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Cycling Tour along Japan's Biggest Lake -15mins from Kyoto-
Joined 2018
During the Edo priod, Tokugawa Shogunate established the highway system connecting cities to cities. The Tokaido Highway was the most important route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo (Edo). On this tour, we will cycle around the first post town of the highway from Kyoto, Otsu. The city Otsu is also famous for Lake Biwa, Japan's biggest lake. Let's enjoy the views of the lake and historical sites while cycling.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station or your hotel
JR Kyoto Station or at your hotel
Meet up with you at JR Kyoto Station or at your hotel
JR Otsu Station (or JR Ishiyama, Keihan Hama-Otsu Sta)
We will rent bicycles and buy some snacks.
Ishiyamadera Temple (National treasure site)
This temple is known as the place where Murasaki-Shikibu wrote "The Tale of Genji, " which is said to be the world's first full length novel.
Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge
This bridge is on the old Tokaido Highway, and was a strategic point of traffic in olden times.
Zeze Park on the ruins of Zeze Castle
We will take a short break at a park located on the ruins of Zeze Castle
Nagisa Park along the lake
Cycling in Nagisa Park with views of Lake Biwa.
Otsu Festival Hikiyama-float Museum (We have lunch around here.)
The museum features a full-size model of a Hikiyama Float. The sound of musical accompaniment, lighting and slide projection create a festival mood. Closed on every monday.
Miidera Buddhist Temple (National treasure site)
This temple has the history of more than 1200 years. It is famous as a location for period dramas, such as "Rurouni-kenshin". The Buddhist bronze bell of the temple is one of the three major Buddhist bells in Japan.
Hama-Otsu Port
You can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa from the port.
JR Otsu Station (JR Ishiyama, Keihan Hama-Otsu Station or Hama-Otsu Port)
Return the rented bicycles and see you off
Ending Point
JR stations or Hama-otsu Sightseeing Ship Port
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Services
Rental bicycles, Personal Expenses,Souvenirs,Public Transportation,Tickets,Food, Drinks, Snacks
Tour Important Information
>For those who like to enjoy cruising on Lake Biwa, a sightseeing boat will depart from the Hama-Otsu Port at 3:00 pm. Please let me know if you wish to board the ship.
>In case of rain, we will use the KeihanTrain instead of bicycles to get around Otsu city.
Important message from the supplier
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Reviews
“Exceptional Guide”
Koichi was a wonderful and thoughtful guide. I cannot think of s better person to introduce us to the beauty and culture of Kyoto. He was extremely informative and was flexible on the day of the tour, accommodating our special requests. I highly recommend him!
Koichi W.
(64 reviews)Hi! Lynsey san, Thank you very much for giving me such a nice comment. It encourages me greatly. I hope to see you in the near future. Enjoy the booze tour next time??? However, enjoy it to the extent that it does not violate Buddhist precepts "Do not drink TOO MUCH." Koichi
David M.
Kyoto Eastern Highlights and Shiga Lake Town Full-day Tour for David san
Customized
“Amazing tour guide ”
Toichi was my private tour guide for the past 4 days. His knowledge of Kyoto and surrounding areas is unsurpassed. He taught me about the history, culture and food of Kyoto. We went to many temples and shrines and when I asked if we could change the schedule for the last 2 days he was very accommodating. I feel like he became my friend. Thank you Toichi for making my first trip to Japan so enjoyable and teaching me so much.
Koichi W.
(64 reviews)Hi! David san, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful review. The comment you gave me is more than I desrve. It was a great pleasure for me to share your precious time together. Atrigato-gozaimasu and I would like to say "Ookini-dosse!!" in Kyoto dialect. Koichi
Keane J.
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town
“Amazing experience!”
We had an amazing experience with Koichi. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience in Nara. He came prepared to teach us about Japan’s history and culture. He was well-informed, earnest, and flexible. We asked him to visit some specific shops in Nara before the tour and he built that into our day. He’s been the highlight of our trip to Japan and we wish we could spend more time with him.
Koichi W.
(64 reviews)Hi! Keane san. Thank you for giving me such a great review. Arigato-gozaimasu! I am very happy to have had a wonderful time with you and your family. I wish we could have spent a little more time together. Please come again in the near future. Koichi
$225/ per group
Reserve
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