Kyoto - Lake Biwa - Miho Museum Tour | 6 Days

Tour Dates

Private Tours Only
Please Inquire to Confirm

When to Go:
March-December

Recommend
November-end of December

Difficulty
Level 2 out of 5
Daily Distance: 20-80km
Daily Elevation: 100-800m
(options also available for levels 1-5)

See FAQ for Route Levels

Explore Bike Options

Accommodations
Premium & Luxury Ryokan Hotels
Futon Japanese Bed & Western Bed Options
Public & Private Hot-Spring Onsen Bath Options

Learn more about the ryokan experience

Regions & Sights
Kyoto
Shiga Prefecture
Lake Biwa
Nagahama Castle
Miho Museum

Price Per Guest

2+ Guests
from $9,930

4+ Guests
from $8,100

6+ Guests
from $6,630

8+ Guests
Please Inquire for pricing

+ $1,380 USD Single Supplement

+ $750 USD e-Bike Rental

Journey from Japan's Ancient Capital to the Miho Museum, a I.M. Pei - Designed Masterpiece!

This trip is designed just for active travelers and modern architecture aficionados.

Our Kyoto-Biwa-Miho Tour is an eye-opening, fun, and immersive adventure for all levels. From the historical city of Kyoto to the scenic lake-side views of Biwa; from diverse traditional and modern dining experiences to the Miho Museum's impeccable art, this is truly an unforgettable journey.

We can't wait to take your cycling experience to the next level. Let us know what excites you about riding in Japan, and we will transform this incredible itinerary into the ultimate group vacation for your family, friends, or colleagues.

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Contact By Video Call (Google Meet)/Phone

Itinerary

Day 1 (20km | 250m) Lake Biwa Konnichiwa!

Your Rindō BTJ guides will be ready to meet you at your hotel in Kyoto. After introductions and bike fits, we are off on a scenic ride through the hills east of Kyoto. After stopping at a traditional Japanese soba shop for lunch, the trees clear and we descend down into the lakeside town of Otsu. Your ryokan sits along the serene shores of Lake Biwa.

Be sure to soak in the views from the warm waters of the onsen bath before donning your yukata robes and taking a stroll along the lake's shores. When you’re ready, meet up with our guides for a beautiful kaiseki dinner and our first toast to a great week ahead!

Day 2 (74km | 150m) Lake Biwa Pt 1

After a hearty breakfast, follow the river up to the south tip of Lake Biwa as we begin the journey around Japan’s largest lake! Enjoy blue and green views as the city fades away, transforming into lush rice fields and growing mountains.

Just before our ryokan is the Nagahama Castle Park, where we can take a stroll off the bike to enjoy the historic building and wonderful views from above. Our 4-star hotel tonight is known for their fantastic Japanese Italian fare as well as traditional Italian offerings. Choose to stretch out your legs on a relaxing stroll along water before or after dinner.

*please note the scale on the right of the graph, this route is very flat.

Day 3 (62km | 450m) Lake Biwa Pt 2

Day 4 (50km | 750m) Lake Biwa's Hidden Valley Pt 3

After three days of tracing the shores of Lake Biwa today we start by taking a nearby river valley up into the dense forests. Enjoy steady roads with a mix of towns and rural scenery as we explore the quieter side of the west side of Biwa today.

After a steady morning of climbing we arrive at the summit and begin the thrilling descent back down to Lake Biwa to complete our lap of the lake. Tonight we will arrive at our last ryokan and home for the next two nights. With artistic Japanese modern rooms this ryokan is one of our favorite spots and a perfect last stop for our tour. Raise our glasses of local sake at dinner to a toast to completing our lap of Lake Biwa!

Day 5 (73km | 700m) The Stunning Shapes of the Miho Museum

After completing our lap of Lake Biwa, we will set off on a journey south of the lake to the architectural wonder that is the Miho Museum. Designed by legendary architect and designer, I.M.Pei, the museum offers a finely-tuned experience, pulling different emotions around every corner. Take a step back in history through its collection of antiques as well as a journey through timeless and modern architecture. You'll have plenty of time today to wander the grounds, enjoy the adjacent cafe, and soak in all of the exhibits.

When we have had our fill of art, choose to continue the ride back to the hotel or hop in the van for a quick shuttle back to the shores of Lake Biwa. Relax with a final evening soak and kaiseki dinner at our ryokan.

*The Miho Museum is at kilometer 32. There are options to extend/shorten the ride as best fits the group.

Day 6 (22km | 50m) Biwa Sayonara!

On our final day, we will head out one last time by bike to retrace the shores of Lake Biwa. Opt to ride all the way back into Kyoto via a secluded mountain pass, or take it easy at the onsen in the morning and wander one last time along the shores of the lake. We will enjoy lunch and coffee together while recounting the highlights of the week.

Finally, it will be time to say farewell until the next time - mata ne!

*please note the scale on the right, this route is very flat.

Kyoto - Lake Biwa - Miho Museum Tour Map

Included

Fully-serviced road bike or hybrid bike, with helmet and accessories. Please note there is an additional fee for an e-bike; please inquire in advance to reserve
All accommodations and meals during your tour
Snack and hydration stops on each day's ride
Luggage delivery
Support and gear vehicle
Expert guides to show you the amazing experiences in the Japanese countryside

Not Included