Lake Biwa Legend Tours – Authentic Cultural Experiences Beyond Kyoto

Experience Lake Biwa Through Local Life

Historical town walks, local temple rituals, kimono walks, sake tasting, and canoeing on Lake Biwa — discover a slower, more meaningful side of Japan with a local guide deeply connected to temple life.

Experience Lake Biwa Through Local Life

◆About Lake Biwa Legend Tours

Guided by a Licensed Interpreter in Nagahama,Shiga

Explore with a certified local guide who shares clear explanations and everyday cultural insight.

Experiences Rooted in Local Life

Temple traditions, histrical towns, lakeside villages, and quiet streets discover how people have lived with Lake Biwa for generations.

A Slow, Meaningful Tour with Private Transportation

Travel at your own pace in a private vehicle, free from crowds and fixed schedules. Breathe in the silence and feel the deeper rhythm of Nagahama’s culture and landscape.

◇Available 6 Tours

Full Day -For Slow Travel Seekers-

1.Full-Day Highlights of Lake Biwa Life ★

Duration: 7 hrs
Available Year-round
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station (Tour Start:9:30 or 10:30)
　↓
Ritual experience at local temple
　↓
Historical Town Walk
(examples. Sake Tasting, Soy Sauce Shop, flog temple…)
　↓
Lunch(local restraunt)
　↓
Lake-viewpoint hill or cafe*
(*Weather may change the final stop.)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station(Finish:16:30 or 17:30)

Story

This full-day course includes a visit to a local temple, a hilltop viewpoint, and a walk through a historic post town.
At the temple, a Buddhist monk introduces the community’s everyday customs and the way local life has been connected to the temple for generations.

You’ll then visit a viewpoint near Mt. Shizugatake, known for its historic battlefield and wide, open views of the Nagahama area.
In the afternoon, explore Kinomoto, a former post town on the Hokkokukaidō route, where traditional shopfronts and quiet streets still remain.

A calm, well-balanced tour that lets you experience the culture, scenery, and history of Nagahama in a single day—perfect for travelers who want a deeper and more meaningful visit.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
1 person	40,000yen
2 persons	54,000yen
3 persons	63,000yen
4 persons	70,000yen
*Children under school age: Free
*Elementary school children ¥ 1,000

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Participation in a temple morning ritual
・Sake tasting at a historic brewery
・Round-trip lift ticket to Mt. Shizugatake summit
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Lunch (guests may choose freely at a local restaurant)
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Kinomoto Station (meeting & ending point)

*Cancellation Policy：
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following fees apply:
-3–2 days prior: 20% of the total fee
-1 day prior: 50% of the total fee
-Same-day cancellation: 100% of the total fee
-No-show or no contact: 100% of the total fee will be charged.

Notes

・Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
・The content may be subject to change at the last minute due to weather conditions or circumstances at the destination.
・All are welcome to participate regardless of faith. Those wishing to attend as observers for religious reasons are also welcome.

2.Canoe Adventure & Lake-viewpoint Hill

Duration: 6 hrs
Available late April to late November
(except Wednesdays)
Minimum age for canoeing: 11 years old
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station (Tour Start:9:30)
　↓
Canoe Experience at Lake Biwa（10:00~11:30）
　↓
Lunch(local restraunt)
　↓
Lake-viewpoint hill
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station

Story

Sugaura is a quiet lakeside village surrounded by mountains and water.
Once accessible mainly by boat, it still retains a calm atmosphere and traditional scenery.

This tour begins with an easy kayak experience on calm waters,
followed by a visit to a nearby viewpoint.
It’s suitable for beginners and offers a refreshing way to enjoy the nature around Nagahama.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
2 persons	38,000yen
3 persons	54,000yen
4 persons	64,000yen

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Canoe rental (with guided instruction)
・Round-trip lift ticket to Mt. Shizugatake summit
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Lunch (guests may choose freely at a local restaurant)
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Kinomoto Station (meeting & ending point)

*Cancellation Policy：
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following fees apply:
-3–2 days prior: 50% of the total fee
-1 day prior: 100% of the total fee
-Same-day cancellation: 100% of the total fee
-No-show or no contact: 100% of the total fee will be charged.

Notes

・Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
・The content may be subject to change at the last minute due to weather conditions or circumstances at the destination.
・Operations will be canceled in case of strong winds or waves, or if thunderstorms are expected.
・Operations may also be canceled mid-run. While insurance is provided, we ask for your cooperation to ensure everyone can enjoy the activity safely.
・A guide will provide interpretation support during the pre-canoe boarding briefing, and an instructor will accompany you on the canoe.
・Please bring clothes and footwear that can get wet.
・We will provide sunscreen and towels.
・There is a changing room, but no showers.

3.Canoe Adventure & Historical Town Walk

Duration: 6 hours
Available late April to late November
(except Wednesdays)
Minimum age for canoeing: 11 years old
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station (Tour Start:9:30)
　↓
Canoe Experience at Lake Biwa（10:00~11:30）
　↓
Lunch(local restraunt)
　↓
Historical Town Walk
(ex. Sake Tasting, Soy Sauce Shop, flog temple…)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station

Story

Start your day with a gentle kayak experience in the calm waters of the Sugaura area, a small lakeside village surrounded by mountains and known for its quiet atmosphere.
The route is suitable for beginners and offers a relaxed way to enjoy the natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, visit Kinomoto, a historic post town that once served as an important stop on the Hokkokukaidō route.
Traditional buildings, old shopfronts, and quiet backstreets make it an enjoyable place to explore at an easy pace.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience both nature and local town life in a single, balanced day.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
2 persons	42,000yen
3 persons	57,000yen
4 persons	67,000yen

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Canoe rental (with guided instruction)
・Sake tasting at a historic brewery
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Lunch (guests may choose freely at a local restaurant)
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Kinomoto Station (meeting & ending point)

Notes

Short Tours　-Perfect if you have a half day-

4.Temple Experience & Historical Town Walk

Duration: 3hrs
Available Year-round(except Wednesdays)
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station(Tour Start point)
(Start time: Flexible – choose your preferred time)
　↓
Ritual experience at local temple
　↓
Historical Town Walk (ex. Sake Tasting, Soy Sauce Shop, flog temple…)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station

Story

Visit a 700-year-old community temple and hear from a Buddhist monk about local life and the everyday rituals that continue today.
It’s a simple, genuine introduction to the region—not a tourist-made experience.

Then stroll through Kinomoto, a historic post town that once prospered as a key stop on the Hokkokukaidō route.
Traditional shopfronts and quiet streets remain, making it an easy and pleasant area to explore.
You’ll also enjoy a tasting at a family-run sake brewery nearby.

A calm and authentic way to experience Nagahama’s charm.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
1 person	25,000yen
2 persons	30,000yen
3 persons	37,000yen
4 persons	43,000yen
*Children under school age: Free
*Elementary school children ¥ 1,000

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Participation in a temple morning ritual
・Sake tasting at a historic brewery
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Kinomoto Station (meeting & ending point)

Notes

5.Temple Experience & Lake-viewpoint Hill

Duration: 3 hrs
Available late April to late November
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station(Tour Start point)
(Start time: Flexible – choose your preferred time)
　↓
Ritual experience at local temple
　↓
Lake-viewpoint hill
　↓
JR Kinomoto Station

Story

Begin with a visit to a local temple, where a Buddhist monk introduces the customs and everyday life connected to the community.
Then head to a small hilltop near Mt. Shizugatake, an area known for its historic battlefield and scenic views of Nagahama.

A short, easy tour that offers a pleasant mix of culture and landscape.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
1 person	23,000yen
2 persons	28,000yen
3 persons	35,000yen
4 persons	41,000yen
*Children under school age: Free
*Elementary school children ¥ 1,000

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Participation in a temple morning ritual
・Round-trip lift ticket to Mt. Shizugatake summit
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Kinomoto Station (meeting & ending point)

Notes

6.Kimono Walk in Castle Town

Duration: 4 hrs
Available Year-round (except Tuesdays)
Max Group Size: 4 guests

Itinerary

JR / Shinkansen MaibaraStation(★Meeting point)
　↓
JR Nagahama Station(Tour Start point)
(Start time: Flexible – choose your preferred time)）

　↓
Kimono rental
　↓
Castle Town Walk (ex. Samurai shrine, Grand Guesthouse…) and Lunch(local restraunt)
　↓
JR Nagahama Station

Story

Walk through Nagahama’s castle town in a kimono.
This area was shaped by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built his castle here during an important period in Japanese history.

Traditional buildings and quiet alleys remain, making it an enjoyable place to explore and take photos at your own pace.

Price (Included / Not Included)

Groupe size	Price / Groupe
1 person	28,000yen
2 persons	40,000yen
3 persons	55,000yen
4 persons	64,000yen
*Children under school age: Free
*Elementary school children ¥ 1,000

*Included:
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Kimono rental fee (including dressing service)
・All local transportation during the tour (car, lift)
・Local tax

*Not Included：
・Lunch (guests may choose freely at a local restaurant)
・Drinks and personal expenses
・Transportation to/from JR Nagahama Station (meeting & ending point)

Notes

・Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
・The content may be subject to change at the last minute due to weather conditions or circumstances at the destination.
・Kimono rentals include tabi socks and zori sandals, but if you feel uneasy walking in zori, boots also match kimono and you are welcome to bring your own.

Optional Stay: Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen (Temple Stay)

Experience a deeper side of Nagahama (Kinomoto) with an overnight stay at our temple-related guesthouse.
This optional add-on allows you to spend the night in a peaceful annex connected to a local temple, offering a quiet and authentic atmosphere unique to northern Shiga.

In the morning, enjoy a hands-on breakfast activity using a local-rice onigiri mold—a simple yet memorable cultural experience that connects you to the flavors of the region.

A perfect option for guests who want to explore Nagahama more deeply or enjoy a slower, more immersive travel experience.

Optional Stay Price	Price / person
Price	“Tour Fee “+ 9,000yen per person
Price (Elementary school children)	+ 2,000yen per chilren
Price(Chilren under school age)	Free

Notes:
・Maximum: 4 guests
・Includes a temple-style breakfast-making experience
・Free rental bicycles available for exploring the surrounding town.
・A local hot spring facility is located nearby (admission not included).
・Accommodation is in a separate annex building connected to the temple—quiet, simple, and ideal for cultural immersion.
・Prices include tax.
・Additional nights are available at the same rate.
・Cancellation policy follows the same terms as the tour.

◆Nagahama – Life Connected by Lake Biwa

Nagahama offers some of Japan’s most tranquil and scenic landscapes.
Here, water shimmers through every season, reflecting both the sky above and the stories held beneath its surface.

Continue the Story of Nagahama

In Nagahama, water is more than nature —
it is memory, tradition, and quiet connection.
For over a thousand years, life has flowed in rhythm with the lake.

Water here is sacred.
It nourishes fields, supports fishermen, and gently receives the gratitude woven into daily life.
Even watching the evening light dance across the surface becomes a moment of stillness and reverence.

These values endure today.
In seasonal festivals, preserved townscapes, and the gentle rhythm of daily living,
you can feel the spirit of a community shaped by the lake.

Here, water does not divide — it connects.
It links people and places, carrying stories, customs, and culture across its surface.
It reflects a way of living grounded in humility, balance, and quiet strength.

This tour is not about checking off sights.
It offers experiences that let you feel Nagahama in your own way.

Walk through a historic post town.
Step into a family-run sake brewery.
Paddle a canoe across calm waters.
Try on a kimono.
Wander gently through old castle-town streets.

Each experience reveals a different layer of life shaped by the lake.

Here in Nagahama, you’ll find a quieter, more meaningful Japan.
Take your time.
Breathe in the silence.
Let the story of this land become part of your own journey.

◇Scenes from Nagahama

◇Review from guests:

Asami et sa famille vous accueillent avec une attention et une ouverture à l'échange particulièrement touchantes. Les explications du temple, la pratique des rituels (faites sonner la cloche du temple!), et la préparation des onigiri pour le petit déjeuner resteront des moments forts de notre voyage au Japon. Leur logement est également tres agréable, très rapidement vous vous sentirez comme chez vous.

Séjour plein de découvertes, un tour est proposée par la propriétaire, je vous le conseille. Elle est passionnée et adore échanger avec les différentes cultures. Jai appris énormément de choses et nous avons fait pleins de petites activités. Le lendemain matin j'avais pris la decouverte du temples et des pratiques bouddhistes. C'était super intéressant jai pu faire sonner la cloche et visiter le temple avec toutes les explications. Nous avons également fait le nembutsu et ecouter des sutras ainsi que loffrande a Amida. Bref une véritable initiation et decouverte avec des gens passionnés. Le lien est super on est accolé au temple; cest très calme et on peut faire nos activités également tranquillement. Merci encore pour l'accueil chaleureux !

You can also opt in for a guided tour, which we did and liked very much. The bicycles that they provided us (for free!) were very useful for exploring the surroundings. We visited Mount Shizugatake and the Nishino Tunnel.

