Lake Biwa Tour: Shirahige Shrine, Ukimido ,La Collina Omihachiman
Description
Experience the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day! Discover sacred Shirahige Shrine’s floating torii, ride Japan’s fastest ropeway to breathtaking Lake Biwa views, explore the hidden Zen beauty of Sanzen-in Temple, and visit the floating Ukimido Hall at sunrise. Indulge in local sweets at La Collina, a fairytale village designed by famed architect Terunobu Fujimori. Perfect for families, friends, and culture lovers seeking stunning scenery, tradition, and local flavors — this tour is a journey through Japan’s heart and soul.
Tour Options
Itinerary
8:00 AM/9:20AM Osaka/Kyoto Start Your Journey Let’s embark on a day filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories! ▼ 10:20AM Shirahige Shrine & Floating Torii Gate on Lake Biwa (Approx. 30 min) Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and a national symbol, located near Kyoto. It's known as the “Lake of Life” and is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Shirahige Shrine, with a history of over 1,900 years, is the oldest shrine in the Omi region and part of Japan Heritage. Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake, offering stunning views that change with the time of day and weather. Tip: For the best photos, visit the nearby Blue Lake Shirahige Observatory.
▼ 11:30 AM Lake Biwa Observatory – Panoramic Views of the Dreamlike Lake Scenery (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, Available from May 1 to Oct 31, 2025) Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway with a 360° glass cabin and enjoy breathtaking views all the way up! Located on the west side of Lake Biwa, Biwako Valley is a popular destination for visitors from Kyoto and Osaka. The ropeway takes you to an altitude of 1,100 meters in just 5 minutes (operates slower from April to November for better sightseeing at 7 m/s). Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa. At the top, the Biwako Terrace is a favorite photo spot for young travelers and influencers. The area also features exciting activities such as the Zip Line with 7 routes, Skywalk, outdoor play areas, and more — perfect for couples and families alike.
▼11:30 AM Sanzen-in Temple – A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Ohara Countryside (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, visited on other dates or when ropeway is closed) Located in the quiet village of Ohara in northeastern Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple is surrounded by tranquil mountains and rich history. Ohara has long been a retreat for nobles and monks, and its beauty has inspired many poets throughout the ages. Founded in the 8th century by monk Saicho on Mount Hiei, Sanzen-in offers stunning seasonal landscapes — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter. This peaceful temple invites visitors not for the crowds, but for a calm heart and spiritual connection.
▼ 14:00 PM Mangetsu-ji Temple (Ukimido Floating Hall) – A Historic Scenic Spot on Lake Biwa (Approx. 30 min, Free Time, Admission Not Included) Mangetsu-ji Temple is a peaceful Zen temple from the Rinzai sect, famous for its floating hall (Ukimido) that appears to drift atop Lake Biwa. Originally built during the Heian period by the monk Genshin to pray for safety on the lake and for the salvation of all beings, the current structure was rebuilt in 1937 and later restored in 1982, preserving its traditional charm. The hall is one of the Eight Views of Omi, known as "Descending Geese at Katata" and has inspired many poets, including Matsuo Basho. A stone bridge leads from the temple grounds to the floating pavilion, offering a picturesque and serene view that is especially stunning at sunrise. A beloved photo spot with classic Japanese scenery, ideal for a peaceful walk and memorable pictures.
▼15:10 PM La Collina Omihachiman – A Storybook-Style Sweets Village with a Grass Roof (Approx. 60 min, Free Time) La Collina Omihachiman is a unique confectionery complex created by the famous Japanese sweets brand Taneya, designed by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, known for his imaginative and nature-inspired buildings. The main building features a grass-covered roof that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, making it look like a fairytale cottage. The name "La Collina" means "little hill" in Italian, reflecting the site's natural, eco-friendly concept. Inside, you’ll find Shiga’s first Baumkuchen specialty shop, where freshly baked layered cakes fill the air with a sweet aroma. You can also enjoy exclusive treats like made-to-order dorayaki filled with red bean paste and butter cream — popular with both locals and visitors. 16:10PM Start to return.(The return time may be affected by traffic, weather, and other factors.)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The departure time from the first meeting point is 8:00 AM, and the drop-off time is around 6:30 PM, making the total duration of the trip approximately 10.5 hours
- From November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, the itinerary will visit Sanzen-in Temple，From May 1st to Oct. 30th, the trip will go to Lake Biwa Observatory.
