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Suigo Boat Tour: Suigo no Sato Maruyama
Discover Omihachiman's traditional landscape by hand-rowed boat.
Connected to Lake Biwa's inner lakes, Omihachiman's waterways are among Japan's most iconic waterside landscapes, with beautiful reed beds and canals that remain to this day.
At Suigo no Sato Maruyama, visitors board a hand-rowed boat steered by a boatman using a single oar and take in the changing seasonal scenery at a leisurely pace from close to the water. With no engine noise, the quiet journey lets you fully experience the rustling of reeds in the wind, the calls of waterbirds, and even the gentle passage of time.
The standard tour lasts about 60 minutes, with various other plans available depending on the season and purpose. Each season reveals a different side of the waterways, from cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring to lush reed beds in early summer and golden scenery in fall. Traveling by boat while observing nature's changes up close offers something new with every visit.
Along the way, the boatman explains how the waterways formed, the role of reeds, and the traditions and culture passed down in this area. Beyond admiring the scenery, visitors can learn about Omihachiman's distinctive history of coexistence between people and nature. With luck, you may also spot wild birds such as herons and kingfishers, making the tour popular with photographers as well.
Highlights
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Take a leisurely, peaceful journey through the waterways aboard a hand-rowed boat steered by a boatman using a single oar.
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Admire seasonal waterside scenery, including cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, reed beds in summer, and golden landscapes in fall.
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Spend a relaxing time surrounded by the sounds of nature, from reeds rustling in the wind to waterbirds calling.
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Learn from the boatman about Omihachiman's history and way of life, including the origins of its waterways and its reed culture.
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Wild birds such as herons and kingfishers may appear, making the tour well suited to nature watching and photography.
Photos
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A hand-rowed boat steered by a boatman using a single oar glides leisurely through the tranquil waterways
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Reed-fringed waterways and natural scenery stretch out against the backdrop of Mt. Maruyama
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Golden reed beds create a waterside landscape found only in fall
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The fall-only Moon-Viewing Boat cruises through waterways illuminated by moonlight
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Spring boat tours through waterways surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom are also popular
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Yellow canola flowers bloom in abundance in spring, creating a vibrant landscape
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes. Please use Biwako Free Wi-Fi.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
No. Luggage can be stored at the office.
Q
Are restrooms available?
Yes.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
Yes.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 水郷めぐり（水郷のさと まるやま）
- Postal Code
- 523-0805
- Address
- 1467-3 Maruyama-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone
- 0748-32-2333
- Closed on
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Late March–November: Open daily
December–late March: Private boats are closed on Wednesdays; scheduled boats do not operate. Both services are suspended in bad weather.
Closed during the New Year's holidays - Hours
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Late March–November: 60-minute scheduled boats depart at 10:00 a.m., 1:10 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
April–November: Private boats operate at requested times from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last boarding at 4:00 p.m.)
December–March: Private boats operate at requested times from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last boarding at 3:00 p.m.) - Admission
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Late March–November scheduled boats: Adults ¥2,200; junior high, high school, and university students ¥1,870; elementary school students ¥1,100; one child under elementary school age free. For two or more children under elementary school age, child fares apply depending on the number of children.
60-minute private boats: ¥8,800 for up to 6 passengers; ¥11,000 for up to 8 passengers - Access
- From Omihachiman Station on the JR Biwako Line, take an Ohmi Railway Bus bound for Chomeiji, get off at Maruyama, and walk about 2 minutes
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)