2025 Takashima Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Speaking of Japan's sea torii, the first thing that comes to mind is Hiroshima's Itsukushima Shrine. In fact, there is also a mini version of the sea torii on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga, which is the Shirahige Shrine known as the "Omi version of Itsukushima". There are many Shirahige Shrines throughout Japan, but the one in Shiga is the head shrine, and its sea torii gate seems a bit bigger. As the oldest shrine in the Omi region, Shirahiko Shrine was founded more than 2,000 years ago and enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Okami. The location of Shirahige Shrine is relatively remote, so it is more convenient to drive there by yourself, but you need to pay attention to your own safety when taking pictures, because there is a main road with heavy traffic between the shrine and the torii, and there are iron railings on the shore, so crossing is basically prohibited. #Shiga Travel #Lake Biwa #Shirahige Shrine

Walking all the way from the station, after turning a corner, the torii gate majestically stands on the lake. The torii gate on the water has always been a dreamy existence. It takes about an hour and a half to travel from Osaka to Omi-Takashima. Upon arrival, you can choose to take a taxi, ride a bicycle, or walk (I walked back and forth this time, which took about an hour). The bicycle rental fee is 500 yen per use. When heading from the station to Shirahige Shrine, it is recommended to walk on the right side. There is a sidewalk all the way. If you walk on the left side, there is a section without a sidewalk, which is quite dangerous! Additionally, if you happen to encounter rainy weather, even if it has just cleared up, be sure to prepare a raincoat. The place to take pictures of the torii gate is close to the road, and without a raincoat, you might get splashed all over by passing trucks. 😂 ⭐ When departing from Osaka, be aware that the train will split into two lines after arriving in Kyoto. Make sure you are in the car heading towards Omi-Takashima.

The 2.5-kilometer-long Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue is hailed as a hidden autumn foliage gem in Japan. The road stretches from Makino Highland to Makino Agricultural Park, with 500 tall and dense Metasequoia trees planted in orderly intervals along both sides. During the autumn foliage season, the trees transform into a tunnel of red and yellow leaves, creating an endless view of autumn colors. Whether driving through this vibrant universe or strolling along the road to admire and photograph the foliage, the sight of towering Metasequoia trees ablaze in orange-red hues is a breathtaking spectacle.

Introducing the sauna at Soil small hotel & private glamping 🪵 ⁡ All rooms at Soil come with a barrel sauna, which you can use anytime! This is a recommended glamping experience for sauna lovers 🌿 〰︎〰︎〰︎ 🌱Aroma You can choose your favorite aroma at the front desk~ You can try as many types as you like, so you can enjoy a variety of scents! ※The front desk is open until 9pm, so you need to go to choose before then! 🪵Sauna The temperature is raised with a wood stove, so you can enjoy the sauna at your preferred temperature 🤤 There is a wood stove right in front of you, so you can only stay in for about 10 minutes due to the heat of the stove... But I was able to use it five times during my stay, so I was very satisfied! ︎! If you run out of firewood, you can purchase more for 660 yen per bundle! The price of firewood varies depending on the type of tree, such as conifers. 🌲 🪑⁡ Cold bath You can enjoy two types of baths: a cold bath filled with water in a drum can, and a river flowing in front of you! I don't like cold baths 😂 the river water was too cold for me, but for those who like cold baths, I recommend the river water. ⁡ 🌲 Open air bath There are reclining chairs, so you can cool off while wearing a sauna poncho. 🧖♀️ You can rent a set of sauna ponchos and sauna hats for 660 yen per person, so even sauna beginners can enjoy it. 〰︎〰︎〰︎ ⁡ --------- 📍 Access to Soil small hotel & private glamping 🚗 The address is not disclosed, so we will drive to the location you will be told after booking! Located in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture ⛰️ ⁡ 🎟️Price From 52,800 yen for 2 people with 1 night and 2 meals (From 26,400 yen per person according to the official website) ⁡ ⌛️Opening hours Check-in 15:00-18:00 Check-out ~10:00 --------- #Sakura2024 #Glamping #Sauna #BarrelSauna #ShigaTourism #Shiga #ShigaTrip #FreeHongKongAirTicket

