Pedal the northern shore of Lake Biwa on an E-Bike, taking in wide lake vistas before winding through tranquil fields and villages. Time：approx.5 hours Starts 10 am Active Level：35 km flat ride. Suitable for ages 13+.
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Plan for 1 Person
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Plan for 3~4 Person
The Highlight
・Ride along the scenic shores of Lake Biwa at a relaxed pace on a comfortable e-bike. ・Explore villages where traditional life continues unchanged for generations. ・Scenic and gentle cycling, perfect for soaking in both lake and countryside views. ・Scenic and gentle cycling, perfect for soaking in both lake and countryside views. ・Gain insider knowledge and cultural insight from a local guide who knows the region and its stories.
The Experience
Just a 20-minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto takes you to the starting point. This 35 km e-bike ride is relaxed yet rewarding, offering open lakeside views, glimpses of local life, and stories from the region’s history.
Begin at Maibara Station and roll through quiet fields and traditional farmhouses before reaching Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest and one of its most beautiful lakes—where the route unfolds entirely on a flat, dedicated bike lane tracing its shoreline.
Riding at a comfortable pace with the ease of e-bikes, you’ll follow the lakeshore as the scenery opens wide. Lake Biwa stretches out beside you, and soon Nagahama Castle rises across the water as a striking landmark. The path continues along the shore past small fishing harbors and tranquil stretches where daily life still plays out beside the lake. Pause at a farmers’ market to enjoy seasonal local flavors—whether a simple bento, freshly made onigiri, or other regional dishes (meals not included)—then follow the shoreline to one of the lake’s most scenic bays. From there, the route winds back through quiet village scenery before reaching JR Takatsuki Station. From Takatsuki, it’s just a 20-minute train ride back to Maibara.
Covering about 35 km, this course blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of lakeside life. With no steep climbs and the support of e-bikes, it’s an easy and rewarding ride accessible to all.
Safety Reminder 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.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Meet with guide at JR Maibara Station
- Depart by bicycle from JR Maibara Station(50 minutes)
- Around Nagahama(45 minutes)
- Roadside Station Kohoku Mizudori Station(120 minutes)
- Arrive at JR Takatsuki Station(Shiga)
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 ・Operates seasonally: mid-March–mid-July / mid-September–mid-December ・Tour runs from 10:00 AM to around 3:00 PM ・Starts at JR Maibara Station, ends at JR Takatsuki Station. ・Suitable for age 13 & up, and at least 152cm (5 ft) tall. ・Operates in light rain; canceled if heavy rain is forecast (decision by 7 PM the day before) ・Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring rain gear in case of rain. ・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)