Shiga Lake Biwa (Four Seasons) & La Collina Ōmi-Hachiman & Nara Day Tour

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.

🚍 Departure from Osaka

07:50 Osaka – Start of today’s beautiful journey

• Meeting Point: 07:50 Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba/Shinsaibashi area)
• ※ Please arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will not be waited for.

Shiga – Lake Biwa Seasonal Experience

Arrival time:

• Spring: 10:00
• Summer / Autumn / Winter: 09:30
  (Duration: approx. 60–80 minutes, free exploration)

🌸 Spring Special (Mar 21 – Apr 10)

Hikone Castle (Cherry Blossom Viewing – 60 min, ticket included)

Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, beautifully preserved near Lake Biwa. Surrounded by double moats, the castle retains its historical grandeur and is comparable to famous castles such as Himeji Castle.

At night, the moonlight reflects on the castle and moat, creating a breathtaking scene recognized as one of the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa.”

In spring, Hikone Castle becomes one of Shiga’s top three cherry blossom spots. The contrast between the white castle tower and pink cherry blossoms creates a romantic and elegant spring landscape.

🌞 Summer Special (Apr 11 – Oct 31)

Michigan Cruise (Biwako Kisen) (60 min lake cruise, ticket included)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Biwa aboard the famous Michigan sightseeing boat. The ship features lively music, onboard performances, and dining options (at your own expense), ranging from light meals to buffets and set menus.

You can also go up to the open-air deck to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa.

🍁 Autumn Special (Nov 15 – Dec 5)

Enryaku-ji Temple (Autumn foliage viewing – 60–80 min, entrance included)

Mount Hiei, located between Kyoto and Shiga, has long been considered a sacred mountain. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect with over 1,200 years of history.

In autumn, the temple grounds are covered in red and golden maple leaves, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. From the mountain, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, where nature and history blend beautifully.

❄️ Winter Special (Dec 30 – Mar 20)

Biwako Valley (Snow experience – 60–80 min, cable car included)

Take a cable car up to Biwako Valley and enjoy a stunning snowy landscape overlooking Lake Biwa.

This highland resort offers snow activities such as sledding and skiing (equipment rental not included), as well as access to the famous Biwako Terrace with breathtaking lake views.

A perfect winter playground for both adults and children, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

🍱 Lunch – Traditional Japanese Meal

11:30 Shiga (approx. 60 min, lunch included)

Menu is for reference only. Actual dishes may vary depending on seasonal ingredients.

🏡 La Collina Omihachiman

La Collina Omihachiman (13:00 – approx. 60 min free time)

A fairy-tale-style sweet village created by the famous Japanese confectionery brand Taneya and architect Terunobu Fujimori.

The grass-roof main building blends perfectly into nature, designed to resemble a living landscape integrated with Mount Hachiman.

Highlights include:

• Freshly baked Baumkuchen (Japan’s first Baumkuchen specialty store)
• Handmade dorayaki with cream filling
• Seasonal exclusive sweets
• Highly photogenic scenery for social media

🦌 Nara – Deer Park Area

16:00 Nara (approx. 1 hour free time, deer crackers not included)

Nara Park

Nara Park is a large urban park located at the base of Mount Wakakusa. Major cultural landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located within the park.

The park is famous for its freely roaming deer. Visitors can purchase deer crackers and feed them, but be careful as deer may approach in groups.

🏯 Todai-ji Temple (optional entry fee included)

Todai-ji Temple

Founded in the Nara period (710–794), Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most important temples, home to the Great Buddha (Vairocana Buddha).

The Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes many national treasures such as Nandaimon Gate.

🚍 Return to Osaka

17:00 Departure

Return time is for reference only and may vary depending on traffic and schedule conditions.

🏁 Arrival in Osaka

18:00 Drop-off at Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Shinsaibashi/Namba area)

Tour ends.

Nearby shopping & food areas:

• Shinsaibashi Shopping Street – major shopping district with brands, cosmetics, and souvenirs
• Dotonbori – Osaka’s famous food street with takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, and more

Travel Information

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

1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred due to changes must be borne by the guest.

2. 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.

3. Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the guest.

4. Elderly guests, guests with cardiovascular conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.

5. Guests under 18 years old are not permitted to book this tour alone. A legal guardian must book and participate together.

6. 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.

7. If a guest fails to participate or leaves the tour early due to personal reasons or lateness, no refund will be provided.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.

11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.

12. 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