The Essence of Water in Japan 4 Days Charter Car Tour from Kyoto

Day 1: Kyoto’s Spiritual North: Forest Temples & Hidden Cafes

1. Shimogamo Jinja
   50m
   Surrounded by a virgin forest said to have continued since the Jomon period, this is one of Kyoto's oldest shrines, dating back to before the establishment of the capital. You can feel the vitality of nature, the weight of history, and a mysterious atmosphere all at once.
2. Sanzen-in Temple
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   The breathtaking beauty of the gardens is their greatest attraction, and both temples are located in the tranquility of mountain villages, making them the perfect places to escape the hassles of everyday life, calm your mind, and reflect on yourself.
3. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   The greatest appeal of Wappado is the cuisine that features seasonal organic vegetables grown by the owner himself in Ohara without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Enjoy meals made with the natural flavors of the ingredients in the warm atmosphere of a 130-year-old traditional Japanese house.
4. Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   It is one of the most important sacred sites in the history of Japanese Buddhism and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its appeal lies in its vast grounds, historical significance, and magnificent natural scenery. It is a place with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, below, and the cityscape of the ancient capital, Kyoto, to the west.

Day 2: Shiga: Lake Biwa, Breweries & Village Life

1. 5m
   Enjoy the spectacular view of the vermilion-lacquered torii gate towering over Lake Biwa and the mysterious torii gate floating in the lake, which has a history as the oldest shrine in Omi.
2. Omizo Castle Ruins
   40m
   It flourished as a key waterway from ancient times to the early modern period, and has preserved its unique culture and scenery, which skillfully utilized Lake Biwa and the spring waters at the foot of the mountains. It is a quiet and charming place where you can enjoy the beautiful waterfront scenery and feel the deep connection between people's lives and water, while also enjoying the historic townscape.
3. 1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Founded in 1865, this brewery has a history of over 160 years, and uses underground water from the Hira Mountains for the brewing water, which is the lifeblood of sake brewing. Making the most of the beautiful water and land bounty of Takashima, Shiga, this fascinating brewery approaches sake brewing with history, artisanal skills, and a new sensibility.
4. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   Enjoy local ingredients while admiring the view of the metasequoia trees in the cozy space of a renovated old house.
5. Doganji Kannondo Kogenji
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   The Eleven-Headed Kannon statue at Doganji Temple's Kannon Hall is a masterpiece acclaimed as the most beautiful of the seven National Treasure Eleven-Headed Kannon statues across Japan.
   This is a place where you can find peace of mind, not only for the artistic value of the statue, but also for the history and faith of the people who have protected it for so long.

Day 3: Chikubu Island Day Trip from Kyoto

1. 1.9 days
   With its beautiful scenery, selected as one of the eight most scenic views of Lake Biwa, and being accessible only by boat, it is far from the sounds of the bustling city, allowing you to experience a leisurely pace away from everyday life.
2. 45m
   It once flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo road connecting Edo and Kyoto, and its greatest attractions are its pure spring water and beautiful underwater flowers. It is a hidden gem that represents Shiga Prefecture, where you can simultaneously experience the beautiful waterfront scenery that can be said to be the original landscape of Japan and the atmosphere of a post town full of history.
3. 1h 20m · Admission ticket not included
   In addition to viewing the garden, you can also take a quiet stroll around the grounds and enjoy the refreshing air and tranquil atmosphere of the ancient trees that are unique to a Zen temple.

Day 4: Matcha Capital & Riverside Day Trip from Kyoto

1. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   Even if you don't have any prior knowledge or etiquette of the tea ceremony, the instructor will carefully teach you, so even first-timers can feel at ease as they observe an authentic tea ceremony and taste tea.
2. 2h · Admission ticket not included
   Byodo-in Temple is one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese Buddhist art, and one step inside to enter a special place where you can feel the world of paradise that Heian aristocrats have longed for for over a thousand years. On Omotesando, you can relax after a walk with meals and sweets made with Uji tea, and it's also a great place to choose souvenirs.
3. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   Approximately 200 sake brewing tools used from the Edo period to the Taisho period are on display, allowing visitors to visually learn about the traditional sake brewing process, from washing the rice to squeezing it.
4. 45m · Admission ticket not included
   From the boat, you can get a close-up view of the white-walled sake breweries and beautiful rows of willow trees, which is a bit different from what you can see from land.
   This will allow you to relive the lives of people in the Edo period and the history of the flourishing water transportation industry.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels