Shiga-Otsu Day Tour: MIHO Museum, Former Chikurinin Temple & Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine (Depart from Osaka and Kyoto) | Japan

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—Introduction to attractions—

• MIHO Museum: Pei’s Paradise
  

MIHO Museum of Art was designed by the famous architect Mr. I.M. Pei, based on the concept of "Peach Blossom Spring". It is far away from the city. The most special thing is that 80% of the building is buried in the mountains. In summer, the forests are lush and the mountain roads are long. In winter, the mountain is closed due to heavy snow. The collection includes artworks from ancient civilizations such as Japan, China, South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. ※Opening date official website http://www.miho.or.jp/calendar/ Permanent exhibition ticket: 1100 yen; special exhibition ticket 1300 yen. Lunch recommendation (please pay for it yourself) There are restaurants and cafes in the museum, please feel free to choose your own meals.

＊ Museum closure dates: March 24, 31, 2025, April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025, May 7, 12, 19, 26, 2025, June 2, 2025, June 9, 2025 - July 11, 2025, July 14, 22, 28, 2025, August 4, 12, 18, 2025, August 25, - September 19, 2025, September 22, 29, 2025, October 6, 14, 20, 27, 2025, November 4, 10, 17, 25, December 8, 2025, December 15-31, 2025

• Former Chikurin-in Temple
  

The national designated scenic garden where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of different seasons was once the retreat of the monks on Mount Hiei. Recommended by Japanese photographers, the layout of the attic in the courtyard is the same as that of Rurikoin, and you can take the same mirror reflection, and there is no interruption and no time limit, so you can slowly find the perfect angle. The courtyard is covered with moss, and each season has its own characteristics. You can enjoy the courtyard landscaping while tasting the perfect taste of matcha, or you can walk through the exquisitely arranged mountain stream stone steps and experience the Zen in the Japanese courtyard. Tickets are self-paid: 330 yen; tasting matcha + Japanese confectionery in the courtyard: 400 yen.

＊Go to Taisha Shrine when the Former Chikurin-in Temple is closed (on Mondays, the day after a holiday, and 12/26-12/31) Mount Hiei Taisha Shrine: The head shrine of more than 3,800 Hie, Hiyoshi, and Sanno Shrines in Japan, "Hieyoshi Taisha Shrine" uses monkeys as messengers of God.

• Lake Biwa Shirasu Shrine Water Torii

Lake Biwa is a freshwater lake in the mountainous area of central and western Japan, close to Kyoto. It is a symbol of Japan, a national park and the largest lake. It is a designated lake under the Law on Special Measures for the Preservation of Lake and Marsh Water Quality in Japan and is listed in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as an internationally important wetland. Like Mount Fuji, Lake Biwa is regarded by the Japanese as a symbol of Japan and is affectionately called the "Lake of Life".

• Shinsaibashi
  

Osaka's most famous shopping street is home to large department stores, chain drugstores, old brand stores, and small shops. There are all kinds of goods of all grades and styles, and Hello Kitty and Disney stores are also here. This is also a gathering place for drugstores, and most stores are equipped with Chinese-speaking staff, so you can easily enjoy shopping.

• Dotonbori

Whether it is day or night, this street never rests. As the birthplace of Osaka's food culture, Dotonbori has many delicious snacks such as octopus balls, Okonomiyaki, and Jinlong ramen, as well as traditional Japanese izakayas and various restaurants, such as the popular Kani Doraku.

Other day trip recommendations:

Shiga Lake Biwa Day Tour｜Shirahige Shrine・Observation Deck or Sanzenin Temple・Mangetsuji Temple Ukimido・Omihachiman｜Optional Osaka or Kyoto Pick-up and Drop-off

Shiga Lake Biwa Day Tour | Lake Biwa Observatory or Sanzenin Temple, Shirahige Shrine, Metasequoia Avenue, Sarasa Makino Plateau Hot Spring or Makino Pic-Land | Depart from Osaka or Kyoto

—Important Notes—

• Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit. The excess will be charged 2,000 yen per piece (please note when registering).

• Children aged 0-2 years old can ride for free without occupying a seat; please inform us in advance when registering; children aged 3 years old and above ride the same as adults.

• Small groups of 1-13 people will have driver who also serves as the guide. For bus groups of 14-45 people there will be a driver and a guide. The arrangement will be made according to the number of participants in the group on the day.

• Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or equivalent. 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or equivalent.  18-22 seater: mini bus. 22 seater or more: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on the day.