Biwako Local Experience Studio　/ Biwako Local Experience Tour

Comment from the Host

Create, explore, and capture your Japan story by Lake Biwa.

When accompanied by a professional photographer, you can capture not only the finished piece but also the creative process, leaving you with both a tangible memory and beautiful photos of your experience.

This experience takes place in a quiet local area near Ukimido Temple and the lakeside. We start with a relaxing walk, and if accompanied by a professional photographer, you can enjoy a photo session capturing natural moments and beautiful scenery.

After that, you can choose from several hands-on activities such as making seaglass jewelry, creating modern shimenawa decorations, or cooking traditional Japanese home-style dishes.

What makes this experience unique is that your journey is professionally photographed. Not only the final result, but also the process, your expressions, and the atmosphere are captured—so you can take home both meaningful creations and unforgettable memories.

English guidance is available, and pick-up from the nearest station(JR Katata) is provided for your convenience.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond typical sightseeing and enjoy a deeper, more personal connection with Japan.

[Explore the Katata Area]

Before the experience, you can also enjoy exploring local spots around the Katata area.

• Naminone BreweryA local sake brewery where you can purchase and learn about Japanese sake.

• Omi BeerA craft brewery offering a variety of unique and locally made beers.

• Kozoku no Sato MuseumA small museum showcasing the history and culture of the Katata area.

• Shimaya Wagashi ShopA popular local sweets shop, especially known for its strawberry daifuku.

• Risshoen Tea ShopA traditional tea shop famous for matcha milk and Japanese tea.

• Ukimido TempleOne of the Eight Views of Omi, a beautiful temple floating on Lake Biwa.

• Izu ShrineKnown for its heart-shaped “lucky stone,” believed to bring love and good fortune.

The itinerary may be adjusted depending on the day and your preferences.

※ Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.

Overview

Prefecture：: 　Otsu city, Shiga

Nearest Station：: JR Katata station(Korei line, Station code: JR-B25)

Experience Category：

City Walks & Tours
Crafts & Handmade
Traditional Crafts
Cooking Class

Features：

No Equipment Needed
Outdoor Facility
Parking Available
Small Groups
Indoor Facility
Popular with Tourists
Instagram-Worthy Spots
Kids Friendly
Local Favorite
Media Featured

Languages：

日本語
English

Price Range：

¥10,000 ~ ¥20,000

Business Days：

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Public Holidays

Business Hours：

13:00 ~ 14:00
14:00 ~ 15:00
15:00 ~ 16:00
16:00 ~ 17:00

Capacity：: 3 ~ 5 people

Photography：: Partial Restrictions

Closed Days & Business Hours Notes

[Schedule & Booking Information]

This experience is designed as a relaxed, immersive journey including walking, photography, and hands-on activities, and is therefore available in the afternoon only.

Start time: From 13:00
Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours (ends around 16:00〜17:00)

Pricing：The price varies depending on the course you choose. Please check the details below for each experience.

* Seaglass Craft Course: ¥12,000 per person
* Shimenawa Wreath Course: ¥13,000 per person
* Japanese Home Cooking Course: ¥14,000 per person

※Each experience is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 4–5 participants to ensure a relaxed and personalized experience.
※Morning sessions are not available.
※ Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.

[How to Book]

Reservations are accepted via email.
Please book at least one week in advance.

Please include the following information in your message:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Accommodation (hotel name, etc.)
• Preferred date
• Desired experience course
• Number of participants
• Any dietary restrictions or allergies (if applicable)

We will get back to you after confirming your request.

[Payment]

After your reservation is confirmed, we kindly ask for payment via PayPal in advance.Your booking will be confirmed once the payment is completed.

[Cancellation Policy]

• Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience• 50% charge for cancellations made 1 day before• 100% charge for same-day cancellations or no-shows

Due to preparation requirements, cancellation fees apply for last-minute changes.In case of severe weather or unavoidable circumstances, we will offer rescheduling or a full refund.

[Days Off]
Irregular holidays depending on weather and booking schedule.

[Important Information]
• Advance reservation is required
• Please book at least one week in advance to allow preparation and scheduling
• If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform us in advance
• As the experience includes outdoor walking and photo sessions, we recommend comfortable clothing and shoes
• The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions

We recommend allowing enough time to fully enjoy this relaxed and local experience.

Photography Notes

• Please refrain from taking photos in private areas of the home (such as the bathroom, washroom, or private rooms)
• Photography is encouraged in the workshop space and outdoor areas
• Please be considerate of other guests and the surrounding neighborhood
• Sharing photos on social media is welcome, but please avoid including other guests or private spaces without permission

※Please note that photography may be limited in certain locations depending on the situation.

※ Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Enjoy a unique experience by Lake Biwa that combines nature, creativity, and photography.

We begin with a pick-up from JR Katata station and head to the lakeside. While walking along the beautiful shore, you will collect seaglass and enjoy a relaxed photo session, capturing natural moments and scenic views of your journey.

After that, we will stop by a popular local Japanese sweets shop, where you can experience a small taste of local culture.

In the second half of the experience, we move to a private studio for a hands-on seaglass workshop. You can choose one activity from seaglass art or seaglass jewelry making (necklace or earrings). The process and your finished piece will also be photographed, allowing you to take home not only your handmade creation but also beautiful memories of the experience.

This is a relaxed afternoon course, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a more personal and authentic side of Japan beyond typical sightseeing.

※This experience is available in the afternoon only (starting from 13:00).
To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable flow including walking, photography, and hands-on activities, morning sessions are not offered.

※ This experience includes outdoor walking and photography.
In light rain, we may continue with a photo session that captures the unique atmosphere of the moment. In case of unfavorable weather, outdoor activities may be shortened, and the experience will focus more on indoor activities such as the workshop or cooking session.

Indoor sessions also offer great opportunities to capture detailed moments of the creative process and your finished work.

※ Please note that photography may be limited in certain locations depending on the situation.

※ Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.

Enjoy a unique cultural experience by Lake Biwa, combining a modern shimenawa wreath workshop with a scenic photo session.

We begin with a pick-up from Katata Station and head to the scenic lakeside area around Ukimido Temple for a relaxing walk and photo session.
While walking around this peaceful location and along Lake Biwa, you will have a relaxed photo session capturing natural moments and beautiful scenery.

The exact locations may vary depending on conditions.

After the walk, we will stop by a popular local Japanese sweets shop, where you can experience a taste of traditional wagashi culture.

In the second half of the experience, we move to a private studio to create your own modern shimenawa wreath. Shimenawa is a traditional Japanese decoration used to mark sacred spaces and is commonly displayed during the New Year. During the workshop, you will learn about its cultural meaning and when it is displayed, while creating a stylish, contemporary version that fits modern interiors.

The crafting process and your finished piece will also be photographed, allowing you to take home both your handmade wreath and beautiful memories of your time in Japan.

This experience is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a deeper cultural connection in a relaxed, local setting.

※This experience is available in the afternoon only (starting from 13:00).
To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable flow including walking, photography, and hands-on activities, morning sessions are not offered.

※ This experience includes outdoor walking and photography.
In light rain, we may continue with a photo session that captures the unique atmosphere of the moment. In case of unfavorable weather, outdoor activities may be shortened, and the experience will focus more on indoor activities such as the workshop or cooking session.

Indoor sessions also offer great opportunities to capture detailed moments of the creative process and your finished work.

※Please note that photography may be limited in certain locations depending on the situation.

※ Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.

Enjoy a warm and authentic Japanese home cooking experience by Lake Biwa, combined with a scenic photo session.

We begin with a pick-up from Katata Station and head to the lakeside area. While walking around the peaceful surroundings near Ukimido Temple, a small hall floating on the lake, you will enjoy a relaxed photo session capturing natural moments and the beauty of your journey.

※ The exact locations may vary depending on conditions.

After that, we will stop by a local Japanese sweets shop, where you can experience a small part of traditional food culture.

In the second half of the experience, we move to a private home kitchen for a hands-on Japanese home cooking session. You will cook together with a licensed cook, just like in a real Japanese household.

The menu varies depending on the season and ingredients, but may include dishes such as nikujaga (simmered meat and potatoes), Japanese curry and rice, onigiri (rice balls), and miso soup—everyday meals commonly enjoyed in Japanese homes. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance.

The cooking process and your finished meal will also be photographed, allowing you to take home not only the recipes and flavors, but also beautiful memories of your time in Japan.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and enjoy a deeper, more personal connection with Japanese daily life.

※This experience is available in the afternoon only (starting from 13:00).
To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable flow including walking, photography, and hands-on activities, morning sessions are not offered.

※ This experience includes outdoor walking and photography.
In light rain, we may continue with a photo session that captures the unique atmosphere of the moment. In case of unfavorable weather, outdoor activities may be shortened, and the experience will focus more on indoor activities such as the workshop or cooking session.

Indoor sessions also offer great opportunities to capture detailed moments of the creative process and your finished work.

※Please note that photography may be limited in certain locations depending on the situation.

Please note that photography is not included in this experience. Photo sessions are available only when accompanied by a professional photographer arranged separately.