Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa, stretches across the mountains of west-central Japan near Kyoto. Protected under the Law on Special Measures for the Conservation of Lake Water Quality and recognized as a Ramsar wetland site, it holds equal spiritual significance to Mount Fuji in Japanese culture and is cherished locally as the "Lake of Life." Shirahige Shrine dates back roughly 1,900 years, making it the Omi region's earliest shrine and a designated Japan Heritage story component. The shrine's setting captivates visitors, with Okishima island creating a picturesque backdrop and fishing boats gliding past the iconic floating torii gate. This gate remains serene against the waters of Lake Biwa, its appearance transforming throughout the day—golden at sunrise, shimmering under midday sun, or moody beneath evening clouds. Photography enthusiasts flock here in all seasons; use the dedicated Blue Lake Shirahige-dai observation platform for optimal shots.
Lake Biwa Observatory – Exclusive Views of the Dreamlike Lake and Landscape (approximately 120 minutes, complimentary activity, lunch at your own cost; available May 1 through October 31, 2026). Japan's quickest ropeway features 360-degree glass cabins delivering sweeping vistas in all directions. Biwako Valley occupies the western shore of Lake Biwa and ranks among the Keihan region's premier attractions. The ropeway whisks you to a 1,100-meter summit in roughly 5 minutes (April through November, it slows to 7 meters per second for leisurely viewing). From the peak, Biwako Terrace has emerged as a trendy spot for social media photography. The venue offers Zip Line courses across 7 routes, Sky Walk trails, and free handmade play structures, suiting couples and families alike. Ropeway fare: approximately 4,000 yen per person, round trip.
Sanzen-in Temple – Kyoto's Hidden Gem in Ohara, Discover Striking Seasonal Views Across Moss-Draped Gardens (approximately 120 minutes, complimentary activity, includes lunch time, admission separate; scheduled for dates when the ropeway is closed). Sanzen-in Temple sits in Ohara, a mountainous pocket northeast of Kyoto City, historically prized by aristocrats for its serene landscape.
Read moreShow less▾
🎫 Options
Select date
Select quantity
Adult
From ¥6,900
1
ChildAges 3–11
From ¥6,900
0
InfantAges 0–2
Free · sits with an adult
0
Total
¥6,900Please select a date and guests
- Capacity
- 1+
- Itinerary
- 1 day(s) · 7 stops
📅 Itinerary
08:00Nihonbashi Exit 2
※Dear guests, please be advised that the tour will depart strictly on schedule and cannot wait for latecomers. Therefore, we strongly recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
09:20Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in Front of the Station
※Dear guests, please be advised that the tour will depart strictly on schedule and cannot wait for latecomers. Therefore, we strongly recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
10:20Lake Biwa，Shirasu Shrine amd Water Torii· 30 min
Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine, and the Floating Torii Gate Lake Biwa is a freshwater lake located in the mountains of west-central Japan, near Kyoto. It is a symbol of the nation, a national park, and the country's largest lake. Designated under the Law on Special Measures for the Conservation of Lake Water Quality and listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, Lake
11:30Lake Biwa Observation Deck· 120 min
Lake Biwa Observatory – Exclusive Views of the Dreamlike Lake and Landscape (Approx. 120 minutes, free activity, lunch available at own expense. For visits from May 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026 .) Japan's fastest ropeway with 360-degree glass gondolas offers breathtaking panoramic views. "Biwako Valley" is located on the western shore of Lake Biwa and is a popular sightseeing spot in the Keihan ar
11:30Sanzen-in Temple· 120 min
Sanzen-in Temple – Kyoto's Hidden Gem in Ohara, Enjoy Stunning Seasonal Scenery Amidst Moss-Covered Grounds (Approx. 120 minutes, free activity, lunch time included, admission fee not included. Visits on other dates / when the ropeway is temporarily closed .) Located in Ohara, northeast of Kyoto City, Sanzen-in Temple is nestled in the tranquil mountains of Ohara, an area historically favored by a
14:00Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido· 50 min
Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido (Floating Hall) – A Historic Scenic Spot Featured in the Eight Views of Omi, Floating on Lake Biwa (Admission fee not included) According to legend, during the Heian period, the monk Genshin (Eshin Sōzu) built this Buddhist hall on the lake to pray for the safety of vessels on Lake Biwa and the salvation of all beings. This temple belongs to the Rinzai Daitoku-ji school.
