Shiga Private Tours
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Shiga Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
Tour of Ishiyama-dera Temple
(Highlights) This temple is popular not only among pilgrims and dedicated Buddhists but also among ordinary citizens. It is well-known as the place where a 12th -century woman writer Murasaki-shikibu worked on the manuscript of her masterpiece "Genji-monogatari (tale of Genji)". People visit the temple to pray for the safe childbirth, peace in the family and happy marriages. It is also the place where people can enjoy viewing the beautiful harvest moon known as "Ishiyama-no-syugetsu (moonlight over the temple of Ishiyama-dera) in mid-September. Not only Buddhist rituals but also jazz concerts and other festive events are held at that time. In mid-August, in addition, a magnificent fireworks show can be seen in the nearby river bank accompanied by as many as 3,000 candles lit in line in the same bank a bit away and "Bon" dancing" is performed by visitors each year. The 900-year-old temple is the attractive place surrounded by natural beauties throughout the year: plum blossoms in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in early summer and colored leaves in the fall. ( How to visit the temple and enjoy) After you go through the main gate, walk to the admission-collecting booth, where you are asked to pay 500 yen. They will give you a leaflet explainig about the temple in its entirety.Then, go up the steep hill and you will reach the "Hondo" main hall, which houses the magnificent "Go-honzon-sama", or " Kannon-sama", the Goddess of mercy, which is the principal icon of the temple. There you have to pay another 300 yen, then you can step in to the sacred hall, where the huge image sits. You have to take your shoes off beforehand. Taking a photo is not allowed there. You can sit on the chair before the image and offer a prayer. Afterward, walk on the path that leads you to whatever places or buildings there are in the compound. You will never get lost, since there are signboards everywhere directing your way and the path is simple. One hour will be enough for the tour of the entire temple. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 500 yen ( plus 300 yen for entering the "Hondo" main hall). You can also take a private railway train ride for almost the same fare.
Autumnal Leaves at Keisoku-ji & Shizugatake Old Battlefield
Keisoku-ji was re-built by the Venerable, Saicho (767-822 AD), and named after footmarks of a chicken left on accumulated snow. The monk found an Eleven-headed Deity of Mercy in burned-out ruins, and then opened tremendous area of many Buddhist temples. Though the temple became deserted now, the breath-taking beauty of hundreds of colored leaves attracts so many people just like the old days.
Tour of Lake Biwa and Temple of Mii-dera
(Highlights) (1) Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, whose area is 670 square kilometers and circumference, 241 kilometers, which is slightly more than the distance between Tokyo and Hamamatsu. It is said to be four million years old, the third oldest lake in the world. You can see only a fraction of the lake from its southern end, though. You can enjoy cruising on board the colorful sightseeing ship "Michigan". Fares depend on when you start cruising and how long you are on board the ship. Even if you do not get on board the ship, you can spend leisurely time just looking at the blue water of the magnificent lake or take a walk along the lake side road. (2) Temple of Mii-dera is located in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings on the hill a bit far from the heart of Otsu city. There are a total of 13 buildings and structures in the temple compound, including the "Hondo (main hall)", or "Kondo (golden hall)", but the most well-known among these is the bell called "Mii-no- bansyo", famous for its melodious sound. The best time for visiting the temple is either in early April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or in late in autumun when the entire temple compound is filled with colorful leaves.. (How to enjoy) (1) (In Lake Biwa) In addition to enjoying cruising on the lake, you can spend time just marveling at and getting in touch with the greatness of the nature. You can see migratory birds floating on the lake water in winter and anglers leisurely hurling and towing their fishing rods and lines over the embankment guard. (2) (At Temple of Mii-dera) You can enjoy seeing different kinds of old, historical buildings and structure as you stroll along the road on the slopes. It also is a good exercise for you in the clean environment to walk in the temple precincts. (Others) The transportation fee between Kyoto and Ishiyama on a JR train is 240 yen and the temple entrance fee is 600 yen. There are four different types of cruises you can choose from and the fare is set for each of them. In the case of one-hour-and-20- minute cruise starting from Otsu port at 10 in the morning, you (supposing you are an adult person) have to pay 2,780 yen. The fares for other cruises are roughly the same as this one, not exceeding 3,000 yen per person.
One Day Bike Tour around Kohoku in Shiga
Kohoku, i.e., northernmost district in Shiga pref. is said to be “The home of Kan-non (Deity of Mercy)”, many of which have been protected by successive villagers of the hamlets since more than 1,200 years ago. You can also appreciate breathtaking autumnal beauty of the old mountainous temple of Keisoku-ji in late fall. Thus, you may feel a genuine cultured atmosphere of old Japan here at Kohoku.
Shiga Day Trip Tours
Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto
Hikone City is only an hour away from Kyoto by train and faces the largest lake in Japan. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and its castle town are located there. There are also some old temples and shrines nearby. You feel like you have slipped back into the Edo Period ( about 200~400 years ago). This is a half-day tour where you can learn about Japan's medieval period.
