[Winter Limited] Shiga Hakodateyama Skiing/Snow Fun & Autumn Leaves Avenue & Makino Plateau Hot Spring Day Trip|Departure from Osaka & Kyoto
- Hakodateyama Ski Resort: A popular winter destination known for its "superb views of Lake Biwa + snow experiences friendly to all ages."
- Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa: Known by locals as "energy soup after exercise."
- Metasequoia Namiki of Lake Biwa: A popular leisure and photography spot in the Kansai region, where every scene is like a movie.
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What to expect
Embark on a fun and leisurely trip from Osaka or Kyoto, with a total stay of approximately 6.5 hours at Hakodateyama. Whether you are a ski enthusiast or prefer relaxed sightseeing, you can find a way to enjoy yourself.
- Option 1: Tailored for guests who want to ski or play in the snow all day. At Hakodateyama Ski Resort, you can enjoy about 6.5 hours of snow and ice fun. This is a paradise for ski lovers, and what’s even better is that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa while skiing. The white snow and lake water reflect each other, creating a particularly charming picture. At lunchtime, there are also many choices. The No. 2 Yamabiko restaurant in the ski resort offers a variety of delicious dishes such as Udon noodles and rice bowls. The curry and ramen at the Larch House are not to be missed. They are heartwarming and provide plenty of energy for afternoon fun in the snow. (Lunch expenses are at your own expense.)
- Option 2: Suitable for guests who want to play in the snow and enjoy sightseeing. After enjoying about 2.5 hours of snow fun at Hakodateyama Ski Resort, you will be taken to the Metasequoia tree-lined avenue of Lake Biwa. Stroll along the avenue lined with metasequoia trees. The sun shines through the branches and leaves, and the breeze is gentle and comfortable. Every photo you take is full of artistic flair. Afterwards, you can also go to Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa to relax in the warm hot spring, relieve the fatigue after playing in the snow, and feel the comfort and warmth of winter. After returning your ski equipment at 15:30, the return journey will begin at 16:00. However, the return time is for reference only. If the trip goes smoothly and the road conditions are good, you may be able to return earlier, giving you more time to enjoy the beauty of the journey.










Reviews
Because the heavy snow disrupted our plans, we booked this day trip at the last minute the day before departure. After receiving the itinerary email, we couldn't add the guide on Line, so we switched to WeChat to contact the guide, Vivian Wu, to change the pick-up location. We chose a half-day snow play and half-day sightseeing tour. There were other tour members on the bus with different itineraries. Vivian was very busy but full of smiles as she distributed various snow tickets. Upon arrival at the ski resort, Vivian led everyone to board the mountain cable car, get equipment, and find an instructor. For the snow tubing activity, she suggested that we change into snow boots, store our belongings, and go to the beginner's area for a few rounds while everyone was still taking lessons. It's not as fun to snow tube when the crowds of ski newbies arrive! At 12 o'clock, we boarded the bus for the half-day sightseeing tour. It turned out that only my child and I had chosen the half-day sightseeing tour (instantaneously turning into a one-on-two tour with Vivian 😂). Vivian suggested we go to the hot springs + lunch first (the lunch at the hot springs was delicious). After a relaxing meal, we went to the Biei Furano Kanon Road to visit and have a coffee. This suggestion was perfect 😍. On the way back, Vivian even made a point of saying that we would be passing by Shirogane Blue River! The whole day was very fulfilling. My child got to play in the snow, and I, as a mom, got to relax in the hot springs. I recommend it to people who don't ski! 👍👍👍
Our tour guide Vivian was super friendly and enthusiastic. The itinerary was great – we played in the snow and saw beautiful snowy scenery for a few hours, and then went to soak in the hot springs, which was so relaxing😌. It was cold at first, but we warmed up! ❤️ Also, the hot springs had bottled milk, which I'd been looking forward to for a long time. Having a glass after soaking in the hot springs was just heaven 🤩
Our tour guide, Old Zhang, was very nice, provided detailed explanations, and had good driving skills. The itinerary was slightly delayed due to heavy snow in Kyoto the day before. The snow at Xiangguan Mountain was beautiful, but unfortunately, there was no time for skiing. The hot springs and the Metasequoia Avenue were not crowded and relaxing. Compared to the crowded major attractions in Kyoto and Osaka, I preferred this place.
