Escape to Enchanting OmiHachiman: The Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto to Japan's Venice (Complete Canal Boat Itinerary)
The Kansai region is an extremely attractive area for foreign tourists visiting Japan. While Kyoto serves as the central and classic tourist destination, attention has recently been drawn to hidden gem spots in the surrounding areas that can be easily visited on day trips from Kyoto.
Among these, Omi Hachiman Suigo, known as a town rich in waterways, is called the "Venice of Japan," and its beautiful scenery attracts many people.
This time, we have carefully selected a model course that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Omi Hachiman in one day. Please use this guide as a reference to efficiently and deeply enjoy the history, culture, and nature of Omi Hachiman.
How to Get to Omi Hachiman from Kyoto?
Taking the train is the most convenient and common way to access Omi Hachiman from Kyoto.
From Kyoto Station, take the Biwako Line Special Rapid Service and arrive at Omihachiman Station in approximately 35 minutes. Since you can access it without transfers, the journey is smooth.
When using buses, there are no direct express services from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman.
You can use the Meishin Kosoku Bus to go to stops within Shiga Prefecture such as "Meishin Yokaichi" or "Hyakusaiji." However, these stops are somewhat far from Omihachiman Station. Therefore, bus travel is not efficient.
For travel from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman, train access is most recommended. The travel time is short, making it easy to enjoy a casual day trip.
The Charm of Omi Hachiman
Omi Hachiman is a charming town where history and nature interweave. The historic townscape and traditional machiya (townhouses) that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) still remain, giving you the sensation of time-traveling to the past.
This town is also known as the "Venice of Japan," characterized by beautiful waterways that spread throughout the area. The leisurely boat tours (Suigo Meguri) that cruise these waterways are a unique experience only available in Omi Hachiman.
Additionally, the beautiful nature throughout the four seasons is one of Omi Hachiman's major attractions. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, fresh greenery dazzles in summer, and autumn leaves color the water's surface in fall.
There is also an abundance of delicious Japanese cuisine using local ingredients, making this truly a place where you can deeply feel Japan's charm from various angles: history, scenery, experiences, and gourmet food.
Route Overview of One-day Itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman
This one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman Suigo offers a packed experience including historic townscape exploration, waterway boat tours, spectacular mountain views, and delicious gourmet food.
In this model course, you'll tour historical spots around Hachiman-bori Moat in the morning, leisurely view the beautiful waterway scenery from a boat in the afternoon. After that, take the ropeway up Hachimanyama to enjoy spectacular views, and conclude with souvenir shopping and museum visits.
This is an itinerary that allows you to efficiently and deeply enjoy the charm of Omi Hachiman.
One-day Itinerary to Fully Enjoy Omi Hachiman's Historical Tourist Spots
9:00 AM: Depart from Kyoto
Making some preparations before departing Kyoto will make your day in Omi Hachiman even more fulfilling.
Research local transportation options
Check local bus timetables
Confirm and make reservations for restaurant and experience facility operating information
Since there is some distance from Omihachiman Station to major tourist spots, researching transportation options like buses or taxis in advance provides peace of mind. Since buses may have limited frequency, check the timetables beforehand.
Omi Hachiman has many attractive restaurants and experience facilities. Some popular restaurants and experience content require reservations, so check operating information and reservation availability in advance.
10:30 AM: Tour the Town of Omi Hachiman that Prospered as a Castle Town under Hachimanyama Castle
This area, which prospered as a castle town under Hachimanyama Castle, is a place that conveys Omi Hachiman's history to the present day.
The people who were active in this area were businessmen called "Ōmi shōnin (Omi merchants)" who centered their work around peddling. From the 17th to late 19th centuries, they built trust and achievements while peddling throughout the country, greatly influencing the development of Japan's economy.
In Omi Hachiman's old town, traditional machiya and storehouses where they lived and conducted business are still preserved, and you can feel the atmosphere of that time just by walking around.
Hachiman-bori Moat
Hachiman-bori Moat is a historic canal that was used as a base for material transportation and commercial activities during the era when Ōmi shōnin were active. Due to the existence of this moat, Omi Hachiman developed as a logistics and economic hub, and merchants expanded their trade throughout the country.
