Itinerary
- Day 1
Hikone Castle and Ōmihachiman
You'll start by heading to Hikone Castle, which is one of Japan's last original castles still standing. The views from up there overlook Lake Biwa, and you get a real sense of what the castle's defensive position meant. After grabbing lunch in the castle town, you'll move on to Omihachiman. The canals there are lined with traditional wooden buildings that reflect the area's prosperous merchant history, and you can walk along the waterways to see how the town developed around the water trade.
- Start point
- Kyoto, Japan (Your accommodation in Kyoto, 09:00)
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Hikone Castle
- Explore Ōmihachiman canals and traditional buildings
Landmarks Hikone Castle Lake Biwa Ōmihachiman - Day 2
Mount Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple
After leaving your lakeside accommodation, you'll travel to Mount Hiei and climb up through forested slopes to reach Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple sits surrounded by ancient cedars and represents the spiritual center of the Tendai Buddhist sect. You'll have time to walk around the grounds and take in the monastic atmosphere, then afterward there's free time to grab lunch nearby before you head back to Kyoto.
- End point
- Kyoto, Japan (Your accommodation in Kyoto, 16:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Enryaku-ji Temple (entrance ticket included)
Landmarks Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple
