Things to do in Otsu

Who said it's always scorching hot during summer vacation? It's actually freezing! I strongly recommend bringing a jacket. It looks like quite a few facilities are still under construction. Overall, the cable car ride was pretty good, and the view was nice. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly.

Effy was amazing same with the bus driver. Every pitstop was amazing. I was nervous about the height going up on the gondola but up the top was so worth it. Everything was great sight seeing along the way also, wish I could upload more pics.

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.

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 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.

We went in the ski park/resort on March 4 and it was snowing going up to the park. it was a great experience. This trip is just a simple transporation from osaka to biwako valley admission entrance then going back. you have to purchase for the admission with transport going up to the park by riding through the ropeway. Our driver was thoughtful and sends messages and updates thru our provided contacts. no talking in the van. just a direct to the point access. good for introverts as nothing much to talk to when going to the attraction. There are full gear rentals in the entrance with coin lockers and changing rooms. you can also rent at the top if you want. The park has restaurants and rental shope every spot if you plan to go further via the ski lifts. Just keep your entrance card always with you to access the ski lifts going to the parks main spots/buildings if you dont want to walk far also it will be used to go back to the main entrance below via the ropeway so don’t lose your card.

Many thanks to our guide, Xiaoyu, who was incredibly helpful. The area around Lake Biwa is perfect for a leisurely exploration, and first-time visitors on a tour can hit the major attractions. Be sure to bring a thick jacket and enough cash before heading up to the top of Mount Biwa. The view from the summit is like a fairyland, but it's also very cold up there. Tourists accustomed to using Alipay everywhere in big cities for taxis and subways might be spoiled, but it's still a good idea to have some cash when visiting less-traveled spots. I exchanged money with our guide on the spot. Fortunately, Japan doesn't constantly demand exorbitant tips like in the US, nor does it pressure you into buying things excessively like in some other countries. It's very professional and well-regulated.

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! ✨

The driver was excellent and drove very safely. From start to finish, the trip felt like being guided by a friend. He took care of my family and me meticulously. The car was clean, and the itinerary was comfortably and appropriately arranged. Five-star rating!