Currently, beautiful scenery remains with stone walls and white-walled machiya reflected on the water's surface, making it a popular walking spot where you can feel history in a relaxed atmosphere. It has also been used as a filming location for movies and period dramas, allowing you to experience the sentiment of good old Japan.
Since you're scheduled to take a waterway cruise boat around this moat in the afternoon, taking a good look at the scenery from the land side first should allow you to more deeply enjoy the difference when viewing from the waterside.
- Address: Osugi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-32-7003
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://www.city.omihachiman.lg.jp/soshiki/kanko/3/4/4/859.html
Himure Hachimangu
Himure Hachimang is a prestigious shrine that has long gathered the faith of people in this region, beloved by locals as the main guardian shrine of Omihachiman. Within the precincts surrounded by quiet forests stand beautiful main halls and worship halls, where you can leisurely stroll while experiencing Japan's traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
If timing permits, visiting during traditional events like the "Sagicho Matsuri" in March or "Hachiman Matsuri" in April is also recommended. You can experience firsthand the culture that local people have inherited through generations.
As it's a peaceful place that calms the heart, it's recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll while experiencing Japanese traditional architecture and historical culture. This makes it an ideal stop for a one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman Suigo.
- Address: 257 Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone: 0748-32-3151
- Business Hours: 8:30-17:00
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://himure.jp/
Shinmachi Street
Shinmachi Street is a historic streetscape where magnificent townhouses once inhabited by Ōmi merchants line up in rows, preserving historical scenery. From the 17th to late 19th centuries, it conveys the lifestyle of Ōmi merchants who supported Japan's economy and the bustling atmosphere of commercial cities of that time.
The beautiful townscape with black plaster walls and lattice doors is a precious place where you can feel the beauty of Japanese traditional architecture and living culture. Walking through the street, you'll experience the quietness and charm as if stepping into Japan's ancient history, allowing you to spend special time different from daily life.
This street is perfect for those who want to slowly stroll through Japan's traditional townscapes, those interested in Japanese history and architecture, and those who want to take beautiful photographs. It's an essential destination for any one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman Suigo.
- Address: Shinmachi, Omihachiman City
- Phone: None
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/907/
Hongan-ji Hachiman Betsu-in Branch Temple
Source:Wikipedia
Hongan-ji Hachiman Betsu-in is a Buddhist temple that has been deeply rooted in the faith and culture of this region for over 400 years. It was once cherished as a spiritual refuge for Ōmi merchants.
Passing through the magnificent main gate, quiet precincts spread out, where wooden main halls and bell towers stand peacefully. Though without lavish decorations, the details of the buildings breathe with Japan's traditional aesthetic sense and craftsmanship, where you can feel a dignified atmosphere.
Despite being close to bustling tourist areas, this place flows with surprisingly quiet and peaceful time. It's recommended for those who want to distance themselves from the hustle and bustle and experience Buddhist spirituality and Japanese values. This serene temple perfectly complements a one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman Suigo.
- Address: 39-1 Kitamoto-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone: 0748-33-2466
- Business Hours: 8:30-16:30
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://hatimanbetuin.jimdofree.com/
If you're interested in Japan's historic cities, a one-day tour of Kyoto and Nara with an English guide is recommended.
Since you travel by private vehicle, you can efficiently sightsee even with limited time. While covering classic famous spots like Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Todaiji Temple, guides carefully introduce Japanese history and culture.
They accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests upon advance notice. With small group sizes, you can participate with peace of mind, and even first-time visitors can spend a fulfilling day.
- Meeting Point: Accommodation facilities within the area
- Tour Areas: Kyoto・Nara
- Start Time: 9:00~
12:00PM: Savoring Exquisite Japanese Cuisine in a Town That Retains the Atmosphere of Old Japan
Enjoying delicious Japanese cuisine in the historic streets of Omi Hachiman is one of the great pleasures of this one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Omi Hachiman Suigo. In this region, you can abundantly taste dishes that make use of local ingredients such as fresh fish caught in Lake Biwa and Omi Beef. We also recommend leisurely enjoying your meal at charming restaurants that have been renovated from traditional townhouses.