Lake Biwa. Hello everyone, I am Xiaolu, today I am sharing Lake Biwa in Japan. Lake Biwa is located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, with an area of 674 square kilometers and a shoreline of 241 kilometers. It is named after the natural shape of the traditional Japanese musical instrument Biwa. This geographical location is in the central part of Japan, surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests. The lake presents a beautiful arc shape, covering a huge area, like a lake ocean. Lake Biwa is considered one of the oldest lakes in the world, formed at least 4 million years ago. About this lake, there are not only many ancient legends and stories, but also a large number of art works related to it. Lake Biwa is famous for its biodiversity and has many endemic species, from fish, birds, to rare mollusks. To get to Lake Biwa from Kyoto, just take the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto to Otsu, and you can reach this beautiful lake in 10 minutes. Next, we will introduce the main attractions of Lake Biwa. Ukimido Ukimido is one of the main scenic spots of Lake Biwa. It is also known as one of the Eight Views of Omi and is loved by many haiku poets, including the famous Matsuo Basho. The formal name of the temple is 'Kaimon Mountain Mangetsu Temple', which was built by the monk Gen Shin (Eshin Sozu) of Hieizan during the late Heian period (794-1185) to pray for the safety of the lake water and the peace of all people. Since then, for over 1000 years, Ukimido has been guarding the safety of this important lake traffic area. Chikubushima Chikubushima is a small island located in the northern part of Lake Biwa, but it has been revered as a sacred island since ancient times. There are Hogyoji Temple and Tsusumafu Asama Shrine. Tsusumafu Asama Shrine is very popular as a place of power, and there is a mysterious atmosphere in the Dragon God's place of worship, where there is a unique way of making wishes 'Kawarake Nage'. The view of Lake Biwa from the boat makes you linger. Kaizu Osaki Kaizu Osaki extends to Lake Biwa, and cherry trees stretch for more than 4 kilometers. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, and rows of cherry trees stand on the vast lakeside. Kaizu Osaki stands with more than 600 cherry trees with lush branches and leaves, most of which have a history of more than 50 years. Under the contrast of rocks and the green water of Lake Biwa, the beauty of cherry blossoms is intoxicating. Cherry trees bloom all the way along the lakeside avenue, making people feel like they are wandering in a cherry blossom tunnel. If you want to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery, why not leisurely row on Lake Biwa. From the lake, you can see the spectacular cherry blossom beauty of Kaizu Osaki. Biwa Lake Valley Biwa Lake Valley overlooks the west bank of Lake Biwa. Since 1965, it has been a ski resort and an outdoor activity paradise in the off-season. This is the best ski resort near Kyoto. Biwa Lake Valley is 1,100 meters above sea level and has eight different ski trails. Half-pipe, curved track, cat track and sled snow track, there is also a ski park suitable for skiers of all levels. All equipment can be rented at the ski resort. The Zekkei Ropeway cable car here can accommodate 121 people, with glass on all sides, you can see the beautiful views of Lake Biwa, snow slopes and autumn leaves. Travel

