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.

Morning Pick-up: Begin your adventure with a prompt pick-up. - 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM: Board at Nihonbashi Exit 2. - 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Join us from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. - Reminder: Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure. 10:30 AM: Delve into the serenity of Sanzen-in Temple in Rakuhoku Ohara, Kyoto. - Discover the tranquil Shuhekien Garden and Moss Garden, masterpieces of Kinsen Tsung. - Admire the wooden statue of Amitabha, a treasure of national significance. - Admission (not included): Adults JP¥700, Students JP¥400, Children JP¥150. 14:00 PM: Unwind in the natural splendor of Arashiyama for 3 hours. Options in Arashiyama: - Experience the scenic Sagano train (ticket not included, closed on Wednesdays). - Traverse the Sagano Bamboo Forest Trail, a 500-meter journey amidst soaring bamboo. - Soothe your senses at the Arashiyama Station HANNARI-HOKKORI footbath (ticket not included). 17:00 PM: Bid farewell to Arashiyama’s peaceful embrace. 19:00 PM: Conclude your day in the bustling heart of Osaka at Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori.

Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to the Ninja's homeland of Koka City? Koka City is home of Ninjas, and is just one hour away from Kyoto. It is a perfect place to avoid the big crowds of Kyoto and learn about the real Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. You can visit the real Ninja's ruins by electric bicycles in a safe environment. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding through the heartland of Ninja. At Ninja House, you will find many Ninja's tools, weapons, devices and the tricks that Ninja had developed. We will visit one of the real Ninja's Twin Castles too. And also, you will visit your guide's house to experience a coffee making by using Ninja's medicine making method, and learn how to write your name in Japanese Katakana character to create a name tag for your souvenier. There is no such tour to visit real Ninja places but this. Your guide happens to be a Ninja/local Samurai descendant, and happy to show you around the hometown of Koka Ninja. So, you will be able to experience a very unique tour from this. Here is the "basic itinerary" for the Ninja tour. Meet up at JR Kyoto station at 9:00 a.m., then train ride to Koka City. 1) Koka Ninja House ---The only existing real Ninja House with many tricks inside such as revolving door, hidden second floor, escape tunnel, too heavy sliding door, etc. You can throw Shuriken there if you want. Closed on Wednesdays. 2) Ninja Center ---Many displays of Ninja weapons, clothes, historical documents, etc. Closed on Mondays. 3) Lunch ---We will visit a local shopping center. There are 3 restaurants. 4) Shingu Twin Castles ---Nation's historic site. High earthen walls. Hidden in the woods. 5) Narita Ranch ---Break for ice cream. Many animals to play with (cows, goats, sheeps, rabbits, etc.) 6) Murasame & Jizen Twin Castles ---Nation's Historic Site. Hidden in the woods. 7) Guide's house ---A typical Japanese house. We'll make coffee by Ninja's medicine making method. The guide's wife will teach you how to write your name in Japanese katakana characters. You will make a name tag for your sourvenir. 8) Riding through cherry trees street along the Soma river 9) Yagawa shrine ---Ninja's gathering spot for decision making. Nation's historic site. (Optional) Koka Ninja Village ---Ninja's theme park. Ninja's trick house, Ninja training, etc. Closed on Mondays. (Optional) JR Koka station ---Ninja's 3-D trick art drawings on the station walls. Enjoy photo taking. Tour ends at JR Konan station or JR Koka station, then train ride back to Kyoto station. On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan. The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and time.

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.

Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Ninja's hometown Koka City? Koka City is home of Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English. You can experience a very unique tour from this. Tour starts from JR Konan station at 9:35am. We will use electric bikes for transportation. Koka Ninja House ---It is the only existing real Ninja House with many tricks inside such as revolving door, hidden second floor, escape tunnel, too heavy sliding door, etc. You can throw Shuriken there if you want. Closed on Wednesdays. Ninja Center ---Local government built this Ninja Center for the Ninja's PR facility. There are many displays of Ninja weapons, clothes, papers, etc. Closed on Mondays. Twin Castles ---Hidden in the woods. These are listed as Nation's Historic Sites. Built more than 450 years ago. Ninja-themed Restaurant ---Many selection of dishes. There is a good Ninja's display room on the second floor. Guide's house ---The guide’s house is a typical Japanese house. We will make coffee by Ninja’s medicine making method. The guide's wife will write your name in Japanese katakana characters on Ninja’s roll paper for your sourvenir. Ninja's sacred traing mountain, Mt. Iwao ---Hiking to the top of the mountain. On the route, we will see the rock buddha statues, strange shaped huge rocks, beautiful lakes from the peak. Ninja used this mountain to do secret training. Tour ends at JR Konan station. (Optional) Ninja Village---In case Ninja House is closed, we will visit Ninja Village instead. During this cycling tour, the guide will take some lovely photos of you. On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan. The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and time.

• Explore the Serenity of Sanzen-in Temple (120 minutes) Nestled in the tranquil northern hills of Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Wander through the expansive temple grounds, where towering ancient trees and lush moss-covered gardens create a peaceful ambiance. Admire the seasonal blooms, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves. Don't miss the temple's exquisite gardens, Joheki-en and Yusei-en, designed by the renowned landscape artist Kanamori Sowa. • Recommended Dining Near Sanzen-in: Kyo-Miyacha: Known for soba noodles, tofu dishes, and creative cuisine. Ichifuku Chaya: Enjoy udon, soba, and rice bowls. Rokawa Chaya: Savor udon, yuba (tofu skin) dishes. Shino Matsumon: Delight in Kyoto cuisine, tofu dishes, and yuba specialties. • Discover the Allure of Arashiyama (180 minutes) Arashiyama is a magical area divided into Arashiyama and Sagano, offering both cultural treasures and natural beauty. This region is famous for its stunning seasonal landscapes and historic temples. Stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove, where the rustling of bamboo leaves creates a serene soundtrack to your journey. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and experience its breathtaking gardens. Suggested Activities in Arashiyama (Optional): 1.Scenic Railway: Take a picturesque ride from Saga-Arashiyama to Kameoka Station, passing through scenic landscapes. Note: Train operates from March 1 to December 29, closed on Wednesdays. (Cost not included) 2.Bamboo Grove: Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest, a tranquil and mesmerizing experience. 3.Arashiyama Station Foot Bath: Relax and rejuvenate with a foot bath at this charming spot. Purchase a ticket and a towel from the station information center. Return to Osaka After a day filled with beauty and culture, we'll begin our return journey. Relax and reflect on the day's experiences as we make our way back. You are able tp enjoy an hour of free time in the Vibrant Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori Areas.

Sports bike (cross bike) rental. Depending on your preference, enjoy a self-guided cycling tour around Lake Biwa, where you can feel the natural beauty, or around Otsu City, which is full of historical landmarks. We rent authentic cross bikes that allow you to enjoy long-distance cycling, and are well-maintained by professional mechanics so you can ride with confidence. ①Rental: After reception, we will explain how to operate the bicycle. We will ask to see your ID to confirm your identity. ②Return: Please return the item by the closing time. Enjoy it however you like! ! You can enjoy cycling freely during the rental time. A guide will not accompany you, so you can fully enjoy the nature around Lake Biwa at your own pace.

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: 2-6 people ¥20,000 per person, which includes the cost of travel from Kyoto station to the stadium and back again; a light meal; the entry fee; and a reserved seat