1-Day Tour from Kyoto: Lake Biwa Cruise, Chikubu Island & Hikone Samurai Castle

Hidden within the waters of Japan’s largest lake lies one of Kansai’s most mysterious and spiritual destinations. This tour combines a scenic cruise across Lake Biwa to the sacred Chikubu Island with a visit to one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, Hikone Castle. Along the way, guests will experience lakeside scenery, historic temple grounds, castle architecture, and the slower atmosphere of Shiga Prefecture—an area often overlooked by international travelers despite its deep historical importance.

After departing Kyoto by shinkansen, the tour travels north to Nagahama, a charming castle town on the shores of Lake Biwa. From there, guests board a ferry bound for Chikubu Island, a small but culturally significant island home to ancient temples and shrines connected to Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune, music, and knowledge. Surrounded by forests and lake waters, the island has long been regarded as a sacred power spot and pilgrimage destination.

Following the island cruise, guests will return to Nagahama for lunch before continuing to Hikone. There, the tour explores Hikone Castle—one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and one of the country’s designated National Treasures. The elegant castle keep, defensive structures, and preserved castle grounds offer one of the best opportunities in Kansai to experience authentic samurai-era Japan.

Combining a lake cruise, sacred island, historic castle town, and one of Japan’s finest castles, this tour offers a refreshing mix of nature, history, and culture just beyond Kyoto.

Highlights

• Experience a lesser-visited side of Kansai beyond Kyoto and Osaka
• Cruise across Lake Biwa to the sacred island of Chikubu Island
• Explore ancient temple and shrine grounds surrounded by the waters of Japan’s largest lake
• Visit the historic lakeside town of Nagahama and enjoy free time for lunch
• Discover Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a designated National Treasure

NOTE

This tour operates seasonally and ferry schedules may vary depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and operational schedules on Lake Biwa.

Recommended Seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and clear lake views
• Summer (June–August): Lush greenery and vibrant lake scenery
• Autumn (October–November): Beautiful autumn leaves around Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa
• Winter (December–early March): Limited ferry schedules and increased weather-related cancellations may occur

This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility due to stairs and uneven terrain on Chikubu Island.

Description

This tour begins at Kyoto Station at 8:45 A.M., where your guide will meet the group before boarding the shinkansen bound for Shiga Prefecture. Leaving behind the busy streets of Kyoto, the tour quickly reaches the quieter shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake and one of the defining geographic features of Kansai.

The first destination is the historic port town of Nagahama. Once an important castle town associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nagahama today retains a relaxed atmosphere with traditional streets, local shops, and beautiful lakeside scenery. From the port, the group boards a ferry and begins a cruise northward across Lake Biwa toward the sacred island of Chikubu.

Rising dramatically from the lake waters, Chikubu Island has been considered a holy site for centuries. Despite its small size, the island contains several important religious sites including Hōgon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine. The island is closely associated with Benzaiten, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, and has long attracted pilgrims, warriors, and travelers seeking blessings and good fortune.

Guests will have time to explore the island’s pathways, shrine buildings, temple halls, and scenic viewpoints while learning about the island’s mythology, religious significance, and role in Japanese history. Surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Biwa, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere very different from the crowds of Kyoto’s more famous sightseeing districts.

After returning to Nagahama by ferry, there will be free time to enjoy lunch around the Kurokabe Square area. Known for its preserved historic streetscape and local specialty shops, Nagahama offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual local restaurants to cafés and regional Shiga cuisine.

In the afternoon, the tour continues south to Hikone, home to one of Japan’s finest surviving castles. Unlike many castles reconstructed in modern times, Hikone Castle remains largely original, dating back to the early Edo period. Designated as a National Treasure, the castle is famous for its elegant design, defensive structures, and panoramic views over Lake Biwa.

Guests will explore the castle grounds and surrounding area while learning about the powerful Ii clan, samurai politics during the Edo period, and the strategic importance of Lake Biwa in Japanese history. The castle’s wooden interiors, steep staircases, and preserved architecture provide one of the most authentic castle experiences in Japan.

After enjoying the castle and surrounding grounds, the group will return to Kyoto by train, arriving in the early evening.

MEETUP POINT

Kyoto Tower Sando Starbucks @ 8:45 A.M.

Meet-Up Location: Starbucks Coffee — Kyoto Tower Sando (just outside Kyoto Tower) Please try to arrive 15 minutes before meetup time.

Directions:

• Exit Kyoto Station via the Central (Chūō) Exit on the north side of the station.
• Walk straight ahead across the bus terminal and pass the traffic lights in front of Kyoto Tower.
• The Starbucks is on the first floor of the Kyoto Tower Sando commercial building, right beside the tower entrance.

Look for the familiar green logo at the base of the tower—we’ll be waiting there with a “Snow Monkey Resorts” sign.

NOTES

Tour Availability Disclaimer

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

Included

• Ferry ticket to and from Chikubu Island
• Transportation between Kyoto, Nagahama, and Hikone
• English-speaking guide
• Guided tours of Chikubu Island and Hikone Castle area

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Shinkansen/Transportation to Kyoto Station start point

Other Information

• This tour involves extensive walking, stairs, and uneven terrain, especially on Chikubu Island and within Hikone Castle.
• The tour is not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for outdoor conditions.
• Ferry operations may be affected by weather conditions including wind and rough water on Lake Biwa.
• Guests should prepare for seasonal weather conditions, including heat in summer and colder temperatures in winter.
• There will be free time throughout the tour for guests to explore at their own pace, but guests must return to designated meetup points on time.