Festivals & Event

From Inazuma Rock Fes to FEST. INAZUMA: How a Lakeside Rock Festival ...

Every September, the shore of Lake Biwa changes completely.Music fills the air. Crowds gather by the water. Local food stalls, community booths and live stages appear across the lakeside grounds. This is Inazuma — one of western Japan’s largest music festivals, created in Shiga by Shiga-born artist Takanori Nishikawa.Since its launch in 2009, Inazuma Rock Fes has grown into something much larger than a...

2026.09.13

Culture & History

Korian: Where a Literary Master Found His Table

【Just 1 hour from Kyoto Station by train】 In the northwestern corner of Lake Biwa, where a series of capes reach out into the water, a ryotei sits quietly at the edge of the water.Open the door, and there is nothing before you but the lake.This is Korian. Eating Lake Biwa — The Fermented Culture of Funazushi Korian traces its roots to Uoji, a...

2026.05.01

Culture & History

Chikubushima: An Island of Prayer on Lake Biwa

【Just 1 hour 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by train and boat】 Off the northern shore of Lake Biwa, a small island rises from the water.No one lives there. There is only an ancient temple, a shrine, and the silence they keep.For centuries, people have set out by boat toward this island — to pray, to seek, to be still.This is Chikubushima. An Island...

2026.04.01

Festivals & Event

Sagicho Festival: A Fiery Tradition Loved by Oda Nobunaga

[Just 35 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Step back in time to a festival that predates the era of “SHOGUN” and was cherished by the flamboyant warlord Oda Nobunaga. The Sagicho Festival in Ōmihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, is a vibrant celebration of fire, artistry, and tradition, held annually in mid-March. A Tradition Cherished for Over Four Centuries The Sagicho Festival, with a history spanning over...

2026.03.18

Culture & History

Harie: Where Time Flows with Water – A Glimpse of Japan’s Timeless La...

【Just 50 Minutes from Kyoto by Train】 While modern cities have moved away from nature, Harie has preserved a way of life deeply connected to the land and water. Visitors from around the world are drawn to this rare harmony, where clear streams reflect traditional wooden houses and the gentle sound of running water creates an atmosphere of pure tranquillity. Living with Water: The...

2025.03.11

Culture & History

Fujigasaki Ryujin: A Mystical Power Spot by Lake Biwa

[Just 1 Hour from Kyoto Station by Rental Car] In Japan, dragons have long been revered as deities of water, guardians of rivers, lakes, and rain. Nestled along the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, Fujigasaki Ryujin Shrine pays homage to these mythical creatures. Known as a hidden gem and a spiritual power spot, this serene location offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s...

2025.01.18

Nature & Outdoors

Reconnect with Nature at Everglades Biwako: A Glamping Getaway by Lak...

[Just 39 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Escape to a serene retreat nestled along the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Everglades Biwako offers a unique glamping experience where comfort meets untouched nature. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or immerse yourself in the great outdoors, this destination provides the perfect balance. A Lakeside Haven for Rest and Rejuvenation Everglades Biwako features 35...

2025.01.18

Culture & History

Discover Omihachiman: The Legacy of William Merrell Vories and His Be...

[Just 35 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Step off the train at Omihachiman Station, and you’ll find yourself in a town imbued with the architectural legacy of William Merrell Vories. This American architect, educator, and entrepreneur arrived in Japan in the early 20th century, leaving behind a remarkable collection of Western-style buildings that remain cherished by the local community to this day. Vories’s work is...

2025.01.18

Culture & History

The Timeless Appeal of Hikone Castle: A National Treasure from the Er...

[Just 50 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Nestled in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle stands as a remarkable symbol of Japan’s feudal history. Built in 1603, shortly after the era depicted in the global hit drama “SHOGUN” (set in 1600), this castle was originally constructed as a “fortress for war” by the Tokugawa shogunate to ensure peace across the land. Today, Hikone Castle...

2025.01.18

Stay & Relax

Indulge in Serenity by Lake Biwa at Hotel Lake Otsuka

[Just 26 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Imagine standing before a serene pine grove and the shimmering expanse of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. Here at Hotel Lake Otsuka, time slows down, offering you the luxury of doing nothing while embracing nature’s tranquility. Conveniently located just a 26-minute train ride on the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station, this lakeside retreat combines breathtaking scenery with...

2025.01.18

Culture & History

2025: A Journey of 2,025 Meters! Discover Japan’s Longest Cable...

[Just 20 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Japan’s longest cable car, spanning an impressive 2,025 meters, awaits you in Shiga Prefecture, right next to Kyoto. Hop aboard the “Sakamoto Cable” and embark on a journey that seamlessly connects you to Mount Hiei and even Kyoto itself. Let us guide you through the unique charm of this cable car, where the ride itself becomes an unforgettable...

2025.01.18

Food & Drink

Discover the Sweet World of Baumkuchen at the Baum Factory

[Just 35 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Nestled in the picturesque town of Omihachiman, the Baum Factory at La Collina Omihachiman invites you to step into the enchanting world of Baumkuchen. This delightful destination combines a factory tour, a café serving freshly baked treats, and a shop brimming with sweet delights—making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. A Building That Celebrates...

2025.01.18