A Day Trip from Kyoto! Enjoy the Nature, Gourmet and Activities in Ritto City, Shiga

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Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture is approximately 30 minutes by train from JR Kyoto Station, so you can stretch your legs and enjoy a day trip. We will introduce all the essential information for sightseeing in Ritto City, from recommended sightseeing spots to access and souvenir information.

Written by

Ritto City Tourism Association

Historical heritage sites such as temples, shrines, and burial mounds can be found throughout the city, including along the old Tokaido and Nakasendo routes. In addition, the Kanakatsu Mountain Range in the southern part of the city is a beautiful area rich in nature and historical sites that has been selected as one of the top 100 forests for forest bathing in Japan, and there are hiking trails.

Table of Contents
What is Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture?
Access to Ritto City
5 Sightseeing Spots in Ritto City
5 gourmet spots in Ritto City
3 Souvenirs from Ritto City

What is Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture?

Ritto City, located in the southeastern part of Shiga Prefecture, is easily accessible, approximately 30 minutes by train from JR Kyoto Station.
It is full of recommended spots where you can easily go beyond sightseeing in Kyoto and experience nature and historical heritage.
There are many historical heritage sites such as temples and shrines and ancient tombs.
The Konzeyama Range, which offers a spectacular view of Lake Biwa in the distance, is a beautiful region rich in nature and historical sites that has been selected as one of the top 100 forests for forest bathing in Japan.
The well-maintained hiking course includes unusual naturally formed rocks such as ``Mimi-iwa'' and ``Tengu-iwa'' and provides spectacular views.

Access to Ritto City

[Train] How to get to Ritto City from JR Kyoto Station

[From JR Kyoto Station to JR Tehara Station]

JR Kyoto Station = = (Biwako Line) = = JR Kusatsu Station = = (Kusatsu Line) = = JR Tehara Station It takes about 30 minutes and costs 510 yen.

[From JR Kyoto Station to JR Ritto Station]

JR Kyoto Station = = (Biwako Line) = = JR Ritto Station Approximately 27 minutes, fare is 420 yen, no transfer required.
*From Kansai International Airport to JR Kyoto Station, take the Limited Express Haruka, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 3,110 yen.

[Car] How to get to Ritto City (rental car, private car, etc.)

From Kyoto, you can reach Ritto IC, which is the hub of Ritto City, by car or rental car in about 20 minutes on the expressway.
If you visit by car, your range of activities will be much wider.

[Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Minami IC” === “Ritto IC”]

29.4km, approximately 20 minutes Fare: 1,040 yen Distance from each IC to JR Tehara Station, a tourist hub in Ritto City

●Approximately 0.8km from Meishin Expressway “Ritto IC”
●Approximately 9.2 km from the Shin-Meishin Expressway “Kusatsu Tagami IC”
Why not take a quick drive to Ritto City, which is easily accessible from the nearest interchange on the expressway?

5 Sightseeing Spots in Ritto City

1. “Kakure Sato” Konshoji Temple

～Kakure Sato～Konshoji Temple

1394 Arahari, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture 520-3003

It was founded by the priest Ryoben during the Nara period. The main statues of important cultural properties, such as the wooden seated Shaka Nyorai statue, the wooden Gundari Myo King standing statue, the wooden Kokuzo Bodhisattva half-prostrate statue, the wooden Bishamonten standing statue, and the wooden Jizo Bodhisattva seated statue are enshrined here. There are famous trees such as Sennen cedar and maple in the precincts.

2.Konzeyama

tenguiwa

520-3003 Arahari, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

Experience an adventure at Tenguiw, the symbol of Mt. Kinkatsuyama. Enjoy rice ball time while overlooking Lake Biwa.

3.Forest Adventure Ritto

Forest Adventure Ritto

5203002 459 Kannonji Hiratani, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

A prestigious athletic facility born in France where you can experience the great outdoors! After putting on the harness and taking the full course, it's time for the real thing! After crossing the exciting course, enjoy an exhilarating slide from about 15m above the tree. You can enjoy it! You can experience it from height 110cm! Please make a reservation from the website.

