Begin your tour at Kyoto Station, where your guide will meet you before boarding the shinkansen bound for Shiga Prefecture. Leave behind the busy streets of Kyoto and quickly reach the quieter shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake and one of the defining geographic features of Kansai.
Arrive at the historic port town of Nagahama. Once an important castle town associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nagahama today retains a relaxed atmosphere with traditional streets, local shops, and beautiful lakeside scenery. From the port, board a ferry and begin a cruise northward across Lake Biwa toward the sacred island of Chikubu.
Rising dramatically from the lake waters, Chikubu Island has been considered a holy site for centuries. Despite its small size, the island contains several important religious sites including Hōgon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine. The island is closely associated with Benzaiten, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, and has long attracted pilgrims, warriors, and travelers seeking blessings and good fortune.
Have time to explore the island’s pathways, shrine buildings, temple halls, and scenic viewpoints while learning about the island’s mythology, religious significance, and role in Japanese history. Surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Biwa, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere very different from the crowds of Kyoto’s more famous sightseeing districts.
After returning to Nagahama by ferry, enjoy free time to enjoy lunch around the Kurokabe Square area. Known for its preserved historic streetscape and local specialty shops, Nagahama offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual local restaurants to cafés and regional Shiga cuisine.
In the afternoon, continue south to Hikone, home to one of Japan’s finest surviving castles. Unlike many castles reconstructed in modern times, Hikone Castle remains largely original, dating back to the early Edo period. Designated as a National Treasure, the castle is famous for its elegant design, defensive structures, and panoramic views over Lake Biwa.
Explore the castle grounds and surrounding area while learning about the powerful Ii clan, samurai politics during the Edo period, and the strategic importance of Lake Biwa in Japanese history. The castle’s wooden interiors, steep staircases, and preserved architecture provide one of the most authentic castle experiences in Japan.
After enjoying the castle and surrounding grounds, return to Kyoto by train, arriving in the early evening.
