Gather at the designated meeting point in Osaka or Kyoto in the morning to begin your journey to explore Shiga.
Embark on your first stop to the Miho Museum, a remarkable creation by the renowned architect Mr. I.M. Pei, inspired by the "Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring." Nestled deep in the mountains, this architectural marvel offers you a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. During the closure of the art museum, you're going to visit the Hachimanbori.
Next, venture to Hachimanbori, a historically rich canal and ancient district located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Here, ancient buildings and styles abound, with preserved traditional Japanese architecture lining both sides of the canal.
In the afternoon, explore Kyu-Chikurin-in, a serene place once a hermitage for a high-ranking monk. Highly recommended by Japanese photographers, it shares the same architectural layout as the Rurikoin, offering you opportunities to capture identical mirror-like reflections.
Continue your journey to Lake Biwa, where you'll visit the Shirahige Shrine and its iconic Torii gate standing peacefully in the water. Considered a symbol of Japan, Lake Biwa is the country's largest lake and a designated national park. The Shirahige Shrine, built approximately 1,900 years ago, is one of Omi's oldest shrines and a crucial element of Japan's heritage. The scenery is enchanting, with Chikubu Island forming a captivating backdrop.