4.Hashiri

Hasiri Hydrangea Road

520-3003 Arahari, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

Approximately 800 colorful hydrangeas have been planted by local residents on the road leading to Hasirii village in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture. The best time to see the flowers is from early to mid-June.

5. Former Wachu Sanhonpo

Nationally designated historic site Former Wachusan Honpo

520-3017 402 Rokujizo, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

It prospered as the main store of ``Zesaiya'' which sold ``Wachusan'' during the Edo period. It is currently designated as a national historic site. It is known as the medicine that cured the abdominal pain of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Located between two post stations, it also served as a resting place for court nobles and feudal lords. The Daiki family residence is a nationally designated important cultural property, and the Daiki family garden is a nationally designated scenic spot. Special exhibitions are held in spring and fall.

5 gourmet spots in Ritto City

1.Japanese yam dish Tororin

Homemade local specialties. There are many menu items made with natural yam. Gentle on the body and soft on the mind. Enjoy a relaxing time in a calm shop.

●TEL.077-558-1166 11:00-15:00 Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Open if closed on a holiday)

Japanese yam tororin introduction page

2. Nyoi no Sato Gokigen-san

We use local ingredients such as Omi beef, Omi Shamo, and wild vegetables. The sweetfish from Lake Biwa, grilled around a grill in a separate private room in the tranquility of the mountain village, is exquisite. There is also a full menu that will please cyclists and hikers, such as Omi beef hitsumabushi set. (Reservation required)

●TEL.077-558-3223 11:30-22:00 (LO21:00) Irregular holidays

Nyoi no Sato Gokigen-san introduction page

3.Hikarinoho

An old folk house built 148 years ago. A light-filled, barrier-free cafe where people in wheelchairs can enjoy relaxed, casual French cuisine. There are about 20 types of homemade herbal tea.

●TEL.077-552-2255 10:00-18:00 Closed on Thursdays + Irregular holidays

Ear of light introduction page

4. JA Lake Shiga Countryside Vitality

Onigiri-tei is the first in the prefecture to sell Koshihikari rice balls from Ritto in a drive-through format. The restaurant offers a menu using local produce.

●TEL.077-552-8318 Onigiri-tei 7:00-15:00 Direct sales store 9:00-17:00 Restaurant 10:00-15:00 (LO 14:30) Open all year round (excluding year-end and New Year holidays)

JA Lake Shiga Countryside Genkiya introduction page

5. Okayama meat

We carefully select high-quality meat with a discerning eye for ``the aroma of Omi and the taste of Shiga.'' You can enjoy Omi beef at the restaurant on the second floor.

●TEL.077-552-2364 Meat 9:30-18:30 Restaurant 17:00-21:00 (LO 20:30) Closed on Wednesdays

Meat Okayama introduction page

3 Souvenirs from Ritto City

We will introduce you to Ritto City's special products and recommended souvenirs typical of the ``Horse Town Ritto''.
Both are also sold at the Ritto City Tourist Information Center located at JR Tehara Station. Please come and visit us.

1. Fig Jam (Ritto Fig Production Association)

Handmade jam using figs grown in greenhouses, a high-quality environmentally conscious agricultural product.

●493-1 Ono, Ritto City TEL.077-552-0575 (JA Lake Shiga Ritto)

Fig jam introduction page

2. Ritto Arare (Ritto Arare Honpo)

Ritto Arare Honpo

520-3046 4-4-21 Ohashi, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture

Arare is made using locally produced habutae mochi and gently grilled over charcoal. The flavor that makes use of the ingredients without relying on salt or oil is very popular.

3. Horsehair amulet/horseshoes (Roadside Station Agri-no-Sato Ritto)

In Europe and America, horse hair is traditionally used as a talisman to bring good luck and ward off misfortune. It is also said to grant the owner's wishes. In fact, the horseshoes worn by horses have a U-shaped depression that is said to receive good luck.

●TEL.077-558-3858 9:30-17:00 Closed on Wednesdays and the day after public holidays

Horsehair amulet/horseshoe introduction page

Written by

Ritto City Tourism Association

Shiga

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