Jenna D 
 
April 1, 2024
 
 
  
Perfect Escape from Kyoto Crowds
We had a wonderful time biking through multiple villages and the beautiful lakeside. Tako was a great host! Super friendly and knowledgeable about Japanese history and the area. The tour also included pit stops at a shrine, caves, and a lookout point where we enjoyed tea and delicious local snacks. We would highly recommend this tour as a great way to explore a beautiful rural area we otherwise would have missed if only hitting the major tourist areas of Japan!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Shawn K 
 
March 22, 2024
 
 
  
Perfect ending to our week in Kyoto
We loved this experience. Our guide, Ryoko, was so excited to share some of the history and culture of her home town and despite the chilly rainy day, the whole experience was very warming. There was not one part we did not enjoy. Getting away from a city, doing the bike tour, and then going to soy and sake breweries that were many generations old along with being welcomed into her home was just what we were looking for to end our visit to the Kyoto area. In our donabe cookbook I came across the phrase ichigo-ichie, which I believe means every moment in life is a life time treasure. We felt this experience was just that for us. We would highly recommend getting away from the bigger sights for a day for something like this.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 MB_Japan 
 
December 7, 2023
 
 
  
Amazing experience in rural Shiga
This itinerary was Day 2 of a two day trip with Biwako Backroads and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Our guide Ryoko was the perfect ambassador for her hometown area of Shiga, introducing us to the most scenic countryside spots on our morning cycle and then helping us connect with locals in Kinomoto brewery town in the afternoon. Golden rice fields, fall foliage, an ancient tea field, local sake and soy sauce tasting ... this was a memorable day.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 HKO 
 
November 22, 2023
 
 
  
Awesome break from the city.
We had a terrific bike tour with Tako. It was great to get out of the city and take a break from seeing temples for a day. Cycling through some small villages and along the lake was fun for my 11 year old daughter as well. At the end, Tako even gave us a ride to Hikone Castle--talk about above and beyond service!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 lazy_tiger81 
 
November 1, 2023
 
 
  
A wonderful 2 day private tour.
Booked a solo private tour for 2 days. In short, the experience was fantastic. I had 2 wonderful guides, Takako and Ryoko, who are locals with intimate knowledge of the history, culture and geography of the area. They spared no effort to ensure tour participants are comfortable and engaged. We toured on foot and bike, covering many interesting features of the lake area, each with their own unique back story (I won't share any spoilers here!). If you are in the area or want to escape the maddening crowds in Kyoto, their guided tours should certainly be on your list. T & R, thanks again for sharing your time and places with me!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jan 
 
October 31, 2023
 
 
  
Fun Cycle in countryside near Kyoto
Taco met us at the station in Maibara. We noticed right away that her command of English was excellent. The bicycles were brand new . We enjoyed seeing the small villages and rice paddies of the local farmers . We had a nice ride down to Lake Biwa on a lot of backroads . Very safe and relatively easy for beginners. Nice break from hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Highly recommend this excursion.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Sightseer826111 
 
August 31, 2023
 
 
  
The highlight of our trip!
My daughter and I did an ebike tour of Nagahama City with Biwako Backroads. It was by far our FAVORITE experience from the entire trip. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind. The ebikes were super fun - what a wonderful way to experience village life in Japan outside of the major cities! The tour provided us with opportunities to learn about Shinto and Buddhist shrines, visit a pure land Buddhist temple, see some beautiful countryside, and we made and ate amazing food! If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience where you'll be well cared for, don't miss the chance to take one of their tours!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Renae D 
 
May 23, 2023
 
 
  
Best way to experience Japan
This was hands down the best adventure I had ever taken. Touring around rural towns, the rice fields and the temple stops were just amazing. My friend and I had a great time and will definitely recommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Cidean B. 
 
May 23, 2023
 
 
  
The Well-Needed Break: Riding through the Countryside
I work in a profession where taking a break sometimes feels like a luxury. There’s always so much to plan, so much to execute and so little time for everything to be done that it’s easy to overlook the fact that breaks are needed. That’s basically what this tour was for me. It was an chance for me to disconnect from the hustle called “life” and take a moment to pause, and appreciate those moments my friend and I spent cycling through the beautiful and peaceful towns between Takatsuki and Kinomoto Station. PROS - We were provided one of the warmest individuals as a tour guide. She met us at the Takatsuki JR Station and guided us all the way to Kinomoto Juzo-in Joshin-Jo Temple we’re we met a few locals and paid tributes (very, very optional). She rode ahead of us and stopped intermittently to allow us an opportunity to rehydrate and learn a bit about the various places we visited. - Lunch was included. The best way for me to describe this meal is a “Taste of Nagahama.” (see picture attached). I understand - quite generic - but, it’s truly what this felt like to me. We had a mix of sweet and savory items. And of course, soup and rice. This was a meal that was prepared by the wife of a Buddhist at the Kinomoto Juzo-in Joshin-Jo Temple. - Nature. It was everywhere. Tall, towering trees, rice paddy fields that spread for miles and the sounds of birds everywhere. Just riding through nature was de-stressing for me. It allowed me to calm down and I found myself saying several times: “I would really live here” because I enjoyed that moment so much. CONS - To be very honest, I can’t think of any at this time. If any does come up, I’ll be sure to update this. But, overall, it was a day well spent outdoors and I’d definitely do this again; whether by myself or with a friend or few. It’s a nice way to bond, de-stress and relax while being surrounded by nature and getting in some exercise.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 TGaede 
 
April 16, 2023
 
 
  
Great rural ebike tour
Highlight of our trip! I wanted to experience rural Japan culture during our recent family trip. Understanding other cultures is a large part of why I travel, and just seeing the popular sights doesn't capture that on it's own for me. So I went searching on the internet and found Bawako Backroads and I'm so glad i did! Things like this can be challenging since I have a very high energy 11 year old and a moody 13 year old, but Tako & our guide Ryo did splendidly. My wife eats on the keto diet and they were accommodating for that during the cooking session too, which is a feat. We customized a full day tour of the countryside to include an ebike ride, a visit to a local farm, cooking a meal, and visiting a temple. During each one our guide would talk about various aspects of Japanese culture - in a way that actually engaged our picky girls - and even had a binder with illustrations prepared. So cool. Tako is also a great communicator and very organized when customizing the tour and having a clear itinerary. Ryo was a wonderful guide - very knowledgeable and so kind. She even invited us into her home! They also suprised us by having a birthday cake made for my daughter since it was her birthday on the day of our tour - all without asking - and we got to meet the main chef at the bakery! If you are looking to experience rural Japan, do not hesitate and reach out to Bawako now.