Cycling Lake Biwa (5 Days)
Cycling Lake Biwa (5 Days)
Cycling Lake Biwa (5 Days)
5 Days Starting and ending in Kyoto
Visiting: Hikone, Kinomotocho Kinomoto, 〒529-0726 Shiga, Nagahama, Nishiazaicho Sugaura, Takashima, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
160
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Contact us
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
For centuries, Shiga has served as a strategic link between Kyoto and Tokyo (then Edo), and today this rich legacy lives on. Traditionally known as Omi province. The area set the stage for many epic battles, where fearsome samurai fought to secure power and supremacy over Japan. In times of peace, a thriving merchant culture developed with increased travel along the Nakasendo and Tokaido highways passing through borders of the region. Echoes of Shiga’s past can still be experienced today through its preserved traditional architecture, distinct culture and way of life of its people.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kyoto To Hikone
Location: Hikone
Accommodation: Ryokan or folk house
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin with an orientation at our Kyoto office and pick up your bike and equipment for your tour. Then, travel by train to Omi-Hachiman, and begin your cycle from train from Kyoto; cycle Omi-Hachiman to Hikone
Distance: 42 km / 26 miles
Elevation gain: 93 meters / 305 feet
Avid Option: 58 km / 36 miles with approximately 335m / 1,099 feet elevation gain
Cycling time required: 3 - 4 hours
Accommodation: Ryokan (Travellers inn) or preserved traditional Japanese folkhouse
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 : Nagahama To Kinomoto
Location: Kinomotocho Kinomoto
Accommodation: Minshuku or Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, ride a few kilometers into the center of Hikone and board a train for the brief ride to Nagahama. Spend part of the morning cycling through the old merchant district and stop by the Hikiyama float museum to learn about the local Hikiyama festival, dating back over 400 years from the Edo period. Colourful floats on display exhibit fine examples of traditional Japanese metalwork, wood carvings and lacquer work common in the Edo period.
Leaving the town, the course then cycles past lakeside Nagahama castle - with wonderful views out across Lake Biwa from its upper keep - before cycling further north along scenic coastal cycle lanes and rural backroads, through small villages and on to the hidden Lake Yogo, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The lake's serene environment earns it the name “Kagami-ko”, or Mirror Lake. After a gentle 6km loop ride around Lake Yogo, enjoy a nearby café to soak up fine views of the area.
Today’s ride finishes at nearby Kinomoto, an old post town along the ancient Hokkoku road - once a main trade route connecting Kyoto with ports on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Here you can see remnants of the old merchant townscape and enjoy scenery as it was in the past. Kinomoto is also home to a long-standing Sake brewery with over 450 years of history and considered the 3rd oldest in Japan.
Your accommodation tonight is a charming traditional Japanese inn nearby. Fresh seasonal delicacies sourced from the lake and surrounding mountains are a highlight of tonight’s dinner.
Distance: 43 km / 27 miles
Elevation gain: 409 meters / 1,341 feet
Cycling time required: 3 - 4 hours
A shorter option is available by using a train transfer.
Day 3 : Kinomoto To Sugaura
Location: 〒529-0726 Shiga, Nagahama, Nishiazaicho Sugaura
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today the journey is the destination as you ride along quiet winding roads between the mountains and coastline. While cycling from Kinomoto this morning, enjoy a side trip up a short cable lift to Mt. Shizugatake’s 360 degree summit lookout, with breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. In the distance, the Hira Mountain Range and Chikubujima Island to the southwest, and towering Mt. Ibuki to the east can also be seen. Continue cycling along gentle bike lanes through some of the most picturesque shoreline in Shiga.
Rest for lunch along the way before then arriving at the hidden lakeshore village of Sugaura, which only a few decades ago became accessable by road and is enclosed by mountains on three sides. Spend the afternoon exploring the quite fishing village and its ancient shrines and temples, or relaxing along the coast.
For more cycling, enjoy a further optional loop course around the peninsula, which begins with a sharp but manageable uphill of 3 km to the panoramic lookout over the surrounding bay - and another perfect café stop. Enjoy the short ride back down to the village, or continue cycling on for another 25 km along the peninsula’s scenic loop course and return to Sugaura.
Tonight enjoy the lakeshore views from your accommodation in Sugaura, along with fantastic indoor and outdoor Japanese baths to soak away in.
