Things to do in Otsu

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.

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.

I was very fortunate to have Abu as my tour guide this time; he was truly exceptional. In addition to providing detailed explanations of the attractions along the way, he also shared a lot of Japanese culture and historical background, making the entire trip very enriching. He took great care of every group of guests, and even as a solo traveler like myself, I never felt overlooked, which was very reassuring. During the trip, a small incident occurred: a vending machine in a tourist area took my money when I tried to buy water. At the time, we were in a hurry to catch a cable car, so Abu quickly decided not to delay the itinerary and told me he would accompany me to the service center to handle it later. Due to the language barrier, when I explained my situation to the service staff, they didn't fully understand at first and asked for clarification multiple times. Fortunately, Abu was there to help translate and explain. Although the back-and-forth communication took some time, we eventually managed to get a refund. Not only is he a professional guide, but he also proactively assists and patiently handles unexpected situations for travelers, which I truly appreciate. I highly recommend Abu and hope to join another one of his tours in the future!

The Miho Museum is truly stunning. It's remarkable how much effort an organization can put into promoting and disseminating aesthetics, from collecting and displaying exhibits to constructing the museum itself. Visitors to this secluded mountain location will undoubtedly be awestruck and impressed by this architectural masterpiece that rose from nothing. The quaint Bamboo Forest Garden is charming and compact. According to the introduction, it was once a training dormitory for monks from Enryaku-ji Temple. Enjoying matcha while gazing at the garden is quite therapeutic and relaxing. Shirahige Shrine, especially on a clear day, offers beautiful photo opportunities, and its omamori (charms) are also lovely. After a full day of sightseeing, I actually felt incredibly relaxed and peaceful.

We had a great time in Himeji and Kobe! The atmosphere was so peaceful… slow, calm, and serene. Mr. Cao is a great driver! He is very approachable, friendly, and organized, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a wonderful experience! ✨

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 👍🏻

We had a wonderful experience with our private car charter in Kyoto! A special thank you to our driver, Aki, who was incredibly kind, patient, and accommodating throughout our very long day. The car was immaculately clean, luxurious, spacious, and extremely comfortable, which made traveling around Kyoto throughout the day so enjoyable. Aki never made us feel rushed and allowed us to truly enjoy each stop and take in the beauty of Kyoto. More than just transportation, Aki helped make our day an experience filled with wonderful memories that we will treasure from our visit to Japan. His kindness, patience, and professionalism made such a difference. We are incredibly grateful and would highly recommend this private car charter—and especially Aki—to anyone visiting Kyoto! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.