Duration
Approx. 3.5 hrsGroup Size
1-4 guestsTheme
Lake & Rural VillagesActive Level
Activity Type
CyclingTour Location
Maibara & Hikone, ShigaFollow the lakeshore by bike through quiet villages and rice fields, with open views across Japan’s largest lake and glimpses of everyday rural life along the water.
What You’ll Experience
- Ride comfortably on an e-bike at a relaxed, conversational pace
- Cycle from rural Maibara to the shore of Lake Biwa
- Pass open farmland, quiet villages, and everyday rural landscapes
- Follow a flat lakeside cycling route with expansive views across Japan’s largest lake
- Enjoy an easy half-day ride beginning and ending at JR Maibara Station
Who Would Enjoy This Tour
This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed outdoor activity and would like to experience the rural landscapes around Lake Biwa. No advanced cycling experience is required, but participants should be comfortable and confident riding a bicycle.
About the Area: Rural Maibara and Lake Biwa
Just beyond JR Maibara Station, the scenery quickly changes from a major transport hub to open farmland, traditional villages, and quiet country roads. These landscapes reflect the everyday rural character of eastern Lake Biwa.
Continuing toward the lakeshore, the landscape opens across Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. The flat terrain and dedicated lakeside cycling route make this an enjoyable area for a relaxed half-day ride.
The Experience
1. Leaving Maibara: Into the Countryside
Meet your guide at JR Maibara Station and get comfortable with your e-bike before setting out. Within a short distance of the station, the route enters open farmland and quiet rural neighborhoods.
2. From Rural Villages to Lake Biwa
Cycle along peaceful local roads through fields and small villages, experiencing the everyday scenery of rural Maibara. The route gradually leads toward Lake Biwa, where the view opens across the water and surrounding mountains.
3. Lakeside Cycling and Return to Maibara
Follow a flat cycling route along the shore of Lake Biwa and pause for a light refreshment along the way. From the lakeside, continue through the surrounding countryside before returning to JR Maibara Station, where the tour concludes.
Optional Extension: Hikone Castle
Extend your experience with a guided visit to Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original castles and a National Treasure.
After cycling along the shores of Lake Biwa, continue to Hikone to explore the castle grounds and learn about the samurai history of this lakeside castle town. This option turns the relaxed half-day ride into a longer experience combining nature, cycling, and cultural heritage.
Important Notes Before You Book
Course Notes
- Duration: Half day
- Seasonal operation: Mid-March–mid-July / mid-September–mid-December
- Start time: 9:00 am or 1:00 pm
- Meeting and end point: JR Maibara Station
- Recommended age: 13+ and at least 152 cm tall
- With the optional Hikone Castle extension: Starts at 10:00 am and lasts approximately 6 hours, including a lunch break
Cycling & Safety
- Primarily flat riding on local roads and cycling paths
- Participants must be able to ride a bicycle safely
- Non-electric bicycles are available upon request at the same price. Please let us know when booking.
Weather
- The tour operates in light rain
- Please bring suitable rain gear if needed
- The tour will be canceled if heavy rain is forecast; a decision will normally be made by 5:00 pm on the previous day
- Guests are advised to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance
Pricing
Pricing for this private tour is based on the size of your group. Basic pricing is as follows:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
|
Private Tour Base price, up to 2 people |
¥40,000 |
|
Additional Guests 3rd–4th guests |
¥12,000/person |
|
Optional Extension Hikone Castle visit, including admission |
+¥20,000/group +¥3,000/person for the 3rd and 4th guests |
-
Included in Price
- Rental e-bike & helmet
- Professional Guide
- Light refreshment
-
Not Included
- Transportation to and from JR Maibara Station
- Meals
- Personal purchases and souvenirs