Pedaling Through Serene Villages & Historic Brewery Town
This full-day tour explores the peaceful beauty of northern Shiga, combining e-bike cycling through quiet mountain villages and a guided cultural walk in the historic brewery town of Kinomoto.
- Duration: Approx. 7 hours
- Start Time: 9:00 AM
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Transportation: E-bike & walking (vehicle in case of rain)
- Meeting Point: JR Maibara Station
- End Point: JR Kinomoto Station
- Distance: Approx. 12 km
Important Note: Since only certain bullet trains stop at Maibara and a transfer is required there, we kindly ask guests to follow the train times listed in the itinerary below. If you are traveling from Kyoto by local train or from another region, please inform us of your travel plans when making your reservation. We will then provide appropriate rail directions accordingly.
See access details and meeting point information here:
https://www.biwakobackroads.com/access/
Standard Itinerary
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| 8:33 AM | Please take the bullet train (HIKARI 642) departing from Kyoto Station. |
| 8:52 AM | Arrive at JR Maibara Station |
| 8:55 AM | Meet guide at JR Maibara Station (transfer gate to local lines) |
| 9:00 AM | Transfer to JR local line to continue to Kinomoto with the guide |
| 9:25 AM | Arrive at JR Kinomoto Station and start e-bike ride through serene villages |
| 12:30 PM | Back to Kinomoto town. Lunch at traditional restaurant (not included) |
| 1:30 PM | Guided walk: visit sake & soy sauce breweries |
| 3:45 PM | Tour ends at Kinomoto Station |
Return Option: After the tour, you can take the 4:14 PM local train from Kinomoto to Maibara and transfer to the 4:53 PM HIKARI 657 bullet train back to Kyoto. Depending on the day, the guide may conclude the tour at Kinomoto Station or accompany you to Maibara.
What’s Included
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- E-bike & helmet rental
- All admissions (incl. sake tasting)
- Vehicle support in case of moderate rain
Not Included
- Train fares
- Lunch
- Personal purchases
Additional Notes
- Please note that this tour does not go near Lake Biwa.
- Strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance. Basic insurance is included but limited.
- Participants must be able to safely ride a bicycle.
- Bicycles used on this tour are Japanese-style city e-bikes with a sit-up posture. Suitable for riders approximately 150 cm to 190 cm tall.
- If cycling is deemed unsafe due to weather or participant ability, an alternative walking tour will be arranged.
- By law, drinking alcohol before cycling is prohibited. Sake tasting will take place after the cycling portion is finished.
- The tour will proceed even in light rain. In case of heavier rain, a vehicle-based alternative tour can be arranged upon request.
- If severe weather poses a safety risk, we will notify you of cancellation by 7:00 PM the day before. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
Pricing & Payment
¥55,000 / group (for 2 people)
+¥8,800 per additional guest (up to 4 people total)
We will send you a secure payment link. Please complete your payment before the day of the tour.