Lake Yogo, alias "Mirror Lake" is a northernmost attraction in Shiga pref. Literally, it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The one day tour takes you to representative spots associated with impressive folklores about the lake and its vicinity. We can also visit the stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake of the Provincial Wars.
JR Yogo Station
JR Yogo Station
Guide Fee
Admission / Entrance Fee (For Tourists and the Guide)
Transportation (If necessary; For Tourists and the Guide)
Lunch and/or Dinner (For Tourists)
Any Unexpected Cost (For Tourists)
1. Basically 7 days a week
2. Besides sightseeing spots in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara), the guide has a detailed knowledge in KOHOKU (Northernmost) district in Shiga Pref.
i.e.,
1)Shizugatake Old Battlefield, 2)Lake Yogo, 3)Woody Pal Yogo, 4)Tojyuin temple, 5)Kanzan-ji temple, 6)Zencho-ji temple, 7)Kaizu Osaki for Cherry Blossom Viewing, 8)Keisoku-ji temple for Autumnal Leaves, 9)Throughout Central Kinomoto area, 10)Odani Jyo Castle, 11)Sugatani Hot Spring Resort, 12)Chikubu-shima island, 13)Doganji-temple (A National Treasure), 14)Takatsuki Museum of Ethnic and Historical Materials, 15)Throughout Central Nagahama city, etc.
Lift service for the summit of Mt. Shizugatake is available as follows; May, Oct., Nov.: Every day (9:00 - 17:00) Apr.: only Sat. and Sun. during 23 to 30 Aug.: During 1 to 27 Jun., July, Sep.: Only Sat., Sun. and holidays Others: Out of service
[General Itinerary]
The one-day course around Yogo (approx., 8 hours) consists of the following 2 major courses:
1) Morning Course
We can enjoy representative landscapes around the Lake, some of which are associated with the folklore descended from more than 1,200 years ago, and others are historical stages, especially in the midst of the age of Provincial Wars (1583). We climb up to the summit of Mt. Shizugatake (an old battlefield) too by a lift, from where we can see the fantastic vista of both Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo.
2) Afternoon Course
We can reach to Woody Pal Yogo (Camping resorts), sleepy mountainous hamlets which are deeply covered with snow in winter, and Tojyuin temple (Famous Zen Temple) along the Niu Valley.
If the weather and time permits, we can go to Zencho-ji temple (one of the high-ranked Zen temples in Kohoku area) and The Grave of Loyal Menjyu Brothers as well.
The biking road has a steep pitch, so it may be a bit tough for the old tourists or primary schoolers. The total distance is about 50km. We can take lunch at Woody Pal Yogo.
[Note]
[1] Both 1) and 2) above are to be cancelled if it heavily rains.
[2] Bicycle Rental: At JR Yogo Sta. (500 JPY / 1 day・1 person)
[3] One Day Course Schedule
8:00 AM at JR Yogo Sta. Start
5:00 PM at JR Yogo Sta. Arrive (Tour end)
[4] Lift service for the summit of Mt. Shizugatake is available from Late Apr. to Early Dec.
[5] In a case of Rainy weather: Only a Half Day Course (Morning Course) is available.
(A tourist has to prepare a rain apparel by him/herself.)
Half Day Course Schedule
8:00 AM at JR Yogo Sta. Start
12:00 AM at JR Yogo Sta. Arrive (Tour end)
Yoshi was very informative, knowledgeable, time conscious, kind, humble, and considerate. We asked a lot of questions because we truly wanted to understand the Japanese culture, and he -answered them with honesty. We are 69 years old and he often asked us: can you walk 15 minutes to a certain location or can you walk up the stairs? He seemed to be very sensitive about our health mobility. Although he is about our age, he has great wisdom and much more energy than we did. We would highly recommend him.
Dear Linda san, and Mike san I was so happy to be able to share the time with you on the 18th. Thank you for your lavish words to this amateurish tour guide. I was glad to know that both of you were listening in earnest, when I explained about the histories and the related episodes, with what little knowledge I have. I already sent my "Homeworks" to your e-mail address, and will send all the photos in a week, as I promised. Again, I was really lucky to get acquainted with the nice couple from Louisiana. From Yoshi
Yoshi is an excellent guide! He is a hard-working and wonderful ambassador for his country. Yoshi takes his work seriously and is scrupulously prepared. His care for his clients really shows. He went above and beyond for us. Yoshi is very well-informed about so much, including Japanese history, current Japanese affairs, and the flowers and trees of Japan. He is interesting, energetic, kind, and hospitable. Our only wish was that we had more time with Yoshi! We are grateful we met him.
Dear Julie san and Ron san. Thank you very much for your nice feedback. As our mission as a tour guide is, of course, to insure our customers' satisfaction, I've believed (as a former Quality Engineer) that we have to do our maximum effort, sacrificing our short lunch and rest time. I'm so glad to know that you kindly felt a touch of it. Again, I was extremely happy to be able to have an opportunity to go around the best spots with you and Ron san yesterday. Thank you, PS: I will try not to be a "Crybaby" any more. From Yoshi Apr., 19 (Fri.), 2019; 22:23
Very lucky to have Yoshi san as our guide who took care of us from the time he picked us up from the hotel until he send us back to the hotel. I'm very impressed and appreciative when he accomodate to our slow movement. He planned well according to what we wanted even at the short notice of visiting Nara Womens University. Really love the Kimono experience and picnic under cherry blossoms at Osaka castle. Our family especially my daughter had a lovely and wonderful time. Thank you Yoshi san for understanding and being an amazing tour guide for us. - Siti, Malaysia.
Siti san, Zainal san, alias sweet Sumo wrestler, and a promising No.1 journalist in Malaysia, Farah san, I thank you very much for selecting such an amateurish tour guide like me for your memorable tour tripping around Kansai district, Japan. I was relieved that the weather on the days during your trip was relatively good (not so cold and not so warm), and we could make it in time when the cherry blossoms that all of you must have eagerly anticipated started. You were able to dabble at OHANAMI (Cherry viewing) at Osaka Jyo park, eating Takoyaki, weren't we? The gift that charming Farah san surprisingly gave me must have become one of my most important treasuries. Thank you so much. PS : As I promised so, I'm going to send all the photos that I took for your wonderful family through e-mail in a few days. From Yoshi
Yoshi was very knowledgeable on all the places he took us for the two days we were in Osaka. He picked us up at our hotel. Planned the day according to what we wanted to see and the activities we were interested in. I have a bad knee and stairs were a problem, he made a lot of effort to accommodate this. For this I am very impressed. He definitely went over and beyond. Our family had a great time and will be beyond. Thank you Yoshi San! -- Sheila Cemer Houston Texas
Sheila san and your handsome family members: Thank you very much for your lavish word to this amateurish tour guide. I have to appreciate you, giving me the opportunity to go around here and there in the merchants' city under brisk winter sky. I'll never forget the fantastic memory with you and your family. PS: Have you successfully been able to open all the pictures that I took for your family?