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

Private Day Trips
Digital
10 hours
English
  • You can get on and off the train in Osaka or Kyoto freely.
  • Shiga Lake Biwa Day Tour: Natural Beauty, Hot Springs, and Cultural Exploration
  • Lake Biwa Observatory – Magnificent views overlooking Japan’s largest lake
  • Shirahige Shrine - "Itsukushima of Omi", the Torii Gate in the lake is dreamy and beautiful, a must-see
  • Sarasa Makino Plateau Hot Spring or MAKINO Pic-Land——Relax in the hot spring or pick fruits in the fields, choose your own experience

Options

Shiga Lake Biwa One-Day Tour (Departing from Kyoto)

Shiga Lake Biwa One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka)

Shiga Lake Biwa One-Day Tour (Departing from Kyoto)

Additional Info

  • Children aged 0-3 years old can be carried in the arms without occupying a seat, and children aged 4 years old and above will  occupy a seat as an adult. If you are traveling with a child who does not occupy a seat without informing us, we have the right to refuse boarding and the fare will not be refunded.

  • Each person can carry one piece of luggage for free (regardless of size). The excess will be charged 2,000 yen per piece. Please make a note when placing an order.

From$60.58Per Person
Available from 26th Jul 2025

What's included in Shiga Lake Biwa Day Tour | Lake Biwa Observatory or Sanzenin Temple, Shirahige Shrine, Metasequoia Avenue, Sarasa Makino Plateau Hot Spring or Makino Agricultural Park (MAKINO Pic-Land) | Depart from Osaka or Kyoto

(Subject to Option Inclusions)

Itinerary

08:00

Depart from Exit 2 of Nihombashi Station (Namba-Shinsaibashi area)

Depart from Exit 2 of Nihombashi Station (Namba-Shinsaibashi area)
09:20

Depart from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in Front of the Station

Depart from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in Front of the Station
10:20

Lake Biwa Observation Deck - Enjoy the dreamy beauty of the lake (about 120 minutes, lunch is available here at your own expense, visit here from May 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. If the cable car is closed during this period, go to Sanzen-in Temple)

Lake Biwa Observation Deck - Enjoy the dreamy beauty of the lake (about 120 minutes, lunch is available here at your own expense, visit here from May 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. If the cable car is closed during this period, go to Sanzen-in Temple)

The observatory is rich in activities and has a unique perspective. It is very popular and has become a preferred tourist destination for couples and families on vacation.

The observatory is rich in activities and has a unique perspective. It is very popular and has become a preferred tourist destination for couples and families on vacation.

Sanzen-in Temple - Ohara, a hidden gem in Kyoto, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons in the moss-covered Sanzen-in Temple (about 120 minutes, you can have lunch here, at your own expense, go here from November 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026)

Sanzen-in Temple - Ohara, a hidden gem in Kyoto, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons in the moss-covered Sanzen-in Temple (about 120 minutes, you can have lunch here, at your own expense, go here from November 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026)

In Sanzen-in Temple, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, forests in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. The scenery changes with each season. You don't come here to join in the fun, but simply to calm your mind and to be in touch with the beautiful Zen scenery.

In Sanzen-in Temple, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, forests in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. The scenery changes with each season. You don't come here to join in the fun, but simply to calm your mind and to be in touch with the beautiful Zen scenery.
13:00

Lake Biwa Metasequoia Avenue - 500 Metasequoia trees with a spectacular view of the four seasons (about 120 minutes, free time)

Lake Biwa Metasequoia Avenue - 500 Metasequoia trees with a spectacular view of the four seasons (about 120 minutes, free time)

During your stay, you can choose between two attractions: Makino Plateau Hot Spring or Makino Agricultural Park MAKINO Pic-Land

Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa (Please pay for your own bathing fee and lunch) has both indoor and outdoor hot springs. Closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa (Please pay for your own bathing fee and lunch) has both indoor and outdoor hot springs. Closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Makino Pic-Land (If you don’t want to go to the hot springs, you can go to the farm and have fun) Closed on Wednesdays

Makino Pic-Land (If you don’t want to go to the hot springs, you can go to the farm and have fun) Closed on Wednesdays

There are many farm activities, which are arranged according to the season.

There are many farm activities, which are arranged according to the season.
16:00

Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine, Water Torii Gate (about 30 minutes)

Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine, Water Torii Gate (about 30 minutes)

When photographing the torii on the water, it is recommended to go to the Blue Lake Shirahige Terrace, a dedicated observation deck for photography.

