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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.

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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.

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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

2.Konzeyama

3.Forest Adventure Ritto

4.Hashiri

5. Former Wachu Sanhonpo

Hotels near Nationally designated historic site Former Wachusan Honpo

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)

Hotels near Ritto Arare Honpo


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

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.

more
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