Enryakuji Temple tours

We departed at 7:30 AM in a 10-seater minivan. About an hour later, I noticed the driver seemed to be falling asleep, as the vehicle kept drifting. Feeling unsafe, I started a brief conversation with the driver. Fortunately, we arrived at a rest stop shortly after, which helped him wake up. This is definitely something that needs to be addressed, and I hope you take it seriously. Aside from that incident, the driver was very polite, and when he wasn't drowsy, he drove steadily without speeding, which is commendable. Thank you.

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!

If you're planning a leisurely trip to Kyoto, one that isn't rushed and allows you to deeply experience the beauty of Kyoto's mountains, forests, and ancient temples, I truly highly recommend this tour! 🌿 I especially want to give a strong recommendation to our tour guide, Wang Zhaoyu! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you only speak Chinese, there's absolutely no need to worry. Mr. Wang speaks fluent Chinese, and his professionalism was evident even the day before the tour. I couldn't find the meeting point the day before, so I called the guide on a whim, and to my surprise, he not only answered immediately but also patiently helped me step-by-step. This level of service alone deserves a five-star rating! Throughout the entire trip, Mr. Wang's explanations were clear, and he was very friendly and approachable. His driving skills were also incredibly impressive; despite being very prone to motion sickness, I didn't feel sick at all. His driving was smooth and comfortable, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The itinerary was also excellent, perfect as an introductory tour for these attractions. It not only helps you quickly understand the characteristics of each site but also helps you identify which places best suit your preferences. If you find a particular spot you love, it will give you better direction for a more in-depth, self-guided exploration next time. For a day trip, the pace of this itinerary is very comfortable, suitable for those who prefer a slower pace. Each attraction allowed ample time to linger and experience the charming blend of Kyoto's mountains, ancient temples, and streams. It's a route I highly recommend. 🍃 Nanzen-ji Temple boasts a solemn and ancient temple atmosphere, complemented by the famous Suirokaku aqueduct, where history and nature blend perfectly, offering different charms in every season. Eikan-do Temple is renowned for its autumn foliage, and although it wasn't maple leaf season during our visit, the serene and elegant garden still had a unique charm; each has its own beauty. 🍃 Sanzen-in Temple is filled with a strong sense of Zen, with its tranquil and healing moss garden. Strolling through it instantly calms the mind. We were also fortunate to encounter an exhibition by artist Kumiko Minami (on its last day), which added an unexpected surprise to the trip. 🚃 Although the Eizan Electric Railway (between Hieizan-guchi Station and Kurama Station) doesn't offer the spectacular autumn maple leaf tunnel, the summer mountains are lush green, and the scenery along the way is fresh and therapeutic, showcasing another vibrant side of Kyoto. ⛩️ The most unforgettable aspect of Kifune Shrine is the neatly arranged red lanterns lining both sides of the approach, which look especially dreamy against the green backdrop. Although we didn't experience kawadoko (riverside dining) this time, seeing the kawadoko structures built along the stream gave us a deep appreciation for Kyoto's unique summer charm. Overall, this was a comfortable and stress-free in-depth trip to Kyoto. There was no constant rushing; instead, we truly had the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty created by the intertwining mountains, ancient temples, and streams. If you're still wondering whether to join, I genuinely recommend choosing Tour Guide Wang Zhaoyu. He is professional, friendly, meticulous, and reliable, and he will undoubtedly make your Kyoto trip even more enjoyable! ❤️

We thoroughly enjoyed this day trip filled with serene shrines, peafeful temples, natural beauty, and some touristy shopping and food at the end of the tour. Our guide Hide, was friendly and knowledgeable and he got us everywhere safely and on time. We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see these major sites and attractions without having to worry about the transportation.

our guide TIGER explains everything reagarding our tour and especially he make for our group consideration on our late booking for Sagano romantik ride and adjzsted his time waiting for us, thank you!

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.

This is such a good experience for my last day in Japan. Atsuki communicates well for the pick-up and is on time (not a bare minimum where I come from). He is also very informative about the onsen culture, its history, and the do’s and donts. On the other hand, I’m also very relaxed and I can tell the smooth skin I still have even hours after the onsen. This is highly recommended!