Private Tour
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
For generations, the people of this region have lived in harmony with Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest freshwater lake. On this tour, you’ll discover how water shapes daily life, spirituality, and seasonal customs in these quiet villages.For generations, the people of this region have lived in harmony with Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest freshwater lake. On this tour, you’ll discover how water shapes daily life, spirituality, and seasonal customs in these quiet villages.
Your hosts are a Buddhist monk and his wife, a multilingual local guide, who will lead you beyond sightseeing into the heart of rural Japan. Together, you’ll stroll through a historic town, visit a traditional sake brewery for a tasting, and take in breathtaking views from Lake Biwa’s scenic spots. This journey weaves nature, history, and tradition into an experience that lets you truly connect with the countryside.
Since this is a private tour and stay, guests can choose a 3-hrs tour on the day 1st or 2nd.
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.
Private transportation
Lift ticket to the top of Mt. Shizugatake ¥900 yen
Sake tasting fee at brewery
Ritual experience with monk
Guided fee in English or Spanish by local licensed guide.
The cost of the guest's lunch and shopping purchases
JR local line ticket fee
Kinomotojuku
At a historic temple, join a traditional ritual and learn about Japanese Buddhism from the resident monk. It’s a peaceful moment to gain a deeper understanding of temple life and ask your own questions.
Shizugatake Battlefield
We'll take a short scenic lift ride to the mountaintop. From the observation deck, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest freshwater lake — stretching out below.
Duration: 7 hours: DAY TOUR starts at 10:00 am and ends around 5 pm.
DAY TOUR : Day tour goes the same route as the stay plan, just does not include accommodation.
Pickup included
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Claudia M,
Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a deeply enjoyable and impressive glimpse into the life of a modern Buddhist family and community keeping the best of ancient spiritual practices alive and thriving.
Vicki B,
Oct 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
The visit was a very special opportunity to learn about the local area and meet local people because our guide Asami was local. We had a wonderful trip up the mountain on a chair lift to see Lake BIWA and Lake Yogo. We learnt the important history of the shogun battles and saw the places where they happened. We viewed the temple and learnt about its importance in the community and had a saki tasting. The guest house was very comfortable and every wish was accounted for. On our second day we learnt about the temple and engaged with drum bell ringing and preparation of offerings before a lovely breakfast. This was a very special experience that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting an authentic Japanese experience. Thank you to Asami and her family for hosting us.





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