Things to do in Lake Biwa

My husband and I very much enjoyed this tour guided day trip to Shiga! Our tour guide Effy was very informative and kept us updated throughout the day regarding irtinerary. The bus was clean and comfortable and the bus driver did a great job too in driving us. All of the places we went to were beautiful and very scenic. We definitely recommend doing as part of your Japan trip.

Last time, I visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, so this time I went to places I hadn't seen before. It was just before a long holiday, so there weren't many people, and it was wonderfully peaceful and quiet! When you actually see it, it's not so much 'Wow, that's amazing!' but rather beautiful scenery, the path you walk while admiring that scenery, various photos taken at photo spots, and an unexpected seagull zoo feeding (making eye contact with seagulls and hawks). I didn't have high expectations, but it was fun! The only downside is that the travel time is a bit long if you depart from Osaka! However, our guide, MICA, explained many things about Japan so well and took such beautiful photos that I even changed my KakaoTalk profile picture for the first time in a while! 😄

Here's an honest and straightforward review of three major attractions in Shiga Prefecture: Shirahige Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and La Collina Omihachiman. 1. Shirahige Shrine Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I left feeling a bit disappointed. The torii gate in the water is located across the road, making it dangerous to cross and difficult to appreciate properly from a distance. The shrine itself doesn't offer much to see, so it's best suited as a quick stop. 2. Biwako Terrace This was definitely the highlight of my trip. The panoramic view of Lake Biwa from the terrace cafe was truly spectacular, and I was most satisfied with being able to relax amidst the expansive scenery. 3. La Collina Omihachiman It was so crowded that it was hard to leisurely soak in the unique atmosphere. The signature dessert, the confectionery, also tends to be a hit or miss in terms of taste. However, the grass-roofed buildings and the garden views were beautiful, making it an excellent spot for taking photos.

though it is a bit expensive , it is worth to go for at least once. However, the parking fee is the most expensive so far in my trips to Japan.

Peggy, our tour guide was awesome and very helpful, while the tour itself was really nice. First time riding a lift.

The day before the one-day tour, we received an email from our tour guide, Sun Jiaxue (Yuki), detailing the itinerary, important notes, meeting point, and contact information. Since there were about 20 people in our group, we traveled by large bus. At the start of the one-day tour and just before reaching our destination, our guide Yuki provided detailed explanations and important information. She also used Line to send reminders about the itinerary and pickup locations. Itinerary Stop 1: Miho Museum - I.M. Pei's Utopia. Anyone studying architecture must experience the master's architectural design and its integration with the environment. Lunch was at our own expense; the rice balls and Miho tofu at the ticket center's restaurant are worth trying. (Photos 1-3) Itinerary Stop 2: Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei - This is the head shrine for over 3,800 Hie, Hiyoshi, and Sanno shrines across Japan, known for monkeys serving as messengers of the gods. (Photo 4) Itinerary Stop 3: Shirahige Shrine and Water Torii Gate on Lake Biwa - A legendary spot said to be closest to the gods. (Photos 5-6) Many thanks to our tour guide Yuki and the driver for their excellent service on today's one-day tour. Our family of four had a truly enriching experience.

The facility was beautiful and interesting, and one hour wasn't enough. I learned a lot about the formation and history of Lake Biwa, as well as its creatures and plants. There was also an exhibition room that felt like an aquarium. I had an errand, so I left once and then re-entered. The closing time was 5 PM, so I was there for about two hours in total, but I would have liked to take more time if I had it. Lake Biwa was right in front of me, and it was very beautiful and refreshing. I was also happy that parking was free and that children up to high school age could enter for free.

few tourists. everything went smoothly and on time, the QR code was converted directly into tickets

Today, due to the holiday, there were heavy crowds and severe traffic congestion. Fortunately, the weather was clear and the scenic beauty far exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Yafei, gave us detailed introductions on the bus in advance regarding the cultural history, local cuisine, and great photo spots for each attraction, which was extremely helpful. Despite the heavy traffic, the guide continuously communicated with the driver to estimate our arrival time and constantly kept us updated on the estimated arrival times and duration of our visits, allowing us to adjust our expectations accordingly. She was very dedicated and responsible. As for the scenery, Lake Biwa is truly stunning with its sparkling waters. Exploring, checking in, and taking photos on the mountain yielded amazing pictures. We experienced both the cable car and the Sky Bridge; the scenery on the mountain was pleasant and expansive, and we had a wonderful time. The only thing to note is that it is windy at the top of the mountain, so it is best to wear a windbreaker and long pants to avoid getting cold. Due to the traffic jams, we only had half an hour to explore and shop at our last stop, La Collina Omihachiman. The tour guide efficiently led us quickly to the cake factory at the very back, allowing us to catch the core scenery just before sunset. The experience was still quite good overall. Generally speaking, thanks to the clear weather and comfortable temperatures, this trip greatly exceeded expectations. The only minor drawback was the traffic, which compressed the time available at each attraction, making it feel a bit like a rushed "special forces" style tour, and the return trip was a bit late. However, overall we had a thoroughly enjoyable and comfortable time. Special thanks to our dedicated tour guide Yafei, and to the experienced and smooth driver who warmly greeted each of us when getting on and off the bus and helped us with our luggage!