This itinerary begins in Tokyo with bonsai and sushi-making experiences and waterfront views before continuing to Shiga Prefecture to explore picturesque Lake Biwa, Koka City, Shigaraki ware, and Ishiyamadera Temple.
In Tokyo, discover the beauty of bonsai plants, try your hand at sushi making, and enjoy Japanese cuisine and nighttime views aboard a traditional yakatabune boat in the evening. Then travel to Shiga Prefecture, where you’ll take in views of Lake Biwa from both a boat and Biwako Valley, visit Koka Ninja House, savor rice cooked in an earthenware pot, explore the home of Shigaraki ware, and visit Ishiyamadera Temple. Over these three days, you’ll encounter ways of life and handcraftsmanship shaped by water and experience the warmth of the local people.
*For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
Destination
Itinerary
3Days
Transport
JR (Shinkansen + Local Line)
Tokyo to Otsu via Kyoto
Tokyo to Otsu via Kyoto
About
2 hours
30 minutes
2 hours
30 minutes
Day1
TOKYO
1
Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
Bonsai is a work of art that creates magnificent natural scenery in a hachi (small pot). Shunkaen BONSAI Museum in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo was created in 2002 from the desire of Kunio Kobayashi, a bonsai artist and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award, one of the three grand prizes of Japan, and the Higashi-Kuninomiya Culture Award, to deeply spread bonsai to the world. Over 1,000 bonsai line a garden with a pond where carp gracefully swim and a majestic Japanese house. Each hachi (pot) has different style, all of which are beautiful and have a dignified appearance. The museum also offers classes (for a fee and available in English and Chinese) where you can experience the charm of bonsai. Classes can be booked three days in advance. All you have to bring is yourself as tools and training bonsai are provided. Since you may take completed bonsai home with you for an additional fee, drop by and experience the beauty of bonsai.
3 minutes by foot
12 minutes by bus
28 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
7 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
2
Tama Sushi (sushi-making experience)
The sushi-making experience at Tama Sushi, a long-established restaurant founded in Tsukiji, is a popular program for gaining a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese sushi culture. It offers participants the rare opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese sushi culture and to make their own sushi. In this experience, you will be taught directly by a professional sushi chef, standing at the counter in a white chef robe just like a real sushi chef as you experience making authentic sushi. While learning how to make nigiri-zushi and hand-rolled sushi, you can experience the delicate techniques and delicious flavors of sushi. You can also have fun comparing the sushi you have made with the sushi made by the chef. After the experience, you will receive a certificate and an ukiyo-e coaster as memorabilia of this unforgettable experience.
7 minutes by foot
13 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
6 minutes by foot
3
Yakatabune Harumiya
Taking a ride on the Yakatabune Harumiya pleasure cruise is the perfect way to take in the highlights of Tokyo tourism. A chef on board will prepare fresh tempura and richly fragrant Japanese cuisine. The seats are Horigotatsu (low tables with a sunken floor for your legs), so you can relax and stretch out. You can also get amazing nighttime views of TOKYO SKYTREE or Odaiba by going up to the Sky Deck, to get the most out of a Japanese pleasure cruise. You can make bookings from a minimum of two people, making them ideal for tourism, celebrations, or group trips. Make unforgettable memories of Tokyo from aboard our ships.
Day2
SHIGA
4
Tokyo Station
2h15minutes by JR Tokaido Shinkansen
9 minutes by train (JR)
15 minutes by foot
5
Michigan Cruise
公益社団法人 びわこビジターズビューロー
Michigan Cruise is one of Shiga Prefecture’s most iconic sightseeing cruises, offering a relaxing journey across the southern waters of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
From the Michigan Sky Deck, the ship’s top observation deck, visitors can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Hiei, the Hira Mountain Range, and the stunning scenery of Lake Biwa stretching out in every direction.
1h0minutes by taxi
6
Biwako Valley
© Alpina BI Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Biwako Valley is a year-round mountain resort in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature in every season.
A scenic ropeway takes you to the summit at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa.
From spring through autumn, visitors can relax at the Biwako Terrace, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, or go trekking. In winter, the resort transforms into a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
A scenic ropeway takes you to the summit at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa.
From spring through autumn, visitors can relax at the Biwako Terrace, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, or go trekking. In winter, the resort transforms into a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
45 minutes by taxi
7
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
びわ湖大津プリンスホテル
Biwako Otsu Prince Hotel is a 38-story resort hotel located on the shores of Lake Biwa. All guest rooms offer panoramic views of Lake Biwa, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The hotel features a wide range of facilities, including restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal choice for sightseeing, business travel, special occasions, and a variety of other purposes.
1h0minutes by taxi
Day3
SHIGA
8
Koka Ninja House
公益社団法人 びわこビジターズビューロー
Koka Ninja House is an authentic historic residence that has been preserved since the time when Koka ninja actually lived there.
Visitors can learn about the history and lifestyle of the ninja while exploring the ingenious hidden mechanisms and clever features of a real ninja residence, many of which were designed for practical use in the past.
This unique attraction offers an enjoyable experience for a wide range of visitors, from ninja enthusiasts and history buffs to families, younger visitors, and senior guests.
Visitors can learn about the history and lifestyle of the ninja while exploring the ingenious hidden mechanisms and clever features of a real ninja residence, many of which were designed for practical use in the past.
This unique attraction offers an enjoyable experience for a wide range of visitors, from ninja enthusiasts and history buffs to families, younger visitors, and senior guests.
30 minutes by taxi
9
Earthen pot rice & CAFE Mutsumian
土鍋ごはん&CAFE 睦庵
Earthen pot rice & CAFE Mutsumian is a traditional Japanese style cafe located in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.
The cafe serves carefully prepared rice cooked one Earthen pot at a time in Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, along with dishes made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients.
Set in a relaxing space renovated from a traditional farmhouse over 150 years old, the cafe offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of Shigaraki and savor the authentic flavor of Earthen pot rice.
The cafe serves carefully prepared rice cooked one Earthen pot at a time in Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, along with dishes made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients.
Set in a relaxing space renovated from a traditional farmhouse over 150 years old, the cafe offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of Shigaraki and savor the authentic flavor of Earthen pot rice.
30 minutes by taxi
10
Shigaraki Togeimura
公益社団法人 びわこビジターズビューロー
Shigaraki Tougeimura offers pottery-making experiences featuring Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns.
Visitors of all skill levels, including beginners, can enjoy pottery activities such as using an electric pottery wheel or hand-building techniques to create their own unique works.
Through the experience of shaping clay and discovering the traditional craftsmanship of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, guests can gain a deeper appreciation for the charm and history of this local art form. It is a perfect activity for creating unforgettable travel memories.
Visitors of all skill levels, including beginners, can enjoy pottery activities such as using an electric pottery wheel or hand-building techniques to create their own unique works.
Through the experience of shaping clay and discovering the traditional craftsmanship of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, guests can gain a deeper appreciation for the charm and history of this local art form. It is a perfect activity for creating unforgettable travel memories.
45 minutes by taxi
11
Ishiyamadera Temple
公益社団法人 びわこビジターズビューロー
Ishiyamadera Temple is a historic temple located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, founded in 747.
It is widely known as the temple where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have found inspiration for writing The Tale of Genji. With beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year, the temple is a popular destination where visitors can experience the rich history and literary heritage of Japan.
It is widely known as the temple where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have found inspiration for writing The Tale of Genji. With beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year, the temple is a popular destination where visitors can experience the rich history and literary heritage of Japan.
update: Oct.28.2026
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