Time
approx. 3.5 hoursStarts 9 am or 1 pm
Active Level
Pricing
Beginner-friendly course featuring a diversity of the local life, culture, and nature around Lake Biwa.
- Leisurely beginner-friendly route.
- A fun & easy way to explore the unique rural culture of northern Lake Biwa.
- See local satoyama nature and wildlife such as birds, and occasionally even monkeys.
- Just 20 minutes from Kyoto by bullet train — easy access and time to explore Hikone Castle or Lake Biwa afterward.
- Enjoy a smooth ride with our own fleet of GT mountain bikes.
- Guided by residents who share stories and foster real connections.
Course Details
Just a 20 minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto to our starting point, we offer an easy way to explore small town rural life in Japan on this leisurely beginner-friendly ride, with a local resident guide, fluent in English, to help you enjoy our area’s unique geographical and historical points of interest.
This 15km course features a broad range of sights such as rice and agriculture fields, historic trade routes, local villages combining old and new ways of life, a temple and shrine, a brief hike, and the shores of Lake Biwa, all in about 3 hours.
In our tours, we hope to both share and preserve our local lakeside culture and traditions. Toward this goal, we also work closely with municipalities and residents to ensure that we always respect the wishes and needs of the local communities that we visit.
Private group tour which provides a peaceful ride exploring the diversity of local agriculture, nature, history, and culture. Course covers a broad range of local scenery for a true sense of rural Japanese life in Shiga. Get an up close look at local agriculture, Lake Biwa, and some of the charming smaller villages of Maibara.
Enjoy a refreshing ride including rice and agriculture fields, the shores of Lake Biwa, historic trade routes, and more for a fun, memorable experience.
Our convenient location and short tour time make it easy to explore more before or after your tour too, such as visiting Hikone Castle, or Lake Biwa!
- All participants must be able to safely ride a bicycle.
- If the guide determines it may be unsafe to ride, the itinerary may be adjusted to a walking tour.
Course Notes
- Seasonal operation: March to early December (except Aug)
- This half-day course operates in the morning or afternoon. Mornings begin at 9:00, ending in time for lunch (which is not included as part of the tour, but we can offer local recommendations!), or in the afternoon beginning at 1:00pm.
- The meeting point is JR Maibara Station. We will start and end the tour at the station.
- Suitable for age 13 & up, and at least 152cm (5 ft) tall.
- You are also welcome to bring your own bike (but tour cost will not change)
- We can also arrange for electric bicycle at additional fee of ¥1000.
- The tour will be canceled in case of heavy rain (a decision will be made no later than 7 PM on the day before the tour), but it can be replaced with a walking and vehicle version at no extra charge. Even with the change, you will still be able to enjoy the serene landscapes of a traditional Japanese countryside village.
- Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes. There will also be a short hike.
- We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate travel insurance in advance. Although minimal insurance is included.
What’s Included
- Professional guide
- GT mountain bike
- Helmet
- Light refreshment
Not Included
- All train fares
- Souvenirs, snacks, etc.
Meeting Point
Meet your guide right at the ticket gate of JR Maibara Station. By bullet train, Maibara is 1 stop east (20 min) from Kyoto (fare paid by customers, but covered by JR Pass if you have one).
Pricing
This is an exclusive private tour — just for your group.
Private Tour Pricing (effective June 1, 2025)
| Description | Price (excl. tax) |
|---|---|
| Base Rate (2-guest group) Solo travelers pay a 2-guest rate (¥30,000) |
¥15,000 / person |
| Additional guest (up to 4 guests total) | +¥8,000 per person |
*10% consumption tax will be added to the above prices.
*Bookings made before Oct 1, 2025 will be charged the original rate.
Options & Additions
Additional fees apply, but vary by time & group size (final cost will be confirmed before finalizing reservation). Please mention in comment field of reservation form to add options, or feel free to ask us for more details about any of them!
- Zen Temple Visit (+1-2 hours) Near our meet-up point is a great little Zen temple with an amazing garden, newly added cafe, and even zen meditation sessions. Closed Tuesdays.
- Hikone Castle Visit (+3 hours) While many explore this local treasure without a guide, we’re also happy to accompany, guide, and also take you to the adjacent gardens, and moat boat ride.