This is what we are introducing this time! Shiga Prefecture, "Makino Sunny Beach Lake Terrace" This is a spot that only a few people know about 📍 Surprisingly, there are still many people who don't know about it? ! ✨ It is actually located about 10 minutes by car 🚗 from the famous "Metasequoia Avenue 🌲" ⛱️✨ Have you heard the name of the spot we are introducing this time and thought Oh? ! 🤔 ? 🙋♀️ Even though it is called a beach ⛱️, Shiga Prefecture does not have the sea (or to be precise, it does not face the sea)!! Right! This is a spot along Lake Biwa✨ This is the northernmost point of Lake Biwa, and the water is very clean🌈 This is Takagihama Auto Campsite🏕️ ⚫︎It's a lakeside beach and campsite, and they also have canoes🛶, SUP, rental bicycles🚲, restaurants, and coffee shops🍰☕️ It seems that you can stay outside or in individual buildings😳 There's also a large parking lot🅿️(paid) It's a large, symbolic gate right next to it🤍 If you just want to take photos, Of course, you can take photos for free, and take a leisurely stroll around the lake 👏 The only problem is the parking 🅿️😅 There is a place to park next to the gate, but if you park there, your car will appear in the photo 💦 The parking lot at Takagihama Auto Campsite right next to it is paid, 🚌3900 yen for large vehicles 🚗1300 yen for regular cars 🏍️800 yen for motorcycles so it's a bit expensive if you're just going to take photos 🥲 So, what I recommend is if you use the cafe on the premises, you can park for free! This is the most recommended one☝️✨ If you have the chance, please relax at the cafe☕️, take some cool photos and make some memories☺️ 《Save》 it and use it for your outing plans❤️ 📝﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏Spot details 📍 Makino Sunny Beach Lake Terrace 🏷️ Nishihama, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture 🕐 24 hours 💰 Free 🚗 Free (However, if you take photos, they must be in a location that will be reflected) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ Tips 🚗 About parking As mentioned above, there are free parking spaces, but if you park there, your car will be reflected in your photos. So, although Takagihama Auto Campsite, which is right next to it, usually charges a fee, those who use the cafe on the premises can use the parking lot for free 👏 🗺️ About how to search on the navigation system However, if you enter "Makino Sunny Beach", you may be directed to the wrong place. Makino Sunny Beach is long horizontally, so if you don't enter "Makino Sunny Beach Lake Terrace," you may be guided in the opposite direction or not be able to find the spot💦 In fact, no matter which post you look at, this spot is only listed as "Makini Beach," so when I entered it as it was and navigated🗺️, I was taken to a completely different place😂🚗💦 After that, I had to look for it on my own, so I lost time⏰💦 📸About how to take pictures with a camera It's more realistic to take a picture from below✨ Sometimes, someone's car is parked in front of the gate, and even though I was there on a weekday, I wonder if there were students on a field trip? I ended up coming back at a different time, and everyone was sitting in front of the gate eating their lunch🍱, so I ended up losing time again😂😂😂 I think it's a hidden spot and there are relatively few people, but that's what happens, so it's better if you have the time to wait patiently✨ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - \Couple who loves going out/ ▷Instagram　@oneandonly.us We're currently posting about places to go out, mainly in Kansai and Shikokuϟ We're also looking for your recommended places👏 #ShigaPrefecture #ShigaTourism #ShigaTrip #DateSpot #PhotogenicSpot #PhotogenicPhoto #Beach #DomesticTravel #RecommendedForDates #tripmemory2023

Unasyo is a Japanese restaurant located at Omi-Imazu station. The restaurant has limited seating, you have to take off your shoes if you sit on Tatami room. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant. The food is of high quality and very delicious with reasonable price. I highly recommend this restaurant if you visit Omi-Imazu. Restaurant: Unasyo Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: 3000-5000yen Location: Japan, 〒520-1631 Shiga, Takashima, Imazucho Nakoji, 1 Chome−３−10 Getting there: 5 mins walk from Omi-Imazu JR station #Omi-Imazu #biwakovalley #osaka

Omi Imazu is not considered a tourist area now, it's not easy to find a restaurant. I found this restaurant located just opposite Omi-Imazu station, with high quality Japanese food. The restaurant is spacious, mainly local visitors and non-smoking. They served a wide variety of food, from soup udon to Japanese set dinner, sushi, sashimi etc. Restaurant: Nishian Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday 11:30am-2:00pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm Price: 500-2000yen Location: Japan, 〒520-1622 Shiga, Takashima, Imazucho Nakanuma, 1 Chome−１−1 Getting there: 1 min walk from Omi-Imazu JR station #omiimazu #biwakovalley #osaka

Hotel Kaito is the only hotel at Omi-Imazu station with public bath. The hotel is quite old but clean and tidy. The room is spacious, but with limited amenities. They provide towels and soap. You have to buy the amenities you need at the reception, such as toothbrush, razor etc. Hotel breakfast is nice, traditional Japanese style breakfast. The hotel is near to Biwako Lake, about 10 minutes walking distance. If you are looking for some attractions away from the city, visit Biwako Lake. Hotel Kaito Location: 1 Chome-６-10 Imazucho Nakoji, Takashima, Shiga 520-1631 Getting there: 1 minute walk from Omi-Imazu JR station Nearby Attraction: Biwako Lake #biwakovalley #osaka

