Tour of Lake Biwa and Temple of Mii-dera
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
Alfonso S.
“Good old man”
A very nice and educated old men not to fluent in English and hard to understand his ocasional explanations at the different sites visited. We had to walk very long distances in the heat to reach public transportation, when we could have save time and sweat by taking a cab. We are sure that probably in Japanese he would have been a better experience. Anyway he was very kind with us.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Alfonso-san, Thank you very much for your honest and straightforward feedback on the three-day tour. I humbly accept every bit of your opinion and sincerely apologize to you for having you walk a long and arduous distance under the intense heat. In hindsight, I thought we should have taken a taxi to move from one place to another, but I was afraid of the cost it could have entailed. I sincerely take your comment to heart so that I can offer my future customers an even better service than ever before. At the same time, I will polish my listening comprehension with the help of radio English conversation programs more attentively. I will also learn more about the history and the attractions of each of the sights in Kyoto and elsewhere. Finally, I wish you all a greater health and success in your business. And if ever a chance should offer itself, I would look forward to having more customers from your country. Let me add one most important point: Thank you very much for the tip. Enjoy the rest of your stay in our country. Regards, Hiro
Amandeep S.
“Excellent experience with Hiro San”
It was a pleasure to tour the city through Hiro San’s eyes. He was very patient and adjusted the pace of the tour as per us. Quite knowledgeable and jovial Regards Amandeep
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Amandeep-san, Thank you very much for your compliment. I am much encouraged and given an energy to do a better job from tomorrow. Wish your entire family an excellent health. Regards, Hiro
James H.
“Great day with Hiro-San”
Absolutely one if the highlights of our trip to Japan. Our guide Hiro was fantastic. Can’t praise him enough. Hiro was patient and kind with our mixed group of 11. Hiro was so forthcoming with his knowledge. I can not say enough good things about this wonderful man. Jim H
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi James-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you and your loved ones spent a wonderful day with the tame deer in Nara. That`s the best reward for me. Wish you all a better health and a happier life ahead. Regards, Hiro
$107/ per group
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