Handmade fireworks sparkling over Lake Biwa — an unforgettable climax to your sunset dinner cruise on “the Mother Lake”
Discover the beauty of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and oldest lake, with a history stretching back over 4 million years. This serene lake has long been a place where nature and human life coexist in harmony, giving rise to a unique “water culture” that thrives here.
Your journey begins in Nagahama City, at the northern edge of Lake Biwa. You’ll start by visiting the Kakinoki Fireworks Industry to learn the art of crafting traditional Japanese fireworks by hand. Afterward, you’ll explore the city on foot and experience the elegance of wearing a traditional Kimono.
As evening approaches, you’ll board a Yakatabune boat for a sunset cruise on Lake Biwa, where you’ll savor an Italian dinner, thoughtfully crafted around the theme of “fireworks.” The day concludes with a spectacular display as the fireworks you created burst into the night sky, marking the perfect end to a truly memorable tour. We hope you enjoy the traditional Japanese fireworks and the stunning scenery of Lake Biwa.
Tour Program
Craft Your Own Fireworks
Immerse yourself in the unique art of handmade fireworks at Kakinoki Fireworks Industry, the only fireworks maker in Shiga Prefecture. Guided by master craftsmen, you’ll have the opportunity to design and create your own original fireworks.
Meet the Fireworks Master (Producer/Launcher)
Award History
2008: Bronze Award, Omagari New Fireworks Collection, Akita Prefecture
2009: Fighting Spirit Prize, Lake Suwa New Fireworks Competition, Nagano Prefecture
2010: Runner-Up, Lake Suwa New Fireworks Competition, Nagano Prefecture
2011: Bronze Award, Omagari New Fireworks Collection, Akita Prefecture
2014: Bronze Award, Omagari New Fireworks Collection, Akita Prefecture
2015: Bronze Award, Omagari New Fireworks Collection, Akita Prefecture
2015: Honorable Mention and Nagano Prefecture Governor Prize, Lake Suwa New Fireworks Competition
2015: Honorable Mention and Finalist, Ise Jingu National Hono Fireworks
2017: Honorable Mention and Finalist, Ise Jingu National Hono Fireworks
Savor Exquisite Omi Beef Sukiyaki Nabe for Lunch
After your fireworks crafting session, indulge in a delicious Omi Beef Sukiyaki Nabe lunch in the city. Omi Beef, one of Japan’s three prestigious wagyu varieties with a 400-year history, is renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. Enjoy this premium beef in a traditional, flavorful dish.
Slip into a Traditional Japanese Kimono
Fireworks symbolize summer in Japan, and are traditionally associated with the Bon Festival, honoring ancestors. Enhance your experience by donning a kimono or yukata, typically worn during summer festivals and fireworks events. Embrace the tradition and enjoy a unique, picturesque style.
Stroll through the Historic District in Style
Wander through the charming Kurokabe (Black Wall) Square District, featuring beautifully preserved Japanese-style buildings from the Edo and Meiji eras. Discover galleries, glass workshops, restaurants, and cafes. Treat yourself to sweets as you explore this scenic area.
Relax on a Lake Biwa Sunset Cruise
Board the Yakatabune “Shiki” (meaning “Four Seasons”) at Nagahama Pier for a serene sunset cruise on Lake Biwa. Enjoy the calm waters and the beautiful sunset from the observation deck on the boat’s second floor.
Dine on Premium Italian Cuisine
As night falls, savor a luxurious Italian dinner crafted with fresh local ingredients on the boat. Enjoy a delightful fusion of Shiga’s local flavors and Italian elegance, with special dishes themed around fireworks. The meal is curated by Chef Ichiyama, renowned for his delicious dishes at top Italian restaurants in Osaka and Kyoto.
Menu Sample
1st Plate
– Carrot mousse and Omi chicken consommé jelly
2nd Plate
– Omi shrimp and celery tartare served with sea urchin
– Ibuki soba galette wrap with smoked Biwa trout
3rd Plate
– Home-made prosciutto and grilled eggplant
– Foie gras butter cookie sandwich
4th Plate
– Home-made short pasta with fresh tomato sauce and small sweet fish of Lake Biwa
5th Plate
– Steamed Lake Biwa black bass dressed with fireworks theme
6th Plate
– Roasted Japanese black wagyu beef
7th Plate
– White chocolate cake and sherbet of the season
Please inform us of any food allergies when booking. While we strive to accommodate dietary needs, we cannot guarantee a menu perfectly tailored to allergy requirements.
Please not that it may be difficult to accommodate your requests received just before the tour or on the tour day because of the availability of materials and the cruise-style dining.
