Lake Biwa Cherry Blossoms, Kaizu Osaki & Hikone Castle Bus Tour from Osaka
- Kaizu Osaki Cherry Blossoms – Visit one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” renowned for its beautiful sakura scenery.
- Hikone Castle Moat Cherry Blossoms – Enjoy cherry blossoms blooming along the moat of National Treasure Hikone Castle.
- Nagahama Castle Admission – Enter Nagahama Castle and take in panoramic views of a breathtaking “sea of cherry blossoms.”
- Windmill Road Scenic Drive – Admire approximately 6 km of continuous cherry blossom trees from the bus window along Windmill Road.
- Hotel Lunch Buffet by Lake Biwa – Enjoy a lunch buffet at a hotel located on the shores of Lake Biwa.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This tour is a Japanese tour. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translator (Pocket Talk).
This is not a private tour; you will enjoy the tour with other guests.
If the minimum number of participants (20) is not met by (14) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be canceled.
Cherry blossom viewing periods may vary depending on weather conditions each year; however, the tour will operate regardless of bloom status.
(Typical best viewing periods: Kaizu Osaki: early to mid-April; Hōkōen Park: early to mid-April; Hikone Castle: late March to mid-April.)
Cherry blossom viewing involves walking, so please wear comfortable clothing and easy-to-walk shoes.
At Kaizu Osaki, there is an approximately 20-minute flat walk from the parking area to the cherry blossom avenue.
Lunch contents may be changed without prior notice depending on ingredient availability.
Depending on restaurant congestion, lunch may be served around 2:00 PM.
If cherry blossoms cannot be enjoyed due to blooming conditions, alternative arrangements may be made:
Kaizu Osaki: viewing from the bus or a visit to the Metasequoia Tree-Lined Road
Hōkōen Park: a stroll around Kurokabe Square
Hikone: a walk along Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road
Reminders
Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
For fruit-picking tours, please note that fruit is to be consumed only on the farm. Bringing it home in your own bag is strictly prohibited.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The cherry blossoms at Kaizu Osaki and Hikone Castle typically bloom during spring. Kaizu Osaki, known for its unique location along Lake Biwa, often experiences its peak viewing period slightly later than other areas, usually from early to mid-April. Hikone Castle's cherry blossoms around the moat also bloom around this time, offering a beautiful spring spectacle. It is recommended to check local forecasts closer to your travel date for the most accurate bloom predictions.
During the cherry blossom season, visitors to Lake Biwa can enjoy several unique experiences. This includes viewing the spectacular cherry blossoms at Kaizu Osaki, one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. You can also admire the blossoms lining the moat of National Treasure Hikone Castle and experience a panoramic "sea of cherry blossoms" from Nagahama Castle. A scenic drive along Windmill Road offers continuous cherry tree views, complemented by a hotel lunch buffet with Lake Biwa views.
The tour focuses on enjoying the cherry blossoms surrounding National Treasure Hikone Castle, particularly along its beautiful moat. While the main emphasis is on the exterior views of the castle amidst the "sea of sakura," the product information does not explicitly state interior access to Hikone Castle itself. Visitors are encouraged to explore the castle grounds and enjoy the stunning spring scenery during the visit.
The provided product details for the Lake Biwa Cherry Blossoms, Kaizu Osaki & Hikone Castle Bus Tour do not specify the exact operating hours for Hikone Castle's interior access or grounds. However, the tour is designed to ensure ample time to appreciate the castle's exterior and the surrounding cherry blossoms during daylight hours as part of the itinerary. Specific access times for historical sites can vary seasonally, so checking local information is always a good practice.
Hikone Castle is located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. The castle is a significant historical site within the Kansai region, known for its well-preserved original structures and strategic location overlooking the lake. Its proximity to major cities like Osaka makes it a popular day-trip destination.
Kaizu Osaki is recognized as one of Japan's "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" due to its breathtaking sakura scenery. It features over 600 cherry trees lining a picturesque 6 km stretch along the northern shores of Lake Biwa. The unique combination of the vibrant pink blossoms against the deep blue waters of the lake creates a stunning and unforgettable landscape, attracting numerous visitors annually for its distinct beauty.
From Nagahama Castle, visitors can expect breathtaking panoramic views, often described as a "sea of cherry blossoms," especially during the peak season. Its elevated position allows for expansive vistas of the surrounding area, showcasing countless cherry trees in full bloom. Admission to Nagahama Castle provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of the sakura landscape from an unparalleled perspective, making for memorable photographs.
Along the moat of National Treasure Hikone Castle, visitors can expect to see magnificent cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a picturesque "sea of sakura." The historic castle walls and turrets provide a striking backdrop to the vibrant pink and white flowers. Many people enjoy walking along the moat, taking photographs, and experiencing the serene beauty of the blossoms reflected in the water, which is a signature spring sight.
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