Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 67 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip worth booking?
Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip is a 10.5-hour experience in Osaka, Japan, from $54 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 67 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (67)
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Experience the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day!Explore the Shirahige Shrine, with a history of over 1,900 years, Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake,Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway to brea
What you get
About this experience
Experience the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day!Explore the Shirahige Shrine, with a history of over 1,900 years, Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake,Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway to breathtaking Lake Biwa views, explore the hidden Zen beauty of Sanzen-in Temple, Indulge in local sweets at La Collina, a fairytale village designed by famed architect Terunobu Fujimori. Perfect for families, friends, and culture lovers seeking stunning scenery, tradition, and local flavors — this tour is a journey through Japan’s heart and soul.
What's included
Included
- Air-conditioned tourist vehicle
- Multilingual tour guide
- Over time fee for tour guide and driver
- Fuel, toll, and highway fees
- Professional driver
Not included
- Food and drinks.
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Lake Biwa
8:00 AM/9:20AM Osaka/Kyoto Start Your Journey Let’s embark on a day filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories! ▼ 10:20AM Shirahige Shrine & Floating Torii Gate on Lake Biwa (Approx. 30 min) Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and a national symbol, located near Kyoto. It's known as the “Lake of Life” and is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Shirahige Shrine, with a history of over 1,900 years, is the oldest shrine in the Omi region and part of Japan Heritage. Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake, offering stunning views that change with the time of day and weather. Tip: For the best photos, visit the nearby Blue Lake Shirahige Observatory.
30 minutes here
Lake Biwa Observatory
▼ 11:30 AM Lake Biwa Observatory – Panoramic Views of the Dreamlike Lake Scenery (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, Available from May 1 to Oct 31, 2025) Ride Japan’s fastest ropeway with a 360° glass cabin and enjoy breathtaking views all the way up! Located on the west side of Lake Biwa, Biwako Valley is a popular destination for visitors from Kyoto and Osaka. The ropeway takes you to an altitude of 1,100 meters in just 5 minutes (operates slower from April to November for better sightseeing at 7 m/s). Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa. At the top, the Biwako Terrace is a favorite photo spot for young travelers and influencers. The area also features exciting activities such as the Zip Line with 7 routes, Skywalk, outdoor play areas, and more — perfect for couples and families alike.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Sanzen-in Temple
▼Sanzen-in Temple – A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Ohara Countryside (Approx. 120 min, Free Time & Optional Lunch at Own Expense, visited on other dates or when ropeway is closed) Located in the quiet village of Ohara in northeastern Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple is surrounded by tranquil mountains and rich history. Ohara has long been a retreat for nobles and monks, and its beauty has inspired many poets throughout the ages. Founded in the 8th century by monk Saicho on Mount Hiei, Sanzen-in offers stunning seasonal landscapes — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter. This peaceful temple invites visitors not for the crowds, but for a calm heart and spiritual connection.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
La Collina Omihachiman
▼15:30 PM La Collina Omihachiman – A Storybook-Style Sweets Village with a Grass Roof (Approx. 60 min, Free Time) La Collina Omihachiman is a unique confectionery complex created by the famous Japanese sweets brand Taneya, designed by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, known for his imaginative and nature-inspired buildings. The main building features a grass-covered roof that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, making it look like a fairytale cottage. The name "La Collina" means "little hill" in Italian, reflecting the site's natural, eco-friendly concept. Inside, you’ll find Shiga’s first Baumkuchen specialty shop, where freshly baked layered cakes fill the air with a sweet aroma. You can also enjoy exclusive treats like made-to-order dorayaki filled with red bean paste and butter cream — popular with both locals and visitors. 16:30PM Start to return.(The return time may be affected by traffic, weather, and other factors.)
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Osaka
Pick-up time and location: 9:20am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area, Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan. Find your tour guide with yellow flag with "gogoday". No refund for latecomer.
Meeting point
Osaka
Pick-up time and location: 8：00am Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area). Address：1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073 . Find your tour guide with yellow flag with "gogoday". No refund for latecomer.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Pick-up time and location: 9:20am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area, Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan. Find your tour guide with yellow flag with "gogoday". No refund for latecomer.
Ends at
Pick-up time and location: 8：00am Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area). Address：1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073 . Find your tour guide with yellow flag with "gogoday". No refund for latecomer.
Options you can book
Kyoto station pick up 9:20am
Osaka station pick up 8:00am
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hotel Takitei
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During the period when the Lake Biwa cable car was out of service, visit Sanzen-in Temple
- No refunds will be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- During peak travel seasons, weekends, or holidays, traffic congestion may occur. The guide may adjust the itinerary and reduce time at certain attractions. We appreciate your understanding and recommend not scheduling other activities after the tour to avoid potential losses.
- This is a shared group tour, so guests speaking different languages may join the same vehicle
- Travel times may vary due to traffic and weather, so the schedule is for reference only. Please avoid planning other activities after the tour, as we are not responsible for delays. In case of bad weather or unforeseen events, some attractions or shows may be adjusted or canceled without notice. Thank you for your understanding.
- Arrange the vehicle type based on the number of passengers for the day. Options are 10-45 seats.
- With fewer than 13 people, the guide will also drive and give only simple commentary.
- Vehicle type will be arranged based on the group size and cannot be specified in advance
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 67 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
67 verified traveler reviews for Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Effy was great. She was...
Effy was great. She was informative, friendly and waited 5 minutes at one of the stops when I messaged her and stated we would be late due to a slight issue. We personally didn't love the cake factory but definitely could tell it was a personal preference as many others bought tons of treats there and it is beautiful
via Viator
Tour of Lake Biwa with a Sweet Finishing !
The pickup point were in either Osaka or Kyoto. Ours was at the Nipponbashi Station. We booked a hotel nearby. The entire trip was excellent. Our tour guide, Fe Fe did a great job explaining in English in addition to Mandarin. We were the only English speaking group on that bus, lol. The bus driver was very professional (Bus 3088). The destinations were on point for a day tour. The last stop was at La Collina, a famous Baumkuchen cake factory ! I would highly recommend booking this tour !
via Viator
great day trip for photos!
Effy was a great tour guide :) i loved the mountain we went to and the ski lift was my favorite part!
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
It was a nice tour, some aspects were more fun than others, but that's normal. The tour was nicely organized , and the guide was good and efficient.
via Viator
Great day out
Great value for money Effy was a very helpful guide dealing with both Chinese and European tourists at the same time, switching between languages. She helped with buying tickets, taking photos, everything. She gets 5/5 rating The gondola up the mountain was excellent and the views spectacular! La Collina was interesting and the shrines were lovely to visit
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $54 to $9900
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Osaka.
How much does Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip cost?
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Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Osaka usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip take?
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Plan for about 10.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Osaka is not rushed.
Is Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 67 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Osaka, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Osaka can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Osaka and add a light layer if any part of the 10.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Osaka: Lake Biwa,Shirahige Shrine and Omi Highlights Day Trip start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Osaka within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Osaka?
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On Outty we rank every Osaka experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour:15 Tastings & 3 Drinks with a Local, Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour: Castle, Dotonbori, Gems & Lunch, Osaka Castle Walking Tour and Castle Tower Admission. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Osaka?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Osaka?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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