Our tour guide Vivian was very detailed and patient in explaining how to start activities and rent equipment after arriving at the ski resort. She assisted us throughout the process and made sure everyone fastened their seatbelts after getting on the bus, emphasizing driving safety. She took our family to a breathtakingly beautiful snow-white world and enthusiastically helped everyone take photos. Her language skills are excellent; she can speak Chinese, English, and Japanese. Our family has created wonderful memories, and we look forward to seeing her again! 😊
This day trip experience was excellent, and I'm really grateful to our guide, Vivian. She planned the itinerary very well, controlled the time perfectly, and the whole day wasn't rushed at all, making it a comfortable experience. Her explanations were clear and patient, she was very familiar with the local situation, recommended good food, and answered questions carefully. She also took good care of us during the process, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, making the whole trip warmer. The overall experience exceeded expectations, and I highly recommend Vivian; it's really reassuring to have her as a guide 👍
Very satisfied with the 1/24 Shiga Hakodateyama ski trip. The scenery along the way from Kyoto to the ski resort was very pleasant. Our driver and guide, Lao Zhang, was also very dedicated to serving and explaining things to each passenger, helping everyone rent equipment, and thoughtfully contacting us a day in advance. Because of Lao Zhang's enthusiasm, I felt the snow trip was warm and fun 😁
Our day was made all the more special thanks to Mia's outstanding guidance and support. Her enthusiasm and work ethic are a testament to her excellence as a guide.
We had so much fun in this tour. Spent the whole time playing in the snow. Our tour guide Karin was also very accommodating. She helped us communicating with the locals.
highly recommended! Mia, the tour guide was responsive and helpful. The ski instructor was very patient with us first timers. The view was also beautiful. We were so happy we chose this tour.
Mount Hakodate is near Kyoto and beautiful. There's enough snow for beginners to enjoy, and the tour guides and instructors are very attentive. My child and I had a wonderful day (one day wasn't enough!). There are restaurants on the mountain serving food such as noodles, rice, and ice cream.
Good to know
【About the Itinerary】
Ski goggles and gloves are not included in the ski package. Please bring your own or purchase them at the ski resort shop. Ski goggles range from ¥1800-¥5000, and gloves are around ¥1500.
Ski instructor service is a group lesson, mainly teaching basic knowledge of skiing and snowboarding, and introductory ski courses.
Given the special nature of skiing and snow activities, all participants (including minors, who are the responsibility of their guardians) are required to assess the risks of the sport themselves. It is recommended to proactively purchase personal accident insurance and property loss insurance covering snow and ice sports before participating in the activities.
Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa:
- Onsen bathing fee (swimsuit not required) Adults (12 years and older) ¥750 Children (3 years and older, under 12 years old) ¥400
- Onsen bathing + spa area fee (swimsuit required) Adults (12 years and older) ¥1300 Children (3 years and older, under 12 years old) ¥700
【About Itinerary Time】 According to Japanese law, Japanese drivers may not work more than 10 hours per day (including arrival and departure at the depot). The tour guide may adjust the itinerary order and duration as appropriate depending on the traffic and on-site conditions of the day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
【Pre-Departure Notification Email】 We will send an email between 20:00–21:00 (Japan time) the night before departure, containing: tour guide contact information, driver information, meeting point map, and precautions. Please be sure to check your email and spam folder. If you are traveling during peak season, the email may be slightly delayed, thank you for your understanding. If you receive multiple emails, please refer to the latest one.
【About Seating Arrangements】 This itinerary is a group tour, and vehicle seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to meet your seating needs. If you have special arrangements, please indicate them in the “Special Requests” column when placing your order, but the final arrangement will be coordinated and decided by the tour guide based on the actual situation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
【About Group Tour】 This itinerary is a group tour activity, and there may be guests from different countries or speaking different languages traveling in the same vehicle as you. We hope you can be tolerant of diverse cultures and enjoy the diversity of the journey.
【About Meeting Time】 Please be sure to arrive at the designated meeting point on time. As this itinerary is a group tour, we will not be able to wait for late arrivals, and no refunds will be given. Any costs and liabilities incurred due to late arrival will be borne by you. Thank you for your understanding.
【About Force Majeure】 If the itinerary is delayed due to force majeure factors such as weather or traffic, the tour guide will flexibly adjust the itinerary order on site, or shorten/cancel the stay time at some attractions as appropriate to ensure the safety of the itinerary. We will do our best to provide you with the best experience, thank you for your understanding.
【About Luggage】 Each guest can bring 1 standard piece of luggage free of charge. Please indicate this in the “Special Requests” when placing your order. If you bring luggage temporarily without prior notice, it may cause insufficient space in the car and affect the safety and comfort of others. The tour guide has the right to refuse you to board the car, and the fee will not be refunded. Thank you for your understanding.
【About Vehicle Type】 We will arrange a suitable vehicle (such as a van, minibus, or bus) according to the actual number of travelers. We cannot specify the vehicle type, thank you for your understanding.
【About Leaving the Group Midway】 This itinerary is a group tour and cannot be left midway or early. If you leave the group on your own, the remaining itinerary will be regarded as an automatic waiver, and no refund will be given. Any problems or expenses arising therefrom will be borne by you.
【About Arrangements After the End of the Itinerary】 As the end time of the itinerary may be affected by uncontrollable factors such as weather and traffic, the above time is for reference only. It is recommended that you do not arrange other tight itineraries (such as flights, performances, appointments) on the same day. We will not be liable for any losses caused by delays, thank you for your understanding.
【About Lunch】 The itinerary does not include meals, and lunch needs to be arranged by the guests themselves. There are also dining locations at various attractions, or you can prepare your own.
Contact us
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