When photographing the torii on the water, it is recommended to go to the Blue Lake Shirahige Terrace, a dedicated observation deck for photography.
16:40

The day's tour ends happily and we start to return. The return time is for reference only. We may return earlier due to smooth travel and good road conditions.

18:00

Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in front of the station. Guests who get off at Kyoto can leave here.

19:00

Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori area (disband) For Osaka pick-up and drop-off packages, the tour ends at Shinsaibashi area

The "Biwako Observation Deck Valley" is located on the west side of the famous Lake Biwa and is a popular spot for Keihan tourism. The "Biwako Terrace" has also become a popular spot for young people and a new favorite for taking beautiful photos on social software.
The "Biwako Observation Deck Valley" is located on the west side of the famous Lake Biwa and is a popular spot for Keihan tourism. The "Biwako Terrace" has also become a popular spot for young people and a new favorite for taking beautiful photos on social software.
The fastest cable car in Japan, with a 360-degree glass cabin, offers endless views of the stunning scenery. It only takes 5 minutes to reach the 1,100-meter-high mountain, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa along the way. (Cable car fees are at your own expense)
The fastest cable car in Japan, with a 360-degree glass cabin, offers endless views of the stunning scenery. It only takes 5 minutes to reach the 1,100-meter-high mountain, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa along the way. (Cable car fees are at your own expense)
Lake Biwa Observation Deck, the ultimate way to see Japan's largest freshwater lake - a God's perspective suspended between the lake and the sky
Lake Biwa Observation Deck, the ultimate way to see Japan's largest freshwater lake - a God's perspective suspended between the lake and the sky
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 Special Measures Law 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".
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 Special Measures Law 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".
Sanzen-in Temple is located in Ohara-no-Sato, northeast of Kyoto City. Surrounded by tranquil mountains, Ohara has been a place for nobles to cultivate their minds and bodies since ancient times, and has been the subject of many poems.
Sanzen-in Temple is located in Ohara-no-Sato, northeast of Kyoto City. Surrounded by tranquil mountains, Ohara has been a place for nobles to cultivate their minds and bodies since ancient times, and has been the subject of many poems.
Metasequoia Avenue is located on the Makinozawa Line of the Koara Road in Shiga Prefecture. There are about 500 Metasequoia trees planted on both sides of the 2.4-kilometer road. This is a straight road leading to the Makino Plateau. The mountains of the Nosaka Mountains in the distance and the Metasequoia Avenue complement each other, creating a stunning and magnificent landscape.
Metasequoia Avenue is located on the Makinozawa Line of the Koara Road in Shiga Prefecture. There are about 500 Metasequoia trees planted on both sides of the 2.4-kilometer road. This is a straight road leading to the Makino Plateau. The mountains of the Nosaka Mountains in the distance and the Metasequoia Avenue complement each other, creating a stunning and magnificent landscape.
Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa: The hot spring facilities include the "Dodan" and "Furin" baths for men and women, each accommodating 50 people, as well as a bathing area for 15 people, a covered bath, a four-season bath (low temperature), a lying bath, a jacuzzi, and a large bath. Each bath has an open-air bath, which provides privacy while overlooking the majestic Akasaka Mountains in the garden.
Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa: The hot spring facilities include the "Dodan" and "Furin" baths for men and women, each accommodating 50 people, as well as a bathing area for 15 people, a covered bath, a four-season bath (low temperature), a lying bath, a jacuzzi, and a large bath. Each bath has an open-air bath, which provides privacy while overlooking the majestic Akasaka Mountains in the garden.
Makino Agricultural Park MAKINO Pic-Land: Japan's first experience-based park with the theme of "agriculture + art", with a variety of rich experience activities throughout the year based on different crops.
Makino Agricultural Park MAKINO Pic-Land: Japan's first experience-based park with the theme of "agriculture + art", with a variety of rich experience activities throughout the year based on different crops.
There are core facilities such as the Agricultural Art Museum, Sky Farm, Makino Workshop, and Plateau Gourmet Center. Here, agriculture is not a backdrop to the landscape, but a poetic language for the dialogue between man and nature.
There are core facilities such as the Agricultural Art Museum, Sky Farm, Makino Workshop, and Plateau Gourmet Center. Here, agriculture is not a backdrop to the landscape, but a poetic language for the dialogue between man and nature.
Shirahige Shrine was built about 1,900 years ago and is the oldest shrine in Omi. It has been selected as one of the elements of the Japanese Heritage story. The scenery here is charming, with Oki Island rising above the horizon as the background, and fishing boats passing through the torii gates in the lake, which is particularly beautiful. The water torii gates of Shirahige Shrine stand quietly in Lake Biwa, responding to the ever-changing world with the same unchanging state. The torii gates fly in the morning and roll up in the evening, the blue sky is clear, the wind and clouds change, and the stars move, presenting different scenes, which are favored by countless photography enthusiasts.
Shirahige Shrine was built about 1,900 years ago and is the oldest shrine in Omi. It has been selected as one of the elements of the Japanese Heritage story. The scenery here is charming, with Oki Island rising above the horizon as the background, and fishing boats passing through the torii gates in the lake, which is particularly beautiful. The water torii gates of Shirahige Shrine stand quietly in Lake Biwa, responding to the ever-changing world with the same unchanging state. The torii gates fly in the morning and roll up in the evening, the blue sky is clear, the wind and clouds change, and the stars move, presenting different scenes, which are favored by countless photography enthusiasts.