[Chef]
2002: Started working at Alporto Caffe, Hankyu Umeda as parttime assistant while he was learning at Tsuji Culinary Institute at Abeno, Osaka, where he met Mamoru Kataoka, the owner chef of Alporto Caffe.
2003: After graduating from Tsuji Culinary Institute, Takumi Ichiyama joined Ristorante La Murena, where he was trained under Hiroyuki Kozuka.
2004: Worked at La Luna, an Italian restaurant owned by Hiroyuki Kozuka for one year,
2005: Head Chef at Ristorante Esperto, an Italian restaurant produced by Chef Mamoru Kataoka.
Takumi Ichiyama met Mamoru Kataoka, and decided to be trained periodically at Kataoka’s Ristorante Alporto.
2006: Head Chef at Kyoto Takashimaya Branch of Alporto Caffe, where he worked for 13 years since its opening.
2020: Met Masayuki Okuda and mastered the Al Kecciano spirits by visiting all the branches of Al Kecchiano.
December 2020: Executive Chef at Biwa collage at Nagahama, Shiga.
Witness Your Fireworks Light Up the Night Sky
The tour culminates with a spectacular display of the fireworks you’ve created. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of your handcrafted fireworks illuminating Lake Biwa.
Tour Details
| Handmade Fireworks and Sunset Cruise over Lake Biwa | ||
| Departure Date | December 5th(Thu)[Tours Confirmed] | |
| Duration | Day trip (lodging available as an option) | |
| Meals Included | Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1 | |
| Itinerary | Schedules | |
| 1 |
Meeting Point: JR Maibara Station (09:00 – 10:00) Note: Timings may vary based on season and number of participants. Final itinerary will be provided before departure. |
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| Tour Charge | JPY 187,000 (including tax) per person | |
| Includes | Transportation, lunch and dinner, tour guide, experience fees, facility usage, Yakatabune charges, Rental Kimono | |
| Excludes | Transportation to/from meeting point, additional personal expenses | |
| Lodging Option | Hotel arrangements available upon request (e.g., Machiya no Yado Iroha, JPY 10,000 per person, including tax). | |
| Payment | Confirm your booking with payment by credit card (Visa/Master) or bank transfer within 10 days. Details and invoice will be provided upon booking. | |
| Alteration/Cancellation Policy |
The following charges will apply for any changes or cancellations made after the booking is confirmed: •20 days before: 20% of tour charges •7 days before: 30% of tour charges •1 day before: 40% of tour charges •Day of tour: 50% of tour charges •After tour starts or no show: 100% of tour charges |
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| Minimum Number of Participants | 12 (tour may be canceled if this minimum is not met; full refund will be issued). | |
| Booking Deadline | 14 days before the tour. | |
| Terms & Conditions | Please review the terms and conditions before booking. Tour Terms and Conditions (Domestic) |
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- Weather and Conditions
- Tour details may change due to weather, guide’s advice, or pandemic circumstances.
- Personal Valuables
- Participants are responsible for their personal belongings.
- Health Measures
- Participants with high fever or unusual health conditions may be excluded.
- Tour Companion
- A guide will accompany the tour throughout.
- Contact
- The final itinerary will include contact details for reaching us during the tour.
- Public Transportation Note
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Staff with a board that reads “Mirai Creation Experience” will be waiting in front of the Shinkansen ticket gate at JR Maibara Station.
Access to JR Maibara Station
*Bullet train use
Hikari from Shin-Osaka to Maibara 35 min.
Hikari from Nagoya to Maibara 30 min.
Hikari from Tokyo to Maibara: 2 hours 15 minutes
*Conventional train
Kyoto to Maibara Shinkaisoku 55 min.
- Bus company to be used
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Jumbo taxi company to be used：Shiga Chuo Kanko Bus, Nagahama Office
*Please note that seating on the bus is at our discretion. You may be seated next to other passengers.
*Arrival and return times may be delayed due to traffic congestion, etc.
- Tour Planning/Operation by
- Kabushiki Kaisha Miraidukuri Company
Tour Operator Registration License Number by the Governor of Tokyo: 2-8105
Address: Dai-San Yoshida Building 3F, 3-13-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Authorized Member of Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Domestic Travel Service Supervisor: Misako Kan
TEL: 03-6230-9855 / FAX: 03-6230-9856
MAIL: exp@miraidukuri.co.jpOperating Hours: 10:30 – 19:30 (Closed on Saturday, Sunday and on National Holidays)
(For the messages received outside of the operating hours by mail, fax or post, they are regarded as received on the next business day.)
The above-mentioned “Domestic Travel Service Supervisor” is responsible for your travel. Please don’t hesitate to contact the service supervisor in case there is anything not clear with the details about the travel contract explained by the contact person.