Shiga Lake Biwa Day Tour: Biwako Valley, Shirahige Shrine, Mangetsu-ji Ukimido, and La Collina Omihachiman (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
- Panoramic view of Japan's largest lake - Lake Biwa
- Visit the Instagram-famous photo spot - Shirahige Shrine
- Stroll through Omihachiman and La Collina, taste Baumkuchen, and experience the local atmosphere and healing time
- Visit Mangetsu-ji Ukimido and admire the beauty of the serene temple that seems to float on the lake surface
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
－ Attraction Introduction －
- Lake Biwa
As the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Lake Biwa is located at the border of Honshu and the Kinki region, not far from Kyoto. Formed by ancient glacial activity, it covers an area of approximately 670 square kilometers and is one of the five major freshwater lakes in Japan. Lake Biwa is world-renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, rich biodiversity, and profound cultural history. The cities and attractions along the lakeshore are diverse, including Otsu City, Hikone City, and many temples, shrines, and castles. The lake area offers enchanting scenery that attracts many tourists and photography enthusiasts. You can also experience activities such as boating, bird watching, and fishing on the lake. Additionally, Lake Biwa is an important water source for the surrounding area, providing essential resources for water supply, irrigation, and power generation. Overall, Lake Biwa is one of Japan's most important natural landscapes and a vital part of its culture and ecosystem.
- Shirahige Shrine
Shirahige Shrine is located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Said to have been founded in the 6th century, it is one of the oldest shrines in the Lake Biwa region. Dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami (a deity in Japanese mythology), the shrine is considered a guardian of safe navigation and water safety. As a result, many sailors, fishermen, and locals come to pray for safety and bountiful harvests. The shrine's architecture and grounds also attract many visitors. Its architectural style and garden design showcase traditional Japanese religious and architectural art, allowing visitors to experience the charm of history and culture. Furthermore, the natural scenery surrounding Shirahige Shrine is exceptionally beautiful, making it a popular destination for tourists and worshippers alike.
- Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Temple)
Located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, this building is also known as the Floating Temple. It was built on an artificial island in Lake Biwa by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. Originally constructed as a villa and hunting lodge for Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the architectural style of Ukimido blends Japanese and Chinese design elements of the time, holding unique cultural and historical value. Situated on the surface of Lake Biwa and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, it is a popular spot for tourists and photography enthusiasts. Visitors can reach Ukimido by boat to explore the interior architecture and exhibits. It is also a place for people to relax, admire the beautiful natural scenery, and experience traditional Japanese culture.
- La Collina Omihachiman
A popular dessert and architectural landmark in Omihachiman, Shiga, created by a well-known brand and famous for its grass-roofed buildings. The park blends natural scenery with aesthetic design, allowing you to stroll through and admire the unique architectural style while tasting popular desserts like Baumkuchen made with local ingredients, enjoying a relaxing and healing time.
The "Biwako Observation Deck" has a cafe and restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious food while admiring the magnificent panoramic view of Lake Biwa amidst the natural beauty that changes with the seasons.
The view from the Lake Biwa Observation Deck is breathtaking, with the vast and magnificent Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains interweaving to create a four-season scenery that is a sight not to be missed.
It only takes about 5 minutes to take the cable car to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 1,100 meters. From there, you can have a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, which is amazing.
The torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, standing on Lake Biwa, is about 10 meters high. Its bright red color forms a charming contrast with the surrounding natural scenery, presenting an intoxicating beauty.
The torii gate in the lake, reflecting the setting sun, seems like a beautiful entrance to a divine realm.
The golden sunset is reflected on the lake, making the Floating Palace seem to float in a dream.
La Collina Omihachiman's green roof is like a fairytale wonderland, a healing world where nature and desserts intertwine.
Purchase Notice
[Tour Conditions] [ Amount ]
Travel departure point/destination: Osaka/Kyoto/Shiga
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Yoshizumi Co., Ltd./Yoshizumi Co., Ltd.
Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 10
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Torotron Osaka Headquarters
Address: 15th Floor, Inogate Osaka, 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture 530-0001, Japan
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
Travel Association Name: National Travel Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch) Regular Member; All Travel (Osaka Prefecture Travel Association) Regular Member; JATA is a cooperative member.
Reminders
A minimum of 10 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
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If the Biwako Ropeway is closed on the day of the trip, the destination will be changed to Mount Hakodate.
Driver/guide service: Small group of 4-13 people; Driver + guide service: Bus tour of 14-45 people, subject to adjustment based on the number of participants on the day. The driver/guide's primary role is driving, with commentary as a secondary function.
Please confirm the meeting point before departure. We recommend arriving at the meeting point early to avoid missing the departure time. This is a shared ride trip; to ensure the rights of all passengers and the smooth running of the trip, we will depart on time. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by late arrivals. Once the meeting point is confirmed, please do not change it. If you are unable to board the vehicle due to a change of meeting point for personal reasons, no refund will be issued.
Due to the long travel distance, the actual arrival time may be affected by factors such as traffic and weather. The above times are only estimates. Please avoid scheduling other activities after the day's itinerary. Our company will not be liable for any losses caused by delays. Thank you for your understanding.
This product may be subject to adjustment based on weather and other factors. For your safety, staff have the right to ask guests to cease outdoor activities and will communicate with you to make alternative arrangements. The specific arrangements will depend on the actual situation on the day.
The transportation, sightseeing, and stay times involved in the itinerary are subject to the actual situation on the day. In case of special circumstances (such as traffic jams, weather conditions, etc.), the tour guide may reasonably adjust the order of sightseeing without reducing the number of attractions in the itinerary, based on the actual situation and with the consent of the guests.
During the tour, early departure or leaving the group midway is not permitted. If you choose to leave the group midway, the uncompleted portion will be considered a voluntary abandonment, and no refund will be given. You will be solely responsible for any accidents that may occur after leaving the group; your understanding is appreciated.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. In the event of the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, the tour guide has the right to adjust and shorten the itinerary on-site, and no refund can be requested on this basis. Please understand that traffic congestion is possible due to the long travel distance. Our company is not responsible for any subsequent costs incurred due to delays caused by traffic jams.
We will try our best to arrange seating, but as this is a shared tour, seating will be allocated primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any special requests, please let us know in the remarks, and we will do our best to arrange a suitable seat for you. The final arrangement will be subject to the coordination of the tour guide on the day. We hope to receive your understanding and tolerance, and thank you for your consideration.
Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hice or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day of the tour.
Infants under three years old can participate for free, but must inform customer service in advance and complete the remarks. If not notified in advance, they may be refused boarding on-site due to vehicle capacity limitations. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. No seats will be provided; they must be held by a guardian throughout the journey.
This tour will be narrated in Chinese, English, or Japanese. Please note that we cannot guarantee the provision of services in a specific language; the actual language used will depend on the itinerary arrangements on the day and is ultimately determined by the supplier.
This is a group tour, and you may be traveling with other travelers from different language regions. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- 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 your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What are the recommended viewpoints for admiring Lake Biwa's scenic beauty?
To best appreciate Lake Biwa's beauty, consider visiting Biwako Terrace, accessible via ropeway, which offers panoramic views from high above. Another unique perspective is from Shirahige Shrine, where the torii gate appears to float on the lake, especially picturesque during sunrise or sunset. The areas along the lake's western shore also provide various scenic spots for a tranquil experience.
2. Is a visit to Lake Biwa recommended for travelers looking for natural scenery?
Absolutely, Lake Biwa is highly recommended for nature lovers. As Japan's largest lake, it offers diverse landscapes, from tranquil shores to mountainous backdrops. Visitors can enjoy activities like leisurely strolls along the lakeside, boat cruises, or simply appreciating the serene environment. The area is particularly beautiful during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, making it a picturesque destination year-round.
3. What is the general cost to ride the Biwako Ropeway to the Biwako Terrace?
Riding the Biwako Ropeway to Biwako Terrace requires a ticket, typically purchased on-site or as part of a tour package. The cost varies based on whether it's a round-trip ticket or combined with other attractions. While specific prices are not mentioned, it's generally considered a worthwhile expense for the breathtaking views and facilities at the top.
4. What specific viewpoints and attractions can be found at the Biwako Terrace observation deck?
The Biwako Terrace boasts several distinct areas. The 'Grand Terrace' offers expansive wooden decks with comfortable seating and stunning panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains. The 'Café Stand' provides refreshments with a view. Additionally, the 'Valley Area' on the opposite side features zip-lines and other activities for adventure seekers, making it a multi-faceted destination.
5. Which areas around Lake Biwa offer the best experiences for visitors?
For a blend of nature and culture, the western shore near Otsu and Biwako Terrace offers stunning lake views. The area around Shirahige Shrine is famous for its 'floating' torii gate, an iconic photo spot. Further north, Sanzen-in Temple provides a serene escape with beautiful moss gardens and autumn leaves. La Collina Omihachiman offers a unique, whimsical architectural experience, blending nature with a distinctive shop environment.
6. What are the primary transportation options to reach Lake Biwa from Osaka or Kyoto?
From Osaka or Kyoto, the most common way to reach Lake Biwa is by train. JR lines connect directly to various stations along the lake, such as Otsu or Hira, which is close to the Biwako Valley Ropeway. The journey typically takes about 15-30 minutes from Kyoto and 45-60 minutes from Osaka, depending on your specific destination around the lake and train type.
7. What are the best ways to travel between key attractions around Lake Biwa, such as Shirahige Shrine and Sanzen-in Temple?
Traveling between attractions like Shirahige Shrine and Sanzen-in Temple around Lake Biwa is often best done by combining local train services with buses or taxis for the final leg. For Shirahige Shrine, take a JR train to Omi-Takashima Station, then a short bus or taxi ride. Sanzen-in Temple is accessible via a bus from Ohara Bus Stop, which can be reached by bus from Kyoto Station. For convenience, consider joining a guided tour that provides seamless transportation between these sites.
8. What makes Shirahige Shrine and Sanzen-in Temple unique attractions on a Shiga tour?
Shirahige Shrine is renowned for its iconic torii gate standing gracefully in Lake Biwa, creating a mystical 'floating' illusion perfect for photography, especially at dawn or dusk. Sanzen-in Temple, nestled in the tranquil Ohara mountains, offers a profound cultural experience with its beautiful moss gardens, historic halls, and vibrant autumn foliage, providing a serene escape from city life.
