Shiga in summer Recommended model tour     course1    course2

An encounter with the history and natural beauty of Lake Biwa
[4 days, 3 nights]
  
The First Day
JR Kansai Airport Stn.
JR Haruka Limited Express Airport Shuttle [73-min.]
JR Kyoto Stn.
JR Biwako Line [10-min.]
JR Otsu Stn.
Sightseeing Cruises
   
Various cruises to choose from.
JR Otsu Stn.
Nagisa Park
   
A water park stretching 4.8km along the lakeshore between Otsu Port and Awazu. Many people enjoy relaxing and strolling. There is a water spray show at the Lake Biwa Flower Fountain, situated 180m offshore at the Port of Otsu. Biwako Hall, a noted venue for the performing arts in the Kansai region, is situated along the lakeshore.
walk
JR Otsu Stn.
Otsu (stay)

The Second Day
JR Otsu Stn.
JR Biwako Line [10-min.]
JR Kusatsu Stn.
Lake Biwa Museum
   
A large-scale museum on Lake Biwa. Some 200 varieties of fish from Lake Biwa and other lakes swim in the tanks of one of the largest fresh-water aquariums in Japan. This is an "interactive" museum where visitors and the museum communicate with each other.
JR Kusatsu Stn.
JR Biwako Line [13-min.]
JR Omihachiman Stn.
Tour of Suigo Districts
   
As you take a small boat through winding canals, enjoy the seasonal changes in the scenery and the chirping of grebe and reed warbler. Boat charters are available.
JR Omihachiman Stn.
Omihachiman (stay)

The Third Day
JR Omihachiman Stn.
JR Biwako Line [5-min.]
JR Notobawa Stn.
Gokasho
   
Shiga Prefecture plays host to many historic sites, including ancient buildings and the streets of Gokasho, birthplace of the famous Omi merchants. Why not visit these places rich in history that have survived the passage of time?
JR Notobawa Stn.
JR Biwako Line [5-min.]
JR Hikone Stn.
Hikone Castle
   
Considered, along with Himeji Castle, among the finest in Japan, Hikone Castle is famed not only for its beauty but also for its functionality. Designated a National Treasure in 1952.
JR Biwako Line [46-min.]
JR Kyoto Stn.
Kyoto (stay)

The Fourth Day
JR Kyoto Stn.
Sightseeing in Kyoto
JR Haruka Limited Express Airport Shuttle [73-min.]
JR Kansai Airport Stn.