Seasonal Travel Guide to Lake Biwa & Mt. Hiei: Top Activities and Must Visit Spots

• Table of Contents
• The Charms of the Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei area
• Spring | Mt. Hiei with its Beautiful Green Leaves
• Summer | Lake Biwa and Fireworks 
• Autumn | Scenic Autumn Leaves 
• Winter | Special Snow Cruise at Lake Biwa
• Enjoy the Four Seasons of Shiga with Yumotokan

The Charms of the Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei area

The area around Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture is full of attractions, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and a variety of activities throughout the four seasons. From the green leaves of spring, marine activities and fireworks festivals in summer, autumn leaves, and snow-viewing boat cruises in winter, each season offers different experiences.

About Ogoto Onsen "Yumotokan"

About 20 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Kosai , Ogoto Onsen Yumotokan in Otsu City , Shiga Prefecture is a long-established inn located at the foot of Mount Hiei. With rooms overlooking the magnificent view of Lake Biwa, hot springs, and cuisine made with local seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy the charm of Shiga with all your senses.

Learn more about Yumotokan

Spring | Mt. Hiei with its Beautiful Green Leaves

Around the time Golden Week is over, the cherry blossoms that reach full bloom in late April are replaced by light-transmitting young leaves, ushering in the season of "Ao-momiji" (green maple leaves). The temples and pagodas of Enryaku-ji Temple are enveloped in a gradation of green, and the cool air of spring arrives.

Here we will introduce some recommended spots that can only be experienced in May.

The Great Homa Ceremony at Hiei

After the Golden Week holidays, the "Hiei Great Goma" will be held at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei.

This ritual is performed by Daigyo Man Daiajari, who has completed the rigorous training known as the Sennichi Kaihogyo, and the solemn sight of him putting his wishes into the goma wood and burning it in purified fire resonates quietly in the depths of one's heart.

On the day, you will be able to apply for a prayer from five different types of prayer cards, and there will also be a prayer bead workshop where you can create your own prayer beads and have them offered to Daigyoman Daiajari.

Blue Autumn Leaves

Spring is the opposite season to autumn. The green leaves, known as "Ao-momiji," can only be seen during the season when new greenery is in full bloom, and are full of energy.

Green leaves refer to maples before they turn red, such as Japanese maples, Japanese maples, and Japanese sugar maples. For those who want to see them on foot, we recommend Buddhist temples such as Zensui-ji Temple and Mount Hiei ji Temple on Mount Hiei. For those who want to see them from the train window, take the Eizan Railway Kurama Line between Ichihara Station and Ichihara Station, and you'll see a continuous green tunnel for about 250 meters.

Summer | Lake Biwa and Fireworks 

The rainy season is coming to an end. The pleasant heat of SUP and kayaking is coming. The ripples on the water sparkle beautifully during the day, while at night a large fireworks display is held that brightens up the black lake surface. Shiga's summer, where heat and coolness blend together, quietly begins.

Watch from Yumotokan ! Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival

The Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival, held every year on August 1st, is a seasonal event for local residents.

In particular, if you stay at the Hanare Hanare Karoi in Yumotokan on a high floor of the luxury floor, you can see the fireworks directly from the window of your room.

A short video of the Hanare Karoi Luxury Floor Suite "Akane"

The Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival will also be held.

Following the Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival, the Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival will be held on August 8th. More than 10,000 fireworks will light up the surface of Lake Biwa and the sky. From Yumotokan, you can access the area around the venue by taking the Keihan Railway from Sakamoto Mount Hiei Station to Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. The impressive fireworks, which can be enjoyed while sitting on the lake shore, are a fitting highlight of any summer trip.

Opal: A Popular Marine Activity

For those who think of summer as activity, we recommend Opal, a nature experience facility on the shores of Lake Biwa.

There are plenty of activities available that even beginners can enjoy, such as kayaking and SUP (stand up paddle).

You will receive thorough instruction from an instructor, and you will be provided with safety equipment such as life jackets. The sensation of gliding across the Mizukami and the sense of freedom you get from standing on the lake while feeling the breeze is a special experience you won't find anywhere else.

Autumn | Scenic Autumn Leaves 

The autumn leaves season arrives when the heat subsides and the mornings and evenings become noticeably cooler. Autumn in Shiga will reach its climax when the Metasequoia trees stretching to the north of the lake turn into a caramel-colored tunnel. Here we will introduce you to some spots where you can make the most of the autumn leaves that can only be seen for a short time.

A Fun Drive Through the Autumn Leaves of Metasequoia Trees

You can stroll around with a camera in hand, or take a drive through the area. The Metasequoia Tree Line in Takashima City is becoming more and more popular every year as a classic photogenic autumn spot. The autumn foliage at this spot is truly spectacular, with about 500 trees lining both sides of the 2.4km straight road.

Glide Through the Clear Sky: A Zipline Adventure

On the Zip Line Adventure, you'll glide through the crimson-hued mountains and be captivated by the view of autumn leaves spreading out before your eyes.

The thrill and sense of freedom that you can't experience on the ground, as well as the spectacular views, will surely turn the experience itself into a special memory. At the top of the ropeway, we also recommend the Biwako Terrace, an observation deck where you can enjoy a panoramic view while feeling like you're in an aerial cafe.

Winter | Special Snow Cruise at Lake Biwa

As the weather gets colder, the season of snow covering the Mine of Mt. Hiei arrives. Lake Biwa turns into a deep blue mirror, and the cruise ship heading from Ozu to Nagahama becomes a special trip across the silvery world. At the same time, on the northern slopes, the blue of Lake Biwa peeks out beyond the snow, creating a spectacular view of the lake and snow fields blending together.

Take a Snow-Viewing Cruise into a Fantastical World

The "Snow Viewing Boat Cruise" that runs from Ozu to Nagahama is a special winter-only service that allows you to enjoy the snowy world while gazing at the lakeshore and the distant Hira mountain range.

You can enjoy the view from the rooms, and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery without feeling the cold wind. It can be said to be a hidden attraction for winter travel, where you can feel the strong seasonal feeling.

Enjoy Skiing and Snowboarding 

For those who want to enjoy some serious winter sports, we recommend Biwako Valley.

The snow quality is good even for the Kansai region, and there are a wide range of courses for beginners to advanced skiers. Rental equipment and schools are also plentiful, so you don't have to worry about coming empty-handed.

After enjoying active activities, we recommend returning to Yumotokan and relaxing in the hot springs.

Enjoy the Four Seasons of Shiga with Yumotokan

So far, we have introduced recommended spots and activities for each season around Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei.

If you're planning on visiting, we recommend making the most of both the lakeside and mountain scenery. Yumotokan is the perfect base for doing so. In between sightseeing, you can soothe your body and mind with a soak in the hot springs and cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, while enjoying the tastes and flavors of Shiga's four seasons.

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