In the afternoon when it is still cold, there are still two or three hours before sunset and dinner time. This is the best time to take a walk. Take a stroll along the trail along the shore of Lake Biwa and Inukami River, and admire the street view as you pass Sho Sakai Park, where you can feel the atmosphere of spring gradually returning to the earth. After staying in Sho Sakai Park for a while and watching the sunset, we continued our leisurely walk towards downtown Hikone. We arrived in the city in about 60 minutes. There are many restaurants concentrated in the city, and you can slowly look for specialty restaurants. For dinner, we chose a traditional Japanese ramen restaurant. The enthusiastic owner and chef performed a one-man show, wandering around the floor and the kitchen. I watched the boss's back as he was busy preparing ramen for everyone. In a few minutes, he served the hot traditional Japanese beef ramen. After seeing the boss stop, we exchanged a few words. The boss is really amazing, proficient in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Thai and Korean. He is truly a hidden dragon and crouching tiger! IG: meditation_me_time #travel #Japan #Shiga #Lake Biwa #Hikone Castle #Traditional Food #Sunset #Yoga #Yoga Retreat #sadhguru #Inner Engineering #Meditation #Vertebral Arch Protection #Vertebral Arch Fracture

February self-drive trip, Kyoto the next day went, White Beard Shrine is located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, famous for its fantastic scene of the torii gate in the lake, since it is not far from Kyoto, it is very suitable for a day trip to Kyoto for a day trip. In fact, Japan has three well-known water torii ⛩️, distributed in: Hiroshima, Shiga and Ibaraki prefectures, personally think the most beautiful of the White Beard Shrine in Lake Biwa, a very good attraction near Kyoto 👍🏻👍🏻☄️ #WhitebeardShrine

#tokyo Hase-dera Temple, also known as Hase-kannon Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kamakura. The temple is known for its large wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. We climbed up a set of stairs to a hilltop observation deck for views of the surrounding area. The view was really great. We felt very peaceful to be up there. The garden within the temple compound was also very pretty. #Japan

Lake Biwa valley, about an hour's drive from Kyoto, at Shiga Station JR there is a shuttle bus directly up, the service is very sparse, you really need to see the right time, the temperature difference between the mountain and the mountain is very large, to prepare a warm patch and jacket, the snow mountain snow is really cold, but there is a restaurant to buy hot drinks and food, is a good experience, if you sit near the window, can see the snow view of Lake Biwa 💕 # Lake Biwa

#gohiking Kibune hike starts at the picturesque town and ends at the kurama temple. if you want a more challenging climb, start from kibune small town. the upslope are steeper and not as well structure stairs, bring walking sticks as that will help. it will take about 2-3h for a 2-3km hike, I will rate is as moderate for beginners as the stairs are really steep for prolonged period. there are railings along the way but you cannot really rely on them all the way as well. saw few walking groups, it is generally safe to hike as the police/community has identify certain spots as k1 k2 k3 in case you need to call for emergency help halfway. bring water and not food in case of bears.

#Outdoor Hotel & Restaurant Reposer Makino ☆☆☆☆☆ 　Reposer means "rest" in French. You can see Lake Biwa right in front of you, and take a rest that you can't get in the city. 　You can have a barbecue on the garden terrace. 🔥🔥🔥 　There is also a spacious bath. ♨♨♨ 　Hotel & Restaurant Reposer Makino offers accommodation that you can't get in the city or in the town, and you can also have a barbecue, so it's recommended. ☆☆☆☆☆ 　 　

Makino Metasequoia Trees in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture 🌿 There are about 500 Metasequoia trees along the road leading to Makino Plateau, and it is a spectacular sight. You can hardly see it in the city! This time, I took a photo in the middle of winter. Luckily, there were few people because it was winter ❄️ It seems that the scenery is completely different depending on the season, so I would like to visit again if I get the chance in the season of fresh greenery or autumn leaves 🙌 Point ✍️ The official website frequently posts photos of the current state of the trees! I recommend checking it before going because you can check the condition you want to see! [Address] Access by car 🚗 〒520-1835 Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture #Travel episode #Travel strategy #Metasequoia trees #Shiga sightseeing #Shiga trip #Japan's beautiful scenery #Japanese scenery #Snow scenery #Drive date #Drive Kansai #Drive spot #Forest bathing #Outdoor

