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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
Frederik T.
“Excellent Customized Experience and Service”
While in Kyoto, my family had a specialized travel interest that required a custom experience and some complicated travel routing. Throughout, Kanae provided excellent communication, proactively suggested ideas to improve our route and experience, performed research and was incredibly reliable. We would absolutely work with Kanae again if the opportunity allows.
Soleil H.
“Excellent Kyoto Experience with Kanae-san!”
We had a wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Kanae-san. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The early start allowed us to visit some of Kyoto's most beautiful highlights before the crowds arrived, which made the day even more special. One of the highlights was the amazing local lunch she recommended and arranged for us! it was absolutely delicious and something we probably would not have discovered on our own. Kanae-san was attentive throughout the tour, shared interesting insights about Kyoto's history and culture, and made us feel very comfortable. We highly recommend Kanae-san to anyone visiting Kyoto, especially first-time travelers looking for a personalized and memorable experience. Thank you for such a fantastic day! Love, Brooke and Mark
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Kanae O.
Dear Brooke and Mark, Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words. I had a wonderful time spending the day with both of you, and it was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto. I'm so glad we could share such a fun and memorable day together. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy many more amazing travels in the future! Warm regards, Kanae
Wendy S.
“Wonderful Tour!”
Our family loved our Kyoto tour with Kanae! She is kind, very knowledgeable, and fun to spend time with. We appreciated some of the less touristy sites we would have never seen on our own. Great to let her do all the planning and driving! We saw so much in just a few hours. We highly recommend her!
Kanae O.
Wendy, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. I'm glad you enjoyed exploring some of Kyoto's quieter spots and making the most of your time here. Wishing you many wonderful memories of Japan, and I hope to see you again on a future visit!
$375/ 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
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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