【Highlights】Famous water town in central Japan + delightful lakeside lunch + mysterious underwater shrine + visit to artisans making glass crafts 【Instagrammable Spot】La Collina Omihachiman cleverly utilizes the natural ecology of the "sacred mountain" behind it, offering the brand's signature desserts and gourmet experiences 【Attentive Service】Comfortable business/minibus throughout the trip + door-to-door pick-up and drop-off within 2km of the meeting point + experienced driver for a safe journey
| Tour Type | Shared tour, Small Group |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point, Hotel transfer |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Charter car |
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Aichi-Shiga
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Business van, luxury business van
Bus company name: RBC Earth Tourism and similar
Meals provided: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: None
Tour guide: None
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: Chuwa Travel Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 18, 2-chome, Chuketsucho, Gifu City
License exemption number: Gifu Prefectural Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-328
Travel Association Name: ANTA National Tourism Association (Regular Member)
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 09:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Pregnant women, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
After order confirmation, if you need to change the date, it is recommended to ask customer service if it can be changed. If the date cannot be changed, you will be responsible for any losses incurred.
If you are late due to personal reasons, you will need to make your own way to the next meeting point to join the tour (transportation costs are your own responsibility). No refunds will be given for non-participation or cancellation of the tour; please take note.
When making a reservation, please be sure to provide complete information (name + number of people + phone number + WeChat ID + pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect your trip.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
Elderly individuals, those with hypertension, heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant women are advised to have family members accompany them.
This tour does not accept bookings from customers under the age of 18 who are traveling alone. If you wish to book this tour, please have a guardian book it with you.
This is a fixed-route shared tour. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the designated time limits at each attraction and follow the driver/guide's instructions. For a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter car tour services.
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Please wear comfortable, travel-appropriate clothing and shoes for this trip.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations, and do not bring any items prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights.
During free time, you should pay attention to your personal safety and property security. If you do not heed the advice and an accident or loss occurs, you will be responsible for the consequences.
Due to the unpredictability of factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds on the day of travel, arrival times for each itinerary may vary. According to Japanese law, the maximum working time for a driver is 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and smooth driving, itineraries may be adjusted based on actual circumstances, including reducing sightseeing time at attractions or canceling certain attractions. We sincerely hope that our passengers will understand and support these adjustments made while prioritizing safety.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause due to the aforementioned or other unforeseen circumstances. Please understand our position; we will not be able to offer a refund. This decision is made out of responsibility for the safety of the driver and passengers, and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire team.
We are always committed to providing you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we need to flexibly adjust our itinerary plans based on actual circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Other force majeure events may include, but are not limited to: Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and typhoons may affect the itinerary. Traffic accidents: Road traffic accidents and traffic jams may cause itinerary delays. Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow, heavy rain, and dense fog, may affect transportation and itinerary arrangements. Government regulations: Emergency regulations and traffic controls issued by the government may lead to itinerary changes. Health emergencies: Sudden health problems of passengers or group members may require first aid and emergency treatment, leading to itinerary changes. Social events: Events such as strikes, protests, and social unrest may have unpredictable impacts on transportation and itinerary. Mechanical failures: Mechanical failures of means of transport (such as vehicles) may cause itinerary delays.
Hikone Castle was primarily constructed between 1604 and 1622 under the orders of Ii Naokatsu, the eldest son of Ii Naomasa. It was built following the Battle of Sekigahara to secure the region for the Tokugawa Shogunate and serve as the stronghold for the influential Ii clan throughout the Edo period.
Hikone Castle is a designated National Treasure of Japan, preserving its original main keep and various structures from the Edo period. Its unique features include a complex defensive design, such as multiple turrets, gates, and moats. The castle grounds also house the beautiful Genkyuen Garden, a traditional daimyo garden designed in the style of a Chinese landscape garden.
Hikone Castle was one of the few castles that avoided destruction during the Meiji Restoration, a period when many feudal castles were dismantled. Its preservation is often attributed to a direct petition from Emperor Meiji himself during a visit, recognizing its significant historical and architectural value and ultimately saving it from demolition.
Hikone Castle was the domain of the powerful Ii clan, one of the most distinguished and trusted daimyo families under the Tokugawa shogunate. The Ii clan played a crucial role in the shogunate's administration and governance throughout the Edo period, making the castle a symbol of their power and influence.
Hikone Castle is not a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, it holds the prestigious designation as a National Treasure of Japan, a status shared by only five castles in the country. This title recognizes its exceptional historical, cultural, and architectural significance, highlighting its value as a preserved original castle.
When visiting Hikone Castle, key highlights include exploring the original three-story main keep, which offers panoramic views. Don't miss the beautiful Genkyuen Garden, designed as a stroll garden, and the castle's various original gates and turrets, such as the Tenbin Yagura. The Hikone Castle Museum, located within the grounds, also showcases artifacts of the Ii clan.
Hikone Castle offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring (late March to early April) is ideal for cherry blossom viewing, as the castle grounds are adorned with hundreds of sakura trees. Autumn (late October to November) provides stunning fall foliage, creating a vibrant backdrop around the castle and garden. Summer offers lush greenery, while winter can present picturesque snow-covered landscapes.
From the main keep of Hikone Castle, visitors can enjoy expansive panoramic views. These include sweeping vistas of the surrounding city of Hikone, the vast blue expanse of Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), and on clear days, the distant mountain ranges of Shiga and Gifu prefectures, offering a comprehensive regional outlook.