Date published: 18 August 2026
Kansai in July can be seriously hot. The thought of constantly changing trains, checking timetables, and making my way deep into the mountains or out to Lake Biwa in the summer heat was enough to make me sweat. So this time, I decided to make things easy and booked a Shiga day tour by bus through Klook.
The tour conveniently offers departure points in both Osaka and Kyoto, and I chose to board in Kyoto. Since Kyoto is closer to Shiga, the travel time is shorter, making for a comfortable start to the day.
Best of all, an air-conditioned coach takes you from place to place, making it easy to visit three of Shiga’s harder-to-reach highlights in one day: MIHO MUSEUM, Hiyoshi Taisha, and Shirahige Shrine. Here’s what the full day was really like, including our actual schedule and how much time we had at each stop.
(Main image credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
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Stop 1: Step Into the Real-Life “Peach Blossom Spring” at MIHO MUSEUM
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
(9:40 AM Depart Kyoto → 10:50 AM Arrive)
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
After meeting and boarding the bus at 9:40 AM, we headed straight for our first stop, MIHO MUSEUM, tucked away deep in the mountains. We arrived at around 10:50 AM, and having a private coach made the journey incredibly easy. One moment we were on the bus, and the next we were stepping straight into a secluded mountain retreat.
After passing through the futuristic metallic tunnel and crossing the dramatic cable-stayed bridge, the museum suddenly appeared ahead of us. It is a striking reveal, and one that feels impressive no matter how many times you see it.
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
Our guide gave us plenty of time here, with departure not until 1:30 PM. That meant we could take our time admiring I.M. Pei’s masterful use of light and architecture, as well as exploring the museum’s collection of ancient art.
Afterwards, I even had time for a leisurely lunch at Peach Valley, where I paid separately to try the restaurant’s signature Omusubi-zen rice ball set. It was a delicious way to round out the visit before getting back on the bus.
Stop 2: Cool Off Among the Greenery at Hiyoshi Taisha
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
(1:30 PM Depart MIHO MUSEUM → 2:30 PM Arrive at Hiyoshi Taisha)
After lunch, we relaxed in the air-conditioned coach before arriving at our second stop, Hiyoshi Taisha, at 2:30 PM. This historic shrine is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan.
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
The moment I stepped into the grounds, I was surrounded by towering trees, thick moss, and lush greenery. Even in the July heat, the atmosphere felt noticeably cooler and wonderfully peaceful.
Keep an eye out for the many wooden monkey carvings and decorations around the shrine. Monkeys are regarded here as divine messengers and symbols of protection against misfortune. I spent plenty of time taking photos before we regrouped and departed at around 3:15 PM.
Stop 3: See Shirahige Shrine’s Iconic Torii on Lake Biwa
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
(4 PM Arrive at Shirahige Shrine → 4:40 PM Depart)
Our final stop was Shirahige Shrine, where we arrived at 4 PM. The shrine is best known for its enormous torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Biwa, a spectacular sight that has earned it the nickname “Itsukushima of Omi,” after the famous island shrine near Hiroshima with its iconic floating torii gate.
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
Seeing the vivid red torii rising from the shimmering lake in person was every bit as beautiful as I had hoped. With the wide-open water stretching into the distance and the gentle sound of the waves, the setting felt wonderfully peaceful. After plenty of photos, we reluctantly said goodbye and boarded the bus again at 4:40 PM for the journey back.
Back to Kyoto: The Perfect End to a Full Day
(5:40 PM Arrive Back in Kyoto)
The ride back was wonderfully quiet, with plenty of people dozing off after a full day of sightseeing. We arrived at the first drop-off point in Kyoto at around 5:40 PM, which felt like perfect timing. There was still plenty of evening left to grab dinner and wrap up the day at an easy pace.
Why I Highly Recommend a Shiga Bus Day Tour
(Photo credit: Wemmy/LIVE JAPAN)
After experiencing it for myself, I can definitely recommend taking a bus day tour in Shiga. There are several big advantages, especially if you want to see multiple harder-to-reach spots in a single day.
- No Complicated Transfers
- Shiga has some spectacular sights, but many are not especially convenient to reach by public transportation. With direct, point-to-point bus service, you can save a surprising amount of time that would otherwise be spent navigating transfers, checking timetables, and waiting for connections.
- A Lifesaver in Summer and Winter
- Having an air-conditioned bus in summer, or a heated one in winter, makes a huge difference. You can rest comfortably between stops and save your energy for exploring, walking, and taking photos at the next destination.
- Easy Timing Without Feeling Rushed
- Even though it is a guided tour, there is still plenty of free time at each stop. You can explore at your own pace without constantly checking the clock or worrying about missing the next train or local bus.
What to Know Before Booking
While a bus tour makes getting around Shiga incredibly convenient, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking. In particular, it is a good idea to carry some yen in cash for admission fees and other expenses along the way.
- MIHO MUSEUM Admission Is Not Included
- The tour price covers transportation and guide services, but admission to MIHO MUSEUM must be purchased separately upon arrival.
- Hiyoshi Taisha Admission Is Not Included
- Admission to the paid area of Hiyoshi Taisha is also an additional expense, so be prepared to pay separately when you visit.
- Lunch Is Not Included
- Meals are not included in the tour price. I chose to have lunch at MIHO MUSEUM’s Peach Valley restaurant, but it is worth thinking ahead about where and what you would like to eat.
Overall, taking this Klook bus tour saved a huge amount of time and energy, making it especially convenient for travelers who are not driving but still want to explore some of Shiga’s harder-to-reach highlights. Next time you are in Kansai, consider setting aside a day to escape the city and enjoy Shiga’s beautiful scenery at a more relaxed pace.
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Written by:
Originally from Hong Kong, she graduated from university with a degree in English and Japanese before moving to Chiba, Japan, in 2015.
With her 10 years of experience living in Japan, she excels at discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path information that you won’t find in typical travel guides. Specializing in art, seasonal scenery, and theme parks, she provides the latest and most useful travel information.
She has experience writing for major travel media outlets and regional tourism websites and has also obtained JLPT Level 1 certification. She hopes to offer reliable travel information from a unique Hong Kong perspective.
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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