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Tour of Lake Biwa and Temple of Mii-dera
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Joined 2014
(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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Shore of lake Biwa
Temple of Mii-dera
Ending Point
At your hotel
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, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
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 2014
About Tour Guide Tatsuhiro N.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Reviews
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Michael S.
“A mature and thoughtful tour”
We had a wonderful day exploring Osaka and Nara with our guide, Hiro. As an experienced and wise guide, he shared his deep knowledge of the region with us in such an engaging and thoughtful way. Hiro took us through Osaka’s highlights and then to the famous Nara Deer Park and Todai-ji Temple, where his stories and insights gave us a much richer understanding of the area’s history and culture. His genuine nature and warm personality made the experience both enjoyable and memorable. It was clear how much care Hiro put into ensuring we had the best experience, and we truly appreciated his thoughtfulness throughout the day. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore Osaka and Nara with a knowledgeable and sincere guide.
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Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Michael-san & loved ones, Thank you so much for your heart-warming comment. I am really inspired and encouraged by it. I am glad you had the opportunity to be in touch with the atmosphere of the ancient capital city. I am glad also that you had a happy time mixing with deer. I wish you all a healthy, happy future and the promising days ahead for your young kids. Regards, Hiro
Jack H.
“Excellent gentlemanly service ”
Hiru showed my family around Kyoto for a day. It was extremely hot and he tried his best to make the visit as easy as possible for us. We learnt several interesting facts on history, Buddhism, Shintoism and Kyoto itself. I would recommend fully this experience, the only thing I would say is that if you suffer from the heat or periods of standing and walking then this tour could be challenging for you to complete.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Jack-san, Thank you very much for giving me a full mark. I am greatly encouraged by your favorable comment and I will keep your advice in mind in my future job. Best regard, Hiro
Brandon W.
“Premium tour of Kyoto - Wodnerful!”
Tatsuhiro was a wonderful tour guide for our first time in Kyoto. Very accommodating and considerate. Tatsuhiro was very informative on the subjects and historical sites we visited. It was a wonderful experience, definitely recommend!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Brandon-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. Nothing is more encouraging and inspiring than receiving a high mark from my customer for the job I have done. I wish you will have enjoyable days ahead. Above all, a good health. Regards, Hiro
$104/ per group
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