Shizugatake
Shizugatake Mountain, the height of which is 421 m, and is a fine spot just between Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. The name is renowned for one of the important battles in Japanese history, together with the Seven heroes of Hideyoshi’s side, which is often called “The Seven Spears” (七本槍). In Apr., 1583 AD, Hideyoshi and Katsuie fought at around the mountain and the lakeside of Yogo, for the next heir after Nobunaga. They say that Hideyoshi’s side had 60,000 military forces and Katsuie had 40,000. Though Katsuie’s side had the upper hand at first, but soon Hideyoshi upturned the military situation. The fierce battle was clearly settled within one day, making the small lake crimson red with the soldiers’ blood.
The local people here have a custom to climb up to the top of the mountain in early Apr., in order to comfort the braves of the both sides who fought at the hazard of their lives.
Guests can use a lift service from the base to the summit of the mountain from Apr. to the end of Nov.
Lift Service to the Summit of the Mountain
Kinomoto Town along Old Hokkoku Street
Kinomoto town has been prospered as a post station town from olden days, since the town located at the intersection on Hokkoku street to Kyo and Hokkoku wakiokan, a short but an important bypass to Edo via Ogaki in an adjacent domain. Old people here used to say that it took almost one day from Imajyo in Echizen to Kinomoto, crossing over Tochinoki mountain path in the northernmost KOHOKU. There used to be many inns for tourists and “Honjin” accommodation facility for higher class samurais and court nobles. There are other historic heritages such as the site where more than several hundreds cows and horses were dealt since Muromachi period (more than 550 years ago.)
And Kinomoto is also known as a temple town of the Biggest Jizo statue in Japan (6 m tall.), which has been believed as the Buddha for eyes. That’s why there is a place for thanking for our old glasses, and the spot you can experience the perfect darkness under the floor of the temple. You must appreciate your eyes’ power once you crawl in the darkest world.
The origin of winking frogs is that these cute living creatures are sacrificing themselves for those who suffer from some diseases of eyes, too.
When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait for the days of the temple’s sacred festival in late of our summer holidays. It is of course not to pray in front of the Buddha, but to buy toys at the street stall along the approach, the cheap toys were easily broken within a day, though. Good old memories.
Kinomoto is also renowned for good Japanese Sake and Soy Sauce, which is made from fermented soy beans. There are 2 famous Sake breweries, both of which has more than 480 years history. As for Soy Sause, there are 3 breweries along the street, all of which has more than 150 years history. The reasons why Kinomoto is called as “The town of Brewage” are mainly
1) The best qualified water sprung from the Ibuki mountains
and
2) Its climatic conditions.
Local Guardian Deity for the Folks at Jyoshin-ji Temple (Jizo Buddha)
Old Hokkoku Street
Old Japanese Sake Breweries
Old Soy Sauce Breweries
Retro-cool Restaurants and Shops
High-status Shrine
Overview
- Shiga
- 18000 JPY
- 7Hours
- 1 ~ 5people
Itinerary
Meeting Point
JR Kinomoto Station- Kinomoto Guardian Deity for the Folks (Big Jizo Buddha)
- Remains of "Honjin" Accommodation Facility along Hokkoku Street
- Old Japanese Sake Breweries
- Old Soy Sauce Breweries
- Remain of the Marketplace where Cows and Horses were Dealt
- Old Tradesmen's Houses (MACHIYA) along Hokkoku Street
- Lunch at a Local Food Restaurant
- Shizugatake Mountain
- Stroll around OTO Hamlet, at the Base of Shizugatake
Ending Point
JR Kinomoto Station
What to Expect
1. To taste retrospective street scenery and “Unobtrusive but Elegant” culture of the old post station and temple town
2. To recall the military deployment and the strategy of the both sides at the fierce battle in the Provincial War Era
3. To enjoy viewing a part of Northernmost Lake Biwa and the small but mysterious Mirror Lake of Yogo from the summit of Shizugatake Mountain
Inclusions & Exclusions
[Inclusions]
Guide Fee
[Exclusions]
1) Transportation & Lift service (For Tourists): Less than 1,500 (One Thousand and Five Hundred) JPY Each at a Maximum for One Day.
