Discover autumn foliage, traditional shopping streets, and a relaxing lake cruise—just 10 minutes from Kyoto.

Autumn in Japan is all about colorful leaves.

But at Kyoto’s most famous spots, the crowds can sometimes be just as impressive as the scenery!

If you’re looking for a different way to enjoy Japan’s autumn colors, why not venture a little beyond Kyoto?

Just 10 minutes by JR train from Kyoto Station, Otsu in Shiga Prefecture offers beautiful autumn foliage, historic temples, and a glimpse of everyday Japanese life beside Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.

Start your morning exploring shrines and temples, wander through a traditional shopping street, and take a relaxing cruise across the lake. In the afternoon, discover the charming historic town of Sakamoto, at the foot of Mount Hiei.

No car needed—just trains, walking, and a full day of autumn discoveries.

Your Autumn Day Trip from Kyoto at a Glance

About 8 hours | Easy by train | No car needed

⛩️ Morning — Discover Nagara Shrine, Mio Shrine, and the autumn colors of Miidera Temple

🛍️ Late Morning — Explore Nakamachi Shopping Street and experience everyday Japanese life

🚢 11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Relax on the Michigan Cruise across Lake Biwa

🍵 Afternoon — Explore historic Sakamoto, its tea heritage, stone walls, and waterways

🍁 Later Afternoon — Enjoy the brilliant autumn foliage of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Times are approximate. This itinerary uses the 11:00 AM Michigan 90 cruise. Check operating schedules, train connections, and boarding times before traveling. Some shops in Nakamachi Shopping Street may not be open in the morning.

Explore This Autumn Day Trip on Google Maps

Morning: Historic Otsu & Lake Biwa

JR Otsu Station → Nagara Shrine → Mio Shrine → Miidera Temple → Nakamachi Shopping Street → Otsu Port

View the Morning Walking Route on Google Maps

Afternoon: Historic Sakamoto

Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station → Hiyoshi Tea Garden → Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine → JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station

View the Afternoon Walking Route on Google Maps

1. Start Early for Autumn Colors and Historic Temples

　 Begin your day with a morning walk from JR Otsu Station.

Your first stop is Nagara Shrine, where autumn leaves frame a beautiful traditional gate. Nearby, Mio Shrine is known for its connection to rabbits.

Look closely and you’ll find charming rabbit motifs hidden around the shrine grounds.

Continue past the Lake Biwa Canal, a historic waterway that carries water from Lake Biwa toward Kyoto, and make your way to Miidera Temple.

Also known as Onjoji, Miidera has more than 1,200 years of history and is home to many important cultural treasures, including its National Treasure Main Hall.

In autumn, red and golden maple leaves surround the temple buildings and stone steps. From higher ground, you can also enjoy views over Lake Biwa.

Arrive around the 9:00 AM opening time and enjoy a beautiful combination of Japanese history and autumn scenery.

2. Discover Everyday Japan at Nakamachi Shopping Street

　

After enjoying the autumn colors at Miidera, head toward Nakamachi Shopping Street.

Otsu once flourished as a post town along the historic Tokaido route and as a busy port on Lake Biwa. Today, its traditional shopping streets still offer a glimpse of local life.

Browse shops selling freshwater fish from Lake Biwa, Japanese pickles, seasonal sweets, and other local specialties.

This isn’t a street created just for tourists. It’s a place where local residents shop, chat, and go about their daily routines.

Step into a small shop, pick up a Japanese sweet, or simply enjoy wandering through the neighborhood.

Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences are found in everyday places.

3. Tired of Walking? Take a Break on Lake Biwa!

After a morning of exploring temples and shopping streets, your feet might be ready for a rest.

You could stop at a café. But why not spend the next 90 minutes out on the lake instead?

From Otsu Port, board the Michigan Sightseeing Cruise and watch the scenery open up around you.

Wide blue water, distant mountains, and an enormous sky—this is Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.

And its size is only part of what makes it special.

With a history stretching back around four million years, Lake Biwa is one of the world’s few ancient lakes, home to a remarkable ecosystem that has developed over millions of years.

In autumn, the mountains surrounding the lake begin to turn shades of red and gold.

From the open deck, you may catch a beautiful panorama of autumn colors stretching across the distant hills—a completely different view from the temple gardens you explored earlier.

Feel the cool autumn breeze, relax inside the boat, or simply watch the changing scenery.

You can even enjoy lunch on board with an advance meal reservation.

The 11:00 AM Michigan 90 cruise is a great option for this itinerary.

What begins as a chance to rest your feet might just become the highlight of your day.

Check Cruise Times and Book Tickets

4. Spend the Afternoon in Sakamoto, a Historic Town of Autumn Colors

Walk to Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station and take the train to Sakamoto, a historic town at the foot of Mount Hiei.

A short walk from Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station brings you to a place with a surprising connection to Japanese tea.

According to tradition, around 1,200 years ago, the Buddhist monk Saicho brought tea seeds back from China and planted them here.

Today, Hiyoshi Tea Garden marks this connection to the early history of tea in Japan.

But Sakamoto has much more to discover.

Wander along streets lined with traditional stone walls, built using a technique known as Anoushu-zumi. Clear streams flow beside the walls, while colorful autumn leaves brighten the historic townscape.

Then make your way to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Shiga Prefecture’s best-known autumn foliage spots.

In autumn, brilliant red and golden maple leaves frame the shrine buildings and stone bridges.

Keep an eye out for the shrine’s sacred monkey, known as Masaru, believed to be a messenger of the gods.

Rabbits in the morning at Mio Shrine, monkeys in the afternoon at Hiyoshi Taisha—little discoveries like these make the journey even more memorable.

When you’re ready to return, JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station offers an easy train journey back to Kyoto in approximately 20–30 minutes.

Just beyond Kyoto, a different side of Japan’s autumn is waiting to be discovered.

Plan Your Visit

Getting there:

JR Kyoto Station → Otsu Station (about 10 minutes).

After the cruise, take the Keihan train from Biwako-Hamaotsu Station to Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station (about 20–25 minutes).

Return from JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station to Kyoto Station (about 20–30 minutes, depending on the service).

Michigan Sightseeing Cruise:

The Michigan 90 is a 90-minute sightseeing cruise departing from Otsu Port. This itinerary uses the 11:00 AM departure, but schedules and operating days vary by season.

Same-day tickets may be available if space remains. Meals require advance reservations.

Official Cruise Schedule and Fares

Book a Cruise

Nakamachi Shopping Street:

Three connected historic shopping arcades. Some shops may not be open during the morning visit, and opening hours vary by shop.

Nakamachi Shopping Street (Japanese only)

Miidera Temple:

Open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last admission 4:00 PM). Wear comfortable shoes for the slopes and stone steps.

Miidera Temple Official Website

Sakamoto and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine:

Explore traditional stone walls, Hiyoshi Tea Garden, and the shrine’s autumn foliage. Check the shrine’s current visiting hours and admission information before your trip.

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine Official Website

Walking and getting around:

The morning route connects Nagara Shrine, Mio Shrine, Miidera Temple, Nakamachi Shopping Street, and Otsu Port on foot.

If you prefer a shorter route from Miidera to Otsu Port, take the Keihan train one stop from Miidera Station to Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. This bypasses Nakamachi Shopping Street.

Best time for autumn foliage:

Autumn colors around Otsu and Sakamoto are generally at their best from mid-November to early December, depending on the weather and location.

Check the latest foliage conditions before your visit.

Looking for an autumn day trip near Kyoto?

Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Otsu offers a different way to enjoy Japan’s autumn.

Historic temples, colorful maple leaves, everyday local life, and the wide-open beauty of Lake Biwa—all in one memorable day.

Leave the crowds behind and discover an autumn experience just beyond Kyoto.