Miho Museum & Old Chikurin-in & Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei & Lake Biwa-Shirahige Shrine One-Day Tour (Osaka/Kyoto pick-up and drop-off available)

About this activity

Miho Museum, Kyu Chikurin-in, Shirahige Shrine on Lake Biwa One-Day Tour Departing from Osaka/Kyoto, step into the "Peach Blossom Spring" brought to life by master architect I.M. Pei at the Miho Museum; stroll through the national scenic garden Kyu Chikurin-in, capturing beautiful mirror reflections; finally, head to Shirahige Shrine on the shores of Lake Biwa to encounter the torii gate in the lake and the sunset over the shore. (Optional meeting point collection plan or Osaka pick-up plan. Please note that the hotel pick-up plan is only for round trips to and from Osaka)

Miho Museum · A Real-Life Peach Blossom Spring (Tours are not available on Miho Museum's closing dates)

Designed by Mr. I.M. Pei, inspired by "The Peach Blossom Spring," approximately 80% of the building is hidden within the mountain. Enjoy cherry blossom tunnels in spring, lush green mountains in summer, layers of red leaves in autumn, and the museum closes if there is heavy snow in winter. The collection includes ancient civilization artworks from Japan, China, South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc. The perfect blend of art and nature makes it a sacred place for photography and architecture enthusiasts. There are restaurants and cafes inside the museum, where you can freely arrange your lunch time (at your own expense).

Kyu Chikurin-in · Mirror Reflection Garden (Closed: Every Monday (except holidays), the day after a holiday, 12/26-31) A nationally designated scenic garden, once a retreat for high-ranking monks from Mount Hiei. The pavilion allows for capturing mirror reflections of the garden, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere with no time limit, allowing you to slowly find the best shooting angle. The moss garden offers different scenery in each of the four seasons. You can enjoy matcha and wagashi in the garden, experiencing a Japanese Zen space. ※ If the garden is closed, the tour will be changed to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei.

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine · Sannō Worship Main Shrine (Only visited on days when Kyu Chikurin-in is closed) Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the main shrine for over 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines across Japan. Its distinctive "Sannō Torii" has a triangular structure at the top, symbolizing the fusion of Shinto and Esoteric Buddhism. Monkeys replace komainu (guardian dogs) as guardian beasts, an important symbol of Sannō worship. In autumn, the mountains are dyed red with maple leaves, making it a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage in Shiga.

Lake Biwa · Shirahige Shrine Water Torii Shirahige Shrine was built approximately 1900 years ago, making it one of the oldest shrines in the Omi region. The torii gate stands quietly in the lake, creating a picturesque scene with Oki Island in the distance. The light and shadow on the lake shore change with time, making it a must-visit place for photography enthusiasts. Lake Biwa, as Japan's largest lake, is affectionately known as the "Lake of Life" and, like Mount Fuji, symbolizes the Japanese spirit.