[Shiga & Lake Biwa 2-Day Model Course] Scenic Views of Shiga and Things to Do by Lake Biwa

The first destination on our journey is "Biwako Valley," a nature resort nestled between Mount Uchimi and Mount Horai, sitting at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters. From the "Biwako Valley Mae" bus stop, take the ropeway up to the summit.

Enjoy the majestic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding peaks via the 360-degree glass-enclosed ropeway as you head to the top of Mount Uchimi. This aerial stroll lasts about 5 minutes. Once you descend at the mountain's summit station, you'll first visit Biwako Terrace, the premier viewing spot offering a panoramic view of Lake Biwa.

At The Main of Biwako Terrace located at the summit of Mount Uchimi, relish in the grand panorama of Lake Biwa from the iconic Garden Terrace. The three-tiered wooden deck offers diverse perspectives of the lake's landscape at different heights. In front of the wooden deck lies a water pool, which, along with the beautiful view of Lake Biwa stretching beyond it, provides a perfect chance to stop and soothe the soul. On the north side of the Garden Terrace, there's also the North Terrace (open only from April to November). For a first-come-first-served fee, the Infinity Lounge　(open for a limited time from late April to early October) offers comfortable sofas to relax on while enjoying the stunning view, so be sure to check that out too!

For ultimate up-top views over Lake Biwa, take the Uchimi Lift followed by the Horai Lift (operating only from late April to the end of October) to reach the observation deck "Café 360" at the summit of Mount Horai.

After recharging by the luxe views from all across Lake Biwa, it's time for a much-anticipated lunch. You'll dine at Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, located just next door to the ropeway summit station on Mount Uchimi.

Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, the main dining area of Biwako Terrace, offers a wide open space and lofty, high ceilings. It's a popular restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the views of the Horai mountains to the south and the northern part of Lake Biwa.

Step inside to indulge in full palate of tastes, including grilled Omi beef specialties like steak and hamburgers. The meals are prepared and served from an open kitchen that adds to the general buzz of the restaurant. For a scenic lunch with grilled delicacies, this is your spot to bask and enjoy while taking in the refreshing breeze.

Once you've had your fill of the grill, it's time to get up and check out the activities! At Biwako Valley, where Biwako Terrace is located, you’ll find plenty of chances to fully reconnect with nature!

Biwako Valley is a highland resort that allows you to enjoy activities amidst the breathtaking views of the sky above and Lake Biwa below. It's also a popular skiing destination in the winter when the world is enveloped in a silvery white. You can enjoy attractions like the year-round zip-line adventure and the Sky Walker from April to November, excluding the ski season. So get ready to move your body and fully immerse yourself in nature.

After spending the afternoon actively exploring, it's time to leave Biwako Valley and head to your hot spring inn for the night. Travel back to Shiga Station from Biwako Valley, then take the JR Kosei Line to Ogoto Onsen Station, about 15 minutes away. A short 5-minute car ride will take you to the inn. The inn also offers a convenient shuttle service from the station if you call upon arrival, available until 7:00 PM.

You will be staying at Ogoto Onsen, a hot spring resort with a 1200-year history, nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei. There are currently nine inns, each offering a unique flair and impeccable hospitality.

This time, your stay is at the long-loved Yumotokan inn. The inn is popular for its top-floor open-air baths Gesshin-no-Yu and Togenshoyo, as well as the scenic large communal baths Kobo-no-Yu and Sanbo-no-Yu, where you’ll find luxe baths paired with awe-inspiring views out towards Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei. After soaking away the wear of the day in the springs, it’s time to settle in for a feast of tasty dishes. Step inside and stay away for a time away in luxury that soothes the heart just as much as your appetite.

After a restorative evening of beautiful hot spring views and fine dining, wake up early on the second day to explore the area around the inn. A short 2-minute walk from "Yumotokan" takes you to "Ogoto onsen kanko park."

Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park is your oasis for free footbath fed by the same local hot springs. The footbath is used not only by tourists but also by locals, offering a chance to interact and add a real authentic moment to your travels.

The park also includes a souvenir shop selling local goods, the Ashiyu Cafe Cotocoto Cotton where you can delight in small plates and benches with a view overlooking Lake Biwa, ensuring an unforgettable way to kick off your morning stroll. Thrown into the mix, the park also offers bicycle rentals, which might just be the perfect little add-on to get around your second day's adventures.

