[Departing from Kyoto/Osaka] Lake Biwa Scenic Day Tour | Sky Mirror, Lake Biwa Valley, Shirahige Shrine Water Torii, La Collina Omihachiman | Chinese Guide

Shirahige Shrine, located by Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is famous for its torii gate in the water and is a historic shrine beloved by worshippers. The main deity of Shirahige Shrine is Sarutahiko-no-Okami, symbolizing prayers for longevity, good fortune, traffic safety, and good relationships. Bringing home an amulet or prayer item from Shirahige Shrine is not only a meaningful souvenir but also carries blessings for peace, happiness, and good luck. Whether for your own collection or as a gift for friends and family, it is a unique souvenir with a distinct Japanese shrine style.

If the Biwako Valley Ropeway is suspended due to weather or other factors, we will arrange a special visit to 'Sanzen-in Temple' in Ohara, Kyoto, adding a serene and poetic moment at an ancient temple to your journey. Sanzen-in is a thousand-year-old Tendai sect temple nestled in the mountains of Ohara, Kyoto. Far from the city bustle and surrounded by lush greenery and nature, it feels like stepping into a hidden sanctuary. The most impressive feature of the temple is its Zen-inspired moss garden. Vast stretches of soft, emerald-green moss cover the ground, dotted with adorable Jizo statues that stand quietly among the tree shadows and garden scenery, presenting a gentle and healing Japanese aesthetic. Strolling through the grounds, with the breeze rustling through the treetops and greenery filling your view, time seems to slow down. Whether you love ancient Japanese temples, garden landscapes, or are simply looking for a quiet corner away from the crowds, Sanzen-in offers a unique Kyoto experience. If the ropeway is suspended, it is not a disappointment, but the beginning of another journey into a hidden gem of Kyoto. The scenery is charming in every season: fresh cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, brilliant autumn maples, and serene winter snow; each season is like a different painting. Walking through it is not just for a photo spot, but to slow down, converse with nature, and feel inner peace and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

La Collina Omihachiman | Step into a fairy-tale world grown from the earth Located in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, 'La Collina Omihachiman' was designed by renowned Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori. Based on the philosophy of 'coexisting with nature,' it creates a grass-roofed building that resembles a fairy-tale world. The most stunning feature of the building is its roof, covered with lush green grass. As the seasons change, the building presents a completely different, charming appearance—fresh green in spring, vibrant in summer, warm colors in autumn, and a pure white snow scene in winter. Every visit offers a different landscape. The architecture seems to grow naturally from the earth, blending into the surrounding rural scenery. Strolling through the park, you are surrounded by greenery and nature, as if temporarily escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and stepping into a healing fairy-tale secret realm. In addition to appreciating the unique architectural aesthetics, you can also taste popular desserts and limited-edition delicacies in the park. The freshly baked baumkuchen, in particular, is fragrant and warm, making it an unmissable sweet experience. Stroll, eat, and take photos—collect architectural aesthetics and delicious desserts all at once. Whether you are a lover of unique architecture and natural landscapes, or a traveler who loves desserts and photo spots, you can find your own travel joy at La Collina Omihachiman. A fairy-tale building grown from the earth, making travel more than just sightseeing, but a beautiful experience that heals the body and mind.