Take the Road
Less Traveled
to Experience the Rich
Rural Culture of Lake Biwa.

Take the Road
Less Traveled
to Experience the
Rich Rural Culture
of Lake Biwa.

Refresh with Nature

Perfect getaway from the city to explore the rich rural environment of Lake Biwa and surrounding mountains.

Support Culture

As traditions and crafts slowly disappear, we work to support this local lifeblood.

Enjoy Local Life

Our guides are also local residents, working to give an immersive experience of local life.

Just 20 min. from Kyoto by Shinkansen!

Meet your guide right at JR Maibara Station!

Featured Tour Courses


Perfect Kyoto Daytrips!
English-Speaking Local Guides!
Strictly Private Tours!

Active & Outdoor Courses

Culture & Arts Courses


Explore More of Northern Shiga

Custom Private Tours


History & Culture

Local Foods

Mountain Hiking

In addition to our featured tours, we’re also happy to show you more of our favorite local spots on a custom tour course. Go on a sacred mountain hike, visit an island sanctuary within Lake Biwa, and more. Flexible itineraries designed around your interests, and guided by our local experts for a truly special experience.

Custom Tours

from our guests

Testimonials

Local Expert Team

Our Primary Guides

Takako Matsui-Leidy
Takako (Tako) Matsui-Leidy

Tako is the main manager of the Biwako Backroads project as well as a fully licensed English guide. Aside from 11 years living in the US, Tako has spent most of her life in Shiga and is happy to share the local culture with you!

Ryoko Vick Kitano
Ryoko Vick Kitano

A Nagahama native who has spent time as a translator, and is a licensed English guide. She’s into local nature, culture, history and food. She loves sharing the unique local culture that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan!

Asami Higashiyama
Asami Higashiyama

Asami is a travel lover, and licensed English guide. Her husband is a Buddhist monk, so she has all kinds of knowledge about Japanese temples. She loves meeting travelers, learning about their country and cultural exchange. She also speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

Yuta Fukuhara
Yuta Fukuhara

Yuta is an outdoor explorer at heart and local forestry worker by trade. He’s been a great help to our team as the resident nature and hiking guide, and having grown up nearby, he knows the local region very well.

Support Guides
Support Guides

In addition to our primary guides, we also have a small network of friendly and knowledgeable guides providing back up and support as needed to ensure tour availability and a positive experience for our guests.

Access & Meeting Point

Meet Up and Go!

Working Together for Progress

Memberships & Partners

Japan Ecotourism Society
Yu Tour
Biwaichi Rental Cycle
Questions Welcome!

Contact Us


All questions welcome! To book a tour, please use the Booking Page form. Thanks, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

* all fields required!


COVID-19 Status: Bookings now available. Read more: COVID-19 Safety Measures