Waden
Source:Official website
Waden is a restaurant where you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine that makes abundant use of local ingredients from Omi Hachiman. Popular dishes include those that fuse tradition and creativity, such as Omi Beef steak and seared sushi, and specialty dishes using Ayu (sweetfish) and Biwa trout caught in Lake Biwa.
The interior, renovated from a traditional Japanese house over 100 years old, has a calm atmosphere where you can leisurely enjoy your meal. This restaurant is recommended for those who want to taste local seasonal ingredients or enjoy a slightly luxurious lunch. While savoring refined Japanese cuisine, you can feel the depth of Japanese food culture.
- Address: 743 Taga-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-32-8817
- Business Hours: 11:00-15:00
- Closed: Weekdays (open with advance reservation)
- Official Website: https://www.oumi-waden.com/waden
Taneya Himure-no-ya
Source:Official website
Taneya Himure-no-ya is a cafe-equipped store operated by the long-established Japanese confectionery shop "Taneya." Inside the store, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and light meals made with Shiga ingredients while viewing a beautiful Japanese garden.
When I visited, I had freshly baked "Taneya Manjū" and light meals with gentle flavors using local vegetables. I was able to spend time leisurely while gazing at the garden through the large windows, having a comfortable moment where I could take a breather during my journey.
This place is perfect not only for Japanese sweets and tea, but also for those who want to slowly savor healthy lunches. Please try spending quiet, uniquely Japanese time in this space where tradition and nature harmonize.
- Address: Himure Village, Miyauchi-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-33-4444
- Business Hours: 9:30-17:00
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://taneya.jp/shop/shiga_himure
Eel Hitsumabushi Sumiyagura
Source:Official website
Eel Hitsumabushi Sumiyagura is a Hitsumabushi specialty restaurant that takes pride in eel that is fragrant on the outside and fluffy and tender inside. Hitsumabushi is eaten first as is, then with condiments added, and finally with hot broth poured over it ochazuke-style. You can enjoy the changing flavors and savor it to the end without getting bored.
The carefully grilled eel has excellent compatibility with the special sauce, and from the first bite, the aroma and umami spread throughout your mouth. The time spent tasting freshly grilled eel in the calm Japanese space is a special moment experiencing Japanese food culture. This dish is recommended not only for eel lovers, but also for foreign tourists interested in the unique eating style called "Hitsumabushi."
- Address: 26 Otowa-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-31-3325
- Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:00
- Closed: None
- Official Website: https://www.sumiyagura.com/shiga.html
Hisago Sushi
Source:Official website
Hisago Sushi is a long-established sushi restaurant that has been beloved by local people for decades in Omi Hachiman. Here, craftsmen carefully prepare sushi using lake fish such as Biwa trout and crucian carp caught in Lake Biwa, as well as seasonal seafood purchased from local markets, serving each piece one by one.
Unlike the flashy sushi of tourist areas, you can enjoy authentic, locally-rooted sushi that values the natural flavors of the ingredients. This is a recommended restaurant for those who want to experience local flavors rather than tourist-oriented ones. Please leisurely savor the craftsman's skill and seasonal flavors in the calm interior.
- Address: 213-3 Sakuramiya-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-33-1234
- Business Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
- Official Website: https://www.hisagozushi.com/
1:00 PM: Cruise Omihachiman Suigo by Japanese Boat
The Japanese boat experience at Omihachiman Suigo is the most recommended activity to truly feel the charm of this area, known as the "Venice of Japan." As you gently glide through the waterways in a small boat, historical townscapes and abundant nature unfold before your eyes, giving you the sensation of stepping into a painting.
I experienced this myself before, and the moments spent listening to bird songs while watching the swaying reflections of trees on the water surface made me forget about daily life.
The suigo (waterway) tours are operated by several boat companies, with various courses and durations available. Regular shared boats typically run for about 60 minutes, but if you charter a private boat, you can choose longer courses of 80-120 minutes.
The longer courses allow you to extend your journey to nature-rich areas not visible from the town center and even to the historic shipping routes once used for transporting goods, letting you thoroughly savor the profound charm of the suigo.