Let's enjoy Lake Biwa cruise and National Treasure Castle!
Hikone Castle is one of the five National Treasure castles. The castle is on the hilltop and you can see beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa and castle town. Beside the castle, there is a beautiful Japanese garden, named "Genkyu-en". If you like, you enjoy a cup of green tea with Japanese sweet. After lunch at the castle town, let's enjoy cruise to a small sacred island, Chikubu-jima. In the sacred island, there are a famous temple and a National Treasure shrine. I'm sure you like it!!
Shiga nature tour
Shiga prefecture is next to Kyoto prefecture. There is the biggest lake, the lake of Biwa. And you can see many beautiful mountains and clear streams. I will guide small hiking to a beautiful waterfall (30 min up, 30 min down) I can also show you Shiga sightseeing spots!
Shiga Nature & Outdoor Tours
Bike Tour around Yogo, an Old Home of Japan in Shiga
Lake Yogo, alias "Mirror Lake" is a northernmost attraction in Shiga pref. Literally, it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The one day tour takes you to representative spots associated with impressive folklores about the lake and its vicinity. We can also visit the stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake of the Provincial Wars.
A Half Day Bike Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga
Lake Yogo is a northernmost mysterious attraction in Shiga prefecture, and its another name is "Mirror Lake", since it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The lake was a stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake in the midst of the age of Provincial Wars (1583). There are also many folklores associated with the lake.
A Winter Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga (余吴湖畔冬季之远行在滋贺县)
Lake Yogo is a mirror-like spot surrounded with community based forests in a secluded corner of Shiga. Though the district around the lake is often covered with fresh snow almost every day in sever winter season, the sceneries from the lakeside must give sightseers unique landscapes associated with genuine local cultures of Japan and folklores which have come down from more than 1,200 years ago.
Shiga Unique Experience Tours
Shiga Kids & Family Friendly Tours
Shiga Highlights Tours
Shiga Tour Reviews
Doug C.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
“Noru with Nori”
Nori San is an excellent guide. I would not hesitate taking one of his tours. My family and I enjoyed every moment we had with Nori. Nori is very personable and provides an extraordinary experience. He was kind enough to meet us 45 minutes from our original meeting spot because we went on the wrong train and ended up at some remote station on the other side of Lake Biwa. He did not hesitate to rearrange our tour to compensate for this baka's mistake. His SUV is comfortable and as my wife said "smells nice". He is a historian, naturalist, philosopher and therapist but don't believe him when he says your butchered Japanese is good. At the end of the tour I felt like Nori was a friend and not a tour guide. I began blurting out inappropriate ramblings of my past which Nori kindly listened to and provided some insightful comments. If you want a memorable experience ask Nori to take you to his "secret" place but only if you can keep it a secret or it won't be a secret special place for long. If you surf or wind surf Nori can point you in the right direction of where to go in Japan and may also be able to put together an outing for you. I look forward to our next trip to Japan to noru with Nori (again, some butchered Japanese).
Nori I.
(23 reviews)Thanks so much for your kind comments, Doug san! Noru with Nori sounds nice! Maybe I should change the title of my tour to that. ( : As I might have mentioned, I try to act as a local friend with knowledge rather than just being a translator/guide. So if you felt like I am your friend, that is perfect! I felt that way too listening to your interesting stories from your childhood in Japan. As you said and saw, there are so many hidden gems in and out of Kyoto with much less crowd. Major spots in Kyoto are wonderful but at the same time for people who want to experience serene secluded places with rich history, Shiga could be a great option too. Oh, BTW, your Japanese is not just good but great!! I think we could have communicated whole day in Japanese too!! Hope we can take another tour together someday in the future. Take care!
David M.
Kyoto Eastern Highlights and Shiga Lake Town Full-day Tour for David san
Customized
“Amazing tour guide ”
Toichi was my private tour guide for the past 4 days. His knowledge of Kyoto and surrounding areas is unsurpassed. He taught me about the history, culture and food of Kyoto. We went to many temples and shrines and when I asked if we could change the schedule for the last 2 days he was very accommodating. I feel like he became my friend. Thank you Toichi for making my first trip to Japan so enjoyable and teaching me so much.
Koichi W.
(63 reviews)Hi! David san, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful review. The comment you gave me is more than I desrve. It was a great pleasure for me to share your precious time together. Atrigato-gozaimasu and I would like to say "Ookini-dosse!!" in Kyoto dialect. Koichi
Tammy K.
Enjoy the authentic castle town and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
“Shiga is amazing”
Nori was such a wonderful tour guide and was so flexible with us and the schedule. We had an amazing time and we were not disappointed at all. Shiga is an amazing place and I hope more people would go and explore it!
Nori I.
(23 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments! I also had fun exploring my favorite places with you guys! Soon I am sure people will start to find out more about this amazing hidden area of Japan. If you guys can come back, I will make sure we can go to even more fun secret spots!! Hope to see you all again! Take care!
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