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Miho Lake Biwa Water Torii One Day Tour
1.5
2 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover Miho Lake Biwa’s Water Torii, Mixiu Art Museum, and Mount Hiei’s Bamboo Forest. Experience Japan’s natural beauty and ancient heritage in one day.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Miho Museum - The Miho Museum, designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, is inspired by the concept of “Peach Blossom Spring.” Nestled away from the city, a remarkable 80% of its structure is hidden within the mountains. In summer, the lush trees and winding mountain paths create a serene atmosphere, while in winter, heavy snowfall often leads to the museum’s closure. The museum’s collection features artworks from ancient civilizations including Japan, China, South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Visiting the Miho Museum feels like stepping into another world, with a journey full of twists and turns and breathtaking scenery at every turn. “Walking along the stream, losing track of the distance, one suddenly encounters a peach blossom forest, stretching for hundreds of steps along the bank. The middle is free of trees, with delicious grass and colorful fallen flowers.” Note: Tickets for permanent exhibitions are 1100 Yen; admission to special exhibitions is 1300 JPY.
- Former Chikurin-in Temple - This nationally designated scenic garden offers stunning views that change with each season. Once a secluded retreat for eminent monks on Mount Hiei, it is highly recommended by Japanese photographers. Inside the temple, the loft layout and the Liuliguangyuan are similar, allowing for mirror reflection photography without disturbance. There is no time limit, so you can take your time to find the perfect angle. The courtyard, covered in moss, has unique characteristics throughout the year. You can enjoy the perfect taste of matcha while admiring the garden’s landscaping, or take a walk through the exquisitely arranged mountain and stream stone steps to experience the Zen spirit of the Japanese garden.
- Shirahige Shrine Torii - Built around 1900 years ago, Shirahige Shrine is the oldest shrine in Omi and has been recognized as part of the Japanese Heritage story. The scenery here is captivating, with Okishima island floating on the horizon and fishing boats passing between the torii gates in the lake. The water torii gate of Shirahige Shrine stands quietly in Lake Biwa, unchanged by the passage of time. Whether in the morning light or evening glow, under clear blue skies or shifting clouds, and with the stars moving overhead, it presents different scenes that are beloved by countless photography enthusiasts.
What's Included
- Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location
What's Not Included
- Admission to Meixiu Art Museum (Around 8 $)
- Admission to Former Bamboo Grove Garden (Matcha & Japanese Sweets) Around $2.
- Other personal expenses
Additional Information
The Mixiu Art Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, blends seamlessly into the mountain landscape, offering tranquility amidst lush greenery. The Old Bamboo Forest Courtyard on Mount Hiei provides inspiration for Japanese photographers with its seasonal beauty. Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, symbolizes the nation’s spirit, with Shirakushi Shrine standing as a testament to ancient heritage. Together, these destinations offer a journey of discovery and reverence for nature’s beauty.
- Total Tour duration includes transportation.
- Minors under the age of 1 must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger throughout the trip
Location
Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
1.5
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Anita_n
Aug 2, 2024
Not worth the effort. - Long bus ride to a Tori gate in a lake. Can’t take clear pictures of except with a fancy camera. The museum is lovely but India is missing and it’s a big omission given the character of the exhibits (not just because I am Indian but it actually is relevant in the context of the museum). And the last Zen garden was tiny. Not a day trip worth taking for sure.
Review provided by Viator