[Boat Company Information]
Omihachiman Wafune Kanko Kyodo Kumiai (Omihachiman Traditional Boat Tourism Cooperative)
- Departure times: 10:00~, 15:00~ (Extra services available during busy periods)
- Reservation: Not required
- Official URL: http://www.suigou-meguri.com/index.html
Suigo no Sato Maruyama
- Departure times: 10:00~, 13:10~, 15:00~
- Reservation: Required
- Official URL: https://www.za.ztv.ne.jp/tekogi.maruyama/
Biwako Kanko Co., Ltd.
- Departure times: 10:30~, 13:30~, 15:30~ (Extra services available during busy periods)
- Reservation: Required
- Official URL: http://www.suigou.com/
Shima Shinju Suigo Kanko-sen
- Departure times: 10:30~, 14:30~
- Reservation: Not required
- Official URL: https://www.omi8.com/spot/detail_1139.html
Highlight 1: Beautiful Scenery Representing One of Japan's Three Great Water Landscapes
Omihachiman Suigo is counted among "Japan's Three Great Suigo" alongside Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture and Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, and its beautiful scenery is truly exceptional.
The landscape woven by waterways abundant with reeds, the pastoral scenery spreading beyond them, and the mountains visible in the distance represents the very essence of Japan's original landscape. In the quietly flowing time, you can forget the daily hustle and bustle and fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
This is especially recommended for those who love landscape photography or want to experience Japan's traditional beautiful scenery.
Highlight 2: Elegant and Historical Atmosphere Created by the Castle Town of Hachimanyama Castle
As you drift along on the Omihachiman Suigo boat, the townscape that once flourished as a castle town of Hachimanyama Castle spreads out across the water. The sight of white-walled storehouses and lattice door townhouses quietly standing along the waterside is as beautiful as stepping into a landscape painting.
The buildings and bridges reflected on the water surface, combined with seasonal greenery and autumn colors, create overlapping scenery where you can feel traces of history - a luxurious time that can only be experienced from a boat. You'll notice beautiful details that might be overlooked during land-based walks.
This is perfect not only for those interested in history and architecture but also for those who want to immerse themselves in scenery and culture during quiet moments.
Highlight 3: Nature Showing Different Expressions Throughout the Four Seasons with Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Greenery
One of the great attractions of Omihachiman Suigo is the beauty of nature that shows different expressions throughout the four seasons.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely along the waterways, creating a pale pink landscape reflected on the water surface. When I visited during full bloom, it was very impressive to see the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind when looked up at from the boat, with petals slowly falling onto the water surface.
In summer, the lush green reeds sway in the wind, and the refreshing fresh greenery is vivid to the eyes. In autumn, the autumn leaves color the water surface, creating a landscape like a brocade picture. And in winter, the suigo quietly standing in the snowy landscape also has its own charm.
No matter which season you visit, you can experience the beautiful nature unique to that time of year.
With Advance Reservation, You Can Also Enjoy Bento While Cruising Omihachiman Suigo
On Omihachiman Suigo pleasure boats, you can also enjoy bento (boxed lunch) on board with advance reservation. However, please note that whether this service is available varies by boat company, and it may be limited to chartered boats only.
The time spent enjoying local ingredient-rich bento while viewing the beautiful waterside scenery becomes a special travel memory. This is especially recommended for those considering lunchtime boarding or those wanting a different kind of experience.
Why not try enjoying a supreme lunch on the water at a leisurely pace? Since reservations are required, please contact the boat companies early to inquire.
3:00 PM: Enjoy spectacular views at Hachimanyama Observation Building via Hachimanyama Ropeway
After getting off the boat, take the Hachimanyama Ropeway to head to Hachimanyama Summit. This ropeway arrives at the Hachimanyama Observation Building in just a few minutes.
At the Hachimanyama Observation Building, you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the beautiful townscape of Omihachiman and Lake Biwa. When I visited, it was just around sunset, and the setting sun over the lake dyed the water surface golden, creating such beauty that I was speechless for a while.
The view from Hachimanyama shows different expressions depending on the time and season. While overlooking the town of Omihachiman, please try to find your own special scenery.
- Address: 19 Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone number: None
- Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Official website: None
3:30 PM: Explore the tourist attractions at Hachimanyama Summit
At the summit of Hachimanyama, there are historical highlights and places where you can enjoy beautiful scenery scattered throughout. After getting off the ropeway, please take a walk around.
Murakumo Zuiryu Temple
This temple is said to have been built by Zuiryuin, the mother of Toyotomi Hidetsugu, who was the nephew of the famous Japanese military commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi from the late 16th century and was once considered his successor, to pray for Hidetsugu's soul.
The temple grounds, quietly standing on the mountain, beautifully harmonize the magnificent main hall, stone steps, and moss-covered gardens, enveloping visitors in a solemn atmosphere.
Additionally, the view of Lake Biwa continuing from the Suigo (water village) at the eastern foot of the mountain, as seen from the elevated ground within the temple grounds, is said to be one of the most beautiful in the city.
This is a recommended spot not only for those interested in history, but also for those who want to slowly appreciate Japanese temple architecture and natural scenery in a peaceful place.
- Address: 19-9 Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone number: 0748-32-3323
- Business hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: None
- Official website: https://temple.nichiren.or.jp/5071008-zuiryuji/
Hachimanyama Castle Ruins
Hachimanyama Castle Ruins are the remains of a mountain castle built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu. Located at the summit of Hachimanyama at 271 meters above sea level, it strategically played an important role as a key point overlooking the entire Omi region during its construction period.
Currently, only parts of the stone walls and baileys remain, but from the structure that skillfully utilized the mountain's terrain, one can glimpse the scale and high defensive nature of the former castle.
Particularly noteworthy is the view from the castle ruins. Below, Lake Biwa and the townscape of Omihachiman spread out, allowing you to imagine the scenery that the castle lord of that time would have gazed upon.
This spot has value not only as a historical relic but also as a historic site in nature, making it recommended not just for history enthusiasts but also for active travelers.
- Address: Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone number: None
- Business hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Official website: https://www.pref.shiga.lg.jp/file/attachment/2042777.pdf
4:30 PM: Enjoy wagashi surrounded by nature at La Collina Ōmi-Hachiman
Source:Official website
La Collina Ōmi-Hachiman is a unique facility themed on coexistence with nature, embodying the worldview and philosophy of the wagashi shop "Taneya" and the Western confectionery shop "Club Harie."
Within the lush green grounds, there are rice fields and vegetable gardens where you can enjoy strolling while feeling nature. Here, there is a café where you can taste freshly baked baumkuchen and seasonal wagashi.
I ate "Dora Sofuto" here, which consists of moist cake filled with moderately sweet red bean paste and soft serve ice cream. This dessert, a collaboration of Japanese and Western styles, had an exquisite balance of gentle sweetness and texture, and was unexpectedly delicious, moving me deeply.
This is a spot that people who want to enjoy delicious sweets in nature should definitely visit. It's also perfect for souvenir shopping, where you can find items that are perfect mementos of your trip to Omihachiman.
- Address: 615-1 Kitanosho-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone number: 0748-33-6666
- Business hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Official website: https://taneya.jp/la_collina/
5:15 PM: Explore the Museums Remaining in Omi Hachiman
Omi Hachiman is dotted with fascinating museums where you can experience the region's history, culture, and art. Each museum conveys the profound depth of Omi Hachiman through different themes.
Please choose a theme that interests you and stop by for a visit.
Kawara Museum
The Kawara Museum is a museum where you can enjoyably learn about the history and culture of traditional Japanese kawara (roof tiles). Kawara, commonly seen on the roofs of Japanese temples and townhouses, are not only functional for protection against rain and wind, but are also crafts with beautiful designs and meanings of warding off evil spirits.
Omi Hachiman was once known as a production center for high-quality kawara. Here, you can experience that technology and aesthetic sense.
Inside the museum, displays showcase the craftsmen's skills, including heavy kawara used in samurai residences and temples, and kawara with different designs from various regions.
This is a perfect spot not only for those interested in architecture and crafts, but also for those who want to experience the details of Japanese culture.
- Address: 738-2 Taga-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-33-8567
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Official Website: https://www.omihachiman-shiryoukan-kawara.jp/kawaramuseum/
Borderless Art Museum NO-MA
Source:Wikipedia
Borderless Art Museum NO-MA is a unique museum that transcends the framework of art, primarily showcasing artwork by people with disabilities.
