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Hidden Gem Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Town Walk, Omi Beef Lunch & Lake Biwa Scenic Drive
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Joined 2023
Escape the crowds of Kyoto and discover a hidden gem in nearby Shiga.
Visit Omi-Hachiman, a charming town with scenic canals and historic streets shaped by the “Sanpo-yoshi” philosophy.
For lunch, enjoy a premium Omi beef, one of Japan’s top Wagyu brands. Then, let's take a ropeway up Mt. Hachiman for views of Lake Biwa.
You will also visit La Collina Omi-Hachiman, a unique sweets complex surrounded by nature.
Perfect for a relaxed day beyond Kyoto.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Kyoto or Shiga
- Hotel pick-up in Kyoto. (If you are staying in Shiga, a pick-up there is also available.)
Omi Merchant District
Walk through a historic town developed by Omi merchants, famous for their “Sanpo-yoshi” philosophy (good for seller, buyer, and society).
Hachiman-bori Canal
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal that once supported the town’s prosperity.
Omi Beef Lunch
Taste one of Japan’s finest Wagyu brands.
(Sukiyaki, steak, or other options depending on availability.)
Himure Hachimangu Shrine
Visit a historic shrine connected to the town’s origins.
Mt. Hachiman Ropeway & Castle Ruins
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa and explore the remains of Hachiman Castle.
Free Time & Local Food Experience
Stroll the town and try local specialties:
Club Harie
Yamajou Pickles
Taneya
La Collina Omi Hachiman
Relax at a beautifully designed sweets complex surrounded by nature.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or Shiga
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
•Guide fee
•Transportation between sites (a car driven by the guide)
•Fuel, parking fees, and highway tolls
•Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Kyoto or Shiga area)
•Lunch (Omi beef): up to approx. 3,500 JPY
Credit cards are accepted at most of the restaurants.
You are not required to cover the guide’s meal, but if the cost exceeds this range, I may wait outside.
•Ropeway: approx. 950 JPY (credit cards accepted)
•Omi Merchant House admission: approx. 400 JPY per house (cash only)
• Snacks/sweets (e.g. La Collina): around 1,000–2,000 JPY
Cash recommendation:
While many shops in Omi-Hachiman accept credit cards, bringing around 2,000 JPY in cash per person is recommended for smaller purchases.
•Travel insurance & personal expenses:
Tour Important Information
*This is a car-based tour using a compact vehicle.
*The tour is comfortable for up to 4 guests, but the rear seats may feel a bit compact for longer drives.
*If you require more space, please contact me before booking so we can discuss the best arrangement.
*Please bring cash, as some local shops may not accept credit cards.
*The itinerary may change depending on traffic, weather, or crowd conditions.
*I will adjust the schedule to ensure a smooth experience.
*This tour includes light to moderate walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
*
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Kanae O.
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.
Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.
Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Reviews
Robin G.
“Book Kanae - you won't regret it! ”
We spent two days touring Kyoto with Kanae. She is a wonderful guide, has excellent English and made it possible for us to see all of the major sights. Without her driving us around there is no way we would have been able to see everything we did. It was extremely hot and she thoughtfully provided us with drinks and cooling towels. She really thought of everything! She also brought us to two of the best meals we had the whole trip in a places you would never find as a tourist. More than that, she is a delightful person so it was fun to spend time with her. When we return to Kyoto we will definitely book her again.
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Kanae O.
Robin, thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure spending those two days with your family and showing you around Kyoto. It was incredibly hot, but you all did such a great job keeping up with the sightseeing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the local restaurants too. I truly hope to see all of you again when you return to Kyoto!
David K.
“Family Tour”
Kane was a wonderful and patient guide with our family of four. We saw the best of Kyoto and even had time for some shopping and sake tasting. Highly recommended.
Kanae O.
David, thank you for your kind review! It was a pleasure showing your family around Kyoto. I’m glad you enjoyed the sightseeing, shopping, and sake tasting!
Nishal S.
“Excellent guide”
Kanae was amazing, she was prompt, clean car and very friendly with excellent English. She was very good with the kids and chatted to them a lot. She had cold drinks for all of us too, water and refreshing lychee juice which was really appreciated in this heat and even shared her cooling wipes with us - which really helped in this heat. Would definitely recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto.
Kanae O.
Dear Nishal, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. Your children were absolutely lovely, and they did such a great job despite the intense heat! I hope you all enjoyed the rest of your time in Kyoto, and I’d be delighted to see you again someday.
$383/ per group
More tours by Kanae O.
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Join me on this early morning tour to discover five of Kyoto's must-see sights before the crowds arrive. Travel comfortably by car as your knowledgeable guide drives you between each destination, allowing you to save time and energy while making the most of your visit. It's also an ideal way to explore Kyoto during the hot summer months, with less walking between attractions and more time to enjoy the city's beauty and history.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
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Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
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