Adults: 1,800 yen. Unlimited time. Take home 150g of blueberries as a souvenir. Compare the taste of organic blueberries as you pick and eat them. Sweet, sour, delicious. You could easily eat more than 100 of them. On weekdays, there is no reservation, so you can enjoy yourself to your heart's content. It seems to be popular with children too. There is a row of metasequoia trees nearby. #Breathtaking views #Western Japan #Gourmet food #

Shirahige Shrine, known as "Omi's Itsukushima" for its vermilion torii gate built in Lake Biwa, is a spectacular power spot. As it is located along the national highway and has a lot of traffic, it is recommended that you do not cross the road and use the observation deck "Lake Aiko Shirahigedai" set up in front of the shrine office! Information current as of July 2022. #Spectacular views #Shiga Prefecture #Visiting shrines and temples #Photogenic spots #Western Japan

A beautiful tree-lined road with fresh greenery🌳 A perfect spot for Instagram, with about 500 metasequoia trees lined up over a 2.5km stretch🌟 I stopped by on my way back from visiting Lake Biwa Valley🚗 ³₃ Maybe because it was a weekday afternoon to evening, there were few people and cars, making it perfect for taking photos📸😉 The tree-lined road was beautiful under the clear skies, but it was also impressive to see the colors of the trees gradually deepen as the evening approached🤔 During the autumn foliage season, the trees turn orange, which is also a wonderful sight🥰💭 #Shiga #ForestBathing #MetasequoiaRoad #SummerShortTrip #JapanGenkiProject #CoupleTrip #AmazingNature #SummerShortTrip #BreathtakingView

Kaizu Osaki near Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. This is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. There is a row of cherry blossom trees along the shore of Lake Biwa for about 4km. It is a popular tourist spot, and when I went there, a shuttle bus was running from the temporary parking lot. If you take a boat, you can see the cherry blossoms from the boat, so it is recommended. Address: Kaizu, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture #Flower viewing spot

#summervacay I made a trip to the Shiga Prefectural Biwako Museum, primarily for the Expo stamp! First off, regarding the Expo stamp: just head right after entering, and you'll find the stamping station. No ticket purchase is necessary if that's all you're there for. However, since I was already there, I decided to explore, and I'm glad I did! This museum truly lives up to its name, showcasing everything about Lake Biwa. It delves into its history, environment, and even its cultural significance – it's incredibly comprehensive. I even spotted Hatsune Miku, which was an unexpected surprise! The various freshwater fish are also a major highlight. The aquarium section is quite substantial, featuring numerous tanks filled with all sorts of freshwater species. One thing to note is that the museum can get pretty crowded, so it felt a bit noisy at times. #LakeBiwa #Shiga #BiwakoMuseum #JapanTravel #Aquarium #HatsuneMiku

It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Biwako Ryokusuitei to Shirahige Shrine in #Takashima City. #Shirahige Shrine is one of the popular attractions in Japan's largest lake "#Biwako". Shirahige Shrine was built about 2,000 years ago and is the oldest shrine in the Omi area. It is said that Shirahige Shrine will bless longevity. First take a photo of the red torii on land, then go up to the small observation deck to take a photo of the torii in the lake. The beautiful #Lake Torii, known as "Omi's Itsukushima", Itsukushima itself is located in Hiroshima Prefecture. It was the first time for Wof to see the Torii in the water. There is a major traffic route in front of the Torii, and it is strictly forbidden to cross the national highway for safety reasons. After staying for about 20 minutes, we left and set off for the next attraction, Biwako Valley. #wafflesandshrimpcakes #wafflesandshrimpcakestravelinjapan #japantravel #japanfreetravel #japanselfdrivingtour #japanshigaprefecture #wifeandhusband #japan #blog #blogger #hkblogger #japankansaiselfdrivingtour

