Lake Biwa Tour: Shirahige Shrine, Ukimido ,La Collina Omihachiman
Experience the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day! Discover sacred Shirahige Shrine’s floating torii, ride Japan’s fastest ropeway to breathtaking Lake Biwa views, explore the hidden Zen beauty of Sanzen-in Temple, and visit the floating Ukimido Hall at sunrise. Indulge in local sweets at La Collina, a fairytale village designed by famed architect Terunobu Fujimori. Perfect for families, friends, and culture lovers seeking stunning scenery, tradition, and local flavors — this tour is a journey through Japan’s heart and soul.
Options
Kyoto station pick up 9:20am
What's included in Lake Biwa Tour: Shirahige Shrine, Ukimido ,La Collina Omihachiman
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Lake Biwa
8:00 AM/9:20AM Osaka/Kyoto Start Your Journey Let’s embark on a day filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories! ▼ 10:20AM Shirahige Shrine & Floating Torii Gate on Lake Biwa (Approx. 30 min) Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and a national symbol, located near Kyoto. It's known as the “Lake of Life” and is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Shirahige Shrine, with a history of over 1,900 years, is the oldest shrine in the Omi region and part of Japan Heritage. Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake, offering stunning views that change with the time of day and weather. Tip: For the best photos, visit the nearby Blue Lake Shirahige Observatory.
Lake Biwa Observatory
▼ 11:30 AM Lake Biwa Observatory – Panoramic Views of the Dreamlike Lake Scenery (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, Available from May 1 to Oct 31, 2025) Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway with a 360° glass cabin and enjoy breathtaking views all the way up! Located on the west side of Lake Biwa, Biwako Valley is a popular destination for visitors from Kyoto and Osaka. The ropeway takes you to an altitude of 1,100 meters in just 5 minutes (operates slower from April to November for better sightseeing at 7 m/s). Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa. At the top, the Biwako Terrace is a favorite photo spot for young travelers and influencers. The area also features exciting activities such as the Zip Line with 7 routes, Skywalk, outdoor play areas, and more — perfect for couples and families alike.
Sanzen-in Temple
▼11:30 AM Sanzen-in Temple – A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Ohara Countryside (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, visited on other dates or when ropeway is closed) Located in the quiet village of Ohara in northeastern Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple is surrounded by tranquil mountains and rich history. Ohara has long been a retreat for nobles and monks, and its beauty has inspired many poets throughout the ages. Founded in the 8th century by monk Saicho on Mount Hiei, Sanzen-in offers stunning seasonal landscapes — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter. This peaceful temple invites visitors not for the crowds, but for a calm heart and spiritual connection.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned tourist vehicle
- Multilingual tour guide
- Over time fee for tour guide and driver
- Fuel, toll, and highway fees
- Professional driver
- Food and drinks.
- Cable car ticket around 28USD
- Sanzen-in temple ticket around 5USD
- Mangetsu-ji Temple ticket around 2USD
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The departure time from the first meeting point is 8:00 AM, and the drop-off time is around 6:30 PM, making the total duration of the trip approximately 10.5 hours
- From November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, the itinerary will visit Sanzen-in Temple，From May 1st to Oct. 30th, the trip will go to Lake Biwa Observatory.
- No refunds will be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- During peak travel seasons, weekends, or holidays, traffic congestion may occur. The guide may adjust the itinerary and reduce time at certain attractions. We appreciate your understanding and recommend not scheduling other activities after the tour to avoid potential losses.
- This is a shared group tour, so guests speaking different languages may join the same vehicle
- Travel times may vary due to traffic and weather, so the schedule is for reference only. Please avoid planning other activities after the tour, as we are not responsible for delays. In case of bad weather or unforeseen events, some attractions or shows may be adjusted or canceled without notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Pick-up time and location: 9:20am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area, Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan. Find your tour guide with yellow flag with "gogoday". No refund for latecomer.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please tell us your email address while place the booking. we will send you an email on night before the trip