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto and head to the area around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, known as the "Back Garden of Kinki", to experience the perfect fusion of nature and humanity.

Visit the lakeside torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, experience Japan's beautiful four-season scenery along Metasequoia Avenue, and experience hot spring therapy at Makino Plateau or enjoy the orchard close to nature.

The colorful red leaves in autumn, the dreamy snow scenes in winter, and the lush greenery in spring and summer make this a year-round scenic itinerary suitable for families, couples, and friends!

Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa: Closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month (but if it is a holiday, it will be postponed to the next day). The spa area (バーデゾーン) is closed on Tuesdays (※Open as usual on February 11th). ※May be temporarily closed due to equipment maintenance, etc. ※From December to the end of March of the following year, every Wednesday is a fixed closing day.

Makino Agricultural Park MAKINO Pic-Land: Closed on Wednesdays.

Inclusions

  • Service charge
  • Transportation fare
  • Parking fee
  • Toll fee
  • Fuel cost
  • Lunch
  • Attraction tickets
  • Entrance fee
  • Personal expenses
  • Other expenses not mentioned above
  • In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
  • High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Epilepsy
  • Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity
  • Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
  • This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the driver and guide.
  • Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point in advance. If you do not show up at the designated time in the morning, the tour guide will call your reserved phone number as soon as possible (please reserve a phone number with international roaming). If you are unable to get in touch, in order to ensure the smooth journey, the vehicle will depart on time. Thank you for your understanding.
  • If you leave the group on your own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. If personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by you.
  • Please note that no refund will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
  • The arrival time of each itinerary may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. Please forgive us if the itinerary is delayed or cancelled due to the above or other force majeure factors. We cannot request a refund on this basis.
  • In case of a small number of people, the driver and tour leader will be used for operation. Please be aware that this product is a carpooling service, and there will be other guests riding together. Parking is not allowed outside the scenic spots.
  • Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur during weekends and national holidays. The driver will also adjust the itinerary based on the specific situation. Please be sure to prepare your psychological expectations before placing an order.
  • In order to create a clean and comfortable interior, please do not eat or drink in the car. If you cause stains in the car, you will need to pay compensation according to local cleaning standards. Thank you for your understanding.
  • Please be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the designated time and do not be late. Because this trip cannot be transferred to other departures or joined midway, if you fail to participate in the one-day tour due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for the corresponding losses. Please understand.

Meet

Venues

  • Nihonbashi Station Exit 2
    Between07:45 - 08:00
    View on Map
  • Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Sightseeing Bus Stop In Front Of The Station
    Between09:05 - 09:20
    View on Map

Meeting / End Points

  • Lake Biwa Observatory

Policies

Purchase Summary

【Travel conditions】

Travel origin and destination: Osaka and Shiga

Travel days: Round trip

Transportation: Chartered bus

Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.

Meals: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times

Accommodation facilities: None

Minimum number of people in a group: 4

Team Leader: 1

【Travel planning/implementation】

Name of operating company: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd. 

Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 

License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633 

Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Valid Period

The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration

Surcharge

During passenger transport service, if the interior of the vehicle is polluted or dirty due to spilling food or drinks, vomiting or other behaviors, professional cleaning is required to restore the cleanliness and hygiene of the vehicle. Since the cleaning fee is affected by many factors such as the degree of contamination, cleaning method, required cleaning materials and time, we cannot provide a fixed cleaning fee standard in advance: the actual cleaning fee will be evaluated based on the actual pollution of the vehicle and the difficulty of cleaning. During passenger transport service, if the interior facilities of the vehicle are damaged due to improper operation by the customer, such as curtains, safety buckles, cup holders, etc., the driver will determine the fee after evaluating the specific situation on site.

Redeem

Ticket Redemption

Redeem your voucher at the meeting point