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Metasequoia Avenue in Makino-cho, Takashima City, is a spectacular avenue lined with about 500 Metasequoia trees stretching for about 2.4km. The fresh greenery of spring, the deep greenery of summer, the autumn leaves, the snowy scenery of winter...No matter what season you visit, you'll be amazed as if you've wandered into a picture book world📸✨ The key to success is to visit in the morning and rent a bicycle. Ride along the avenue while feeling the breeze during a time when there are few people around, and your heart will feel lighter🚴♂️ It's a scenic spot that can be enjoyed for free, so it's perfect for couples and solo travelers! It's also recommended as a stop-off during a drive🚗 [Access] It's about 10 minutes by rental bicycle from JR Makino Station. If you are driving, it is just a short drive from the Makino Kogen IC on the Kosai Road 🛣️ Domestic travel #couples trip #solo trip #absolutely free trip #metasequoia tree-lined road #seasonal scenery #Shiga trip #cycling trip #photogenic spot #healing scenery

🌳 : Soranone Shokudo 📍Location: 〒520-1217 Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Adogawa-cho, Tanaka 4942-1 🕰️ Business Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM ____________________________________________ Nestled in the mountains of Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, this tranquil and delightful restaurant offers a serene atmosphere. The dishes are made with carefully selected ingredients, boasting gentle and healthy flavors. Above all, the stunning scenery enhances the dining experience, making it truly exceptional ⭐️☝🏻

Biwako Valley, located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned mountain resort situated on Mount Horai (elevation 1,174 meters) on the southwestern side of Lake Biwa. It is famous for its natural scenery and year-round outdoor activities. Here are the details about Biwako Valley: ### Key Features 1. **Panoramic View of Lake Biwa** - Take a cable car (about 10 minutes) to the summit for a breathtaking view of Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa. On clear days, you can even see Kyoto and Osaka in the distance. 2. **Seasonal Activities** - **Winter (December-March)**: The ski resort opens, catering to beginners and intermediate skiers with ski slopes and lessons available. - **Spring, Summer, and Fall**: Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and scenic walking trails at the summit. 3. **Cable Car and Observation Deck** - The cable car operates year-round (except during maintenance periods). The "Sky Terrace" at the summit is a popular photo spot, especially during sunset. 4. **Leisure Facilities** - The summit features the "Sky Cafe," offering light meals and drinks. In winter, there are hot spring facilities at the base for relaxation. ### Practical Information - **Address**: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan - **Access**: - From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to "Shiga Station," then transfer to a bus for about 20 minutes to reach the resort. - By car, it takes about 1.5 hours from Osaka/Kyoto. Parking fees range from 500-1,000 yen per day. - **Fees**: - Round-trip cable car: Approximately 3,000 yen for adults, half price for children (prices may vary by season). - Ski resort: A one-day pass costs around 4,000-5,000 yen (equipment rental not included). - **Official Website**: Check the official site or travel platforms for the latest activities and ticket prices. ### Tips - Best visiting seasons: Fall (for autumn foliage) and winter (for skiing). - The temperature difference at the summit can be significant, so bring a windproof jacket. - Crowds are heavier on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting early or on weekdays. Biwako Valley is perfect for nature and outdoor activity enthusiasts, whether you're traveling with family or friends. Be sure to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to enjoy the stunning lake views!

