Sample Itinerary / Green Tourism SHIGA

2-Day Sample Itinerary in Northern Lake Biwa

Rejuvenate with the Lake, Satoyama, and Warm Interactions

In this 2-day sample itinerary, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Okubiwako, or “Deep Lake Biwa,” area, tucked away in the mountain coves of the lake’s northern coast—a perfect journey for families and adventurers alike. Start with kayaking in Oura Bay where nature offers breathtaking scenery, followed by an overnight stay at a charming inn of Sho Village, where the quiet community is enlivened by a new generation of rice farmers. On the second day, explore local gastronomy through soba-making in the picturesque village of Ikehara, and conclude with a visit to the historic brewing town of Kinomoto.

ARRIVAL: JR Nagahara Station & Lunch

First, make your way here via the JR Kosei Line, such as the 10:45 am train from Kyoto, which arrives at JR Nagahara Station after approximately 70 minutes. Access from Tsuruga is also convenient. For your afternoon adventure, a pick-up service from the station by the kayaking guide, Guide House Inuit, is available with advance notice. If you’d like to enjoy lunch beforehand, this train timing allows ample time to enjoy a meal at Fukushimaya, a traditional Japanese restaurant featuring local dishes fresh from the lake, or Tokiiro Terrace, a casual eatery run by local residents in a relaxed setting. Both restaurants are conveniently located near your kayaking experience afterward.

AFTERNOON (1:30 pm): Kayaking Activity around Oura Bay

Enjoy a 2-hour kayaking experience at Oura Bay on Lake Biwa. Known for its stunning scenery and calm waters, the natural shelter of the bay provides an ideal setting for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

• Activity Provider: Guide House Inuit
• Price: 6,000 yen per person (min. 2 guests, 2024 pricing)
• Contact: [email protected] / Instagram: inuit_biwako
• Season: April through November annually
• Cancellation Policy: Activities proceed in light rain but are canceled for wind speed of 4 m/s or more.
• Cancellation decisions are typically made by the evening of the previous day.

If canceled or out of season:

Enjoy cycling along the coast, with rental bikes available at Nagahara Station, for a refreshing way to take in the scenery. Alternatively, a leisurely stroll through the fishermen’s village at Oura Bay offers a tranquil escape, complete with a peaceful atmosphere and friendly cats often found in port towns.

ACCOMMODATION (4:00 pm): Farmer’s Inn in the Rice Village of Sho

The owner of the inn, Kuranoyado Kakurekura, will pick you up at Guide House Inuit after the previous activity and take you to their charming accommodation, where you can enjoy an evening of local stories and warm conversations. For more details, please visit the following page: LINK

MORNING: Check-out & Departure to Ikehara

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast with your host and a relaxing stroll before the 10:00 am check-out. You’ll head next to Ikehara, which is either a 30-minute taxi ride or a combined train and taxi ride. From Nagahara Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Shiotsu, transfer to the JR Hokuriku Line, and get off at Kinomoto Station (10-minute taxi from there). The inn provides transport to the nearby Nagahara Station upon request.

WORKSHOP & LUNCH (11:00 am): Savory Soba-Making Workshop

In the hidden village of Ikehara, surrounded by beautiful soba fields, enjoy a hands-on soba-making experience with local residents. Savor the flavor of soba crafted in this rich natural environment. For more info, see the detail page: LINK

AFTERNOON & CONCLUSION: Kinomoto Brewery Town Visit

Conclude your journey with a walk through the charming streets of Kinomoto, a historic post-town with a rich culture of fermentation. After a taxi ride from Ikehara back to Kinomoto Station, explore sake breweries like Tomita Shuzo Brewery and Yamaji Shuzo Brewery, soy sauce breweries such as Daiko Shoyu Brewery, and unique local shops: a bakery (Tsuruya) and a Japanese sweet shop (Kadoya). The large Jizo statue at Kinomoto Jizo-in Temple stands as a symbol of the town.

For the return trip, take the JR Hokuriku Line to Maibara Station, where the bullet train provides easy access to Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo.