Itinerary Reference

09:35 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit ‑ Sightseeing bus coach parking lot meeting point. Recommended to arrive 10‑15 minutes in advance (Meeting Package)

Hotels/Guesthouses within the 5 wards of Osaka Loop Line: Naniwa Ward, Chuo Ward, Nishi Ward, Tennoji Ward, Umeda Area. Please arrive at the designated location 10 minutes prior to wait (Transfer Package)

10:50 MIHO Museum, 2 hours and 30 minutes, includes self‑arranged lunch time, free time available

14:20 Kyuchikurin‑in Temple, 1 hour, option to experience matcha and Japanese confectionery at own expense. In case of closure, will be replaced by Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

15:50 Lake Biwa, 30 minutes

17:20 Shirahige Shrine

16:30 Happily conclude the day's sightseeing itinerary and begin return journey

17:30 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit ‑ Sightseeing bus coach parking lot dismissal (Meeting Package)

Passengers returning to hotels/guesthouses, please wait in the Shinsaibashi area for the shuttle bus arrangement to return to your hotel or guesthouse (Pick‑up and Drop‑off Package)

*Itinerary is subject to adjustment due to factors such as traffic or weather

Itinerary Highlights

Visit the MIHO Museum designed by I.M. Pei, where architecture and nature blend seamlessly, serving as a pilgrimage site for art and architecture enthusiasts

Visit Shirahige Shrine to experience the mystical ambiance of Japan's version of the "floating shrine", featuring unified lake and sky views and scenery in all four seasons

Explore Kyuchikurin‑in Temple with its dry landscape garden, immersing yourself in Edo period style and garden aesthetics

Travel easily from Kansai's two major cities for a one‑day exploration of Shiga's cultural hidden gems and natural wonders

Easily explore popular hidden gems around Lake Biwa, unlocking healing nature, Zen gardens, and millennium shrine scenery all in one stop! No tedious transportation planning required, enjoy a hassle‑free journey from start to finish, perfectly suited for first‑time visitors to Japan, independent travel experts, and family groups, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Kansai's niche slow travel.

Head first to the MIHO Museum, an art sanctuary masterminded by I.M. Pei. Inspired by "The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring", it is hailed as a utopian paradise hidden in the mountains. Over 80% of the facilities are hidden underground, with the long play of light and shadow offering scenic views at every step. Louis Vuitton once hosted its Cruise collection fashion show here, and the romantic cherry blossom season tunnel is an absolute viral sensation. The museum houses ancient civilization collections spanning across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Chinese and Japanese ancient art, Egyptian and Silk Road cultural relics, initiating an artistic feast transcending time and space. Visitors may leisurely enjoy lunch inside the museum during their visit.

Next, explore the Zen sanctuary Kyuchikurin‑in Temple, a hidden Japanese garden spot favored by photographers, sharing a layout pedigree with the famous Rurikoin Temple. Exquisite gardens paired with crystal‑clear pool water allow for capturing healing mirror‑like reflections in every season. Stroll among the mountain stream stone steps to appreciate the tranquil Zen vibe of Japanese gardens. Visitors can experience matcha and Japanese confectionery at their own expense, immersing themselves in Japanese elegance. Warm reminder: During the renovation or temporary closure period from July 1 to September 30, 2026, it will be replaced by Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei, where you can worship the millennium shrine complex, the iconic Sanno torii gate, and deeply explore the historical heritage of the ancient capital.

Finally, check in at Shirahige Shrine on Lake Biwa to cap off the journey. With a history of 1,900 years, this oldest shrine in Omi is selected as a core landscape of Japan Heritage. The floating torii gate standing atop the blue waves is an iconic view, with distant Mount Oki serving as a backdrop and fishing boats gently drifting across the lake surface. The shifting light and shadow create a full atmospheric vibe, making it a must‑visit sanctuary for countless photography enthusiasts to fully take in the natural tenderness of Lake Biwa as the "Lake of Life".

Traverse through art, gardens, and ancient shrines in a single day, bypass the hustle and bustle of crowds, and effortlessly unlock the authentic stunning scenery of Shiga!