Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei and Hikone’s original castle, all close to Kyoto.
Shiga is 10–20 minutes from Kyoto by JR, so it makes an easy day away from the Kyoto crowds.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesEnryaku-ji on Mount Hiei is a World Heritage temple complex and the head temple of Tendai Buddhism. Otsu, on the lake shore, has Mii-dera temple and lake cruises.
Reach Mount Hiei by the Sakamoto cable car from the Shiga side or from Kyoto via Yase.
Read this area guide →Hikone Castle is a National Treasure with an original keep, and Genkyu-en garden lies below. The character Hikonyan, a samurai cat, appears at the castle on many days.
Shinkaisoku trains from Kyoto take about 50 minutes; the castle is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Read this area guide →Hachiman-bori moat is lined with willow trees and old storehouses, with boat rides. The old town of Omi merchants and buildings by William Merrell Vories are nearby.
Buses run from Omi-Hachiman Station to the old town.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Train to Hikone; visit the castle and garden.
Omi beef lunch.
Omi-Hachiman canal walk or boat ride.
Return to Kyoto, or stay by the lake.
Try Omi beef, funa-zushi fermented fish, Lake Biwa fish and Omi tea.
Many visitors stay in Kyoto. Otsu and lakeside resorts offer calmer stays with lake views.
JR Biwako Line shinkaisoku trains link Kyoto with Otsu, Omi-Hachiman and Hikone. Keihan serves Sakamoto for Mount Hiei.
