Enjoy All of the Treasures of Shiga on this Tour

Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei

This canal was constructed over 100 years ago so that water from Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, would flow through Kyoto. Stones and bricks were combined according to the latest technology of the time. The view of the canal overlaid against the natural environment has today become emblematic of Lake Biwa.

Mii-dera Temple is one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhism, on par with the World Heritage Site Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji Temple. Having overcome numerous hardships, it is sometimes called the Temple of the Phoenix. Appropriately adorned and with a fitting atmosphere for a place of worship, it has also served as a set for many movies. Savor the beautiful views of the temple grounds and take some nice photographs.

At the foot of Mt. Hiei is the town of Sakamoto, a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where you can admire the many spots the government has recognized for their historical and cultural significance. Not only that, but you can savor the sights of the shifting four seasons from a beautiful garden in the chisen kaiyu-shiki style and the flavors of local delicacies like Hiei yuba tofu, lake fish, and locally grown vegetables.

It is also a nationally designated site known for its appealing Japanese garden, including a clear stream and borrowed landscape. Having wavy mounds, five-story stone pagodas and other structures are also characteristics of the garden. Take in the enjoyable sights of a garden that is richly varied.

Sakamoto Cable is a cable car route established in 1924. The distance of the route is 2,025 m, the longest operating distance out of all currently operating cars in Japan. The spectacular view of Lake Biwa opens up before you as you ascend the mountain.

Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji is at an elevation of 848 m and borders all areas of Hiei-Zan. It is also the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Since its founding, it has produced numerous famous monks and played a central role in Buddhism in Japan. In 1994, Enryaku-Ji was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as a “Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto.” It is still a representative temple in Japanese Buddhism today.