Just one hour from Kyoto, this immersive cultural experience takes you to the quieter shores of Lake Biwa, where daily life has long been shaped by water, faith, and the changing seasons. Guided by a Buddhist monk and his wife, a multilingual local guide, you’ll go beyond sightseeing to explore a historic town, observe temple life, and learn how spirituality is woven into everyday routines. The journey continues with a visit to a traditional sake brewery for a tasting, followed by scenic viewpoints overlooking Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Blending nature, history, and living traditions, this thoughtfully paced tour offers a genuine connection to rural Japan—ideal for travelers seeking depth, calm, and meaningful cultural encounters. Operates year-round and in all weather conditions.

Découvrez la beauté de Sakamoto et du mont Hiei lors de notre excursion exclusive. Commencez par une balade panoramique à bord du téléphérique de Sakamoto, le plus long téléphérique du Japon, offrant une vue imprenable sur le lac Biwa et les forêts brumeuses. Au sommet, visitez le temple sacré Enryaku-ji, un site bouddhiste historique d'une profonde signification spirituelle. Explorez ensuite la charmante ville de Sakamoto, connue pour ses paysages pittoresques et son riche patrimoine culturel. Plongez dans ce voyage inoubliable à travers les merveilles spirituelles et naturelles de la région. Réservez votre excursion dès aujourd'hui !

Le mont Hiei, qui abrite le vénérable temple Enryaku-ji, est un site central de l'histoire du bouddhisme japonais. Les visiteurs peuvent emprunter un téléphérique panoramique pour s'y rendre et profiter d'une vue panoramique sur les paysages environnants. L'Enryaku-ji a joué un rôle crucial dans le bouddhisme japonais, façonnant la cour impériale et les samouraïs à travers l'histoire. Le temple demeure un centre actif de pratique spirituelle, offrant un environnement serein imprégné de tradition. Lors de cette visite, vous explorerez le riche patrimoine et l'importance spirituelle continue de l'Enryaku-ji, guidé par des éclairages sur son impact historique et ses pratiques culturelles. Découvrez le cadre majestueux du mont Hiei et le profond héritage de l'Enryaku-ji pour un voyage mémorable à travers l'histoire spirituelle du Japon.

Découvrez le « Funasushi », l'origine du « sushi » au Japon. Dégustez trois variétés de Funasushi avec du saké local « Shichihonyari » choisi par Kuramoto. Cette expérience se déroule au bar privé et chaleureux Machiya. Le Funasushi est servi uniquement dans la préfecture de Shiga au Japon. Si vous aimez les sushis, les aliments fermentés et le saké, ne manquez pas de l'essayer ! Facilement accessible depuis Kyoto, Osaka et Gifu.

Les deux chutes d'eau que nous visitons sont spectaculaires. La première, les chutes d'Hira, se trouve à seulement 400 mètres de marche du parking. De là, nous marchons jusqu'aux chutes d'eau de Yobai, encore plus spectaculaires, où nous ressentons le clapotis de l'eau fraîche. La randonnée aller-retour ne fait qu'1,5 km, mais le sentier est rocailleux et raide, donc une bonne condition physique est requise. De là, nous allons au bord du lac Biwa où nous faisons du kayak, nageons ou nous détendons sur la plage. Ce circuit est parfait pour les voyageurs qui veulent échapper à la foule et à la chaleur de Kyoto et d'Osaka et profiter de la nature.

Découvrez Nagahama lors d'une visite guidée à pied, incluant une dégustation de sauce soja traditionnelle. Après cette visite privée, vous pourrez profiter pleinement de la ville. Attention, une journée peut s'avérer trop courte pour profiter pleinement de Nagahama, car trop de contenu pourrait piquer votre curiosité ! Nous vous aidons à Gagner du temps sur la recherche de sites touristiques et la planification de votre voyage. Options d'itinéraires flexibles pour s'adapter à votre emploi du temps. Explorez Nagahama avec vos yeux et vos papilles, sans barrières linguistiques. Explorons Nagahama, sa gastronomie, son saké, sa nature, son histoire, sa culture, son shopping : tout existe !

Ōtsu’s Miidera Temple, nestled along the serene shores of Lake Biwa, invites you to uncover over 1,200 years of Buddhist history. Known for its great bronze bell and a revered Kannon Bodhisattva statue, this historic site showcases architectural elegance amid tranquil paths and stunning lake views. The option to extend your visit to Enryaku-ji Temple offers a glimpse into the heart of Tendai Buddhism, highlighting the unique rivalry and cooperation between these two spiritual hubs. This journey through Japan's religious landscape promises to connect you deeply with the region's cultural heritage. - Explore the historic Miidera Temple, a key site in Japanese Buddhism - Option to visit Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, a pivotal monastery - Experience the beauty of the temple grounds across all seasons - Suitable for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers alike

Visit a community temple with over 700 years of history and learn directly from a Buddhist monk about local life and experience everyday rituals that continue today. This is not a staged tourist experience, but a genuine introduction to how the temple remains connected to the community. After the temple visit, stroll through Kinomoto, a historic post town that once flourished along the Hokkokukaidō route.

Il s'agit de la seule visite guidée qui vous emmène à travers les trois zones sacrées du temple Enryakuji sur le mont Hiei : Tōtō, Saitō et Yokokawa. Avec un guide local expérimenté, vous explorerez des salles historiques, voyagerez en navette entre les différents sites et vivrez l'expérience spirituelle complète du bouddhisme Tendai japonais. De la flamme éternelle du Konpon Chūdō à la sérénité de la forêt de Yokokawa, ce circuit offre une expérience de pèlerinage unique et profondément immersive aux portes de Kyoto.

Explore the unique world of Otsu-e, Japan's lesser-known Edo period pop art. This tour takes you to the Otsu-e Museum, set in a traditional temple, where you'll uncover the fascinating history and themes behind these playful paintings. Then, visit the last remaining workshop to see traditional techniques in action and even purchase your own piece of Otsu-e art. Perfect for art enthusiasts and those keen on Japanese culture, this 1.5-hour experience highlights Otsu's artistic charm and rich heritage. - Discover the enchanting world of Otsu-e paintings - Visit the Otsu-e Museum and learn about the art's history - Experience a live demonstration at the last remaining workshop - Ideal for art lovers and those interested in Japanese culture

Discover the nightlife of Ōtsu, the gateway city of Shiga Prefecture, on a guided bar-hopping tour that immerses you in local flavors and culture. Just minutes from Kyoto, Ōtsu blends izakayas, modern bars, and lakeside venues reflecting the character of Lake Biwa’s southern shore. Your guide will lead you to hidden spots where you can enjoy Omi beef skewers, lake-fish tempura, and seasonal dishes paired with regional sake from pure Shiga waters. With ¥4,000 in food and drinks included—¥2,000 at each of two venues—you can relax without worrying about language or payments. Along the way, you’ll feel the hospitality of family-run shops, meet locals, and see why Ōtsu’s nightlife is a proud part of Lake Country. This tour is more than bar-hopping—it’s a taste of history, community, and the spirit of Ōtsu after dark. Guided nightlife tour with a local expert Includes ¥2,000 food and drink credit at each of two bars Meet locals and experience Lake Biwa’s culture

Discover the sacred beauty of Chikubu Island on this guided boat journey across Lake Biwa. Renowned for its spiritual significance, Chikubu is home to the revered Benzaiten shrine, where you’ll experience centuries of devotion and tradition. With an expert local guide, explore the stunning Hogon-ji Temple, admire the ornate Kara-mon Gate, and participate in the ancient kawarake-nage ritual for good fortune. Delve into the island's rich history and see artifacts that highlight its artistic and spiritual legacy. Convenient departure options from Nagahama, Hikone, and Imazu make it easy to embark on this unique cultural adventure. - Guided boat tour to Chikubu Island from Lake Biwa - Explore historic sites like Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine - Participate in traditional rituals such as kawarake-nage - Choose from multiple departure points for convenience

Discover the Soul of Nagahama: A Journey Through History, Culture, and People of Town Step into the heart of Japan’s samurai legacy and festival brilliance with an unforgettable experience in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. Whether you're a history buff, culture lover, or curious explorer, this immersive journey offers something extraordinary.

