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
Susanne U.
“Great day lovely experience”
What a great day and lovely experience we had in Kyoto. Hiro-san was very helpful and kind and showed us all sopts we wanted to see. He explained a lot about history and also brought some props with him to dress up for photos which our daughter loved. He was also very helpful guiding us through public transportation which helped us a lot during the rest of our stay in Kyoto. Thank you Hiro-san for this beautiful experience.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Susanne-san, Danke. Thank you very much for your favorable comment. There can be no greater honor for me as a guide than to have such a lavish praise. I wish you all a good health and happiness in the days ahead. Especially, a healthy growth for Heidi. Auf Wiedersehen. Regards, Hiro
Anangga P.
“Superb Guide in Amano-hashidate from Tatsuhiro-san”
I was so worried leaving my elderly mother and aunts alone touring Amano-hashidate, especially since one of my aunts has just got her knee operated so she needs to be in wheelchair. Thankfully Tatsuhiro-san is there and went well and beyond his task as a guide by also taking care my family while showing the beauty of one of Japanese's often missed scenic spot. Tatsuhiro-san also tried his best to show the elderly entourage the area albeit he himself is not from around it. Alas, the weather is not so favorable this time so we got our Ine-Bay boat trip cancelled by the organizer, but thanks to Tatsuhiro-san's effort and kindness, my mother and aunts came back to the hotel full of smiles. Thank you so much, Tatsuhiro-san!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Anannga-san, "Dou-itashimashite", meaning no problem at all. I am really glad the tour was completed safely and that your mom and aunts were in full smiles. I am just happy for it. I wish the earliest possible recovery from her knee operation for one of your aunts (sorry, I forgot her name) and the happy life in the days ahead for all of them. Thanks again for the wonderful souvenir and the full mark for me. Good luck. Regards, Hiro
David J.
“Kyoto tour tailored to our needs ”
Our cruise ship was docked in Kobe, and Hiro willingly adjusted his tour to fit in with our need to return to Kobe before the ship sailed away. He met us at Kyoto Station, and returned us there in good time for our return Shinskansen to Kobe. Despite having less time we still had plenty of time to enjoy Kyoto Castle and Kinkakuji Golden pavilion.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi David-san, Thank you very much for giving me the high grade. I am glad if you could have had a glimpse of our history in the turbulent years and of the beautiful structure. I wish you a happiness and a good health in the years ahead. Regards, Hiro
$105/ per group
More tours by Tatsuhiro N.
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