BIWAKO CANAL CRUISE

Explore the National Treasure Lake Biwa Canal aboard a 9-passenger boat

Board the upstream Biwako Canal Cruise from Keage in Kyoto to Mii-dera. Pass through the First, Second, and Third Tunnels, designated as National Treasures in 2025, and experience the Meiji-era waterway from aboard the boat.

The upstream cruise accommodates only 9 passengers. Listen to commentary from the boat’s dedicated guide as you travel through tunnels, waterways, and autumn mountain scenery. The cruise lasts approximately 35 minutes.

MII NO BANSHO

From the “Evening Bell of Mii-dera” into the temple grounds

After lunch, proceed to the Mii-dera temple grounds. Walk through the historic precincts with a local guide, including the “Evening Bell of Mii-dera,” known as one of the Eight Views of Omi.

SPECIAL VIEWING

Special viewing of sacred images in the inner sanctuary of the National Treasure Kondo

The National Treasure Kondo, symbolizing Mii-dera, is a hall rebuilt during the Momoyama period by Kita-no-Mandokoro, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. During the autumn special exhibition, enter the inner sanctuary of the Kondo and view sacred images normally closed to the public.

Shaka Sanzon (Shakyamuni Triad)

View the principal image of the Three-Story Pagoda (Important Cultural Property), the Shaka Sanzon, as well as the principal image of Bishamondo (Important Cultural Property), the Bishamonten statue, the honji-butsu of Shiragi Myojin, the Monju Bosatsu statue, and the principal image of the Toin Chonichi Gomado, the Fudo Myoo statue.

KANNONDO

To Kannondo: Walk through the grounds and experience Mii-dera’s history

After the special viewing of the Kondo, proceed to Kannondo. Walk along the temple’s slopes and stone steps, tracing the faith and history of Mii-dera, which has been passed down for over 1,200 years.

Walking
This tour involves walking throughout the entire itinerary, including boarding and disembarking at the Biwako Canal Cruise points and navigating slopes and stairs within the Mii-dera temple grounds. If you have difficulty with extended walking, stairs, or slopes, or if you have concerns about your mobility, please carefully review the itinerary before deciding to participate.

Participation in rainy weather
This tour will proceed rain or shine. Please bring rain gear such as a raincoat or rain cape. Umbrellas cannot be used aboard the Biwako Canal Cruise. In the event of severe weather or operational issues that make safe operation difficult, the tour may be canceled or the itinerary may be modified.

Meals
The content of the shojin ryori may change depending on the season and availability of ingredients. If you have food allergies, please inform us at the time of booking. We may not be able to accommodate requests made on the day of the tour.

Temple visits
The viewing content and locations may change due to temple events. Photography is prohibited in certain areas of the National Treasure Kondo inner sanctuary; please follow the instructions of the monks and staff.

Information for the day
We do not mail travel documents or the final itinerary for this tour. Please check the day-of information (final itinerary) under “Reservation Details” in your booking confirmation email.

• The boarding points utilize facilities established during the Meiji era and include some steps and narrow passages. Please confirm that you can safely board and disembark on your own before applying.

• The Biwako Canal Cruise departs on schedule. If you cannot arrive by the briefing start time before boarding due to lateness, transportation delays, traffic congestion, or other reasons, you will not be able to board. In such cases, no changes to other departures or dates, transfers, or refunds of the cruise fare will be provided.

• Due to weather, river conditions, or other safety reasons, the cruise may be canceled even immediately before departure, or departure and arrival times may change.

• Transportation costs, accommodation costs, and other expenses incurred due to cancellations or changes in departure/arrival times are not eligible for compensation.

• During the cruise, you must wear the life jacket provided on board.

• Umbrellas cannot be used during the cruise. In rainy weather, please bring a raincoat or rain cape. The boat has a roof, but rain may blow in from the front or through gaps.

• Inside the tunnels along the route, the temperature may be approximately 5°C lower than above ground. Please bring layered clothing or other items to regulate your body temperature and stay warm.

• Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted at the boarding points or on board.

• For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on board.

Luggage
There is no dedicated luggage storage space on board. Luggage brought on board must not exceed 100 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height), with each dimension no larger than 45 cm × 35 cm × 20 cm, and must weigh no more than 10 kg. Only one piece of luggage per person is allowed. Luggage must be kept on your lap or at your feet during the cruise. Folding wheelchairs, senior mobility scooters, and Type A strollers cannot be brought on board. Luggage storage is not available at any boarding point.