- No refunds will be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- During peak travel seasons, weekends, or holidays, traffic congestion may occur. The guide may adjust the itinerary and reduce time at certain attractions. We appreciate your understanding and recommend not scheduling other activities after the tour to avoid potential losses.
- This is a shared group tour, so guests speaking different languages may join the same vehicle
- Travel times may vary due to traffic and weather, so the schedule is for reference only. Please avoid planning other activities after the tour, as we are not responsible for delays. In case of bad weather or unforeseen events, some attractions or shows may be adjusted or canceled without notice. Thank you for your understanding.
- The meeting location is at Osaka, there are two drop off locations-Osaka and Kyoto
Reviews(57)
The weather was rainy but that is not the fault of the trip. The visit to the cable car attraction was a disappointment. The tour should tell potential travellers there is nothing to do and very little option to eat unless you pay to take the cable car up the mountain.
Naomi was a great tour guide, she was very kind and welcoming. She explained each landmark very well and even recommended other attractions and sites to see in Kyoto. The tour was very timely and Naomi and the driver were able to make the tour work even with the rain going on. This is a great option for people who want to visit all of these locations without having to worry about public transportation.
謝謝導遊 NAOMI 在旅程中的照顧，並且解說景點的特色讓我們更加了解當地的特色。She is nice and has patience.
Naomi was very professional and kind with multilingual abilities. She was the perfect guide for the tour. I will definitely do the same tour with Naomi with my family.
I joined a Lake Biwa day tour from Osaka with Gogoday Travel on 20 May 2026 (Tour Guide: Mr. Zhang), and unfortunately, the experience was not satisfactory. At Manyue Temple, we were initially instructed to return to the bus at 14:35, which aligned with the itinerary and allowed approximately 50 minutes at the stop. However, after consulting with the bus driver (Bus No. 29), the tour guide revised the return time to 14:20, stating that “the place is small, 35 minutes is sufficient.” While this might seem minor, the temple is located some distance from the parking area. This change significantly impacted my mother, who has difficulty walking. She had to rush and ultimately had to turn back shortly after reaching the temple to ensure she could return to the bus on time. This caused her considerable stress and diminished the overall experience. We had specifically chosen a guided tour to provide her with a more comfortable and manageable way to visit these locations. Unfortunately, this adjustment undermined that purpose. Although we raised this issue during the tour and both the guide and driver apologized, the situation could have been avoided with better planning and consideration. Additionally, we returned to Osaka at 18:10, approximately 40 minutes earlier than the scheduled itinerary. This suggests there was no real need to shorten the visit time at Manyue Temple. The tour guide also mentioned that it was “520” (a day associated with spending time with loved ones) and that he planned to meet his girlfriend after the tour. While I cannot confirm if this influenced the decision, it did raise some concern. Based on this experience, I would advise travelers—especially those traveling with seniors—to carefully consider before booking with Gogoday Travel.
As a group of 5 we had an amazing experience on this trip! Our guide, Casper, was incredibly informative, helpful, and genuinely kind throughout the entire journey. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. The tour was well organized and very enjoyable thanks to them. Highly recommended
Ms. Sean is very professional and friendly, carefully explained, and took care of everyone who traveled the same day!
The schedule is good, the guide - Naomi is also kind Next time there will be a chance to participate
Travel is easy and smooth Very good tour experience, thanks to the guide for detailed explanation Forest Guide, 5/5
森久代Naomi is nice warm great . 5/5 one day tour.
