Miho Museum

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.