Distance: 25 km / 15 miles
Elevation gain: 409 meters / 1,341 feet
Avid optional extension course: 27 km / 17 miles and approximate 425m / 1,394 feet elevation gain
Cycling time required: 2 - 4 hours
A shorter option is available by using a train transfer.
Day 4 : Sugaura To Takashima
Location: Takashima
Accommodation: Traditional Japanese Folk House or Minshuku
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy the morning atmosphere in Sugaura village before cycling onward via the scenic Kaizu-Osaki shoreline (where over 600 sakura cherry trees form a tunnel of light and color in spring) before diverging inland. With a few short, sharp uphills, the route gives way to beautiful countryside dotted with traditional thatched-roof houses surrounded by hills, then a gradual sweeping downhill into another Satoyama village (with a lovely thatched-roof folk house museum) and onward through a beautiful 2.5km stretch of road lined with a tunnel of hundreds of Metasequoia trees. A nice cafe lunch is recommended nearby. The remainder of the afternoon allows for further discoveries, cycling the scenic river-side bike lanes connecting to numerous hamlets in the area, and onward to nearby Makino lakeshore and its scenic pine-tree lined beach.
*Avid cyclists may wish to ride on towards the surrounding mountains for an optional hill climb loop course of around 31 km / 19 miles and 774m / 2,211 feet elevation gain, passing through Mt. Hakodateyama with spectacular views overlooking the countryside below and of Chikubujima Island and Mt. Ibuki far off in the distance.
Your accommodation will be in Takashima this evening where you'll receive a warm welcome at your final inn.
Distance: 43 km / 27 miles
Elevation gain: 62 meters / 203 feet
Avid Option: 58 km / 36 miles with approximately 669 meters / 2,194 feet elevation gain
Cycling time required: 3 - 4 hours
A shorter option is available by using a train transfer.
Avid optional extension course: 31 km / 19 miles and approximate 674m / 2,211 feet elevation gain ( 2 hours )
Accommodation: Traditional Japanese folkhouse or Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 : Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, wave goodbye to your hosts and cycle your final leg of the tour through to Omi-Maiko along the lakeshore. Enroute while cycling to Omi-Maiko, enjoy part of the morning with a chartered boat ride to visit nearby Chikubushima Island, one of the eight most scenic spots of Lake Biwa and known to be a source of great spiritual energy. On the island, the two old buildings of Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine have been dedicated as objects of faith from the distant past, both still wonderfully decorated with traditional Japanese architecture and décor representative of the elaborate Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 - 1603).
A shorter cycle option is available by using a train transfer.
Distance: 39 km / 24 miles
Elevation gain: 189 meters / 620 feet
Cycling time required: 3 - 3.5 hours
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights at Japanese accommodations
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Meals – Half Board
4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
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Train Tickets
Train tickets from Kyoto to Shiga and back to Kyoto
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Train Tickets
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High-quality road or folding bike rental, plus helmet, tool kit, inner tube, bicycle lock, bike frame bag and saddle bag
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Use of a GPS navigation device rental with detailed route information
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Chartered round trip boat ride to Chikubushima Island
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Detailed day-by-day itinerary and topographical maps
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Local support by telephone
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Bicycle orientation at our Kyoto office
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Fully Guided
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Game Drives on Safari
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Meals – Full Board
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Extra transportation for shorter options
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Solo supplements if required
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Travel Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Distances are typically no higher than 50 km / 30 miles per day. We recommend moderate cycling tours for those looking for a gentler route on flat lanes with some undulations and the occasional incline. If you don't cycle regularly, we recommend a programme of training at the recommended distances.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All travellers get our Preparing for your Trip and Travelling in Japan documents, as well as a detailed personalized itinerary. Those travelling on one of our self-guided tours receive our bespoke topographical maps and walking instructions.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
For our small-group guided tours, if you would like to share with another traveler we will seek to match you up. If we are successful then you need not pay the solo supplement.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our travellers are typically English speakers from around the world. On our small-group guided tours, you travel in the company of one of our professional local guides.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
As per our booking terms and conditions, change fees would apply. If you have to change your dates due to the prevailing entry requirements for Japan please contact us and we would be happy to work with you to change your dates without charge.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oku Japan requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oku japan charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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