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Activity Osaka, Japan

Shiga Day Trip to Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine & MIHO Museum

9–10 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Shiga Day Trip to Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine & MIHO Museum

About this activity

Escape the city and discover the timeless beauty of Shiga Prefecture on this scenic day trip from Osaka. Visit the world-renowned MIHO Museum, where striking modern architecture blends seamlessly with mountain landscapes, creating one of Japan's most remarkable museum experiences. Explore the peaceful gardens of Former Chikurin-in Temple and the historic Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, both offering a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Continue to the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, celebrated for its tranquil scenery and breathtaking panoramic views. Capture unforgettable photos at the iconic Shirahige Shrine, where the famous floating torii gate appears to rise gracefully from the water, creating one of the country's most spectacular lakeside landscapes.

Complete your journey with a traditional matcha and wagashi experience, where you can savor authentic Japanese green tea and handcrafted sweets.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Adventure Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration
9–10 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 30 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
Japanese, English, Chinese
Operated by
TREVOPEDIA

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Adults (3–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location

Not included

  • Not included: Tea and coffee: Matcha and Wagashi Greeen Tea

Itinerary

  1. Miho Museum

    2 h 30 min Admission included

    Explore the award-winning MIHO Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by I. M. Pei and nestled among the mountains of Shiga. Walk through its famous tunnel entrance, admire world-class art collections, and enjoy breathtaking seasonal scenery surrounding the museum.

  2. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

    30 min Admission included

    Former Chikurin-in Temple was once part of a historic Buddhist complex on Mount Hiei, known for its tranquil setting and connection to the Tendai sect. Although it no longer functions as a temple, the site reflects the area’s deep spiritual heritage and offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.

  3. Stop 3

    30 min Admission not included

    Hieizan Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is an important Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Hiei in Shiga. It is the head shrine of over 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan and is known for its sacred forest setting, traditional architecture, and role in protecting Mount Hiei’s temples and monks.

  4. Matcha and Wagashi Walking Tour in Shinjuku

    30 min Admission not included

    A matcha and wagashi set in the garden is a traditional Japanese tea experience where freshly whisked green tea is served alongside seasonal Japanese sweets. Enjoyed in a peaceful garden setting, it offers a calming atmosphere that highlights harmony with nature, simplicity, and refined Japanese culture.

  5. Lake Biwa

    30 min Admission included

    The Lake Biwa Floating Torii Gate, part of Shirahige Shrine in Shiga, is a striking red gate that appears to float on the water of Japan’s largest lake. It is one of the oldest lakeside torii gates in Japan and is considered a symbol of peace, protection, and spiritual connection between land and water.

  6. Stop 6

    30 min Admission included

    A Floating Torii Gate is a traditional Japanese shrine gate built in water, appearing to float on lakes or the sea during high tide. It symbolizes the boundary between the sacred and the physical world and is often associated with Shinto shrines.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet At Nippombashi Station, 1 Chome-5 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan

    Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time.

End point

  • Meet At Nippombashi Station, 1 Chome-5 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan

    Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time.

Using your ticket

We will send an E-Voucher via Email one day before the travel date.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Total tour duration includes in transportation time

  • Due to the long journey, the actual arrival time is greatly affected by traffic and weather conditions. Please do not book any activities after the day's itinerary, as the operator will not be liable for any losses caused by delays.

  • In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the park may adjust the operating hours of attractions or show times, or even cancel the operation and performance of some attractions and shows without prior notice. We appreciate your understanding.

  • The transportation, tour duration, and stopover times during the itinerary are subject to actual conditions on the day. In the event of special circumstances (such as traffic jams or weather conditions), the tour guide may, with the consent of the guests and without reducing the number of attractions in the itinerary, reasonably adjust the order of the tour based on the actual situation.

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shiga Day Trip to Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine & MIHO Museum

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