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Lake Biwa Scenic Day Tour: Biwako Valley Observation Deck & Shirahige Shrine Floating Torii Gate (Departing from Kansai)

4.5 / 5
70 reviews
800+ booked
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Depart from Osaka, Kyoto

08:00 - 17:30

Guide language: English

+2

Free cancellation (24 hours notice)

You'll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity date (destination local time)

Available from 3 Sep 2026

Operated by:株式会社三宇観光

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Itinerary

Day 1

Meet-up

Find your departure point

Point 1

08:00

Nipponbashi Exit 2, 〒542-0073 1-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture

▶The tour guide will not contact travelers in advance. If needed, you can exchange contact information with the guide on-site on the day of the tour. ▶For license plate and guide details, please check the email sent 1 day before departure between 16:00-22:00 (Japan time). If there are multiple emails, the latest one sent shall prevail.

Point 2

09:20

Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, in front of the station, sightseeing bus parking area Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan

▶The tour guide will not contact travelers in advance. If needed, you can exchange contact information with the guide on-site on the day of the tour. ▶For license plate and guide details, please check the email sent 1 day before departure between 16:00-22:00 (Japan time). If there are multiple emails, the latest one sent shall prevail.

Reminder
  • Latecomers or no-shows won't be refunded

  • Please arrive at the location 10 mins before the departure time

Shirahige Shrine Torii

30 min(s)
Self-guided
Free entry

The Biwako Terrace observation deck is open from May 1 to November 23, 2026, and from December 19, 2026, to March 21, 2027. Please note that the scenic area will be closed for maintenance from September 7 to September 11, 2026, during which time visits cannot be arranged. In the event of the scenic area being closed, cable car suspension, or other force majeure factors preventing normal sightseeing, the itinerary will be changed to visit Sanzen-in Temple. The specific arrangements will be subject to the guide's notification on the day. & more

3 hr(s)
Self-guided
Pay on site

The Biwako Terrace observation deck is open from May 1 to November 23, 2026, and from December 19, 2026, to March 21, 2027. Please note that the scenic area will be closed for maintenance from September 7 to September 11, 2026, during which time visits cannot be arranged. In the event of the scenic area being closed, cable car suspension, or other force majeure factors preventing normal sightseeing, the itinerary will be changed to visit Sanzen-in Temple. The specific arrangements will be subject to the guide's notification on the day.

Visit Sanzen-in Temple on other dates or when the cable car is out of service.

Day Collina Ōmi-Hachiman

1 hr(s)
Self-guided
Pay on site

To drop-off points

Point 1

Tour will end at

17:30

Kyoto station hachijoguchi

▶The drop-off time is for reference only and may be earlier due to a smooth itinerary, good road conditions, etc. ▶The actual arrival time at the disbandment location may vary depending on road conditions. ▶To avoid losses, please do not arrange other activities for the evening of the same day. Thank you for your understanding.

Point 2

Tour will end at

18:30

Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station

▶The drop-off time is for reference only and may be earlier due to a smooth itinerary, good road conditions, etc. ▶The actual arrival time at the disbandment location may vary depending on road conditions. ▶To avoid losses, please do not arrange other activities for the evening of the same day. Thank you for your understanding.

icon For reference only. The itinerary is subject to change.

Know before you go

Important info

What's included

  • Driver, Host: English, Chinese, Japanese
  • Transport: Bus
  • Admission: Shirahige Shrine Torii
  • Meals
  • Admission
  • Accommodation
  • Extra fees
  • Gears & Equipment
  • Tax & discounts
  • Insurance
  • Biwako Cable Car Fare
  • Sanzen-in Temple admission fee
  • Other personal consumption
  • Special arrangement
  • Services vary based on customer selection

