Previously, when traveling from Osaka to Kyoto, my instinct was to take the train or JR. This time, with a 10-year-old child, the subway and train journeys alone were exhausting.
Trying a private car arrangement proved to be very advantageous:
Time-saving: Directly getting from our accommodation to our destination saved a significant amount of time.
Effortless: Luggage was handled, avoiding long walks and waiting times.
Worry-free: The itinerary was pre-arranged, ensuring we arrived on time without worrying about missing our trains; boarding and alighting times were flexible.
Cost-saving: Compared to day tour groups, our private car day trip was cheaper when split among the passengers.
On the day of the trip, Kyoto was hot. We didn't have to endure the heat at the station. When we arrived, we found it too hot outside, so we boarded the car early after visiting the sights. We quickly discussed it with the driver, and they quickly adjusted the itinerary to indoor activities, avoiding a forced outdoor activity in the sun. We finished shopping and returned to the hotel satisfied within the allotted time.
This experience was very satisfying.
Driver Chen was a friendly and polite person, and our conversation in the car was pleasant.
I was torn between Biwako Valley and Hakodateyama, but it seemed like the attractions at Biwako Valley were under maintenance, so I chose Hakodateyama. When you get off the gondola, you can use the mini pool with a slide, grass sledding, and lifts as many times as you like for free with this ticket! How generous! There were also paid attractions like an athletic course, a long grass sledding area, and buggies, but my kids enjoyed the athletic course the most. It's a pretty fun athletic course. My kids are not very athletic, so they were almost ready to give up 💦 The restaurant opened for business that day, and for a ski resort restaurant, the quality was high and the food was delicious. The prices were also reasonable. There were also many photogenic spots. I've been to Biwako Valley three times this year for skiing, but it's incredibly crowded, and the restaurants are too high-end, making it difficult for families with children. The number of people at Hakodateyama was just right. I'm sorry to say, but Hakodateyama wins. Also, all the staff were friendly and kind, which made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Thank you very much.
Today's trip time was very well mastered, the driver drove smoothly, and the tour guide Xiao Liu's explanation of the attractions was also rich and exciting. Special thanks to the tour guide Xiao Liu for his attentiveness and enthusiasm. This is a professional, humane and relaxing trip, highly recommended!
This JR Pass is very useful; everything is convenient after picking up the ticket from the green machine, making it suitable for travelers who plan ahead. However, a 50-character review is still too long.
Anonymous User
Family
Shiga Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit
Data source:Meteostat Update date:2025-09
Shiga year round climate
Spring (March–May): Average -0.3–11.1°C, the climate changes from cold to mild. Temperatures begin to rise in March, but be aware of the temperature difference between morning and evening. Common activities: Cherry blossom viewing (depending on the cherry blossom variety and blooming time), enjoying nature, visiting shrines and temples. Recommended clothing: Warm coat, sweater, long pants, scarf.
Summer (June–August): Average 14.7–21.6°C, the climate is warm and humid, with relatively high rainfall, especially in August. Common activities: Lake activities, hiking (choose shaded routes), visiting attractions around Lake Biwa. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, rain gear, sun hat.
Autumn (September–November): Average 11.2–17.9°C, the climate is comfortable and pleasant, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. Common activities: Maple leaf viewing (depending on the maple leaf variety and color change time), cycling, enjoying local cuisine. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved clothing, comfortable shoes.
Winter (December–February): Average -6.2–-0.3°C, the climate is cold and dry, with occasional snowfall. Common activities: Skiing (requires going to the mountains), hot springs, indoor activities. Recommended clothing: Heavy coat, warm clothing, hat, gloves, scarf.
Shiga climatological average
Annual average temperature: approx. 7°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1050 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August
Shiga monthly average temperature and precipitation
Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-6.2°C
75.8
February
-5.8°C
49
March
-0.3°C
58.6
April
6.6°C
57.3
May
11.1°C
70.2
June
14.7°C
108.7
July
19.8°C
95.6
August
21.6°C
172.6
September
17.9°C
120.8
October
11.2°C
111.4
November
4.5°C
69.7
December
-3.4°C
60.7
Shiga weather for the next seven days
8/5
Wednesday
Sunny
27.1°C/17.6°C
8/6
Thursday
Sunny
25.8°C/18.6°C
8/7
Friday
Sunny
28°C/19.2°C
8/8
Saturday
Light rain shower
20.8°C/16°C
8/9
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
17.3°C/15.9°C
8/10
Monday
Partly Cloudy
20.3°C/16.6°C
8/11
Tuesday
Overcast
20.4°C/17.5°C
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