Lake Biwa
Legend Tour

Living by the Lake – Stories Rooted in Water and Time

For generations, the people of this region have lived in harmony with Lake Biwa — Japan’s largest freshwater lake. On this tour, you’ll discover how water shapes daily life, spirituality, and seasonal customs in these quiet villages

Lake Biwa – Life Connected by Water

Nagahama offers some of the country’s most tranquil and scenic landscapes.
Here, water shimmers in every season, reflecting both the sky above and the stories below.

In Nagahama, water is more than a natural element—it’s a vessel of memory, tradition, and quiet connection.
For over a thousand years, life has flowed in harmony with the lake.

Here, water is sacred.
It nourishes the fields, supports the lives of fishermen, and quietly receives the gratitude and prayers woven into daily life.
Even something as simple as watching the evening light dance across the lake becomes a moment of stillness and reverence.

These values continue to live on in Nagahama today.
In seasonal festivals, in the preserved townscapes, and in the rhythm of everyday life, you can feel the enduring spirit of a community shaped by water.

In this place, water doesn’t divide—it connects.
It links people and places, and has long carried stories, customs, and culture across its surface.
The lake reflects a way of living rooted in humility, balance, and quiet strength.

This tour isn’t just about seeing the sights.
You’ll walk through a historic post town, visit a centuries-old sake brewery, and ride to a mountaintop with panoramic views over Lake Biwa.
You’ll feel the pace of life slow down, and with it, a deeper sense of place begin to emerge.

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 a part of your own journey.

◇Tour Overview — What Makes Us Special

Authentic Encounters

Discover hidden temples, local charm, and real people. Experience the side of Japan that tour buses never reach.

Stories That Live

Join a local priest to hear untold legends and cultural memories. Not just facts — but living traditions

Slow Travel

Walk, pause, feel. Embrace the calm of rural Japan through mindful and meaningful exploration.

Choose Your Experience

Tailored local tours for your pace and style

◆Day Plan

Includes:

  • Guided walking tour
  • Ritual experience in local temple
  • Sake tasting at an oldest brewery
  • Visiting Lake-viewing spot
  • Liability insurance coverage


Time Frame:

・Approx. 7-8 hrs.

MeetingPoint:JR Maibara Sta.(or JR KinomotoSta.)

Language: English/Spanish

Tour type : Private

Pricing
・1 person ¥45,000
・2 person ¥27,000 per person
*additional guest (Up to 4 total) +¥8,000 per person
*Children under school age: Free
*Elementary school children ¥ 1,000
*The tour price does not include lunch or train fare to Kinomoto Station

Group Size: Maximum 4 guests including children

Timetable(sample itinerary)

The following is a sample itinerary. Times and activities can be adjusted in consultation with you.

9:00 Meeting with guide at JR Maibara Sta.(or JR KinomotoSta.)
  -You’ll ride a half hour on a local train.

9:30 Arrive at JR Kinomoto Sta.
  -Tour starts, visiting a local buddhist temple
  -Introduction of Japanese Buddhism
  -Experience of morning ritual routine with monk

11:00 Lunch at Kinomoto

12:00 Exploring Kinomoto, an old post-station town.
  -Sake tasting at an historical brewery

14:00 Ride a lift to the top of Mt. Shizugatake
  -Viewing the Lake Biwa and Yogo

16:00 Tour ends.

◆Overnight Plan(Temple Stay)

Turn your Day Tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with an overnight stay on temple grounds.
After a day of exploring historic post towns, tasting fine sake, and taking in the sweeping views of Lake Biwa, retreat to the quiet embrace of a temple guesthouse.

As night falls, feel the stillness of centuries-old traditions surrounding you. In the morning, awaken to the soft sounds of temple life and enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast experience, lovingly prepared to start your day in harmony.

For the overnight plan, the tour can be arranged either before or after your stay—just let us know your preference.

Price:(Overnight Plan: Day Tour price + accommodation fee)
・Adults:+ ¥8,500 per person
・Children (age 6–12): +¥2,000 per person
・Maximum 4 guests including children
・Additional nights available at the same rate as above

*See full accommodation details here★.

Please note:
・Dinner is not included, but we are happy to recommend excellent local restaurants where you can taste regional specialties.
・Guests staying overnight may enjoy free use of our rental bicycles—perfect for exploring the charming streets and countryside at your own pace.
・Breakfast is included as part of the overnight experience and cannot be booked separately.

This is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a chance to live, even for one night, in the peaceful rhythm of temple life.

Steps to Book Your Tour

1.Inquiry

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

2.Confirmation & Schedule

・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.

3.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.

4.Tour Day

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

◇Booking / Inquiry

To book your tour or ask any questions, just send us a message using the form below. If you do not receive a reply within 24 hours, please kindly resend your message.

Please note: Our emails are sent from koraigen0801@gmail.com. If you have spam filters set, our reply may end up in your spam/junk folder. Please check there if you do not see our email.

◇Remarks:

-Tour fees are to be paid on the day of the tour. Cash or credit card is accepted.

-The tour price does not include lunch or train fare to Kinomoto Station

-We walk 3-4 km on this tour. After the lift ride, there’s a short 5-minute walk along a mountain path to the top.Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

-Processes are subject to last minute changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

-The lift to the top of Mt. Shizugatake is in operation from the end of April to the end of November. Outside of the operating period, tours will take visitors to the Lakeview Café.

-Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies, health conditions, or special needs.

Cancellation
-3 days or more before tour: No charge
-2 days before tour: 50% of total tour cost
-24 hrs or less before tour: 100% of total tour cost

◇Local Guide profile:

From Asami:

Hi, I’m Asami! I live in the peaceful town of Kinomoto, where I welcome guests from around the world as if they were old friends. Ko-Rai-Gen isn’t just a guesthouse—it’s a place where we can share stories, slow down, and connect. Through my private tours, I enjoy showing guests the hidden charm of the area and creating moments we’ll both remember. I look forward to meeting you and spending a special time together at Ko-Rai-Gen.

◇Access:

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