Shiga Escape/ Otsu-Kyoto
4 Days/3 Nights
Overview
Discover Art, Culture & Tradition in Shiga
Where timeless beauty meets creative expression
This thoughtfully curated tour invites you to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Shiga Prefecture, a region nestled beside Kyoto that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, heritage, and artistic depth.
Wander through the charming canal town of Ōmi-Hachiman, known for its traditional architecture and peaceful waterways. Immerse yourself in both modern and traditional Japanese art at the acclaimed Shiga Museum of Art, where Japanese and international works sit side by side in elegant harmony. Deepen your appreciation for local craft with a visit to a historic sake brewery, where you'll learn about the age-old brewing process and its ties to the pristine waters of the region.
Round out your experience with visits to key cultural landmarks in nearby Kyoto, combining the best of Japan’s historic legacy with the serene charm of Shiga.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1 – Arrival in Otsu & Shiga Museum of Art
Arrive in Shiga Prefecture and enjoy a visit to the Shiga Museum of Art, featuring Japanese and international works, serene gardens, and a focus on Art Brut.
Day 2 – Kyoto Cultural Highlights
Explore Kyoto's iconic sites, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkakuji, and the historic geisha district of Kamishichiken.
Day 3 – Art, Sake & History in Shiga
Visit an inclusive art studio, tour a traditional sake brewery, and explore the historic merchant town and canals of Ōmi-Hachiman by foot and boat.
Day 4 – Leisure in Shiga & Departure
Enjoy a free day to relax or further explore Shiga before heading to your next destination. Optional temple stay extension available.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Otsu
A Day of Art and Tranquility in Shiga
Escape the crowds, embrace the calm
This morning, you’ll journey to the peaceful Shiga Prefecture, a region known for its natural beauty and slower pace. Nestled beside Kyoto and home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, Shiga offers a serene retreat while remaining within reach of Kyoto’s famed sights—including the iconic Golden Pavilion, perfect for a day trip.
In the afternoon, a private car will take you to the Shiga Museum of Art. First opened in 1984 and reimagined in 2021 after major renovations, the museum lies just south of Lake Biwa. It showcases a thoughtful blend of Japanese and international art, with a special emphasis on Art Brut—a genre of work created outside traditional artistic conventions, which the museum began collecting in 2016. Visitors can explore immersive exhibitions, stroll through a peaceful Japanese garden, and admire outdoor sculptures that echo the museum’s contemplative atmosphere.
After your visit, your private car will return you to your accommodation to unwind.
Guiding: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Biwako Hotel (Superior)
Day 2: Kyoto and Otsu
Kyoto Highlights Day Tour
Iconic Temples, Sacred Shrines & Hidden Corners
Begin your day at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most visited spiritual sites. Famous for its thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates that wind through Mt. Inari’s slopes, walking through this tunnel of red is an unforgettable, almost otherworldly experience. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, the shrine has long been popular with merchants and businesspeople seeking fortune.
From the main hall, you’ll pass through the famed torii tunnel and take in the serene surroundings of the mountain shrine complex, which stretches across Mt. Inari's 233-meter peak.
Next, visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, a wooden architectural marvel rebuilt a century after a devastating fire. Measuring 120 meters, it is the longest wooden building in Japan, and home to an awe-inspiring collection of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy.
Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of Kyoto, the temple is famous for its dramatic wooden stage, built entirely without nails. Dedicated to Kannon, it is a place of wish-making—especially beloved by women praying for safe childbirth.
In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Clad entirely in gold leaf, this glittering Zen temple stands beside a tranquil reflecting pond. Built by a powerful warlord, its story and dazzling beauty make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan—stunning in every season.
Your final stop is the historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholarship and learning. Here, students buy lucky pencils in hopes of academic success. Beyond the shrine, explore Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. Less touristy than Gion, this charming “flower town” was born from the timber salvaged after a fire in 1444, used to build teahouses that still line the streets today.
At the end of this full and enriching day, your guide will escort you back to Otsu.
Guiding: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Biwako Hotel (Superior)
Day 3: Shiga and Omi-Hachiman
Art, Sake & Tradition in Shiga
A day of creativity, craftsmanship, and culture
Today, you’ll uncover the unique charm of Shiga Prefecture on a journey that blends art, tradition, and local heritage. Begin your morning with a visit to a remarkable art studio supporting artists with mental challenges. In the on-site gallery, you’ll have the rare opportunity to view their powerful and expressive works, celebrated for their authenticity and originality. You may even meet some of the artists and hear the stories behind their creations.
Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at a historic sake brewery. Learn about the traditional brewing process from local experts and discover how Shiga’s pristine natural waters shape the flavor of its renowned sake. You'll have the chance to sample a variety of brews and deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this iconic Japanese drink.
In the afternoon, travel to Ōmi-Hachiman, a charming historic town known for its preserved Edo-period streets and peaceful canals. Take a guided walking tour through the town’s merchant district, then board a traditional boat for a tranquil cruise through the waterways. As you drift past elegant old homes and warehouses, enjoy the serene beauty of this former trading hub and glimpse the prosperity of its past.
Guiding: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Biwako Hotel (Superior)
Day 4: Departure
Leisure Day in Shiga
Relax, reflect, and explore at your own pace
Today is yours to enjoy Shiga at your leisure before continuing on to your next destination.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the region’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, consider extending your stay with a night in a beautifully renovated heritage home set within the grounds of a nearby temple. As a staying guest, you’ll gain exclusive access to sacred areas and experiences typically closed to the public. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with Japanese spirituality and tradition, all while enjoying the modern comforts of your own private villa in a timeless setting.
Please inquire for more details.
Guiding: None
Meals: Breakfast
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
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