Discover Hikone Castle, a National Treasure perched above Lake Biwa, on an insightful tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the castle's impressive architecture and learn about its historical significance as a military and political stronghold during the Tokugawa shogunate. After your castle exploration, savor the exquisite taste of Omi beef, one of Japan's premier wagyu varieties, at a nearby restaurant steeped in local tradition. Whether you choose the shorter or extended tour, this journey offers a deep dive into the cultural legacy of the Ii family and the rich flavors of Shiga. - Explore Hikone Castle's stunning architecture and rich history - Choose between a short or extended tour for varying depths of exploration - Enjoy a culinary experience featuring renowned Omi beef in an Edo-style setting - Gain insights from a local expert about the castle's significance and the Ii clan's influence

Explore the rich history and culture of Otsu on this engaging three-hour walking tour. Guided by a knowledgeable local, uncover Otsu's transformation from a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway to a spiritual center by Lake Biwa. Visit the Otsu Hyakucho-kan to feel the pulse of commerce and hospitality, savor the unique funazushi delicacy at Sakamotoya, and admire the unique Otsu-e art. The highlight is Miidera Temple, where ancient paths and sacred sites tell stories of devotion and culture. - Three-hour guided walking tour through Otsu's historic sites - Discover local delicacies like funazushi and unique Otsu-e art - Visit the revered Miidera Temple and its expansive grounds - Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike

Delve into Japan's rich history at Nagahama Castle, where the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most significant figures in the Warring States era, began. This guided tour takes you through the castle's storied grounds, where an expert local guide shares fascinating tales of Hideyoshi's ascent from humble origins to a commanding warlord. Explore the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, featuring exhibits that illuminate the Sengoku period and its key battles. Enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck overlooking Lake Biwa, connecting history with geography. - Guided tour exploring the history of Nagahama Castle - Insightful stories about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his early career - Access to the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum with original artifacts - Stunning views from the museum’s rooftop observation deck over Lake Biwa

Tour points Enjoy the morning light reflecting off the lake surface as you gently paddle out in a kayak. Enjoy local ingredients along the lakeside in the afternoon, and then take in the sights and sounds as you stroll through the old townscape in the afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing day in Takashima, where nature, culture, and the five senses intersect. Although their English may not be perfect, guides who love Takashima will connect with you and help you have a deep exchange with the local people.

Experience the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the Lake Biwa region on this self-guided day trip from Nagahama. Travel by taxi to scenic locations, including Mt. Ibuki, where you can take in sweeping views over Japan’s largest lake and surrounding mountains from the summit area. Continue to a local roadside market, where you can browse regional products and enjoy lunch at your own pace. From there, head to the lakeside and board a short cruise to Chikubushima Island, a serene and spiritually significant destination long regarded as a sacred place. With a relaxed schedule, simple transportation, and free time at each stop, this experience offers an easy and enriching way to discover a quieter, more traditional side of Japan. - Visit Mt. Ibuki for panoramic views over Japan’s largest lake - Stop at a local market and enjoy free time for lunch - Take a short cruise across Lake Biwa - Explore Chikubushima Island with historic shrines and scenic surroundings

Explore the lively bar scene of Nagahama, a historic castle town that blends samurai heritage with vibrant local culture. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to indulge in Nagahama's culinary treasures while connecting with locals in intimate settings. Enjoy ¥1,500 worth of food and drinks at two carefully selected establishments, ranging from cozy izakayas serving Omi beef to modern bars showcasing local craft beers. With a professional guide sharing insights into the city's rich history and culinary traditions, this is more than just dining; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Nagahama. - Guided bar-hopping tour through Nagahama’s historic streets - Taste local specialties and drinks with ¥3,000 included - Connect with locals and discover the city’s vibrant culture - Experience the blend of samurai tradition and modern hospitality

Delve into Japan's Sengoku era with a guided tour of Azuchi Castle, where Oda Nobunaga's vision of unification unfolds. Start at the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum, exploring cutting-edge reconstructions and archaeological treasures that illuminate the castle's significance as a cultural and political hub. The tour includes an option to hike Mount Azuchi for stunning views and historical insights, or a condensed version focusing on the museums. This immersive experience reveals the architectural splendor of Nobunaga's era and the castle's legacy, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of Japan's transformative history. - Explore the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum - Two tour options: 4-hour hike or 2-hour museum-focused experience - Discover the architectural brilliance of Azuchi Castle's reconstruction - Gain insights from a knowledgeable local guide on Sengoku-era dynamics