Biwako Backroads : Rural Japan Tours

02/12/2024

A lovely couple from 🇳🇱 joined our Nakasendo Historic Post Town and Hidden Crafting Village tour. Just like the guests from the previous day, they participated in hands-on experiences. With woodworking as their hobby, they demonstrated impressive skills during the session.

For lunch, we visited a charming riverside restaurant near the spring-fed streams of the Nakasendo post town. They enjoyed a vegetarian meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients 🥬🫛🥕

It was heartwarming to see them connect with the traditions of the village and its welcoming community.

30/11/2024

After a brief pause in posting, we’re back from our summer break and welcoming guests again this autumn! Recently, we hosted a solo traveler from 🇺🇸 on a tour of the historic Nakasendo town and Kaminyu Crafting Village. With a passion for woodworking, he had the chance to learn directly from a skilled artisan, and his craftsmanship was truly impressive! He seemed to thoroughly enjoy the autumn colors, crisp air, peaceful satoyama, and connecting with the local community 🍁🍄

30/09/2024

A lovely couple from 🇺🇸 enjoyed a day of rural cycling and exploring the charming brewery town. They took in the early autumn breeze, which finally brought a touch of coolness to the beautiful landscape. The summer heat has passed, and the tour season is finally back! Thank you for joining us and making it such a wonderful day!

15/07/2024

We had a lovely family from 🇺🇸 us for our 1-day private cycling tour!

They enjoyed the less-traveled rural scenery, rice paddies, and traditional villages complete with stunning views and a delicious locally-sourced lunch at a charming restaurant🍜🍙

Thank you again for joining our tour!

Swipe to see their adventure!

04/06/2024

☀️A Special Day with a Family from Singapore!

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a wonderful family from Singapore on our Rural Cycling and Temple Cooking Tour. It was a day full of fun and adventure!

They enjoyed cycling through the peaceful countryside and exploring charming villages. After cycling, we cooked traditional dishes together at a local temple using fresh ingredients.

Thank you to our amazing guests for joining us and creating such special memories!

Join our tour for a unique family adventure! Check the link in our bio for details.

20/05/2024

We had the pleasure of hosting a fantastic 1-day custom tour with our lovely guests from 🇺🇸 The morning started with a serene bike ride through a picturesque rural village, soaking in the beauty of the countryside.

In the afternoon, we explored the historic Nakasendo post town, renowned for its clear spring water and rich cultural heritage. Our guests were incredibly nice, curious, and respectful of the local culture and traditions.

They even tried Funazushi, a local delicacy of fermented fish, which was quite a surprise! We had so much fun together. Thank you

29/04/2024

Guide training day for our half day rural village bike tour 🚴‍♀️🌳 Go

24/04/2024

Hosted a delightful group of three friends from 🇺🇸 at Samegai-juku, a post town on the Nakasendo trail, celebrated for its crystal-clear spring waters. They soaked in the historic charm and tranquil beauty of this town, before exploring a village of artisans where the landscape and traditional culture left an indelible impression.

22/04/2024

🍶✨ Early this month, we had the pleasure of guiding a lovely couple from 🇺🇸 on a half-day tour through Kinomoto Brewery Town, delving into its rich history and the intricate art of sake and soy sauce production. The experience was made even more memorable by the wisdom of Noriko-san at Myorakuji Temple, whose expertise in the craft of traditional fermentation is truly exceptional.

The enthusiasm of our guests, keen to immerse themselves in these traditional practices, brought a special energy to the tour, making it an unforgettable journey into Japan's culinary heritage. 🍶🌸

For those looking to immerse themselves in such a cultural gastronomy adventure, it's available for booking through the byFood reservation site: https://www.byfood.com/experiences/shiga-sake-brewery-culture-tour-707

17/04/2024

🚴✨ Lakeshore Bike Tour Highlights! 🌸✨

Join us on our new Lakeshore Bike Tour, showcasing an exclusive 20 km slice of the renowned “Biwaichi,” a 200 km cycling route that beautifully encircles Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. This carefully selected segment features some of the route’s most breathtaking views and experiences. Our recent guests from 🇺🇸 savored the peak of blossom season, admired expansive lake vistas, rural scenery, and enjoyed engaging visits to a local fishing port.

Additionally, the tour included a special optional excursion to Kinomoto’s brewery town, where guests experienced a guided brewery tour and relished a gourmet lunch prepared by local chefs.

15/04/2024

On a refreshing spring day, our guests from 🇺🇸 embarked on a journey through the Nakasendo post station town, stepping back into historical Japan. Then, the serene walk through tranquil forests led to a hidden woodworking village where time-honored craft meets the beauty of nature. A memorable tour filled with culture, craftsmanship, and the blossoming of spring.

11/04/2024

Reflecting on our recent bike tour, we were thrilled to have lovely guests from the U.S. joining us on this journey. Rolling past whispering cherry blossoms and peaceful landscapes made for a perfect ride. Here’s to quiet roads and good company!

07/04/2024

21/03/2024

An unforgettable day with a fantastic guest from 🇺🇸 on our half-day tour of the brewery town of Kinomoto! Our adventure delved into the delicate craft of sake and soy sauce production, enveloped by the warm embrace of local hospitality. Delighted at every turn, our guest relished the option of lunch and sake pairing at the peaceful Myoraku-ji Buddhist Temple. Under the skillful hands of the amazing Noriko-san, the temple's cuisine—infused with local delicacies—offered a taste of authenticity. Moments like these, steeped in simplicity and connection, are what make our experiences indelible.

10/03/2024

Starting our biking season with an incredible couple from the US amidst the early spring chill! 🚴‍♂️🌸 We hope the warmth and hospitality of Kinomoto town made their journey truly memorable.

26/01/2024

Today’s cooking tour was a true immersion into the heart of Shiga’s culinary traditions, under the expert guidance of Noriko-san at the historic Myorakuji temple. Our German guest had the unique opportunity to create dishes using miso and pickles, all handcrafted by Noriko-san herself. Each recipe was a testament to the local art of fermentation, with ingredients like Kinomoto’s renowned sake and soy sauce adding depth to the flavors. As we dined, the tranquil snowy landscape outside the temple’s windows provided a serene backdrop to this enriching cultural and gastronomic experience. A day where time-honored cooking techniques and peaceful reflection were savored in equal measure.

21/01/2024

The pleasure of dining at Sower, a hidden gem nestled by the cove of Oura Bay, Lake Biwa. This exquisite restaurant is a part of “L’hotel du Lac”, the charming boutique hotel that’s as enchanting as it sounds.

Each dish was a celebration of Shiga Prefecture’s local bounty, masterfully crafted to showcase the vibrant flavors of Lake Biwa’s abundant nature and the surrounding mountains. Every bite was a journey through the heart of Shiga.

This experience was more than a meal; it was a harmonious blend of tastes and an immersion into local culture. A place where the food not only delights your palate but also tells a story of its origin.

18/01/2024

Basking in the tranquil twilight at Lake Biwa, where the silhouette of nature’s artistry unfolds in an eternal dance with the setting sun.