Lake Biwa

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.

Discover Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, located at the crossroads of the Honshu and Kinki regions near Kyoto City. Formed by ancient glaciers, it spans about 670 square kilometers, making it one of the country's five largest freshwater lakes. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural history, the lake features cities like Otsu and Hikone along its shores, along with numerous temples, shrines, and castles. Attracting tourists and photography enthusiasts, the area offers picturesque scenery. Lake Biwa Valley (Biwako Valley) Experience Biwako Valley, one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region, located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Enjoy easy accessibility from the Keihanshin area. Admire the stunning views of Japan's largest lake and enjoy a fantastic time skiing.

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.

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.

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.

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 ¥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