Explore a land where mountains, lakes, and samurai history meet—visiting battlefields, sacred villages, and blacksmith hamlets shaped by nature and faith. Time： approx. 8 hours Starts 9am Active Level：2 km walk (incl. a low-incline hike up to the mountain top). Suitable for ages 13+
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The Highlight
・Hike through a scenic battlefield nestled between mountains and Lake Biwa. ・Visit a quiet village where ancient prayers still echo today. ・Enjoy lunch in a historic sake town with nearly 500 years of brewing tradition. ・Discover a hidden blacksmithing village with roots in the Sengoku Warring States era. ・Guided by local residents who share personal stories and offer meaningful cultural connections.
The Experience
After meeting at JR Maibara Station, your guide will drive you north along Lake Biwa to the historic site of the Battle of Shizugatake, one of the most significant conflicts of Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) era. A scenic lift takes you partway up the mountain, followed by a short hike to the summit, where sweeping views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding peaks unfold. This mountaintop battlefield, shaped by both terrain and water, was once where warlords clashed and strategies were drawn.
At the base of the mountain lies a peaceful village where the faith in Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, has been quietly preserved for over a thousand years. You’ll explore this timeless hamlet, where spiritual traditions and everyday life remain deeply connected, and where the scenery still carries traces of devotion and resilience.
Lunch is served in the nearby historic town of Kinomoto, known for its unique food culture rooted in fermentation and brewing. You’ll enjoy a locally prepared meal using regional ingredients (vegan and vegetarian options available). Just around the corner is Tomita Brewery, where echoes of the Sengoku Warring States period still linger—its name even inspired by the warriors of Shizugatake. The rich water sources flowing from the Ibuki mountains have long supported sake brewing and the broader fermentation culture in this region.
The final stop brings you to a quiet blacksmith village, once known for producing the famed Kusano-yari spears said to have been used in the very battle you visited earlier. Here, you’ll have a chance to forge your own small blade—starting from a nail, you’ll shape it into a paper knife using traditional tools. This hands-on experience connects you with the techniques and spirit that once supported warriors behind the scenes of history.
The tour concludes at JR Maibara Station, where your guide will assist with directions or onward travel.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
- You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance.
- If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
- You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
- If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)
Important Booking Information
Course Notes ・Seasonal operation: Mid-Apr to early-Dec ・This one-day course starts at 9 am. ・Meet at JR Maibara Station; tour concludes at the same location. ・Suitable for age 13 & up ・Tour runs rain or shine; please bring appropriate rain gear or a waterproof jacket. ・Wear casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the light hike up the mountain. ・Please inform us in advance of any food allergies for all participants or dietary requests such as vegetarian or vegan meals. ・We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate travel insurance in advance. Although minimal insurance is included.
Terms and Conditions ・Tour Cancellation by Biwako Backroads We will only cancel your tour if a situation arises which is beyond our control such as a natural disaster, severe or dangerous weather conditions (details below), civil or political unrest, war, terrorism, industrial action, disruption of public transport services, or illness or injury that appears too serious for you to safely participate.
If we cancel your tour we will refund all money you have paid us, but we will not be liable to compensate you for any inconvenience or incidental expenses you might have incurred including transportation to our meeting place.
※This product is sponsored by "Biwako Backroads"
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)