The works exhibited here are filled with surprisingly free and powerful expressions that are not bound by techniques or styles, shaking the values of viewers. The building is a renovated townhouse from the 1930s, creating a dialogue between the charming space and the artworks.
In this space where tradition and modernity intersect, you can have a precious experience of encountering diverse creativity.
This is recommended not only for people interested in art, but for everyone who is concerned with "what is expression."
- Address: Kami 16, Nagahara-cho, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-36-5018
- Operating Hours: 11:00-17:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Official Website: https://no-ma.jp/
Omi Hachiman City Museum
The Omi Hachiman City Museum is a museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Omi Hachiman in a compact format.
Inside the museum, there are displays of the lifestyle and trading tools of Ōmi merchants who were active nationwide from the 17th to 19th centuries, models and old maps of Hachiman-bori which flourished as a water transport city, and exhibitions about regional traditional events and beliefs. Through these exhibitions, you can learn about the formation and background of this town from multiple perspectives.
The displays also include English descriptions, making it perfect for people who want to understand the town's history and culture within limited travel time. If you stop by, your subsequent sightseeing will surely become more enriching.
- Address: 2-22 Shinmachi, Omi Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number: 0748-32-7048
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Official Website: https://www.omihachiman-shiryoukan-kawara.jp/omimuseum/
6:30PM: Enjoy the Fantastic Atmosphere of Illuminated Omi Hachiman Suigo
Source:Chunichi Shimbun
The illuminated Omi Hachiman Suigo offers a fantastic atmosphere that differs from the daytime beauty of the waterways. Although it's available for limited periods during seasonal events and festivals, if you're lucky enough to visit during the illumination period, you can enjoy a completely different fantastic scenery from the daytime.
The white-walled townhouses and Hachiman-bori are softly lit up, and the light and shadows reflected on the water surface create a romantic atmosphere. The scenery where light emerges from the quietness is like wandering into a story.
Since the illumination implementation varies by year, please check the latest information on the Omi Hachiman City Tourism Association or official website before your visit.
Any Time: Departure Towards Kyoto
After finishing a memorable day in Omi Hachiman, you'll want to spend the conclusion of your trip in a way that remains in your heart. There are two options for concluding your trip before returning to Kyoto.
The first option is to leisurely enjoy dinner in Omi Hachiman. This area has abundant restaurants that serve cuisine utilizing local ingredients. It's also recommended to spend memorable dining time unique to Omi Hachiman at the end of your trip.
The second option is to return to Kyoto a little early and enjoy food hopping around Kyoto Station. Inside Kyoto Station Building and its surroundings, a wide variety of restaurants from Japanese to Western cuisine are gathered. You can enjoy the excitement of travel as it is in the lively Kyoto night.
How you spend the end of your trip changes the colors of that day's memories. Please choose your own way of "concluding" to make your day in Omi Hachiman even richer.
If You Want to Enjoy Not Only Omi Hachiman but Also Kyoto, Explore the City with Local Guides
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
The Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a night-only gourmet tour where you walk through Kyoto's back alleys with local guides while visiting local izakaya and bars. You can enjoy authentic "local taste and atmosphere" that cannot be experienced in tourist areas alone.
With English-speaking guides who also teach about Kyoto's history and culture in detail, first-time visitors can feel at ease.
This is perfect for people who want to experience a different kind of Kyoto night during their trip. However, please note that minors cannot participate.
- Meeting point: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue
- Tour area: Gion & Pontocho
- Start time: 17:00~, 18:00~
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
This is a tour that explores Fushimi Inari, one of Kyoto's representative tourist destinations, by walking quiet hiking courses in the back mountains with local guides. You'll avoid crowds and visit "hidden spots" not found in guidebooks, such as Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates), bamboo groves, and small shrines.
English-fluent guides also lecture about Japanese faith culture and history. This is a special experience where you can taste nature and culture simultaneously. This is recommended for people who want to experience quiet Kyoto.
Since you'll be walking mountain paths, please participate wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- Meeting point: Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store
- Tour area: Fushimi Inari
- Start time: 9:00~, 10:00~, 13:00~