Top 20 Experiences in Shiga Prefecture
Japan's Rural Life & Nature: Private Half Day Cycling Near Kyoto
Just a 20 minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto to our starting point, we offer an easy way to explore small town rural life in Japan on this leisurely beginner-friendly ride, with a local resident guide, fluent in English, to help you enjoy our area’s unique geographical and historical points of interest. This 13km course features a broad range of sights such as rice and agriculture fields, historic trade routes, local villages combining old and new ways of life, a temple and shrine, a brief hike, and the shores of Lake Biwa, all in about 3 hours. In our tours, we hope to both share and preserve our local culture and traditions. Toward this goal, we also work closely with municipalities and residents to ensure that we always respect the wishes and needs of the local communities that we visit. Our convenient location and short tour time make it easy to explore more before or after your tour too, such as visiting Hikone Castle, or Lake Biwa!
2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan
You can experience working with a kendo instructor who speaks English in an easy-to-understand way. You will be provided a varied kendo experience that is perfect for a first visit to Japan from basic etiquette skills of kendo to learning about and using armor.
Authentic Seasonal Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with a Charming Local in Kyoto
Meet your local host Michiyo and let her introduce you to the special menu of the day, before you start your hands-on cooking experience in her Kyoto kitchen. Michiyo truly enjoys sharing her knowledge on Japanese cooking techniques that she has perfected over the years. You will learn to make dashi stock (a fundamental building block of Japanese cuisine), and to perfectly prepare sushi rice for chirashi-sushi that you will later garnish in a traditional wooden bowl. The cooking portion of the experience will take about an hour and half before you and Michiyo will sit down together to enjoy the authentic Japanese meal you helped prepare paired with carefully selected alcohol to accent the delicious food. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and cuisine with the help of authentic food and a local's heart-warming hospitality!
Sailing Experience in the biggest lake in Japan with BBQ Option
Lake Biwa, or Biwako, is Japan’s biggest lake closely located at just about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Kyoto. It is recognized as one of the most ancient lakes in the world, and the only lake of its kind in Japan. Biwako has been designated as a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland since 1993 boasting a rich ecosystem with approximately 1,000 different species of plant and animal life. Our sailing experience takes place in the splendor of such a magnificent atmosphere. This activity is conducted with our company-owned 30ft private sailboat. All amidst a pleasant breeze experienced most of the year by cruising over the mirror-like calm water as you hear the gentle sound of wind and birdsong. The sailing adventure is a refreshingly promising choice for breaking away from the hustle and bustle of the city center in Kyoto. The activity starts at 2PM with two options such as 3 hour cruising with or without BBQ after sailing (the options with BBQ consists of 3-hour sailing and 2-hour BBQ, TTL 5 hours).
Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto
Kinomoto is a charming old brewery town blessed by an abundant source of fresh water. As a former post station town of Edo era kaido routes, the town has retained much of its historical charm, without heavily catering to tourism, but rather sustaining its natural community and identity of local family businesses that have thrived here for centuries. After meeting up at JR Maibara Station (shinkansen stops here), our guide will lead you on the 24-minute train ride north to JR Kinomoto Station. Here we will give a walking tour around traditional sake breweries and soy sauce breweries, as well as the local Buddhist temple, and local shops such as confectioneries and bakeries. We value real local culture. So, we rely on guides who are from the area and have strong local knowledge to guide you. Rather than simply introducing sightseeing spots, guides involved in the community can act as mediators and create opportunities to experience the values and communal ties of this small town.
Hikone bike Half-Day Tour through a castle town near Kyoto, Osaka
Aren't you tired of running into many tourist traps in absolutely crowded cities? You don't have to waste your time in a busy place. Instead, you can upgrade your mediocre plan with our help! We have a bike tour in Hikone, small and pretty castle town by Lake Biwa. It is quick travel from Kyoto and Osaka!! Very niche place but fun to explore. Let me introduce Hikone to you!! This town is known for Hikone castle, a national treasure. In Japan, only three original castle survived after Samurai's era. Beautiful moat is double layer. We will cycle through these narrow paths with cross/electronic bike to the coast opened onto the great view of Lake Biwa. On our tour, it includes a variety of stops & activities, such as castle climbing, tea-blending experience, Genkyu-en (magnificent Japanese garden where they serve you matcha), local breweries' sake-tasting set and Ohmi-gyu restaurant for lunch. -Pickup fee is included in the price.
Shirahige Shrine Kayak Tour
You can kayak on the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. A kayak guide will accompany you, so you can enjoy it even for the first time. The destination is Torii on Lake Biwa. It is the property of the oldest shrine in Lake Biwa. Experience good memories at GOODTIMES TOURS!
Artist Pottery and Cooking Class in the Old Streets of Mt. Hiei
Would you like to immortalize your trip to Japan with a one-of-a-kind pottery creation? In the serene surroundings of Hieizan Yamanakacho, our studio offers an immersive pottery experience steeped in Japan's rich ceramic heritage. Guided by seasoned artisans, you'll learn traditional techniques for molding your pottery piece. Experience the pliability of soft clay as you shape it with your creativity. Gain insights into Japanese pottery's history and culture, enriching your stay in Japan. Nestled amidst Hieizan Yamamakacho's scenic beauty, a 15-minute walk unveils shrines, temples, and stone buddhas, inviting exploration of Japan's history and allure. Following your stroll, partake in our Japanese home cooking class led by local homemakers. Utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, master the art of crafting traditional seasonal Japanese dishes. Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality, relishing the flavors of nature and the region's culinary legacy.
