Checked into an onsen hotel for 3n overlooking Biwako from Moriyama city along the eastern lake rim. On the next day visited Chojyu-ji (湖南三山 長壽寺), literally meaning longevity. It has been worshipped by locals for safe delivery, healthy upbringing of kids apart from praying for long lives. The temple is a national treasure and has been founded more than 1200 years ago during the Heian-era.
It was serene. Koyo was absolutely stunning and with sparse visitors we stayed for 1+ hour.
For lunch we headed to nearby Morishima main shop in Omihachiman again since 2022, though we decided to try the western-style grilled Omi-gyu (beef) this time 🙂 It was delicious and highly recommended.
On the last day in Biwako we visited the Konomiya Jinja (胡宮神社) uphill of Hikone city. It was serene with infrequent visitors. Stayed for roughly an hour and headed into the old shopping street in Hikone city looking for the delicious and unique beef soup noodles that we had prior to covid years. Unfortunately, it was closed on that day and we had lunch in another local eatery.
After lunch drove to outlet in Ryuoo for shopping and coffee before returning to hotel.
On the next day we checked out from Biwako onsen hotel, returned car in Katata and returned to Osaka/Namba by public transports. Stayed for another 3n before departure.
In Namba we stayed in Nankai Swisshotel, which we used to stay some 10 years ago. We picked a more spacious room with views of Namba Parks and Tennoji etc. On the next day we visited a local Oden shop in Kobe city, introduced by a local TV program aired in this trip. Arrived at the shop during lunch time and it was fully seated by locals. Ordered Oden-lunch sets plus add-on items which were all inexpensive and delicious.
With nice and warm memories after 13 days we departed Kansai.