Ogi and Katata --- Mountain Life, Lake Life

Highlights

• Stroll along a maze of narrow lanes in Ogi, a tranquil mountainside village
• Look out for Jizo Buddha statues scattered here and there on the route
• Panoramic views of Lake Biwa, mountains, and terraced fields
• Rustic atmosphere of the lakeside town Katata
• Visit Ukimido, a "floating temple hall"
• Walk through a variety of scenes along the shore of Lake Biwa
• Browse locally produced food and other goods in Kome-plaza

Description

The tour starts from JR Kyoto Station at 9:20 am and we head north by the JR Kosei line. From the train windows, you can enjoy views of glittering Lake Biwa and green mountain ranges of Hiei-zan (Mt. Hiei). After about 20 minutes' train ride, we get off at Ogoto-onsen Station.

We then take a taxi and go uphill to Ogi, a mountainside agricultural village surrounded by terraced fields. Exploration begins with a walk about a residential area where houses tumble down the slopes. We go along the maze-like narrow lanes, having a close look at a rural lifestyle. Looking out for the numbers of Jizo Buddha statues standing inconspicuously here and there around the village would make the stroll more fun. Panoramic views of Lake Biwa far below and the mountains above are also a big attraction. Passing through the residential area, we drop in some small shrines on the outskirts of the village, which have "Chinju-no-mori" (sacred forests) in and around the precincts. Walking along rice and vegetable fields we arrive at the Ogi community hall where the taxi to our next destination Katata is waiting for us.

A lakeside town Katata was prosperous as a hub of water transport for centuries in medieval times. We can see various remnants of those eras around the town. After lunch (there are several options of casual restaurants), the tour heads to the old part of the town, stretching along the lakeshore. We then visit Mangetsuji temple, which is famous for Ukimido, "floating temple hall". The hall, literally built over the water, is known as one of the most picturesque buildings around the lake. Leaving Mangetsuji (a break will be taken at a cafe nearby upon your request), we take a walk along lakeside pedestrian paths and old streets toward our next and final stop-off, Kome-plaza. A variety of scenes along the route --- reeds shaking in the wind, birds skimming the lake, or old fishing boats bobbing in the harbour --- will keep you enjoying a rustic atmosphere of the lakeside town. At Kome-plaza you will have free time for browsing local produce and other goods or for seeing a beautiful arch of Biwako-Ohashi Bridge (Great Lake Biwa Bridge) from the lookout deck.

We take a local bus from the nearby stop to JR Katata Station, and the tour ends up at Kyoto Station at around 5:00 pm.

Itinerary

JR Kyoto Station (Departure)

Train

JR Ogoto-onsen Station

Taxi

Ogi village
- Strolling around the village (about 1.5 - 2 hrs)

Taxi

Katata
- Lunch

Walk

- Mangetsuji temple (Ukimido)

Walk

- Kome-plaza

Public Bus

JR Katata Station

Train

JR Kyoto Station (Return)

Tour includes

• English-speaking tour conductor (licensed guide interpreter)
• Admission fee for Mangetsuji temple
• Fare for all transportation listed above
• Insurance
• Local tax

Tour does NOT include

• Lunch (Please take whatever you would like at the lunch venue)
• Drink at a break

Remarks

• If you stay in Shiga Prefecture, our departure and return point may be changed into a more convenient place.
• Packing light and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended. On this tour we will walk a lot. There are coin-operated lockers in JR Kyoto Station.
• Seats in public transportations are not guaranteed.
• Itinerary may change without earlier notice due to weather and transport conditions or any unforeseen circumstance(s).