Beyond Kyoto: An Autumn Day Trip with a Lake Cruise and 3,000 Maple Trees
Cruise across Japan’s largest lake, walk beneath thousands of maple trees and enjoy centuries-old Japanese food traditions — all on an easy day trip from Kyoto.
Kyoto is beautiful in autumn. But what if you could enjoy the season from the deck of a paddlewheel boat, then wander through a historic town surrounded by colourful leaves?
Welcome to Otsu, home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and Sakamoto, a historic town at the foot of Mount Hiei.
No car needed — just a sense of adventure!
Your Autumn Day at a Glance
🚆 8:45 AM — Leave Kyoto Behind for a Lakeside Adventure!
Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station (around 10 minutes), then walk approximately 15–20 minutes to Otsu Port.
🚢 9:40 AM — See Autumn from a Whole New Angle!
Board the Michigan for a 60-minute cruise. Enjoy open-water views and watch the surrounding mountains take on their autumn colours.
🍜 11:30 AM — Taste Centuries of Soba Tradition!
Travel by Keihan train towards Sakamoto and enjoy handmade Japanese soba at Tsuruya Kihachi, a long-established local restaurant.
🍁 12:30 PM — Walk Among 3,000 Maple Trees!
Explore Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, where autumn leaves frame historic buildings, streams and woodland paths.
🏯 2:00 PM — Discover Stone Walls and a Picture-Perfect Garden!
Wander through Sakamoto’s historic streets before visiting Former Chikurin-in, where you can photograph the garden reflected in a polished tabletop.
🚆 Around 3:30 PM — Head Back to Kyoto with a New Autumn Memory!
Walk towards Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station and begin your return journey.
Times are approximate. Allow extra time for train connections, restaurant queues and autumn sightseeing. The itinerary assumes the 9:40 AM Michigan 60 sailing is operating.
Explore the route: Open the Sakamoto walking route in Google Maps
1. Autumn Colours from a Paddlewheel Boat… in Japan?
Meet the Michigan, an American-style sightseeing boat with a bright red paddlewheel and spacious outdoor decks.
As you cruise across Lake Biwa, take in wide-open water and mountains dotted with autumn colours. It’s a completely different way to appreciate Japan’s changing seasons.
Unlike a walk beneath maple trees, this experience is about seeing autumn on a grander scale — with the lake stretching out before you.
The 60-minute cruise also leaves time for more discoveries on land.
2. Ever Walked Beneath 3,000 Maple Trees?
At Hiyoshi Taisha, autumn transforms the shrine grounds into a landscape of red, orange and gold.
Around 3,000 maple trees grow across the area, creating beautiful contrasts with the wooden shrine buildings, bridges and flowing streams.
Take your time exploring the grounds. During peak foliage season, allow around 90 minutes to enjoy the scenery.
And don’t miss lunch nearby! At Tsuruya Kihachi, you can enjoy handmade soba in a traditional building. The restaurant’s history stretches back centuries, making lunch part of the cultural experience.
3. Stone Walls, Autumn Reflections and a Walk Through Old Japan
Sakamoto has another surprise waiting beyond its maple trees.
Follow streets lined with traditional stone walls associated with the Anō-shū, skilled stonemasons whose techniques became renowned across Japan.
Then step inside Former Chikurin-in, a former residence for Buddhist monks, now celebrated for its Japanese garden.
One of its most memorable experiences is photographing the garden reflected in a polished tabletop — especially beautiful when the autumn leaves change colour.
It’s a chance to slow down and notice the details of a historic Japanese town.
When to Go
Mid to late November is generally a good time to visit Sakamoto for autumn foliage.
In 2026, Hiyoshi Taisha’s Maple Festival runs from 1 November to 6 December. The exact timing of peak colours varies with the weather, so check current foliage conditions before travelling.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there: Kyoto Station → Otsu Station by JR (around 10 minutes), then a 15–20-minute walk to Otsu Port. After the cruise, walk to Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station and take the Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line to Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi (around 15–20 minutes by train).
Michigan Cruise: The Michigan 60 departs Otsu Port at 9:40 AM and returns at 10:40 AM on its scheduled operating dates. Adult fare: ¥2,800. Standard tickets can be purchased at Otsu Port on the day, subject to availability; advance booking is also available.
Official timetable and fares (Japanese) | English ticket booking
Lunch — Tsuruya Kihachi: Open 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (last order 3:30 PM). Closed on selected dates; check the restaurant’s calendar.
Restaurant website (Japanese)
Hiyoshi Taisha: Visiting hours 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Adult grounds contribution: ¥500.
Official shrine website (Japanese)
Former Chikurin-in: Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Adult admission: ¥330. Usually closed Mondays and the day after public holidays, with exceptions.
Official garden website (Japanese)
Before you go: Check opening dates, weather and transport connections. The cruise has indoor spaces, but sailings may change in severe weather. The Google Maps link covers the walking route in Sakamoto; plan the train journeys separately.
Discover Another Side of Autumn, Just Beyond Kyoto
A lake cruise, thousands of maple trees, handmade soba and a garden full of autumn reflections.
Your next favourite autumn memory might be just a short train ride from Kyoto.
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