Customizable Private Day Trip by Car from Kyoto to Hikone, Omi
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With the flexibility to choose your departure time and itinerary, this tour is perfect for those who want to explore specific locations at their own pace or for those who want to explore at their own pace.
Enjoy a personalized experience on this private tour.
Explore hidden spots and local alleyways that tourists won't find.
Enjoy a private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Available options
English-speaking tour guide
Pickup included
Groups of 1-9 people
Toyota Hiace<br/>Pickup included
Groups of 1-5 people
Toyota Alphard: Group of 5, no luggage allowed<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
highway toll
Parking Fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Admission fees are not included and must be purchased separately.
Regular Admission Fee: Adults: 1,000 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students: 300 yen
Hikone Castle is known for its beautiful backdrop of Lake Biwa, its National Treasure keep, its castle walls that remain almost completely intact, and its charming seasonal scenery. Construction took approximately 20 years and was completed in 1622, making it one of Japan's most famous castles. The keep is a National Treasure, and the castle grounds are home to many Important Cultural Properties, including the Tenbin Yagura (balcony tower) and Taikomon Yagura (drum gate tower).
Tickets: Adults: ¥1,000, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥300
Tickets are not included in the price, but we can assist you in purchasing them.
2
La Collina Omihachiman is the flagship store of Taneya, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop, and Club Harie, a Western confectionery shop famous for its Baumkuchen. La Collina means "hill" in Italian. The site is an astonishing 120,000 square meters, roughly the size of three Koshien Stadiums! The main shop is a grass-covered building with a thatched roof.
3
Hatayama, a 271.9m-high mountain, is the site of Hachimanyama Castle, built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585 (Tensho 13). It is believed to have been a massive fortress with the Honmaru (main keep) at the very top of Hachimanyama, and the Ninomaru (second bailey), Nishinomaru (west bailey), Kitanomaru (northern bailey), and Demaru (outer bailey). While only the stone walls remain, the remains of the Murakumo Palace Zuiryuji Temple Monastery stands on the site of the Honmaru. The Hachimanyama Ropeway takes you from the base of the mountain to the summit in approximately four minutes, offering views of Lake Biwa and the former castle town of Omihachiman.
Omihachiman City is famous for its Hachimanbori moat and waterfront sightseeing trails. With its white-walled storehouses, mansions built by wealthy merchants, and stone walls, the charming streets seem as if time has stood still for centuries, making it a tourist attraction that is a delight to stroll through.
What's not included
Tickets are not included in the price, but we can help you purchase them.
Snacks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
$467
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
