Lake Biwa Observation Deck, Shirahige Shrine & Ukimido Day Tour – Kansai Line M

Sale!

~~US$110.20~~ US$70.60

Pick-up & Drop-off Locations

Preferred Tour Date

Quantity

✨ Tour Highlights

Explore the historic scenery of Omihachiman and enjoy the dreamlike views of Lake Biwa. Depart with a minimum of 4 guests.
Travel with experienced local drivers offering reliable, attentive service and insights into Japanese culture and local life.
Avoid the crowds with a pure sightseeing itinerary—no shopping stops, early departure and late return for extended exploration time.
Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off within Osaka city, no need to plan routes or navigate complex public transportation.

✅ Price Includes

1. Vehicle service as listed in the itinerary

2. Fuel costs, toll fees, and highway/expressway fees

3. Vehicle service duration: up to 10 hours (in accordance with Japanese regulations)

4. Driver and tour guide service
– 1–13 guests: premium small group
– 14–45 guests: coach tour
(Vehicle type and arrangement will be adjusted based on the actual group size on the day of travel)

5. Reference vehicle types (for reference only; final arrangement depends on group size):
– 5–8 seats: Toyota Alphard or equivalent
– 9–14 seats: Toyota Hiace or equivalent
– 18–22 seats: mini bus
– 23 seats or above: large coach

6. Children policy:
– Infants aged 0–2 may sit on an adult’s lap and travel free of charge (must be informed in advance).
– Children aged 3 and above are charged the adult rate.

🧳 Luggage Policy (Day Tour)

This is a day tour and luggage is not recommended.

Each guest may carry one piece of luggage free of charge (no size limit).
Luggage details must be clearly noted at the time of booking.
Luggage not pre-declared, or more than one piece per person, will incur an additional fee of JPY 2,000 per extra piece, subject to vehicle space availability.
If undeclared luggage or undeclared infants (under 3 years old not occupying a seat) results in insufficient vehicle capacity, the driver/guide reserves the right to refuse boarding, and no refund will be provided.

❌ Price Excludes

Accommodation, meals, attraction admission tickets, optional activities at local sites, and any other personal expenses
Any items or services not explicitly stated under “Price Includes”

Itinerary

The following itinerary is for reference only. The specific attractions, visiting order, and duration may be adjusted according to actual conditions on the day of travel.

08:00 Osaka – Tour Begins

Meeting Point Option:
08:00 Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba–Shinsaibashi Area)

Kyoto Drop-off / Pick-up Option:
09:20 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes in advance. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

10:20 Shiga

Shirahige Shrine & Lake Biwa Floating Torii Gate

(Approx. 30 minutes)

Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, is located near Kyoto and is regarded as a national symbol, often lovingly called the “Lake of Life.” It is a designated national park and an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention.

Founded nearly 1,900 years ago, Shirahige Shrine is the oldest shrine in Omi Province and part of Japan’s official Heritage Stories. Its iconic floating torii gate stands quietly in Lake Biwa, creating a mystical scene as fishing boats glide past and the scenery changes with light, weather, and seasons—making it a favorite among photographers.

📸 For the best photos, we recommend visiting the dedicated observation platform “Blue Lake Shirahige Terrace.”

11:30 Shiga

Lake Biwa Valley Observation Deck

(Approx. 120 minutes | Free time & lunch at own expense | Available May 1 – Oct 31, 2025)

Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway with a 360° glass cabin and reach an altitude of 1,100 meters in just 5 minutes, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa along the way.

At the summit, Biwako Terrace offers stunning scenery and has become a social-media favorite. The area also features optional activities such as ziplining, sky walking, and outdoor leisure facilities—perfect for couples and families alike.

Ropeway fee (reference): JPY 4,000 round trip
Maintenance closures:
- Jun 30 – Jul 4, 2025
- Sep 1 – Sep 5, 2025

Alternative Destination (When Ropeway Is Closed)

Sanzen-in Temple, Ohara – Kyoto’s Hidden Retreat

(Approx. 120 minutes | Free time & lunch at own expense)

Nestled in the serene village of Ohara, Sanzen-in dates back to the 8th century and is renowned for its moss gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, it offers beautiful seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.

Admission (reference):
- Adults: JPY 700
- Junior & Senior High: JPY 400
- Elementary School: JPY 150

14:00 Shiga

Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Floating Hall)

(Approx. 30 minutes | Free time)

Built during the Heian period to pray for safe navigation on Lake Biwa, Ukimido appears to float gracefully above the water. This iconic site is part of the Eight Scenic Views of Omi, famously admired by poets such as Matsuo Basho.

Admission (reference): JPY 300

15:10 Shiga

La Collina Omihachiman

(Approx. 60 minutes | Free time)

Designed by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, La Collina Omihachiman is a whimsical confectionery complex created by the famous Japanese sweets brand Taneya. Its grass-roofed buildings blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, making it a fairy-tale-like photo spot.

Don’t miss the freshly baked Baumkuchen, along with exclusive sweets such as made-to-order dorayaki available only at this location.

16:10 Return

Depart for Osaka & Kyoto.
Return times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic conditions.

17:20 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Tour ends for Kyoto guests
18:30 Osaka Nipponbashi Exit 2 – Tour ends

Guests may choose to enjoy free time in Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori, Osaka’s most famous shopping and food districts.

Drop-off Notes

Guests with meeting-point packages may end the tour directly.
Guests with hotel pick-up packages will be transferred back to their hotel or accommodation via arranged shuttle.

Travel Information

【This tour allows free luggage. Please inform us of the number of luggage items in advance when booking.】

Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred due to changes must be borne by the guest.
Please provide complete and accurate information at the time of booking (full name, number of participants, phone number, email address, and pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.
Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the guest.
Elderly guests, guests with cardiovascular conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.
Guests under 18 years old are not permitted to book this tour alone. A legal guardian must book and participate together.
This is a shared fixed-route tour. Guests are required to follow the scheduled stop times at each attraction and comply with the driver-guide’s arrangements.
- If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter services.
- Please arrive at the designated pick-up point on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for.
- This product cannot be refunded, rescheduled, transferred to another departure, or joined midway. If you fail to participate due to personal reasons, the loss shall be borne by yourself.
If a guest fails to participate or leaves the tour early due to personal reasons or lateness, no refund will be provided.
Guests who leave the group during the tour will be deemed to have voluntarily terminated the service, and no refund will be issued. Any resulting personal injury or property loss shall be the guest’s own responsibility.
Arrival times may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels. Delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors are non-refundable.
Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.
Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.
During free time, guests are responsible for their personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses caused by failure to follow advice shall be borne by the guest.

Important Tour Notes

Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels, arrival times at attractions may change.
According to Japanese law, a driver’s maximum working time is 10 hours per day. To ensure safety and stable operations, the itinerary may be adjusted as necessary, including shortening visit times or canceling certain attractions.

We sincerely ask for your understanding and support regarding any such adjustments made in the interest of safety. In cases involving the above or other force majeure factors, we regret any inconvenience caused. Refunds will not be provided under these circumstances, as this policy is implemented to protect both drivers and passengers and ensure smooth tour operations.

Force Majeure Includes but Is Not Limited To

Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, etc.
Traffic incidents: road accidents, severe congestion, etc.
Weather conditions: heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog, etc.
Government regulations: emergency orders, traffic controls, etc.
Medical emergencies: sudden illness or injury of a guest or group member
Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest
Mechanical failures: vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

More than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund
2–3 days before departure (including those days): 50% refund
1 day before departure or on the departure date: No refund