Shirahige Shrine, Lakeside Torii Gate

April 11, 2026: The sky was clear and the itinerary was well-planned. Before arriving at our first stop, MIHO, we saw that minibuses had been queuing for over an hour to enter. Fortunately, the tour bus allowed priority entry. Our tour leader, Xiao Liao, arranged a 2.5-hour stop at the MIHO Art Museum, allowing for a leisurely visit, and we happened to catch the special exhibition: "The Tale of Ancient Gold." The outdoor scenery—blue skies and pink cherry blossoms—was dreamlike, like a fairyland. Next, we visited the former Chikurin-in Temple and Shirahime Shrine, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa along the way. Xiao Liao not only explained the attractions but also provided information on dining options. Additionally, because I was worried about motion sickness on the mountain roads, I had noted in the booking that I preferred front-row seats, and I'm very grateful to Xiao Liao for thoughtfully arranging second-row seats for me.