, and more. Immerse yourself in the beautiful sights and elegant views. Begin your day with a convenient pickup from one of the arranged spots, and then make your way to the Sanzen-in Temple. Located in Rakuhoku Ohara, Kyoto, it is one of the three temples of Tendai Sect. Explore the vast temple which has towering old trees, babbling streams and moss everywhere. With cherry blossoms in April, azaleas in May, hydrangeas in July, and red leaves in autumn, Sanzen-in Temple has pleasant natural scenery all year round. Next head for Kyoto to experience the Arashiyama area which consists of two regions: Arashiyama and Sagano. This area has rich cultural attractions, natural scenery, and retro trains that change with the seasons. Witness the many ancient temples and shrines here, and Tenryu Temple is a World Heritage Site. Discover the Arashiyama area with its many established restaurants, wagashi shops, and cute grocery stores. You can also rent kimonos and rickshaws, making it a great place to slow down. Take a walk along the famous bamboo forest trail from Nonomiya Shrine to Okawachi Villa and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo leaves. Savor the atmosphere of this holy place for cherry blossom viewing and maple viewing. Try to get a spot on the famous Sagano train which is often hard to get a ticket, but is very quiet in winter and summer, suitable for travelers who like tranquillity. Then head to Arashiyama Station. Deep in the square, there is a Japanese-style foot bath in Randen Arashiyama Station, which was built on the prototype of JR Kyushu Yufuin Station. If you buy seasonal sweets at the store next to it, you can enjoy the footbath while tasting sweets. Let the water of Arashiyama Onsen completely relieve your fatigue after walking. Finish your day with a drop-off back to where you began.

Gather at the designated meeting point in Osaka or Kyoto in the morning to begin your journey to explore Shiga. Embark on your first stop to the Miho Museum, a remarkable creation by the renowned architect Mr. I.M. Pei, inspired by the "Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring." Nestled deep in the mountains, this architectural marvel offers you a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. In summer, lush forests surround it, while winter blankets the mountains in snow, prompting the museum's closure. Its collection features artworks from ancient civilizations spanning Japan, China, South Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Visiting the Miho Museum feels like embarking on a journey of discovering a hidden paradise, with scenic surprises at every turn. Please refer to the link of the museum's official website for the closure time : https://www.miho.jp/calendar/ During the closure of the art museum, venture to Hachimanbori, a historically rich canal and ancient district located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Here, ancient buildings and styles abound, with preserved traditional Japanese architecture lining both sides of the canal. You have the option to take a boat ride through Hachimanbori, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty along the banks. In the afternoon, explore Kyu-Chikurin-in, a serene place once a hermitage for a high-ranking monk. Highly recommended by Japanese photographers, it shares the same architectural layout as the Rurikoin, offering you opportunities to capture identical mirror-like reflections. The moss-covered garden presents a constantly changing and breathtaking landscape throughout the seasons, designated as a national scenic garden. Continue your journey to Lake Biwa, where you visit the Shirahige Shrine and its iconic torii gate standing peacefully in the water. Considered a symbol of Japan, Lake Biwa is the country's largest lake and a designated national park. The Shirahige Shrine, built approximately 1,900 years ago, is one of Omi's oldest shrines and a crucial element of Japan's heritage. The scenery is enchanting, with Chikubu Island forming a captivating backdrop, fishing boats gliding between the torii gates, and the ever-changing beauty of the lake. The waterborne Torii Gate of the Shirahige Shrine stands serenely in Lake Biwa, adapting to the changing times and offering you different views throughout the day and night. It has become a favorite subject for countless photography enthusiasts. Conclude your delightful day of exploration and begin your journey back around 4:00 PM.

Start your exploration at Chikurin-in, a Japanese garden renowned for its tranquil ambiance. The garden features a serene waterfall and meticulously crafted landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat and a quintessential Japanese experience. Next, visit Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, which holds a strong connection to Enryaku-ji Temple. This vibrant shrine, adorned in vivid red, is home to sacred monkeys and provides a unique charm and spiritual atmosphere. Finally, immerse yourself in the historic grandeur of Enryaku-ji Temple, founded in the 8th century. As a pinnacle of Japanese mountain temple architecture, Enryaku-ji has been a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy and has profoundly influenced Japanese spiritual practices. Despite past conflicts, it continues to uphold its rich heritage amidst the lush greenery of Mount Hiei.

Enryaku-ji Temple, founded in the 8th century, stands as a pinnacle of Japanese mountain temple architecture and a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy. Its historic structures and serene surroundings have shaped Japan's spiritual landscape for centuries. The temple's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty to its profound impact on Japanese history and Buddhist teachings. Located on Mount Hiei, guarding Kyoto as its protective temple, Enryaku-ji has profoundly influenced Japanese history. Despite facing attacks from samurai in the past, its beautiful grounds continue to preserve a millennium of history and spiritual tradition amidst lush greenery. Access to Mount Hiei is facilitated by the Sakamoto Cable, offering breathtaking views of Lake Biwa as visitors ascend towards Enryaku-ji. Inside the cable car, passengers can enjoy seasonal sights like autumn foliage, enriching their journey to this historic site.

Get away from the crowds of the city and embrace the beauty of Central Japan as you journey to Shiga Prefecture. This stunning prefecture is blessed with historic castles, pleasant waterways, lush fields, and Japan’s largest lake. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this captivating region is also home to the oldest brand of wagyu beef in Japan as well as one of the country’s most unique sweet shops. This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone—with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman—known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.

Explore the hidden gems of Shiga with an expert-guided tour. Start at the iconic Hikone Castle, a national treasure offering stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Stroll through the castle’s beautiful gardens and learn about its rich samurai history. Next, visit the ancient Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on Mount Hiei, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of Buddhist culture. Enjoy a peaceful walk along Lake Biwa’s shoreline or take a boat ride to discover its scenic beauty. Your guide will share local history and insights, providing an enriching experience of Shiga’s natural and cultural wonders. Public transportation will be used, with private vehicle options available upon request.

There are few historical organizations shrouded in as many myths, legends, and misconceptions as ninjas. This tour not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Travel to the home of one of the most powerful ninja clans in Japan and step foot into the past as your guide leads you through real-life locations in search of the “real ninja.”

You may have heard of Japan's famous "Keirin racing," now an Olympic sport, which is a bicycle race that is paced in the first laps by a motorized vehicle. The boat races on Lake Biwa are a kind of aquatic version of Keirin racing, but with high-powered, high-tech speedboats instead of bicycles. We’ll depart from Kyoto Station and travel to beautiful Lake Biwa in Shiga for the event. The boats are high-powered and state-of-the-art. The races are thrilling to watch – and maybe even a bit more thrilling if you place a little bet on them! Your guide, Kenji, has twenty years of experience with these races and will provide detailed instructions on how to enjoy the sport and how to place bets. Guests who are 20 years or older and don't wish to wager on the races are certainly welcome to enjoy watching them with us at Lake Biwa. We'll make a brief stop at a special supermarket in Otsu where you'll get to choose your favorite snacks and drinks -- including beer, sake, or whiskey -- for a delicious picnic at the races. Duration: about 4 hours (We set out at 11:15am. The travel time on a JR train from Kyoto Station to the boat race stadium is 35 minutes. We spend nearly three hours at the boat race stadium. After the races, the train ride back to Kyoto station is 35 minutes.) Group size: 2-4 people This tour includes the cost of travel from Kyoto station to the stadium and back again; a light meal; the entry fee; and a reserved seat.