When you're by Lake Biwa, it’s not just about the views. It’s about feeling connected to nature and the calmness of the area. From peaceful river cruises to mindful meals, this lakeside gem in Shiga has a way of recharging you. This blog is the second part of the Omihachiman entry written here. Click to read about the history and art associated with the area.
Upon arrival at the lake, you’ll first notice the clusters of yoshi reeds around the shore. These reeds do a lot more than add to the scenery. They help keep the lake clean, protect against erosion, and provide a habitat for local wildlife. Shiga Prefecture is actively working to preserve them through events, art exhibitions, harvesting experiences, and showcasing them as a part of the lake’s ecosystem.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Biwa is with a river cruise in a hand rowed traditional boat along the river. The cruise from Suigo no Sato Maruyama was about an hour, though some options are longer and even include lunch. You’ll float through reed marshes, under a canopy of low-hanging trees, and pass traditional wooden bridges. It’s also perfect for wildlife photography. We spotted ducks, turtles, fish, birds, and even beavers! Since the boat is hand-rowed, it is quiet and peaceful as the guide shares stories about the area’s geography and history as you drift along.
At a local temple called Myohoji Temple, visitors can dive into Zen meditation in a super calming atmosphere. With a nice breeze flowing, the scent of incense wafting through the air, and tatami floors underfoot, the temple offered a peaceful setting. The head priest shared that the goal of meditation is to stay mindful and connected to what you’re feeling, hearing, and smelling in the moment. During the session, the focus is on calm, natural breathing, maintaining good posture, and being still. After meditating, we enjoyed some tea and listened to a healing musician before saying goodbye.
For lunch, we stopped by the Machiya Club. It’s a renovated Edo-era spot that used to be part of a sake brewery. Now, it’s an inviting space where you can shop for local crafts and food. The real gem here is the healthy cooking studio on the third floor. Their classes bring traditional Chinese medicinal practices into the kitchen, focusing on fresh, local ingredients to support health from the inside out. It’s all about using food as medicine. Perfect spot for anyone wanting a deeper dive into mindful eating! We got to learn about different uses of ingredients, assemble a traditional boxed lunch, and enjoyed eating on the rooftop. Normal classes would include the actual cooking, but I only had a limited time here. Even so, I enjoyed the learning experience and of course, the food was fresh and healthy!
Whether you're drifting through the reeds or cooking a meal that feels like a hug for your health, Omihachiman of Shiga Prefecture is just the spot to nurture your soul. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
Inspired to take a trip to Japan? Whether you need a guide, transportation, and accommodations, or want to experience this yourself, get in touch! We can make it happen