Otsu Port

Summer is the perfect time for a sightseeing cruise, and you can enjoy it with a cold beer in hand on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, just a short trip from Osaka in neighbouring Shiga prefecture. The lake’s iconic paddlewheel boat Michigan, named after Shiga’s sister-state in the US, is running a 90-minute evening cruise that doubles as a floating beer garden on weekends and public holidays until September 28. Take in the lake views and the onboard entertainment while you enjoy an all-you-can-drink menu of 50 different beverages, including beer, cocktails and highballs, plus non-alcoholic options like mocktails, soft drinks and teas. You’ll also receive a snack set served in a special Michigan-themed box, filled with fries, chicken nuggets, pepperoncino-seasoned edamame, nachos with chilli con carne, and pickles. Tickets (including drinks and snacks) are ¥8,000 for adults and ¥4,000 for primary school students. For a more exclusive experience, groups of 8 to 26 people can reserve the Royal Room, a private lounge with its own deck, for an additional ¥2,000 per person. The Michigan Night Cruise departs from Otsu Port at 6.30pm and returns at 8.00pm. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.