Our stay here was amazing. The owner was so warm and welcoming, and she gave us a real taste of Japanese culture by showing us around the charming town of Kinomoto, known for its soy sauce and sake. She speaks English, so it’s easy to learn about the town’s history and traditions. It is also a stone-throw away to the main city of Nagahama with a short train ride. The home was super comfortable and perfect for my family of four—it was such a special experience.

La propriétaire est aussi une guide touristique qui parle parfaitement anglais et espagnol. Malgré le fait que nous sommes restés peu de temps, nous avons pu profiter pleinement de l’expérience. Elle nous a expliqué nombre d’éléments intéressants sur la culture locale ( saké, Shoyu, histoire). Vu que c’était l’hiver et qu’il neigeait, elle est même venu nous chercher à la gare et nous a convoyé au onsen/restaurant et le lendemain au lac Biwa et à la gare. Elle est mariée à un moine Bouddhiste qui s’occupe du temple jouxtant la maison, aussi le couple propose le matin d’aller sonner la cloche du temple, préparer les offrandes , écouter les suthra et nous apprendre à faire des onigiris pour le petit-déjeuner. Elle nous a accompagné à la brasserie de Saké de la ville pour nous conseiller/expliquer les méthodes de fabrication. Le tout dans une ambiance très chaleureuse et bienveillante.

The visit was a very special opportunity to learn about the local area and meet local people because our guide Asami was local. We had a wonderful trip up the mountain on a chair lift to see Lake BIWA and Lake Yogo. We learnt the important history of the shogun battles and saw the places where they happened. We viewed the temple and learnt about its importance in the community and had a saki tasting. The guest house was very comfortable and every wish was accounted for. On our second day we learnt about the temple and engaged with drum bell ringing and preparation of offerings before a lovely breakfast. This was a very special experience that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting an authentic Japanese experience. Thank you to Asami and her family for hosting us.

◆How to Join the Our Tour

Step 1. Send an Inquiry

・Please send us your preferred date(s) and plan through the Contact Form or Whats APP.
・Feel free to ask any questions or check if something is possible—we are happy to help.

Step2. Date Confirmation & Itinerary

・We’ll reply within 24 hours (JST) to confirm your date and share the detailed itinerary.
・If you do not receive a reply within 24 hours, please kindly resend your message.

Step3. Payment

After the schedule is confirmed, you can choose one of the following payment options:
・Advance Payment : You can pay securely online by credit card. We will send you a payment link.
・On-site Payment: You may pay by credit card or cash on the tour day.

Step4. Tour Day

Enjoy the day with your personal guide and experience Nagahama in a truly special way.

◇Booking / Inquiry

Please note: Our emails are sent from koraigen0801@gmail.com.

◇Your Guide

Asami

・Nagahama licensed guide
・Wife of local monk
・Language available in English-Spanish

◇Access from Kyoto or Tsuruga to our Tour

The meeting point will be either ★Maibara Station or ★Kinomoto Station, depending on your travel schedule.

Service Name:
Lake Biwa Legend Tours

Operated by:
Licensed Regional Operator – 294 FUMI Tours (Asami Higashiyama)

Address:
688 Senda, Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Email:
koraigen0801@gmail.com

Lake Biwa Legend Tours – Authentic Cultural Experiences Beyond Kyoto

◆About Lake Biwa Legend Tours

Guided by a Licensed Interpreter in Nagahama,Shiga

Experiences Rooted in Local Life

A Slow, Meaningful Tour with Private Transportation

◇Available 6 Tours

Full Day -For Slow Travel Seekers-

1.Full-Day Highlights of Lake Biwa Life ★

2.Canoe Adventure & Lake-viewpoint Hill

3.Canoe Adventure & Historical Town Walk

Short Tours -Perfect if you have a half day-

4.Temple Experience & Historical Town Walk

5.Temple Experience & Lake-viewpoint Hill

6.Kimono Walk in Castle Town

Optional Stay: Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen (Temple Stay)

◆Nagahama – Life Connected by Lake Biwa

◇Scenes from Nagahama

◇Review from guests:

◆How to Join the Our Tour

Step 1. Send an Inquiry

Step2. Date Confirmation & Itinerary

Step3. Payment

Step4. Tour Day

◇Booking / Inquiry

◇Your Guide

Asami

◇Access from Kyoto or Tsuruga to our Tour

Short Tours　-Perfect if you have a half day-