Lake Yogo is a mirror-like spot surrounded with community based forests in a secluded corner of Shiga. Though the district around the lake is often covered with fresh snow almost every day in sever winter season, the sceneries from the lakeside must give sightseers unique landscapes associated with genuine local cultures of Japan and folklores which have come down from more than 1,200 years ago.
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.
From the middle of Dec. to the middle of Mar.
[General]
The half day course (approx., 4 hours), in which sightseers can enjoy representative winter landscapes around the Lake. Though they have relatively heavy snow there due to incessantly falling snow in the cold season, the walking road along the lake is usually cleared away. Sightseers call in many spots associated with folklores there and the history-changing battle at the village in chilling but finely “honed” air. That severe weather may look nice in such a genuine Japanese culture and the big event that feudal warlords had to fight at the risk of their lives.
[Note]
1) The tour’s available season:
From the middle of Dec. to the middle of Mar.
Others: Out of service
2) Recommended Wears:
・Jacket for Skiwear
・ Sweater
・ Gloves
・ Skiing cap or Climber’s hat or Cap
・ Rubber boots or Climbing shoes
・ Backpack
3) In a case of snowing / raining weather:
A tourist has to prepare a rain apparel by him/herself.
4) The Course Schedule
10:00 AM at JR Yogo Sta. Start
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch at a Local Restaurant at the Lakeside
15:00 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?