A scenic day trip to Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei, with autumn colors, hidden gems, and unforgettable views.

Looking for a unique day trip from Kyoto?

Just beyond Kyoto’s famous temples and busy streets, three unforgettable rides take you through some of Japan’s most surprising scenery.

Imagine a train that suddenly runs alongside cars on a city street. A relaxing cruise across Japan’s largest lake. And the country’s longest cable car, climbing a sacred mountain with breathtaking views.

Welcome to Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, just a short journey from Kyoto.

From vibrant autumn foliage to spring blossoms and lush summer greenery, this scenic adventure offers something special in every season.

Your Three-Ride Day Trip at a Glance

One day from Kyoto | No car needed

🚃 8:30 AM — Ride the Keihan Keishin Line from Yamashina

🚢 9:40–10:40 AM — Cruise across Lake Biwa on the Michigan

🚞 Around Noon — Take Japan’s longest cable car up Mount Hiei

🍱 12:30–1:30 PM — Enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with a lake view

🍁 Afternoon — Discover more of Otsu, your way

Times are approximate. Check schedules before traveling.

Ride 1: A Train That Turns into a Streetcar!

Your adventure begins at Yamashina, just one JR train stop from Kyoto Station.

Transfer to the Keihan Keishin Line and get ready for a railway journey unlike any other.

The train winds through sharp curves and climbs steep slopes, with gradients reaching 61‰. Along the way, it passes close to the torii gate of Seki-Semimaru Shrine.

But the biggest surprise comes as you approach Biwako-Hamaotsu Station.

Suddenly, your four-car train is running right down the middle of a city street, alongside cars and other traffic!

Part mountain railway, part streetcar, and even connected to Kyoto’s subway system, the Keishin Line makes the journey itself an unforgettable experience.

Ride 2: Cruise Across Japan’s Largest Lake

From Biwako-Hamaotsu Station, it’s a short walk to Otsu Port, where your next adventure awaits.

Step aboard the Michigan for a scenic cruise across Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. With a history stretching back more than four million years, it’s also one of the world’s oldest lakes.

Head up to the open-air Sky Deck for panoramic views of the shimmering water and surrounding mountains.

You can also relax with a drink or light snack from the onboard café bar while enjoying the peaceful lakeside scenery.

Look toward the mountains rising along the western shore. That’s Mount Hiei—your next destination.

Soon, you’ll be looking back at this very same lake from high above.

Ride 3: Japan’s Longest Cable Car to a Sacred Mountain

After your cruise, take the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line to Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station.

You’ve arrived in Sakamoto, a historic temple town at the foot of Mount Hiei. Save exploring its charming streets for later—first, there’s a special lunch waiting on the mountain.

Walk to Cable Sakamoto Station and board the Sakamoto Cable Car.

At 2,025 meters, it’s Japan’s longest cable railway. As the charming train climbs through the forest, glimpses of Lake Biwa appear between the trees.

Near the summit, the view opens up to reveal the lake and the town far below.

Just an hour or two ago, you were cruising across those waters. Now you’re admiring them from a mountain overlooking the lake.

It’s a wonderful change of perspective.

A Special Lunch: Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine with a Lake View

Mount Hiei is home to Enryakuji Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and one of Japan’s most important centers of Buddhist tradition.

Here, you can discover another authentic Japanese experience: shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

Prepared with vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients, these carefully crafted dishes reflect a centuries-old culinary tradition.

At Boko Restaurant in Enryakuji Kaikan, enjoy a peaceful lunch while looking out over Lake Biwa.

After experiencing the lake from the water and the mountain railway, sitting down to a traditional meal with that spectacular view makes the journey even more memorable.

Individual visitors can usually dine without a reservation, but the restaurant may close for special events or group bookings. Lunch orders end at 1:30 PM, so plan to arrive early.

Spend Your Afternoon Your Way

With three amazing rides and a memorable lunch behind you, there’s still more to discover. Choose the experience that interests you most.

Option A: Explore the Sacred Forests of Mount Hiei

Stay on the mountain and explore the historic halls and peaceful forest paths of Enryakuji.

The temple complex stretches across three areas—Todo, Saito, and Yokawa—connected by a seasonal shuttle bus. In autumn, the forest around Yokawa is especially beautiful.

Option B: Discover Autumn Colors and Hidden Gardens in Sakamoto

Take the cable car back down to Sakamoto and wander through its historic streets, lined with traditional stone walls and flowing waterways.

Don’t miss Kyu Chikurin-in, a beautiful Japanese garden where autumn leaves can create a stunning mirror-like reflection on a polished table.

Nearby Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is another autumn highlight, with thousands of maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and gold.

Option C: Visit Historic Temples Along the Keihan Railway

Want to discover more of Otsu’s history?

Explore Miidera Temple, known for its cultural treasures and autumn foliage; Omi Jingu Shrine, with its striking vermilion gate and connections to competitive karuta; or Ishiyamadera Temple, associated with the famous Japanese writer Murasaki Shikibu.

Each offers a different glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

One Day Might Not Be Enough!

Three incredible rides, panoramic lake and mountain views, and a traditional Buddhist lunch—there’s plenty here for a wonderful day trip from Kyoto.

But Otsu has even more to offer.

If you’re spending several days in Kyoto, why not set aside another day to explore?

One day could be an adventure across the lake and up the mountain. Another could be spent discovering peaceful gardens, historic temples, and charming local streets.

And because Otsu is so easy to reach from Kyoto, returning is simple.

One day is wonderful. Two days reveal even more.

Discover a different side of Japan, just beyond Kyoto.

---

Plan Your Visit

Getting There from Kyoto

Take a JR train from Kyoto Station to Yamashina Station, then transfer to the Keihan Keishin Line at Keihan Yamashina Station. Get off at Biwako-Hamaotsu Station.

Google Maps: Follow the Route

1. Kyoto / Yamashina → Otsu Port

View the Route to Lake Biwa on Google Maps

2. Otsu Port → Sakamoto → Mount Hiei

View the Train Route to Sakamoto on Google Maps

View the Walk to Sakamoto Cable Car on Google Maps

View the Walk to Enryakuji Kaikan on Google Maps

The Michigan Cruise and Sakamoto Cable Car are separate experiences. Check their official schedules when planning your journey.

Michigan Cruise

The itinerary uses the 60-minute cruise departing Otsu Port at 9:40 AM and returning at 10:40 AM. Operating days and schedules vary by season.

Official Michigan Cruise Website

Sakamoto Cable Car

Approximately a 15-minute walk from Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station to Cable Sakamoto Station. The 2,025-meter ride takes about 11 minutes.

Official Sakamoto Cable Car Website

Shojin Ryori at Mount Hiei

Boko Restaurant, second floor of Enryakuji Kaikan. Lunch is generally served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with last orders at 1:30 PM. Individual visitors do not normally need reservations, but availability may change.

Enryakuji Kaikan / Boko Restaurant Information

Travel Tips

• The itinerary can be enjoyed using public transportation and walking.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as Sakamoto and Mount Hiei have slopes and walking paths.
• Allow enough time to reach the restaurant before its last order.
• Popular temples and gardens can be busy during peak autumn foliage season.
• Check the latest cruise, cable car, shuttle bus, restaurant, and temple schedules before your visit.