Leisure

Osaka

  • The Santa Maria: Cruising around the Port of Osaka

    Modeled after the ship Columbus used to reach the New World and twice its size, the Santa Maria is a sightseeing ship that cruises around the Port of Osaka. The ship departs from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Tempozan Harbor Village, and allows passengers to see many of the places of note in the Osaka Bay area.

    The Santa Maria: Cruising around the Port of Osaka
    Address:
    1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka > Map
    Phone:
    +81-(0)570-04-5551
    URL:
    Access:
    Landing:
    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan West in Tempozan Harbor Village: Five-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line.
  • The Aqua-Liner: Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima Cruise

    A pleasure boat for seeing the Okawa River and Osaka, the Water Capital. Passing under a number of bridges, this trip provides a view of the rich history of Osaka and its many famous and historical locations. Board from any stop along the way and enjoy the entire loop, or stop at any other landing along the way. The Aqua-Liner is particularly popular during cherry blossom season. (See the section on Kema Sakuranomiya Park on the Cherry Blossom page.)

    The Aqua-Liner: Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima Cruise
    Phone:
    +81-(0)570-03-5551
    URL:
    Access:

    Landings:

    • • Osaka Castle: Located near Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, next to the fountain in front of Osaka-jo Hall.
      Hachikenya: Located next to Temmabashi Station on Keihan Electric Railway (direct link) and on the Tanimachi subway line.
    • • Yodoya-bashi Bridge: Located next to Yodoyabashi Station on Keihan Electric Railway and on the Midosuji subway line.
    • • Osaka Amenity Park: Eight-minute walk from Sakuranomiya Station on the JR Loop Line (on the riverside next to the Imperial Hotel Osaka).
  • Hirakata Park

    Hirakata Park is the oldest amusement park in Japan still running today. From tamer fun to absolute scream machines, the attractions here number around 40, and are fun for children and adults alike. The park also offers a variety of other ways to have fun throughout the year, including a wading pool and ice skating.

    Hirakata Park
    Address:
    1-1 Hirakata Koen-cho, Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture > Map
    Phone:
    +81-(0)72-844-3475
    URL:
    Access:
    Three-minute walk from Hirakata-koen Station on Keihan Electric Railway.
  • Kuzuha Public Golf Course

    Open to the public, Kuzuha offers an 18-hole course with a nine-hole option located on a dry riverbed in Osaka about two minutes from Kuzuha Station on Keihan Electric Railway. Its history includes hosting international tournaments. Conveniently situated near Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga, Kuzuha Public Golf Course is reasonably priced as well.

    Kuzuha Public Golf Course
    Address:
    14-2 Kuzuha Hanazono-cho, Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture > Map
    Phone:
    +81-(0)72-857-7110
    URL:
    Access:
    Two-minute walk from Kuzuha Station on Keihan Electric Railway.

Kyoto

  • Garden Museum Hiei

    Located 840 meters above sea level on the summit of Mount Hiei is Garden Museum Hiei. With sweeping views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa, this outdoor museum exhibits faithful ceramic print reproductions of impressionists such as Monet and van Gogh. As you explore such famous paintings as Monet's Water-Lily Pond, the wonderful fragrance wafts from the rose garden, restoring your spirit. The panoramas of the Kyoto cityscape and Lake Biwa are breathtakingly beautiful.

    Garden Museum Hiei
    Address:
    4 Shugaku-in Shakura-ga-tani Shimei-ga-dake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto > Map
    Phone:
    +81-(0)75-707-7733
    URL:
    Access:
    • • At Demachiyanagi Station on Keihan Electric Railway, transfer to Eizan Electric Railway. Get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station and transfer to the cable car and ropeway. The station is Hiei-sancho Station.
    • • From JR Kyoto Station or Keihan Electric Railway Sanjo or Demachiyanagi Station, take the Keihan or Kyoto Bus to the Hiei Sancho bus stop. Garden Museum Hiei operates from mid-April to early December.

Shiga

  • Lake Biwa-ko Cruises

    When it comes to sightseeing on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, cruises on the Michigan are the best. Among the attractions are the musical live show and gourmet food. Cruises are also available to visit Hogon-ji Temple on Chikubu, a compelling island in Lake Biwa that people have revered since ancient times. There are other pleasure ships available as well as the Bianca, a special occasion ship for group rentals, lake weddings, environmental trips and other events. Lake Biwa has many attractions as it expresses itself through the seasons from spring cherry blossoms to winter snows. Experience the charms of Lake Biwa for yourself.

    Lake Biwa-ko Cruises
    Address:
    5-1-1 Hama Otsu, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture > Map
    Phone:
    +81-(0)77-524-5000
    URL:
    Access:
    Landing Port of Otsu :
    Three-minute walk from Otsu Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Otsu Line. Alternatively, an 18-minute walk from Otsu Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line.