Otsu

Join a unique cultural experience led by Misato Takahashi, an Otsu native and daughter of Wado Takahashi, an Otsu-e artist originally from the Otsu-e master family, Takahashi Shozan. Misato is fervently committed to preserving the important local tradition of Otsu-e painting, a form of traditional folk art that originated in this area about 400 years ago. This unique cultural experience provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Japan's artistic heritage, immersing yourself in the creativity and artistic expression that has enriched Otsu's local culture for centuries. And with only a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, you can relax in the cozy lakeside town of Otsu while exploring the city's rich history and treasures.

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 stock (a fundamental building block of Japanese cuisine), and to perfectly prepare sushi rice for chirashi-sushi that you will later garnish in a traditional wooden bowl. The cooking portion of the experience will take about an hour and half before you and Michiyo will sit down together to enjoy the authentic Japanese meal you helped prepare paired with carefully selected alcohol to accent the delicious food. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and cuisine with the help of authentic food and a local's heart-warming hospitality!

Biwaichi Bike is a cycle station facility at the Port of Otsu that connects bicycles to Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, located 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. Japanese cyclists call cycling around this large lake "Biwaichi". It opened as a base facility for all those who enjoy cycling around Lake Biwa, including Biwaichi. We can help you with anything related to bicycles, from renting bicycles, troubleshooting equipment problems, bringing in repairs, and supplying supplies.

The Lake Biwa Canal was built in the late 1800s to revive Kyoto’s economy. Now sightseeing boats offer trips along it. Follow the river's flow and leisurely enjoy the view of fresh green maple trees and historical buildings. This time, we are offering a monitored boat ride with free multilingual audio guides. Please take advantage of this opportunity. *Please note The meeting point and dismissal point differ depending on the start time. Meeting Points: 9:15 a.m. Downstream service [Miidera, Shiga ⇒ Keage, Kyoto] MIIDERA Embarkation and Disembarkation (Access: 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line) 2:40 p.m. Upstream service [Keage, Kyoto ⇒ Miidera, Shiga] KEAGE Embarkation and Disembarkation (Access: Approximately 4 minutes walk from Mitsuiji Station on the Keihan Line) *For more information, please check our official website!

The two waterfalls we visit are spectacular. The first, Hira Falls, is just a quarter mile (400 meter) hike from the car park. From there we hike to the even more dramatic Yobai Falls, feeling the splash of cool water. The round trip hike is only one mile (1.5 km) but the trail is rocky and steep, so a reasonable degree of fitness of required. From there we go to the shore of Lake Biwa where we ride kayaks, swim, or hang out on the beach. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds and heat of Kyoto and Osaka and enjoy nature.

Experience the beauty of Sakamoto and Mount Hiei on our exclusive tour. Start with a scenic ride on the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan’s longest cableway, offering stunning views of Lake Biwa and misty forests. At the top, visit the sacred Enryaku-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist site with deep spiritual significance. Then, explore the charming town of Sakamoto, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey through the spiritual and natural wonders of the region. Book your tour today!

Aiming to catch the world's largest black bass Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is a dream fishing spot for anglers, as it is where the world's largest recorded black bass was caught. While regular bus guides on Lake Biwa tend to avoid traveling long distances which consumes a lot of fuel, on this plan we with professional guide will travel the length and breadth of Lake Biwa in pursuit of big bass. two types of courses ・Big Fishing Course This plan allows you to enjoy fishing to the fullest. We will travel the length and breadth of Lake Biwa in pursuit of big bass. Half-day plan/All-day plan ・Fishing & sightseeing course This plan allows you to enjoy fishing for five different fish, including black bass, and then you can enjoy sightseeing activities such as visiting Shirahige Shrine and Ukimido from the lake side, or landing on Okishima, which can only be reached by boat. In the summer, you can even swim on the lake. Half-day plan/All-day plan

Mount Hiei, home to the revered Enryaku-ji Temple, is a central site in Japanese Buddhist history. Visitors can take a scenic cable car ride to the temple, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Enryaku-ji has played a crucial role in Japanese Buddhism, shaping both the imperial court and samurai throughout history. The temple remains an active center for spiritual practice, offering a serene environment steeped in tradition. On this tour, you'll explore Enryaku-ji's rich heritage and ongoing spiritual significance, guided by insights into its historical impact and cultural practices. Experience the majestic setting of Mount Hiei and the profound legacy of Enryaku-ji for a memorable journey through Japan's spiritual history.