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Cycling Tour along Japan's Biggest Lake -15mins from Kyoto-

Miidera Temple (Famous spot for filming period dramas)

Miidera Temple (National Tresure site)

Lake Biwa (Japan's biggest fresh water lake)

Zeze Jinja Shinto Shrine

Nagisa Koen Park along the lake (Spring season)

Zeze Port at the foot of Omi-Ohashi Bridge

Hikiyama Float, parade through the town during the Otsu Festival in October. Let's visit Hikiyama Float Museum.

Seta-no Karahashi Bridge

Ishiyamadera Buddhist Temple(National Tresure temple founded in Nara period, the 8th century)

Lake Biwa Cruise Ship

Cycling Tour along Japan's Biggest Lake -15mins from Kyoto-

Nature & Outdoor

Joined 2018

Koichi W.

4.97 / 5

(98 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

Japanese (Native), English

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Koichi W.)

Up to 7 people

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!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

JR Kyoto Station or your hotel

- Meet up with you at a train station or at your hotel in Kyoto city area

09:30 AM

JR Otsu Station (or JR Ishiyama, Keihan Hama-Otsu Sta)

We will rent bicycles and buy some snacks.

10:00 AM

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.

11:00 AM

Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge

This bridge is on the old Tokaido Highway, and was a strategic point of traffic in olden times.

11:30 AM

Zeze Park on the ruins of Zeze Castle

We will take a short break at a park located on the ruins of Zeze Castle

11:40 AM

Nagisa Park along the lake

Cycling in Nagisa Park with views of Lake Biwa.

12:00 PM

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.

01:30 PM

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.

02:30 PM

Hama-Otsu Port

You can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa from the port.

03:00 PM

JR Otsu Station (JR Ishiyama, Keihan Hama-Otsu Station or Hama-Otsu Port)

Return the rented bicycles and see you off at a train station in Otsu city area.

After the tour, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Biwa from Hamaotsu Port.

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

What‘s included

Guiding Services

What‘s not included

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

Koichi W.

4.97 / 5

(98 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Isabelle M.

5 / 5

Jan 26, 2026

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion