S-42 Exploring Lake Biwa’s Heritage
& Sacred Landscapes
Hikone Castle • Chikubu Island • Nagahama •
Mt. Shizugatake
Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and one of the world’s few ancient lakes, formed through tectonic shifts over millions of years and now supports unique endemic species, appears frequently in classical culture due to its proximity to Kyoto, and remains a vital water source for nearly 15 million people in the Kansai region.
Lake Biwa’s eastern shore — especially around Hikone and Nagahama — has long been a strategic crossroads of transportation and political power. Because many territorial battles were fought here throughout Japan’s medieval era, the region is often referred to as a “sacred ground of the Sengoku period.”
Hikone Castle
One of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle is a beautifully preserved fortress built in the early 17th century by the Ii clan. Its elegant three‑tiered keep, stone walls, and moats remain almost exactly as they were 400 years ago.
Highlights
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National Treasure Keep — A rare blend of defensive design and refined aesthetics
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Genkyuen Garden — A daimyo garden using the castle as a scenic backdrop
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Castle Town Walks — Traditional shops, crafts, and Edo‑period ambience
Hikone Castle offers visitors a vivid glimpse into Japan’s feudal era, with a castle town that still retains its historical charm.
Chikubu Island
A mystical island floating on Lake Biwa, long revered as a sacred place where deities reside. The entire island carries an atmosphere of serenity, with two major spiritual sites welcoming visitors.
Main Sites
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Hōgon‑ji Temple — A 1,300‑year‑old Tendai Buddhist temple
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Tsukubusuma Shrine — Its main hall is a National Treasure of Momoyama architecture
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Ryujin Worship Site — Famous for “kawarake‑throwing,” a ritual of casting wishes toward the lake
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Lake Cruise — Scenic boat rides from Nagahama or Hikone
Chikubu Island is a place where nature, silence, and spirituality merge, offering travelers a deeply memorable cultural experience.
Nagahama
A historic lakeside town closely associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is one of Japan’s most famous warlords, and once ruled from Nagahama Castle. Today, the town blends traditional architecture with modern creativity, especially around the popular Black Wall Square district.
Highlights
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Nagahama Castle Museum — Exhibits on Hideyoshi and the Sengoku era
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Black Wall Square — Glass workshops, cafés, and retro streetscapes
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Lakeside Promenade — Beautiful sunset views over Lake Biwa
Nagahama is ideal for travelers who enjoy craft culture, history, and leisurely town walks.
Mt. Shizugatake
A dramatic mountain known both for its Sengoku‑period battlefield and its breathtaking panoramic views. The 1583 Battle of Shizugatake between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Shibata Katsuie (whose wife was Nobunaga Oda’s beautiful sister) took place here, and today visitors can reach the summit via a short ropeway ride.
Highlights
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Shizugatake Ropeway — A quick ascent to the summit
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Summit Observatory — Overlooks both Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo
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Historic Sites — Landmarks related to Hideyoshi’s “Seven Spears”
Mt. Shizugatake combines battlefield history with one of the region’s most striking natural viewpoints.
/// FIT package
We can arrange this tour for individual, family, or the small group, following to your designated date, through the year.
/// Suggested One‑Day Route
Hikone Castle → Genkyuen Garden & Castle Town → Nagahama → Lake Cruise → Chikubu Island → Mt. Shizugatake
** If you would like to take more time exploring, we recommend staying overnight in either Hikone or Nagahama.
/// Arrangements we can make
- Creating an overall itinerary
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Activities
** In addition to these actual expenses, each arrangement fee is required.
See “Commission for Arrangements“
Since the capacity of accommodation and vehicles for transportation at the local area, it is ideal to travel by small group up to 8 people.
In addition, Public transportation is limited and very few within Fukui Prefecture, so we recommend chartering a taxi or bus for transportation.
/// Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy for above course;
| Days to Departure | Cancellation Charge |
| More than 31 days | 5% of trip price |
| 30-15 days | 50% of trip price |
| 14-8 days | 80% of trip price |
| 7 days or Less, No Show | 100% of trip price |
Please refer to “Price, Terms and Conditions” for other detailed regulations.
/// Application Form
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/// Payment
Payment can be settled by credit card (Paypal or Stripe).
After your booking, we will send you an invoice, then after your payment by credit card, the booking would be completed.
/// Contact
If you have any questions or offer to book, please send an email. We welcome even little questions! Don’t hesitate, and see you in Japan!!
Contact us: info@i-travel-square.tokyo