【Hidden Japan】From Lake Biwa to Kyoto by the Sea
Along the way, savor the bounty of the Sea of Japan—fresh seafood, from crab and mackerel to Ine’s famous yellowtail.
Discover timeless rural landscapes, explore the merchant heritage of Omi Hachiman by Lake Biwa, then journey to Amanohashidate—one of Japan’s three most scenic views—where legend and the sea meet.
Seasonal Hightlights
- Spring: Omi Hachiman canals with cherry blossoms, fresh breezes at Amanohashidate
- Summer: Ine bay boat rides, refreshing countryside stays
- Autumn: Brilliant foliage in Ohara and Omi Hachiman, Wakasa seafood season
- Winter: Snowy Amanohashidate, Ine’s yellowtail cuisine, cozy washi workshop
Travel Itinerary
| DAY | City／Area | Highlight | Details & Experiences | Accomodation Style | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY1 | Kyoto → Ohara (40min) Ohara → Omi Hachiman(1h) Omi Hachiman → Nagahama (1h) |
Begin with Kyoto’s hidden countryside, then move to Lake Biwa to explore merchant heritage and lakeside culture. |
|
Nagahama: Lakeside Resort Hotel Japanese-Style Ryokan Historic Onsen Inn |  |
| DAY2 | Nagahama → Obama 1.5h Obama → Maizuru(1h) Maizuru → Amanohashidate(1h) |
Head north across historic port towns—Obama and Maizuru—before reaching Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. |
|
Amanohashidate: Auberge / Small Luxury Retreat(exclusive rental possible) Ryokan with Onsen |  |
| DAY3 | Amanohashidate → Ine(30min) Ine → Ayabe(1h30min) Ayabe → Kyoto 1h30min |
Discover Ine’s funaya boathouses and quiet fishing bay before enjoying traditional papermaking in Ayabe, then return to Kyoto. |
|
Tour ends in Kyoto |  |
Travel Itinerary
DAY1
- City / Area
- Kyoto →
Ohara (40min)
Ohara →
Omi Hachiman(1h)
Omi Hachiman →
Nagahama (1h) - Highlight
- Begin with Kyoto’s hidden countryside, then move to Lake Biwa to explore merchant heritage and lakeside culture.
- Details & Experiences
- Ohara: Sanzen-in & Jakko-in temples -Peaceful mountain temple with moss gardens and smiling stone statues.
- Omi Hachiman- Merchant town with Edo-period canals and white-walled storehouses.
- Nagahama:-Old town stroll with castle and glasswork district
- Culinary note:
Omi Hachiman: Omi beef steak / sukiyaki - Nagahama: Lake fish, grilled mackerel somen
- Accomodation Style
- Nagahama: Lakeside Resort Hotel Japanese-Style Ryokan Historic Onsen Inn
- Photo
DAY2
- City / Area
- Nagahama →
Obama 1.5h
Obama →
Maizuru(1h)
Maizuru →
Amanohashidate(1h) - Highlight
- Head north across historic port towns—Obama and Maizuru—before reaching Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.
- Details & Experiences
- Obama: Historic port town, start of the Mackerel Highway. Quick stop to enjoy fish market atmosphere and taste local specialties
- Maizuru:Red Brick Warehouses from the Meiji era, now museums and cafés; photogenic historic site.
- Optional :scenic port cruise.
Amanohashidate:Scenic sandbar (Japan’s Three Views), panoramic views from cable car/chairlift (Kasamatsu - Park, Amanohashidate View Land), Chion-ji Temple
- Culinary note:
Obama: Grilled mackerel, crab, sashimi - Amanohashidate: Seafood bowl, sweet sea bream (guji), Tango sushi, Chie-no-mochi,local crab (winter)
- Accomodation Style
- Amanohashidate: Auberge / Small Luxury Retreat(exclusive rental possible) Ryokan with Onsen
- Photo
DAY3
- City / Area
- Amanohashidate →
Ine(30min)
Ine →
Ayabe(1h30min)
Ayabe →
Kyoto 1h30min - Highlight
- Discover Ine’s funaya boathouses and quiet fishing bay before enjoying traditional papermaking in Ayabe, then return to Kyoto.
- Details & Experiences
- Ine Funaya boathouse village,bay cruise, fisherman’s lifestyle experience
- Ayabe: Kurotani Washi papermaking workshop,experience traditional washi papermaking, a craft preserved for over 800 years. Learn the process from artisans, create your own washi postcard or lamp shade, and take home a piece of living heritag
- Culinary note:
Ine:isherman’s cuisine featuring seasonal seafood—especially winter yellowtail, fresh sashimi, and traditional “heshiko” pickled mackerel. - Optional farewell dinner in Kyoto
- Accomodation Style
- Tour ends in Kyoto
- Photo
Optional Tours
| DAY | City / Area | Highlight | Details & Experiences | Accomodation Style | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY3 | Auberge Villa (recommended) – boutique stay with fine dining |
Optional extra day on day 3: Stay at Amanohashidate Auberge and experience the quintessential Amanohashidate region, enjoying cultural traditions, seasonal delicacies, and a wealth of local activities. |
|
Auberge Villa (Recommended) – Boutique hotel with fine dining |  |
Optional Tours
DAY3
- City / Area
- Auberge Villa
(recommended) –
boutique stay with fine dining - Highlight
- Optional extra day on day 3: Stay at Amanohashidate Auberge and experience the quintessential Amanohashidate region, enjoying cultural traditions, seasonal delicacies, and a wealth of local activities.
- Details & Experiences
- Activities:
Enjoy a variety of activities such as marine sports, fishing, cycling, sake brewery tours, and winery visits. Have your freshly caught fish prepared by the chef, try your hand at sushi-making, and savor unique local experiences. - Meals:
Experience fine dining at its best, featuring seasonal seafood sourced directly from nearby fishing ports and organic vegetables from our own farm. Each dish is crafted with the chef’s creativity to offer a culinary journey found nowhere else. - Auberge Villa (recommended) – boutique-style stay with fine dining.
- Exclusive private rental available – ideal for families, friends, or special occasions
- Your private retreat in Amanohashidate
- Experience boutique hospitality with the luxury of privacy
- Relax in soothing natural hot spring waters, designed to provide a truly private and restorative experience.
- Activities:
- Accomodation Style
- Auberge Villa (Recommended) – Boutique hotel with fine dining
- Photo
For quotes and course arrangements, please feel free to contact us here.
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