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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
Sue B.
“Highlight of our trip and most memorable experience ever!”
I can’t express how incredible my experience with our guide, Kanae, was during our private tour exploring my heritage in Japan. I am a sansei (third-generation Japanese American), and my family and I decided to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan. Kanae picked us up at our hotel in Kyoto and drove us to Shiga Prefecture, where we visited the castle ruins connected to my ancestors. She also helped interpret for me at the local historical museum and city hall. Kanae was so kind and generous with her time and knowledge, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with. She tailored our tour exactly to what I had dreamed of and went far beyond our expectations. Our full day with Kanae was the highlight of my trip. I will always be grateful to her for her kindness and for introducing me to the beauty and hospitality of Japan.
Lindsay D.
“Quiet temples and beautiful gardens”
We had a great day with Kanae visiting some less touristic temples with serene and beautiful gardens. It was lovely to have fewer crowds after a hectic day visiting the more touristic sights the day before. Being able to use her car to get around was a bonus which we really appreciated. Kanae is an excellent guide who has a lot of knowledge, she has a friendly outgoing manner and we would not hesitate to recommend her to others.
Jennifer G.
“Great day with Kanae!”
Kanae was an excellent host for our day of sightseeing. She was knowledgable and we had great conversations about life in Japan. We packed so much into our day with her that we couldn’t have done on our own. We are very grateful to her for showing us around her beautiful hometown!
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Kanae O.
Dear Jennifer, Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate your words. I had a wonderful time with both of you and really enjoyed spending the day together. It was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto, and I’m so glad we were able to make the most of the day and visit so many places. Your interest and openness made the experience even more enjoyable for me. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. I hope you had a great time throughout your trip in Japan—and next time, please don’t forget to try aburi mochi! Warm regards, Kanae
$380/ per group
More tours by Kanae O.
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
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This tour will show you a different side of Kyoto—peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by nature. We will explore the Uji area, often called the 'Kyoto of Green Tea,' where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations. Along the way, we’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Shojyuin Temple, a small yet charming gem.
Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
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