Before you book

Additional information

Other Reminders

  • 【Notification Sending Time】One day before your trip, between 16:00 and 22:00 Japan time, we will send detailed guide and vehicle information via email. Please be sure to check your inbox. During peak travel season, the sending time may be slightly delayed. If you receive multiple emails, please refer to the last one.
  • 【LINE Add Friend Instructions】Due to different LINE account registration regions, there may be regional restrictions, and in some cases, it may not be possible to add friends by searching for an account. We appreciate your understanding.
  • 【Group Tour Description】This itinerary is a fixed international group tour route. You will travel with other passengers in the same vehicle. Temporary stops are not possible in non-scenic areas, so please understand.
  • 【Meeting Notice】Please be sure to arrive at the designated location on time. If you are unable to participate in the itinerary due to lateness, getting lost, or other personal reasons, it will be considered an automatic forfeiture, and related fees will not be refunded.
  • 【Vehicle Arrangement】Depending on the number of participants on the day, a small car service with a driver doubling as a guide may be arranged. This format offers more flexible itinerary planning, but the driver will prioritize safe driving, and the commentary along the way will be relatively brief.
  • [Language Note] This tour is a multi-language group tour. The guide will provide services and communicate in Chinese/English bilingual or simple multi-language. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
  • 【Itinerary Adjustment】The itinerary may be adjusted due to traffic conditions, weather changes, or other force majeure factors. In case of delay or partial change, no refund or compensation will be provided. If you have subsequent travel plans or flight arrangements on the same day, please be sure to allow sufficient time.
  • 【Baggage Regulations】Each passenger may carry one piece of luggage free of charge. Any excess will incur a fee of 2,000 JPY per piece, payable on-site. Please be sure to note the number of luggage pieces when placing your order. If not informed in advance, the tour guide will arrange based on vehicle space availability, and related fees will not be refunded.
  • [Special Groups] Seniors aged 70 or above, or pregnant women, who register for a tour group must sign and return a waiver form no later than one day before departure to ensure travel safety.
  • 【Itinerary Notes】The duration of stay at each attraction has been pre-planned. Please adhere to the meeting times to avoid affecting the overall arrangement. During peak season or holidays, traffic congestion may occur, and the tour guide will adjust the itinerary sequence according to the actual situation.
  • 【In-car Regulations】To maintain a clean environment inside the vehicle, please do not eat or drink in the car. If any damage or mess is caused, a cleaning fee will be charged according to local standards.
  • 【Explanation for Leaving the Group】If you leave the group on your own after the itinerary begins, it will be considered an automatic waiver of subsequent services, and related fees will not be refunded. During this period, the traveler will be solely responsible for their personal and property safety.

Attraction information

  • 【Scenic Area Opening Information】The Pipa Lake Observation Deck will be open from May 1 to November 23, 2026, and from December 19, 2026, to March 21, 2027. It will be closed for maintenance from September 7 to September 11, 2026, and from November 24 to December 18, 2026. During other periods, or if the scenic area is closed or the cable car is suspended due to equipment maintenance, strong winds, adverse weather, etc., the itinerary will be changed to a visit to 【Sanzen-in Temple】. Please be aware that no additional compensation will be provided for any price difference resulting from changes to attractions.
  • 【Ropeway Fee Information】The Biwako Terrace ropeway and admission fees are at your own expense. The reference fee is 5,000 JPY per person (includes round-trip ropeway, unlimited chairlift rides, and Biwako Terrace admission fee); an additional 500 JPY per person will be charged on specific dates (2026/08/08–08/16, 09/20–09/22). Please refer to the on-site announcement for actual fees.
  • 【Shirahige Shrine Water Torii Gate】To photograph the water torii gate, it is recommended to go to the dedicated observation deck (Blue Lake Shirahige Platform). Please do not enter the lake or approach the torii gate area. The surrounding area mostly consists of natural lake shore terrain, and some areas have no guardrails. Please pay special attention to your footing safety when walking and photographing, and please observe shrine visiting etiquette, avoiding noise and disturbing local order.
  • 【Biwako Terrace (Biwako Valley)】Cable car and viewing facilities require an additional fee, which is subject to on-site rates. They are also susceptible to weather conditions; in case of strong winds or thunderstorms, they may be temporarily suspended or closed. Due to significant temperature differences in the mountains, it is recommended to bring a jacket and sun protection. Additionally, opening hours or fees may be adjusted on certain dates or during maintenance periods, so please refer to on-site announcements.
  • 【Sanzen-in Temple】Admission tickets are self-paid. Please maintain quietness and respect the religious environment during your visit. Stepping on or entering un开放 areas of the moss garden and courtyard is prohibited. Stone steps may be slippery on rainy days, so please be careful when walking and prevent slipping.
  • 【La Collina Omihachiman】There are many people in the park, and popular desserts may require queuing to purchase. Please pay attention to safety when walking on the grassy slopes and in building areas, avoid running, and do not enter non-open factories or back-of-house areas.

