Lake Biwa Floating Torii & Omihachiman Private Tour

10 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Lake Biwa Floating Torii & Omihachiman Private Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Lake Biwa and historic Omihachiman on a private 10-hour day tour from Kyoto or Osaka. Travel by private vehicle to Shirahige Shrine’s famous floating torii, enjoy Lake Biwa scenery, and discover Omihachiman’s preserved merchant streets, Hachiman-bori Canal and Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

Default route: Kyoto/Osaka → Shirahige Shrine → Lake Biwa scenic stop → Omihachiman → Hachiman-bori Canal → Himure Hachimangu Shrine → Kyoto/Osaka.

Contact us at least 24 hours before departure if you would like to adjust the route. Actual stops and durations may change due to traffic, parking, weather and opening hours. The English-speaking driver-guide provides driving, route communication and basic sightseeing assistance, but is not a licensed professional guide.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–9
Audio guide: Japanese, English
Guide: Japanese, English
Written guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: kansai holiday

What is included

Included

Included: One baby seat free of charge when requested in advance
Included: Parking fees for the arranged route.
Included: Fuel fees.
Included: Air-conditioned private vehicle.
Included: English-speaking driver-guide.
Included: Pickup and drop-off within central Kyoto or Osaka according to the selected departure option.
Included: Private vehicle service according to the selected option.
Included: Highway tolls for the arranged route.
Included: 30 minutes of free waiting time from the scheduled pickup time.
Included: Basic English sightseeing and route support.

Not included

Not included: Meals and drinks.
Not included: Personal expenses.
Not included: Professional licensed guide service.
Not included: Detailed professional commentary inside attractions.
Not included: Extra stops not confirmed in advance.
Not included: Pickup or drop-off outside the selected service area.
Not included: Waiting time beyond the free 30 minutes.
Not included: Overtime fee: JPY 5,000 per hour.
Not included: An additional fee of 2,000 JPY applies for services from 10pm to 7am.
Not included: Admission tickets and paid attractions.

Itinerary

Shirahige Shrine

40 min

Visit Shirahige Shrine, one of Shiga Prefecture’s most famous spiritual landmarks. Travelers can admire its striking vermilion torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Biwa, enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, and take memorable photos of this iconic view.
Lake Biwa

3 hours Admission not included

Enjoy the expansive scenery of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Travelers can take in wide views of the blue water, surrounding mountains, and seasonal landscapes while relaxing during the scenic drive through the lakeside area.
Omihachiman

one hour

Explore Omihachiman, a historic merchant town known for its preserved streets, traditional wooden buildings, and rich commercial heritage. Travelers can walk through the old town, discover its peaceful atmosphere, and experience a quieter side of traditional Japan.
Hachiman-bori

one hour Admission not included

Stroll along the picturesque Hachiman-bori Canal, once used to transport goods through the merchant town. Stone walls, white storehouses, willow trees, and historic houses create a beautiful setting for photography and a relaxing walk.
Stop 5

30 min

Visit this historic shrine in the heart of Omihachiman and explore its peaceful grounds. Nearby streets also offer local sweets, cafés and souvenir shops.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Alexander Namba
Natural Hot Spring Midosuji Hotel
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
OYO 644 Hotel Art Inn Namba
Kuromon Crystal Hotel
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
The OneFive Osaka Namba-Kuromon
Hotel and Spa Atlantis -Adults Only
Toyoko Inn Osaka Nippombashi Bunraku Gekijo Mae
Hotel the I Adult Only
Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nippombashi
Cinnamon Hotel

and 1,446 more pickup points

Pickup is available from hotels, accommodations, stations, or agreed pickup points within the selected Kyoto or Osaka service area.

After booking, please provide your exact pickup address, hotel or accommodation name, entrance details, preferred pickup time, passenger number, luggage quantity, and a reachable phone number or WhatsApp.

For hotel pickup, please wait in the lobby or at the main entrance at the confirmed time. For station pickup, provide the station name and preferred exit in advance.

Free waiting time is 30 minutes from the scheduled pickup time. Waiting or service beyond the booked 10-hour duration costs JPY 5,000 per hour.

Please keep your phone or WhatsApp reachable on the tour day. Pickup and drop-off points may be adjusted when stopping or parking is restricted.

Service between 22:00 and 07:00 incurs an additional JPY 2,000 night-service fee.

Please provide accurate passenger and luggage quantities. If capacity is exceeded, a vehicle upgrade or additional vehicle may be required at extra cost and is subject to availability.

Pickup or drop-off outside the selected Kyoto or Osaka service area must be confirmed in advance and may incur an additional fee.

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

Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

KYOTO LAKE BIWA 10H MAX6

10H ENGLISH DRIVER-GUIDE: 10-hour private Lake Biwa tour from Kyoto for up to 6 guests with an English-speaking driver-guide.

MAX6 / 4 BAGS: Up to 6 guests and 4 large 28-inch bags. English driver-guide, not licensed. Tickets and meals excluded.

Pickup included
KYOTO LAKE BIWA 10H MAX9

10H ENGLISH DRIVER-GUIDE: 10-hour private Lake Biwa tour from Kyoto for up to 9 guests with an English-speaking driver-guide.

MAX9 / 15 BAGS: Up to 9 guests and 15 large 28-inch bags. English driver-guide, not licensed. Tickets and meals excluded.

Pickup included
OSAKA LAKE BIWA 10H MAX6

10H ENGLISH DRIVER-GUIDE: 10-hour private Lake Biwa tour from Osaka for up to 6 guests with an English-speaking driver-guide.

MAX6 / 4 BAGS: Up to 6 guests and 4 large 28-inch bags. English driver-guide, not licensed. Tickets and meals excluded.

Pickup included
OSAKA LAKE BIWA 10H MAX9

10H ENGLISH DRIVER-GUIDE: 10-hour private Lake Biwa tour from Osaka for up to 9 guests with an English-speaking driver-guide.

MAX9 / 15 BAGS: Up to 9 guests and 15 large 28-inch bags. English driver-guide, not licensed. Tickets and meals excluded.

Pickup included