Lake Biwa Essentials
Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, is anchored by the Edo-period Hikone Castle and the ancient Tendai monastery of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. This area serves as the gateway to Kyoto’s cultural landmarks, including the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji and the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. The selection covers the 17th-century Nijō Castle, the Zen gardens of Ginkakuji, and the traditional geisha district of Pontochō. The journey concludes at Kyoto Station, a modern 11-storey architectural hub connecting the region via bullet train.
A Hikone castle
Hikone Castle is an Edo-period Japanese castle located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
B Enryaku-ji Monastery
Enryaku-ji is a Tendai monastery located on Mount Hiei in Ōtsu, overlooking Kyoto.
C Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple)
Zen Buddhist temple featuring a gold-leaf-covered pavilion and historic gardens. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.
D Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Historic Buddhist temple known for its large wooden stage and scenic views, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
E Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle
Built in 1603, this castle belongs to one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World…
F Pontochō
Ponto-chō is a Hanamachi district, which literally translates as "flower town." This name is a Japanese way of saying that there are geisha…
G Ginkakuji Temple
A Zen temple from the 15th century AD. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with famous decorative sand patterns, trees, and ponds, said…
H Kyoto Station
The Kyoto Station, a huge, 11-storey railway station for normal and bullet trains located in the heart of Kyoto, is the second largest…
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