From Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman Start from Hikone Station
ID: GYG753456-1216023
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone, with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman, known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, and relax in peaceful gardens.
Get away from the crowds of the city and embrace the beauty of Central Japan as you journey to Shiga Prefecture. This stunning prefecture is blessed with historic castles, pleasant waterways, lush fields, and Japan’s largest lake. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this captivating region is also home to the oldest brand of wagyu beef in Japan as well as one of the country’s most unique sweet shops.
This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone—with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman—known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
Highlights
- Visit one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles, Hikone Castle
- Sip Matcha while overlooking a spacious Japanese garden
- Enjoy the views (and the sweets) at a confectionary shop surrounded by nature
- Cruise the scenic moats on a boat tour of Omi Hachiman
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-The boat tour in Omi Hachiman may be canceled due to the weather. Additionally, we can not guarantee a seat on the boat tour for guests who book this tour less than one week in advance.
-This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
-In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
-Winter temperatures in Central Japan average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
-There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.
The meetup point is at the base of the Statue of Ii Naomasa (the samurai on a horse with the double-horned helmet) just outside the station’s West exit. If you are unsure which side of the station to exit, follow the signs directing you towards Hikone Castle. The statue is located on the same side of the station as the castle. You may wait nearby there until the tour bus arrives.
Depending on traffic from Nagoya, the tour bus and your guide will likely arrive at the Hikone meeting point between 10:15 and 10:30. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as traffic can sometimes be in our favor.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.