Otsu-e Folk Art Workshop & Local Culture Walk Near Kyoto
Join a unique cultural experience led by Misato Takahashi, an Otsu native and daughter of Wado Takahashi, an Otsu-e artist originally from the Otsu-e master family, Takahashi Shozan. Misato is fervently committed to preserving the important local tradition of Otsu-e painting, a form of traditional folk art that originated in this area about 400 years ago. This unique cultural experience provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Japan's artistic heritage, immersing yourself in the creativity and artistic expression that has enriched Otsu's local culture for centuries. And with only a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, you can relax in the cozy lakeside town of Otsu while exploring the city's rich history and treasures.
Nakasendo Historical Town and Hidden Craft Village Walking Tour
Join us on an unforgettable journey as we explore the historic Nakasendo trail, starting from Maibara Station and heading towards Samegai-juku, a charming post station village from the Edo Period. During this immersive experience, our expert guide will lead you through Samegai-juku, where you'll uncover the secrets of this historical village. You'll visit the local shrine and temple, nestled near a pristine spring that feeds a crystal-clear stream running through the heart of the community. Indulge in the flavors of the region with a delectable, locally sourced lunch at a traditional ryotei restaurant – don't forget to inquire about our vegetarian options if that's your preference. Following lunch, we'll embark on a picturesque 4 km walk to Kaminyu, a hidden gem nestled in a tranquil mountain valley. The journey begins on level terrain, gradually ascending before gently descending, offering breathtaking views of the countryside, from lush rice fields to serene forests.
Buddhist Temple Cooking and Brewery Town Walk Near Kyoto
Immerse yourself in traditional Buddhist cuisine at a 600-year-old temple, just an hour from Kyoto by train. This unique, family-friendly experience in a quaint town known for its breweries combines cultural immersion with culinary exploration. Learn temple cooking, adaptable for all dietary needs and skill levels, at this national heritage site. Enhance your visit with tastings at local breweries, sampling sake and soy sauce. Our local guides, deeply rooted in the community, will introduce you to the town's warmth and charm. This day trip offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural insights, and authentic local interactions, providing a rare glimpse into Japan's small-town life. It's more than just a culinary journey; it's a deep dive into the heart of rural Japan, offering a memorable escape from the everyday.
Ninja Hometown Electric Biking Private Tour near Kyoto
Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Ninja's hometown Koka City? Koka City is home of Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding through the heartland of Ninja. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English. You can experience a very unique tour from this. During this cycling tour, the guide will take some lovely photos of you. On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan. The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and the weather condition.
Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu
Your host Hisako learned to cook from her mother and sister and is passionate about sharing Japanese home cooking with travelers using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her other passion is music - Hisako studied classical music at the Guild Hall School of Music in London for two years. Her husband Atsuo has a tech consulting office in Kyoto and is a match maker between high tech companies in USA and Japan. Your cooking class will begin with a short introduction to miso, a fundamental element of Japanese cooking. There are many kinds of miso and Hisako's introduction will help to demystify the varieties and their usage. You will learn to make 2-3 authentic Japanese dishes with Hisako in her kitchen that you will later share at the dining table in their modern Japanese home. Your experience will end on a musical note, with Hisako playing and singing one of her favorite songs.
Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto
Just a 20 minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto to our starting point, we offer an easy way to explore small town rural life in Japan on this leisurely beginner-friendly ride, with a local resident guide, fluent in English, to help you enjoy our area’s unique geographical and historical points of interest. During the morning cycling tour, you will witness the beauty of local satoyama nature, wildlife, and rural communities. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walking tour to explore the historic brewery town of Kinomoto and interact with the friendly locals. After lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, we visit sake and soy sauce breweries that have been operating for many generations here as local family businesses. Sake tastings are available.
Ninja Explore Private Tour, E-Bike & Training Mt. Hike near Kyoto
Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Ninja's hometown Koka City? Koka City is home of Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. Before we will go hiking to Ninja's training mountain, we will stop at Ninja House, Ninja Center and hidden Twin Castles, etc. You will see the genuine and real Ninja places where you can not find anywhere except here. In the afternoon, we will go hiking to the Ninja's sacred training mountain. It is said that NInja trained in this mountain to obtain special fighting techniques. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English. You can experience a very unique tour from this. During this cycling tour, the guide will take some lovely photos of you. On a rainy day, I have an alternative plan. The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and the weather condition.
The Best of Kyoto - Half Day Private Tour
Kyoto is well known as an ancient capital of Japan, and attracts many travelers year after year. It has a lot to offer, however is difficult to choose where to go. I propose an itinerary to visit the best places of Kyoto where I like. You will enjoy seeing unique and beautiful sights while visiting historical spots. Some places are ranked in top 10 attractions of Kyoto. Regular highlights course: JR Otsu station →Nishiki Market street →Kyoto Samurai & Ninja museum(optional) →Ponto-cho street →Gion district→ Yasaka shrine →Sannen-zaka shopping street→Kiyomizu-dera temple →Sanju-sangendo temple(optional) →Fushimi Inari shrine →JR Kyoto station or downtown Kyoto to end the tour Alternative beautiful garden visit course: JR Otsu station →Kyoto Incline park →Nanzenji temple →Philosopher’s path →Eikando temple garden →Heian-jingu shrine garden →Yasaka shrine and Maruyama park →downtown Kyoto or JR Kyoto station to end the tour The itinerary can be customized, so don't hesitate to ask.