Shiga Prefecture

Meet your local host Michiyo and let her introduce you to the special menu of the day, before you start your hands-on cooking experience in her Kyoto kitchen. Michiyo truly enjoys sharing her knowledge on Japanese cooking techniques that she has perfected over the years. You will learn to make dashi...

• Menu may vary depending on the season, Please advise any specific dietary requirements [in the "Special Requirements" box] at the time of booking, Michiyo and her husband share their home with El, their well-behaved dachshund dog, Private, personalized experience

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Just a 20 minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto to our starting point, we offer an easy way to explore small town rural life in Japan on this leisurely beginner-friendly ride, with a local resident guide, fluent in English, to help you enjoy our area’s unique geographical and historical points of intere...

• Maibara
• Iwaya Zenkodo Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Just one hour from Kyoto, this immersive cultural experience takes you to the quieter shores of Lake Biwa, where daily life has long been shaped by water, faith, and the changing seasons. Guided by a Buddhist monk and his wife, a multilingual local guide, you’ll go beyond sightseeing to explore a h...

• Shizugatake Battlefield
• Kinomotojuku
• Yamaji Brewery

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Explore Sakamoto at the base of Mount Hiei. Start with the serene Chikurin-in garden, visit the vibrant Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and end at the historic Enryaku-ji Temple.

Explore the historical and spiritual significance of Ishiyama-dera Temple, nestled on the shores of Lake Biwa. This ancient temple, steeped in legend and natural beauty, invites visitors to connect with Japan's rich cultural heritage. Admire the grand Main Hall and its revered statue of Kannon, the ...

• Ishiyamadera Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Discover the nightlife of Ōtsu, the gateway city of Shiga Prefecture, on a guided bar-hopping tour that immerses you in local flavors and culture. Just minutes from Kyoto, Ōtsu blends izakayas, modern bars, and lakeside venues reflecting the character of Lake Biwa’s southern shore. Your guide will ...

• Otsu

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ōtsu’s Miidera Temple, nestled along the serene shores of Lake Biwa, invites you to uncover over 1,200 years of Buddhist history. Known for its great bronze bell and a revered Kannon Bodhisattva statue, this historic site showcases architectural elegance amid tranquil paths and stunning lake views. ...

• Mii-dera Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Explore the unique world of Otsu-e, Japan's lesser-known Edo period pop art. This tour takes you to the Otsu-e Museum, set in a traditional temple, where you'll uncover the fascinating history and themes behind these playful paintings. Then, visit the last remaining workshop to see traditional techn...

• Otsu Painting Museum
• Otsu Enomise

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Let’s cycle to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, the Miho Museum, the pottery town of Shigaraki, or the historic Tokaido and Nakasendo highways! Your bicycles are designed so that even those not used to sports cycling or not confident in their stamina can enjoy cycling with peace of mind. Before your...

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, A minimum height of 145 cm is required as a guideline for use.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Explore the rich history and culture of Otsu on this engaging three-hour walking tour. Guided by a knowledgeable local, uncover Otsu's transformation from a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway to a spiritual center by Lake Biwa. Visit the Otsu Hyakucho-kan to feel the pulse of commerce and hos...

• Otsu Hyakuchokan
• Otsu Enomise
• Mii-dera Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.