2) Lunch and/or Dinner (For Tourists): Less than 1,500 (One Thousand and Five Hundred) JPY Each at a Maximum.
3) Any Unexpected Cost (For Tourists): Less than 500 (Five Hundred) JPY Each at a Maximum.
Important Information
1) The tour consists of one day excursion, starting 10:00 AM to 17:00 (5:00 PM).
2) Meeting Schedule: At JR Kinomoto Station
10:00 AM at JR Kinomoto station (Start)
17:00 PM at JR Kinomoto station: Arrive (Tour end)
3) The tour is a bit flexible, depending upon the guest’s interest, since it is an excursion-style, taking advantage of walking and public transportations such as a city bus and / or a taxi.
4) Lift service for the summit of Mt. Shizugatake is available as follows;
From 23, Apr., to 30, Nov. (Round-trip: 900 JPY)
(Others: Out of service)
5) Guests can enjoy local cuisines at a reasonable price at the downtown.
6) Peak Season: The destination spots may slightly change due to a seasonal situation, after getting an approval from the guests.
Remark
[Cancellation Policy]
1) Free cancellation – 10 days prior to meeting time
2) 50% Refund – 9 to 3 days prior to meeting time
3) No Refund – Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Book Now!
Reviews
Yoshi
Thank you so much for the photos, we don’t have that many family photos, so we appreciate it very much. Thank you again for taking us on such an amazing tour through Japan. We believe we were able to see a lot of what Japan offers, thanks to you. I hope you were able to get lots of rest after our adventure. 
We will treasure these photos forever, and be counting down the days until we can visit you and Kaoru-San again. Emmett was very sad to leave Japan, and I’m sure he will want to visit again!
-Wakana, Rob, and Emmett
*****************************************************
Yoshi
Thank you so much for your time and hospitality!
We had an amazing time in Japan and the big part of it was thanks to you! (^^♪
Rob
【Translation into Japanese (日本語)】
ヨシ
日本旅行の写真を送ってくれてありがとう！
私たちは、そんなに多くの家族写真を撮っていないのでとっても嬉しいわ。
先日は、日本の素晴らしいところへ連れて行ってくれてありがとう。再度御礼するわ。私たち、貴方達のおかげさまで日本の素晴らしいところを見たり、美味しいものをいただいたりすることができたと思うわ。ありがとう。どうか十分にお疲れをとってね。
私たち、貴方が送ってくれた写真をずっと宝物にすることにするわ。そして、貴方と薫さんのところへまたお訪ねすることができるまで指折り数えることにするわ。エメットは日本を離れるときにとても寂しそうだったわ。彼はきっとまた日本へ行きたいというに違いないわ。
和香奈、Rob、Emmett より
*****************************************************
ヨシ
貴方が私たち家族のために多くの時間を割いてくれたこと、そして「おもてなし」をしてくれたことに感謝しているよ。
日本で、とっても素晴らしい体験をすることができたよ。そしてその大部分は貴方達のおかげだった。
ありがとう
Robより
【July 20 (Sat.), 2024 Yogo, Shiga pref.】
【July 21 (Sun.), 2024 Fukui pref. (1 of 2)】
【July 22 (Mon.), 2024 Fukui pref. (2 of 2)】
【July 23 (Tue.), 2024 Kyoto】
【July 24 (Wed.), 2024 Nara】
【July 25 (Thu.), 2024 Osaka】
[clink url="[Motion Picture] Sightseeing Tour around Shiga, Hokuriku and Kansai with the Families of My Niece (【動画】姪っ子家族との滋賀・北陸そして関西旅行） - KOHOKU Tour"]
Good day. I thank you very much for sharing your precious time with me and Kaoru during your memorable tour around our hometown, Hokuriku area and Kansai (Kyoto, Nara and Osaka). Toshi told us that you safely went back to your sweetest home. It's our utmost pleasure, too, that Riina and Stephen kun kindly dropped by our home on 20th (Sat.) on the way to their happiest honeymoon.【Translation into Japanese (日本語)】こんにちは。私の故郷（湖北）、北陸、そして関西地方をめぐる想い出深い旅行へ私と家内も時間を共有させていただいてありがとう。Toshiは先日貴方達が無事にご自宅へ到着したと連絡をくれたよ。RiinaとStephen君も２０日（土）、新婚旅行の途中に我が家へ立ち寄ってくれたことも私たちにとってとっても嬉しいことだったよ。
(1) July, 07 (Wed.)
That would be perfectly fine to send the pictures when you are ready. We will definitely let you know. That was a very nice article on your website. Leia especially thanks you for your kind compliments. We will take note of your recommendations for Nara and Osaka. We are very fortunate and blessed to have met you. Ramon, Leia and Victor
(2) July, 12 (Fri.)
Good morning from North Carolina, Yoshi-San,
We are safely home and are reminiscing our wonderful trip to Japan. Thank you for making our visit to Kyoto so memorable. We learned so much from you.
I finally downloaded all your photos of us. Thank you for these memories. I appreciate that you labeled the photos with the places they were taken.
With much gratitude,
Ramon, Leia and Victor
Ramon san, Leia san and Victor san. Good evening. It was a HEAT day today in Kyoto, too! Incredible! You selected Sapporo ramen, didn't you? That's very good! When you visit Nara and Osaka tomorrow, do not miss to see Ashura, a guardian god of Hachi Bushu (or Eight Legions, Protectors of Buddhist Teachings) in Buddhism, at the national treasure house of Kofuku-ji temple. And you must be amazed to see the HUGE power of Hideyoshi, when you visit Osaka-jo castle! Please enjoy! Yoshi
Hi, Yoshi! I just got home and did receive the photos. Thank you again and have a good rest of your week.
John
John san, Juan san, Ana san and Sophia san, good day!I strongly hope that all of your days in Japan this time will be unforgettably good memories.I was so glad to be able to meet all of you. I'll never forget the nicest family.From YoshiJuly 02 (Tue.), 2024; 11: 44 AM
Hi, Yoshi
We got back fine.
All of us had a great time. That's a very authentic trip. :)
Thanks,
Good day. I was so lucky and glad to know that you kindly selected the bike tour. (I wonder if you've already left Japan for your home country?) As I mentioned before, this tour was the first time for me. So, I have been worried that you might think all the spots in the KOHOKU area were just provincial and not so interesting. I've been so nervous too,since I'm a very amateurish and awkward tour guide. I felt extremely happy when I heard the young man told me at Yogo sta. that the tour was fantastic, especially the view from the mountain and the refreshing air when bikingalong the lake. I know the word is quite flattering, but we were really lucky enough to have acceptable weather,since we have almost entered into the long rainy season.I strongly hope that all of your days in Japan this time will be unforgettably good memories.I was so glad to be able to meet all of you. I'll never forget the nicest group.From YoshiJun.17th (Mon.), 2024; 21:14
Dear Yoshi san,
No words can convey to you how much we appreciate all the work you have put in the tour you gave us of your home country Kyoto, Japan. We most grateful for your guidance in imparting all your knowledge of the places we visited.
We are glad that you enjoyed our most humble gifts. The NY Yankee hat and the tote bag was selected because it was a reminder from your friends from New York. And the tote bag was selected because the pictures depicts some of the most iconic buildings around NY. And of course, the New York Times items were related to Lindsey san’s work place. Since we have little knowledge of sake, we hope you will enjoy the home brew one you unwittingly helped us select 😉.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts ❤️ for the most wonderful tour of your home country, and all the time and effort you have put in for us. We will not forget the wonderful time we had together and please stay in touch!
Most sincerely,
Nancy Mui Chew
[clink url="Re: The Warmest Thank-You Message from the American Family (先日、“古都巡り”にご一緒したご米国人ご家族からの温かい御礼メール） - KOHOKU Tour"]
I got the message this evening from one of the family members.It might be true that we were really lucky not to encounter any troubles and fully enjoyed ourselves during the 2 days' tour, but I haven't expected it at all to get such a heart-felt mail to this amateurish tour guide.I'm now thinking that a person who has to show an attitude of gratitude is I, not the guests....I mean, thanks to this nice opportunity, I was able to study a lot about the destinations and / or delve into the historical background, which must become useful knowledge for my guiding skill in the future. Thank you for your nice souvenirs to me from NYC, too. I will use all of them with deep care...I'd be really happy if your first visit to this Far Eastern country this time will become a good inspiration to have more interest in its history and culture.
