A Food and Culture Extraordinaire in Higashiomi via this One-Day Model Plan!

Set off on this trip for JR Notogawa Station, the starting point on this trip.
・From Kansai International Airport: About 2 hours and 16 minutes by JR Haruka Express and the Biwako Line.
・From Osaka Station: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by the JR Kyoto Line and the Biwako Line's new rapid service.
・From Kyoto Station: About 40 minutes, take the JR Biwako Line New Rapid Service.
・From Tokyo/Nagoya: Take the Shinkansen to Maibara Station, then switch to the JR Biwako Line, about 20 minutes.

All engines are go at JR Notogawa Station, the starting point on your trip around Higashiomi City.
Take the west exit of Notogawa Station and hop on a bus to the strawberry amusement farm, TANABERRY FARM.

This day kicks off with scrumptious strawberry picking at a tourist-friendly farm specialized in strawberries!
You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberries for 40 minutes, including varieties such as "Benihoppe" and "Kaorino" cultivated at the farm. The farm operates on a complete reservation system to ensure groups do not overlap timeslots, meaning you can enjoy an easy time and plenty of berries while forgetting about everyone else around.

After strawberry picking it’s time to head over for a highly sought-after lunch. The spot is at Sukiyaki Nishimura, an eatery located just some 30 minutes away from Strawberry Amusement Farm, TANABERRY FARM by car.
Step inside and prepare for a taste of Omi Beef, one of Japan’s three major wagyu varieties, in a one-of-a-kind sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pot that all come at reasonable prices since its founding in 1962. On this model course we’ve selected the luxurious taste of Omi Beef served in sukiyaki style. It all starts by grilling the leeks first, releasing their delicious essence and aroma.

Next up its time to swing through the World Kite Museum Higashiomi Giant Kite Hall, located about a 12-minute walk from Sukiyaki Nishimura.
The Higashiomi Giant Kite, a national selected intangible cultural property, boasts a 300-year cultural heritage. Step inside the museum to see a full exhibit of different kites from Japan and across the world, including the star Higashiomi Giant Kite. The 100 tatami (about 183㎡) kite displayed right at the entrance is sure to blow you away. You can also try your hand at making a full-fledged kite (300yen per piece). Hand-made and one-of-a-kind, your finished kite is sure to be a keepsake after your trip.

The final stop on this course is Charon Tsuboroku, a Japanese tea specialty store housed in an old folk house, a 15-minute drive from the Higashiomi Giant Kite Hall.
The café sits in a revamped rice merchant's house, offering a serene space and impeccable vibes from the good-old days of Japan. Take up a cup of matcha served with seasonal Japanese sweets while overlooking the courtyard. You can event select your favorite bowl for tea as an added special touch. Enjoy a moment away to relax with your favorite cup and replay all the highlights from your day.

How was your journey experiencing the rich nature and culture of Higashiōmi City?
There are many charming landscapes in Higashiōmi City that have been recognized as Japanese heritage sites. If you’re ready for even more, check out the Higashiomi City 2Day Model Course to experience the natural and cultural heritage of Lake Biwa.