Prohibitions & Limitations

  • This activity is not recommended for anyone with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc.
  • Participants who appear intoxicated may be refused service. In this case, no refunds will be given
  • Pets are prohibited

Accessibility

  • Child seats are not available
  • Important: Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount

Vehicle & luggage info

  • The driver has the right to refuse a reservation if the group size or luggage exceeds the capacity of the reserved vehicle. In this case, no refunds will be issued

Terms & Conditions

Confirmation

  • You'll get confirmation within minutes. If you don't see any confirmation, reach out to our customer support.

Cancellation policy

  • You'll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity date (destination local time)

Booking changes policy

  • Change are allowed until 24 hour(s) before activity starts
  • The booking can’t be changed if it was booked with Klook Pass, under pre-sales or comes with a freebie.
  • The booking cannot be changed if the voucher has not yet been issued.
  • Bookings made using SG Culture Pass or Taiwan Culture Points cannot be changed.

How to use

Usage validity

  • The voucher is valid only on the specified date (and time if applicable)

Age & eligibility

Eligibility

  • Important: Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount
  • Free for children aged 0-2 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
  • Children aged 3+ will be charged the same rate as adults
  • Seniors aged 70+ should present a medical certificate before participating

Reviews

4.5 / 5
Fantastic
70 reviews
Guide
4.6
Itinerary
4.5
Quality of transfer
4.6
Value for money
4.4
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All With photos English only
Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

Had a great time exploring Lake Biwa! I was the only non-Chinese speaker in the group, but our guide made sure I was included the whole time—translating key info and checking in with me throughout the tour. I forgot her name, but she was incredibly helpful and friendly. All the stops were beautiful—I loved every place we visited!

Helpful
Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

Sanzen-in Temple + Shirasu Shrine + Ukimido Temple, a one-day tour of La Collina, completed in a joyful atmosphere. Overall very good, although it rained, being able to see the autumn leaves made it worth the ticket price. At La Collina, the tour guide Casper strongly recommended the No. 1 Baumkuchen, saving us a lot of time so we could take pictures. In summary, our tour guide Casper was very enthusiastic and responsible, a great tour guide, highly recommended!!

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

It was all good and the tour guide was nice though he doesn't speak much English or Japanese. I wish when they say English tour, it is an actual English friendly tour.

Helpful
Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

It's a niche tour because the attractions are relatively far, and the travel time by car is longer. However, although the attractions are small and distant, they offer a different feeling, giving people a sense of inner peace, making them worth visiting. It is recommended that tour participants must be punctual, otherwise, it will be troublesome if they are left behind. Also, it is best to bring your own food, as there are only a few restaurants near Sanzen-in Temple and the final cake factory. The other attractions have no restaurants or convenience stores, so it will be difficult if you get hungry along the way.

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

it was an extreme rush trip due to the distance of each location, which was understandable. much worthy for photo taking session. still appreciate for the tour arrangement as it is convenient for anyone that would want to head there for a glance and reduce tiredness from self traveled by public transport. the guide was friendly, introduce each attraction spot, told us which spot is photo worthy.

Helpful
Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

The travel distance was a bit long, but the attraction itself was beautiful, making it well worth it. The cable car was a bit expensive, but still recommended. As for the tour guide, they were a bit disorganized; they actually lost a group member's cable car ticket and then went around asking if anyone had an extra. Their ticket management skills could definitely be improved.

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

Our tour guide, Xiao Liu, was very attentive and took care of everyone. He also explained the cultural background on the bus. This one-day tour was really great, no need to rush around every day with a typical tour group. I'll definitely join this type of activity again when I come to Japan in the future. The only downside was that it snowed too much 😅

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

It is a niche itinerary, a great travel experience. You can sit and look at the Japanese gardens and the animation world of Hayao Miyazaki. Every scene is super beautiful. The tour guide Alexa is warm and considerate, and she carefully introduces the historical stories of each attraction and the recommended check-in points, which is great.

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

The Shirahige Shrine was so beautiful, although the ride was quite long. Baumkuchen World was pretty good, and I was able to buy some baumkuchen. I would join this tour again next time, since it doesn't involve too much walking.

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Review for: Departure from designated meeting point

Saves a lot of travel time, and focuses on four key attractions. The cable car requires an extra fee, but it's well worth it. The only downside is that there's too little time, but that's the trade-off when you join a day trip.

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About the operator

Operated by: 株式会社三宇観光

Total reviews: 8726

Good review rate: 93 %

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