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, is located about 30-60 minutes by car from Kyoto city center. It serves as a perfect extension destination for your Kyoto trip, offering natural scenery, historical and cultural sites, and a variety of water activities. Here are some classic experiences around Lake Biwa: --- ### **🌊 Must-Visit Attractions at Lake Biwa** #### **1. Omihachiman (Shiga Prefecture)** - **Highlights**: Riverside charm + Historic townhouses - **Transportation**: Take the JR Tokaido Line to "Omihachiman Station," then transfer to a bus or rent a bicycle - **Activities**: - Enjoy a boat ride along the "Hachiman-bori" canal, flanked by Edo-era white-walled warehouses and willow trees. - Climb to the "Mount Hachiman Castle Ruins" for panoramic views of Lake Biwa (cable car available). - Savor Omi beef dishes (try the sukiyaki at "Akadama" restaurant). #### **2. Shirahige Shrine (Takashima City)** - **Highlights**: The "Torii Gate in the Water" of Lake Biwa - **Transportation**: Take the JR Kosei Line to "Omi-Takashima Station," then a 10-minute taxi ride (or rent a bicycle) - **Best Time**: Sunrise or sunset, when the torii gate and its reflection create a stunning view (may freeze in winter). - *Tips*: The shrine itself is small, ideal for photography and exploring nearby attractions. #### **3. Hikone Castle (Hikone City)** - **Highlights**: One of Japan's five National Treasure castles + Adorable mascot "Hikonyan" - **Transportation**: Take the JR Tokaido Line to "Hikone Station," then a 15-minute walk - **Activities**: - Visit the well-preserved castle keep and enjoy views of Lake Biwa from the top. - Experience Japanese tea and snacks at the "Genkyu-en" garden. - Catch "Hikonyan" performances (2-3 times daily, schedule varies). #### **4. Biwako Valley (Otsu City)** - **Highlights**: Mountain-top observation deck + Outdoor activities - **Transportation**: Take the JR Kosei Line to "Shiga Station," then transfer to a cable car - **Activities**: - Ride the cable car to the summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Biwa. - Enjoy paragliding in summer or skiing in winter (at Omi-Maiko Ski Resort). --- ### **🚴 Recommended In-Depth Experiences** - **Cycling Around the Lake**: The full loop around Lake Biwa is about 200 km, with dedicated bike paths. Try the "Ogoto Onsen → Shirahige Shrine" segment. - **Lake Activities (SUP/Kayaking)**: Experience water sports at "Biwako Terrace" or "Oku-Biwako." - **Hot Spring Tours**: Relax at "Ogoto Onsen" or "Nagahama Kurokabe Onsen" with lake views. --- ### **🍱 Lake Biwa Food Highlights** - **Omi Beef**: Premium wagyu second only to Kobe beef (try "Omi Beef Restaurant Karo"). - **Funazushi**: Traditional fermented sushi made with Lake Biwa's freshwater fish (an acquired taste). - **Biwako Beer**: Local craft beer, pairs perfectly with lake fish dishes. --- ### **🚆 Transportation Guide** - **From Kyoto**: - JR Tokaido Line (Kyoto Station → Otsu/Hikone direction, about 20-50 minutes). - Keihan Electric Railway to "Hama-Otsu Station," then transfer to a sightseeing boat. - **Recommended Passes**: - "JR Kansai Wide Area Pass" (ideal for multi-region travel). - "Lake Biwa One-Day Pass" (includes bus rides + attraction discounts). --- The tranquility of Lake Biwa contrasts sharply with the bustling atmosphere of Kyoto. If time permits, consider spending 1-2 days at a lakeside hot spring inn (such as "Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel") to enjoy the slow-paced beauty of the lake and mountains. 🌅

🚐 Kansai Private Car One-Day Tour Diary ✐✐ For this family trip, we chose a private car tour starting from Kyoto. The itinerary was packed yet relaxing, combining history, lake views, and shrines all in one.✨ 1️⃣ First stop was the historic Hikone Castle. Although we didn’t get to see the adorable Hikonyan mascot, the tranquility of the castle grounds was truly soothing.ᐟ‪‪.ᐟ 2️⃣ Next, we took a boat ride on Hachiman-bori Canal. The traditional canal scenery was incredibly calming⛵️～ 3️⃣ In the afternoon, we visited the magnificent Lake Biwa, enjoying the lake breeze and sunshine. At the dreamy Shirahige Shrine, we captured stunning reflections of the torii gate in the water⛩️🌅～ The day ended with drop-off in Osaka, and everyone was all smiles😊✨. Having a private car made everything so convenient, from handling luggage to taking care of kids and elders.👍

Sailing past Kaizu Osaki during peak sakura season felt like drifting through a living watercolor. The cherry blossoms spilled over the edge of the peninsula, their reflections dancing on Lake Biwa’s glassy surface. With every breeze, petals rained softly onto the boat, creating a dreamscape that blurred the line between lake and sky. It wasn’t just a view—it was a moment suspended in magic. #cherryblossom25