▲ Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine One of the ancient shrines in Omi (with a history of about 1,900 years), its iconic feature is the vermilion torii gate partially submerged in the lake. In the early morning, mist gently veils the lake surface, and the torii's reflection blends into a soft rosy hue in the milky haze. At dusk, the golden sunset dyes the lake water in a mesmerizing blend of orange-red and indigo, while fishing boats glide silently between the torii and Okishima Island. On weekend nights, warm lights illuminate the shrine, casting a gentle glow of vermilion against the tranquil night—a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.
▲ La Collina Omihachiman La Collina Omihachiman is a fairy-tale dessert kingdom jointly created by the renowned local wagashi shop Taneya and the architectural maverick Terunobu Fujimori.
▲ Biwako valley Take the 360° transparent cable car to the summit, where the 1100 m terrace offers a panoramic view of lake biwa. During the sea of clouds season, the lake is enveloped in mist, with islands peeking out like mythical mountains in the sea. On clear days, the lake's sapphire-blue waters and expansive views are breathtaking. The cable car fee at biwako valley is not included and needs to be paid separately. Reference cable car fee: ¥5,000/person. Special dates in 2026: Aug 8–16 and Sep 20–22, with an additional ¥500 fee required on these days. Maintenance closure periods: Jun 29 (Mon) – Jul 3 (Fri) Sep 7 (Mon) – Sep 11 (Fri) Nov 24 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri)