Mt. Hiei, Kyoto’s eastern mountain range is known for Enryaku-ji. It’s a decent 1day trip out of Kyoto to enjoy gardens, temples and shrines, and hiking trails.
Former Chikurin-in Temple/ Shiga
Former Chikurin-in Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Shiga, originally a villa of Enryaku-ji monks, is famous for its huge and beautiful garden.
Mangetsu-ji Temple/ Shiga
Mangetsu-ji Temple, known as the Ukiumi-do, a floating temple is located in Katata on the southwest of Lake Biwa, to provide you one of the 8 beautiful landscapes of Shiga.
Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine/ Shiga
Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Hieizan in Shiga. The shrine is famous for beautiful autumn colors and monkeys known as divine messengers.
Shirahige Shrine/ Shiga
The majestic red torii gate of Shirahige Shrine is floating in Lake Biwa. Shirahige Shrine, located on the western side of Lake Biwa in Shiga blesses visitors with a long life.
A train trip around Lake Biwa/ Shiga
The Biwako line runs along the east side of Lake Biwa and the Kosei line runs along the west side. you can make a day trip around the lake by using those lines.
Biwako Valley 「琵琶湖バレイ」/ Shiga
Biwako Valley, located at the west shore of Lake Biwa to offer a spectacular view of Lake Biwa, and a wide variety of activities throughout the year.
Enryaku-ji Temple 「延暦寺」/ Shiga
Enryaku-ji, located in Kyoto’s eastern mountain range on Mt. Hieizan. You can go hiking or take the ropeway. The view from the ropeway is amazing.
Hikone Castle 「彦根城」/ Shiga
Hikone castle become a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, about 1.200 cherry trees making the most beautiful time of year to visit the castle.
Nagahama Castle 「長浜城」/ Shiga
Nagahama castle is located in northern part of Shiga. You can see a layer of cherry blossoms from the castle tower during the cherry blossom season.
Kaizu-Osaki “Sakura” viewing/ Shiga
Kaizu-Osaki has about 800 glorious cherry trees lining the northern shore of Lake Biwa for 4km. It’s one of Japan’s 100 greatest cherry blossom spots.