Things to do in Takashima

Our tour guide was Wang Chi-Hsuan! Our driver was Brother Yamamoto! I'm so grateful to them both for working hard to show me around for a day! 😍 I've always really wanted to go to Shirahige Shrine ⛩️ but couldn't because of transportation issues. Thanks to this day tour, I finally had the chance to go! The whole process was great, especially since I fell asleep as soon as I got on the bus, and the tour guide was worried I wasn't feeling well 🤣 I just "sleep to cure motion sickness," and I think all the attractions were worth visiting!! Although I rushed through lunch because I was absorbed in taking landscape photos, the vegetable restaurant that the tour guide recommended was really delicious ❤️😆 Anyway, thank you to them!! The tour guide even specifically told me which road would get me closer to the sea so I could easily take a photo of Mangetsuji Temple from another angle!! I'm attaching some photos from today! ❤️

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!

the best way to experience long distance places is by booking a tour. a hassle free and having a tour guide managing your time in each places visited. so far i enjoyed every places from this tour. prepare extra cash for ticket ride to The Biwako Terrace. their cafe’s and restaurants accepts CC payment. i did not regret paying to relax and enjoy my drink in the Infinity Lounge. summer was really hot in Japan so i had umbrella and a portable fan.

I booked this tour two days before departure and had a great experience. Our driver and guide, Nicklee, was very responsible and attentive. He picked us up and dropped us off, and also explained the local Japanese culture and tourist attractions along the way. He was kind and friendly, thoughtfully provided water, and took care of everyone.

There are 10 groups of guests, so we arranged for a large bus. Our tour guide, Zhao, was the only one out of the 3 tours I took during my entire trip to Japan who would proactively WhatsApp the pick-up time in advance. The drive to Shiga is quite long, so those staying in Osaka should be prepared for a round trip of almost 6 hours.

Visited the MIHO Museum, which has a collection of ancient art. Had to pay the entrance fee on-site. Then took a long bus ride to see Biwa Lake and the Torii gate in the water. Ended the trip at an old temple; the highlight was the mirror reflecting the trees. I was the only English speaker on the entire trip; everyone else spoke Chinese. The guide took great care of us, explaining everything well in both languages. It was enjoyable and I got to see new places, but I would recommend spending more time in the Shiga area.

We joined the self-guided tour from Kyoto, and the whole experience was good. It was very easy to locate the meeting point, and our guide, Richard, contacted us the night before to remind us about the pick-up location, which was really helpful. Even though the tour was self-guided, his friendly attitude and clear explanations made everything smooth and easy to follow. Highly recommended!

Our driver Musa was good in English and knew the best places to visit. Please request for him if you want to go to Lake Biwa and surrounding areas.