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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Our tour guide was Ms. Effy Ya-fei, who speaks Mandarin, English, and Japanese. She was very patient with our questions, and her communication was clear and well-organized. She thoughtfully sent an email before departure with her contact information, and on the day of the tour, she kept us updated via a messaging app group. Before arriving at each attraction, she would give us helpful tips on what to look out for. We were all very satisfied with the arrangements 👍🏻

It was truly a delightful day trip. The large tour bus was clean and comfortable, and the driver handled it smoothly and steadily. Of course, the most important thing was meeting an excellent tour guide, Xiao Du. He could explain and communicate in three different languages, which was superb! He was gentle, meticulous, and very attentive. He even gave us a bonus (a recommendation for a hidden gem), which added even more color to an already rich itinerary. I'm incredibly grateful. Thumbs up, thumbs up, thumbs up!