If you visit Lake Biwa, I highly recommend taking a boat across the lake and stopping at Chikubu Island. There are three ports offering round-trip island tours, or you can choose a route that crosses Lake Biwa. If your schedule allows, choose the latter. Take a boat from Imazu Port on the west side of Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, then continue to Nagahama Port on the east side. During the crossing, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Biwa. Of course, Chikubu Island has Tsukubusuma Shrine. Remember to try throwing a round ceramic tile through the torii gate, and your wish will come true. Finally, stop by the port for an Omi beef bun. Visiting Chikubu Island takes about 1–1.5 hours. Make sure to keep track of the boat departure time. After returning to Nagahama Port, you can also visit Kurokabe Market if you have time.
Chikubu Island | Review by hdwf2002
Other Reviews by hdwf2002
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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Inside a 600,000 square meter area, there is a zoo, botanical garden, and an amusement park. The scale is so big that you cannot go around this zoo, botanical garden in one day. Especially in the zoo, there are 450 types of animals, many of them are quite popular like the Koala, a symbol of the zoo.
Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo completely changed my impression of zoos. The animals are kept behind low fences in comfortable spaces, so visitors don't feel like their living areas are cramped. The grounds are also spacious and great for children to run around. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, but the most special are probably the polar bears. You can see them up close without traveling to the Arctic Circle, which is quite a sight. Besides visiting the zoo, you can also go boating on the lake and enjoy the retro amusement rides. It's highly recommended for families with children. Transportation is convenient, so if you're visiting Nagoya, you can plan a day trip here.
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Biwako Valley
Set in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, with easy access from the Keihanshin area, Biwako Valley is a nature resort tucked inside the Hira mountain range, 1,100 meters up over the western shores of Lake Biwa. From ski slopes in winter and so much more, this spot is well sought after for its lineup of thrilling things to do.
Biwako Valley is a great place to look out over Lake Biwa. From JR Shiga Station, you need to take a shuttle bus to the ropeway station. At 1,100 meters above ground level, it offers skiing in winter and is highly recommended as a summer getaway from the heat in Japan. The temperature at the top is instantly 4–6 degrees cooler, making it very comfortable. You can sit on the observation deck for free and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa, or pay to enter the observation café at the summit, which is heated when it's cold. After enjoying the lake views, you can also head farther into the mountains for the chairlift and art installations and recreational facilities. Most importantly, these are also free to use. Just be sure to check the times for the ropeway down and the shuttle bus. If they don't line up well, you may have a long wait, or you may need to walk or take a taxi back to the station.
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Mt. Fuji
At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.
Mt. Fuji truly deserves its reputation as Japan’s sacred mountain. On my first visit, I was able to photograph it from all kinds of angles and could see it at any time. I was truly lucky all year long. Visibility is best from December to March. I recommend staying at least 3 days and 2 nights so you can see Mt. Fuji at different times of day and from different angles. A must-visit destination in your lifetime. Highly recommended!
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