15:30La Collina Omihachiman· 60 min
La Collina Omihachiman – Created by Japanese Architect Terunobu Fujimori – A Fairytale Grass-Roofed Destination Beautiful in All Seasons La Collina Omihachiman is a fairytale-like sweet kingdom created by the renowned local Japanese confectionery brand Taneya, in collaboration with architect Terunobu Fujimori. Architecture That Breathes, a Grass Roof That Blends with the Landscape The main buildin
17:40Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in Front of the Station
The return time is an estimate only. Please note that we may return earlier than scheduled due to factors such as efficient progress of the itinerary or favorable traffic conditions.
18:50Nihonbashi Exit 2
The return time is an estimate only. Please note that we may return earlier than scheduled due to factors such as efficient progress of the itinerary or favorable traffic conditions.
※ Actual timings vary with road conditions on the day.
From¥6,900/person
💰 Tour Price
✓ Price Includes
- Tour guide
- Admission tickets to scheduled stops
- Transport during the tour
- Travel insurance per programme
✗ Price Excludes
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Optional tipping for the guide
Frequently asked questions
5 questions
▾
Frequently asked questions
5 questions
How long does this tour last?+
The tour runs 1 day with 7 scheduled stops laid out hour by hour.
Where is the pickup?+
Pickup at Nihonbashi Exit 2 · Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Sightseeing Bus Stop in Front of the Station. Once your booking is confirmed we'll email the GPS map plus detailed directions.
What's the minimum group size?+
Min 1 guest. If the minimum isn't reached we'll contact you before departure to suggest an alternate date or issue a full refund.
Is a Vietnamese-speaking guide available?+
Our partner offers packages in: English, Chinese, Japanese. If you need a dedicated Vietnamese-speaking guide, please leave a note at booking so we can arrange one (surcharge applies).
Can I cancel or reschedule?+
Cancellation terms vary by tour — see the "Additional Information" tab above. Most tours allow free cancellation up to 7 days before departure.
🗾 Related tours
Tateyama Overnight Bus Tour — Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam, Murodo (no hotel)
¥19,000
Discover Ine Funaya and Miyama Gassho Village on a Day Excursion from Amanohashidate
¥6,900
Sakura Festival Day Trip: Nighttime Cherry Blossom Experience at Miho Museum and Mii-dera Temple
¥6,900
Explore Kyoto and Nara in a Single Day
¥6,900
⚠️ Must-read4 items · tap to read▾
- •Tours are guided mainly in English; OlaChill provides Vietnamese support via LINE/WhatsApp throughout the trip.
- •In severe weather (typhoon, heavy snow…), a cancellation decision is made by 15:00 the day before departure and sent to your registered email/contact; weather cancellations are fully refunded.
- •Please be on time at the meeting point and every gathering point — the bus does not wait for latecomers; missed portions due to personal reasons are non-refundable.
- •The itinerary and time at each stop may be adjusted for traffic, weather or facility maintenance; in force-majeure cases a stop may be replaced with a comparable alternative.
📌 Other notes5 items · tap to read▾
- •One carry-on bag per guest on the bus; please store large luggage at your hotel or a locker near the meeting point.
- •Infants aged 0–2 without a seat join free; max one infant per adult; children must be accompanied by an adult.
- •Pregnant guests and those with medical conditions should consider carefully: long bus rides, and immediate medical care may not be available on some legs.
- •Lunch is not included unless the tour states otherwise — bring your own or eat at the stops.
- •Change/cancellation terms vary by tour — see the cancellation policy on each tour page before booking. If the tour itself is cancelled for weather/force majeure, you receive a full refund.
Customer reviews
No reviews yet — be the first!
Add OlaChill on LINE
Scan the code or tap the button to message us directly — tours, date changes, on-the-ground help.
Open LINE@270jdavp