The famous and extremely beautiful gardens of Fuyoen are set amid the lush and sweeping nature at the foot of Mt. Hieizan. This restaurant provides the only place inside the Sakamoto Preservation District for Group of Traditional Buildings to look out over the lovely gardens while enjoying a meal and some tea.

Hiei is home to one of the most important temples in the history of Japan. Hidden amongst its heavily forested hills are the many sacred buildings of Enryakuji, a mystical Tendai Buddhist monastery that attracts monks from across Japan to its famously rigorous training.
These immersion experiences at Enryakuji begin with a conversation with one of the monks that works at the temple. Through a series of questions and observations regarding your own unique goals, preferences, motivations and struggles, the monk will design and customize a program specifically for you, so that each guest is ensured the best, most impactful experience.
Program Schedule:
Monk Consultation: Meet with a monk to share personal goals or struggles, leading to a personalized training plan.
Introduction to Enryakuji: Discover the essence and history of the temple at Konpon Chu do , its central
Tailored Training: Participate in two customized sessions, such as candlelight meditation, dialogue with a monk, incense maki ng, calligraphy, prayer bracelet making, mountain trekking on the training path, or Zen garden creation.

Plan A: Authentic Kaiseki Lunch
Authentic Kaiseki Cuisine by Kiyomoto , a 120 Year Old Renowned Restaurant Savor an exclusive kaiseki meal in the serene, private setting of WAQOO Mii dera , a one group per day fully private retreat within the grounds of Miidera Temple. This exceptional dining experience highlights the finest local ingredients from Shiga.
Plan B: Premium Tea Ceremony Experience
The Ultimate Tea Ceremony Experience in a Private Setting (90 120 minutes) Immerse yourself in the art of sado (Japanese tea ceremony) with a private lesson led by a master of the Urasenke School, one of Japan’s most esteemed tea ceremony traditions. This exclusive experience takes place in the serene setting of WAQOO Mii dera For Small Groups (24 guests): The tea master prepares and serves matcha to each participant. Guests then take turns at the tea preparation area, receiving personalized guidance to try tea making themselves. For Larger Groups (58 guests)*an additional fee applies: The tea master prepares tea for one or two participants while the remaining guests are served separately. Each guest practices tea making at their seat, following the master’s demonstration .

Exclusive activities for guests at WAQOO Mii dera
Available only for guests staying at the accommodation. Please inquire when booking.
Temple Tour: Guided tour of important architectural sites within the temple precincts.
Special Access: Exclusive entry to the Kannon do Hall inner sanctum, three story pagoda interior, and Toin complex, with Kangetsu Butai (Moon Viewing Stage) access in spring only.
Mountain Monk Experience: Dress in traditional ascetic attire and embark on a spiritual training journey through Mt. Nagara .
Zen Meditation in a National Treasure: Experience seated meditation in the historic Kan gakuin or Kojo in guest halls.
Special Prayer Ceremony: A private prayer session by the head priest in the Kannon do Hall inner sanctum.
Special Goma Fire Ritual: Personalized prayer through a sacred fire ritual performed in the Kannon do Hall.

Enjoy a tempura lunch at Tempura Ohmi in Biwako Hotel

Hikone Castle SAMURAI Experience
Tea Ceremony in a Cultural Property & Special Castle Tour
Experience the spirit of Japan’s samurai at the National Treasure, Hikone Castle. This exclusive program includes a tea ceremony in the normally inaccessible " Goshoin " cultural property, along with a guided tour by Hikone Castle specialists. Learn about the samurai way of life and their deep connection to the tea ceremony in an authentic castle setting.

Provides a full range of souvenirs from Shiga, including confections, traditional art and local sake!
The retail corner offers not only drinks and soft serve ice cream but also freshly hand baked senbei crackers and fresh Omi beef croquettes.

Yumekyobashi Castle Road starts immediately from the bridge that crosses the moat at Hikone-jo Castle, and is designed to evoke the townscape of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). It features multiple outlets, including facilities offering a variety of experiences and a range of restaurants.

enjoy an Italian lunch featuring the local ingredients at Kita Biwako Hotel Grazie

Kajiyacho Village in Nagahama City, northern Shiga, was a key center for crafting armor and spears during the Sengoku era. Later, it became a hub for agricultural tools, but by the 1950s, the Manyo Blacksmith Hut was the last workshop, and now welcomes visitors as a municipal cultural property. Guests can experience traditional blacksmithing.