After refreshing yourself with a morning footbath, it's time to seize the day with all the thrills and activities that await at Lake Biwa! Take about a 20-minute taxi ride to Marina Club Rivre.

At Marina Rivre, a membership-based yacht club where you can enjoy yachting, bass fishing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and BBQ, they offer a hands-on yachting experience using yachts developed and manufactured by the club. Feel free to come empty-handed and enjoy a change of pace on the lake.

This experience begins with rope work and a land-based lecture before heading out onto Lake Biwa! Instructors will kindly teach you how to operate the yacht, so even beginners can hop on with confidence. The club operates on a completely private basis, and there is also a ladies' course taught by female instructors. The views from the lake, such as the floating Ukimido Temple and Mount Hiei, are some you may never forget! With various seasonal views to take in all year round, each visit to the mother lake is never the same!

After all the thrills on Lake Biwa you’re sure to be good and ready for a meal. From the bus stop Biwako Ohashi Kitaguchi, about a 12-minute walk from Marina Club Rivre, take the JR Bus to the stop Sawaguchi. A short 5-minute walk will lead you to your destination, Jidoriya Onza.

Your feast awaits at Jidoriya Onza, a specialty chicken restaurant directly managed by a poultry farm. They serve their own free-range chicken, which is raised without stress and is known for its delicious fat and texture.. For this visit, you'll indulge in the restaurant's signature dish, "Omi Shamo Sukiyaki"! Remember, this restaurant requires a reservation, so don't forget to book in advance.

After a satisfying sukiyaki meal, take a 7-minute taxi ride to Ukimido, a scenic spot that represents Lake Biwa. Having admired Ukimido from the yacht experience, now it's time to enjoy it from the shore!

Mangetsuji, a Zen temple of the Rinzai school associated with Daitoku-ji, was established in the Heian period in the hopes of providing safe passage along the lake. The temple hall is situated across a bridge extending into Lake Biwa, appearing to float on the water, hence it is affectionately known as "Ukimido," or the Floating Temple. Its mystical and stunning beauty has long been recognized as one of the "Eight Views of Omi."

After visiting Ukimido, it's time to pick up some souvenirs at Uotomi Shop, located on the front step of Ukimido's gate!

Established in Showa year 5 (1930), Uotomi Shop specializes in tsukudani, a traditional Japanese preserve made with fish from Lake Biwa. They procure moroko - a luxury fish unique to Lake Biwa - as well as shrimp, sweetfish, and other lake fish directly from the local Katata port, preserving them in the classic tsukudani style. The shop's offerings change with the seasons, so you can experience the flavors of Lake Biwa throughout the year. Perfect for souvenirs, and you'll definitely want to snag some for yourself, too.

After picking out some tsukudani, next on the list is sake! A short three-minute walk from the sweets shop Shimaya through the town of Katata will take you to the 200-year-old brewery, Naminooto Sake Brewery.

Naminooto Sake Brewery, nestled in the southwest of Lake Biwa, has remained a fixture since the second year of the Bunka period (1805). Here, you can purchase carefully crafted sake, such as the Naminooto Daiginjo "Kanai Taiichiryu" and the Naminooto Junmai Daiginjo "Wataribune," brewed with ancient Japanese sake rice.

You're sure to find a sake that pairs perfectly with the tsukudani you bought at Uotomi Shop.

After selecting your favorite tsukudani and sake, take about an 11-minute walk to Sweets Shop Shimaya.

This confectionery shop specializes in traditional Japanese sweets such as ohagi and tsukimi dango. The highlight here is the signature strawberry daifuku, a limited-edition treat available from late November to late May, featuring large strawberries wrapped in Shiga's smooth Habutae mochi. Additionally, the shop offers a variety of visually stunning Japanese sweets, including fruit daifuku made with seasonal fruits, making them a great choice to accompany your journey.

As the journey nears its end, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to a beer terrace attached to a craft brewery.

Omi Beer is a small-scale craft brewery known for its beer made with ingredients from Shiga. The attached beer terrace offers fresh draft beer and snacks that pair perfectly with it. Raise a light toast with craft beer to end the day! They also sell craft beer, so be sure to check that out too. The stylish packaging makes it perfect for souvenirs.