Private Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour — with Your Own Local Guide

Duration4h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Private experience for 1–4 people — always your group only. Enjoy an exciting day experiencing the thrill of Japanese boat racing at Lake Biwa.

Experience Japan’s unique, high-speed boat races, guided by Kenji with 20 years of experience. Learn to enjoy the races, place wagers, and discover the local racing culture. We'll also stop at a nearby supermarket to pick bento, snacks, and drinks for a picnic during the races.

Group size: 1–4 people

What's included

The entry fee and a reserved seat at the races
A lunch with drinks
Train and bus tickets to and from the boat race stadium

Money or tickets for betting

What to expect

4h · Admission ticket included

We'll set out from Kyoto Station; stop at a special supermarket to pick up your choice of a lunch and drinks for our boat race picnic; travel to Lake Biwa in Shiga for the event; and return to Kyoto Station after the races.

Duration: about 4 hours (We set out at 12:00 pm. The travel time on a JR train from Kyoto Station to the boat race stadium is 35 minutes. We spend nearly three hours at the boat race stadium. After the races, the train ride back to Kyoto station is 35 minutes.)

Cost: ¥25,000 per person, which includes the cost of travel from Kyoto station to the stadium and back; a lunch with drinks; the entry fee; and a reserved seat

Guests who are 20 years old or older and don't wish to wager on the races are certainly welcome to enjoy watching them with us at Lake Biwa.

Please note that money or tickets for betting are not included.

The race schedule varies from month to month. We do hope there will be races on when you come to Kyoto!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

I'll be waiting for you near the big gate that says "JR Kyoto Station" at the main entrance to Kyoto station. You'll know me by my LINNELL'S backpack. I've included a photo of the meeting point -- which includes me and my big backpack -- in the photos above.

End point

I'll be waiting for you near the big gate that says "JR Kyoto Station" at the main entrance to Kyoto station. You'll know me by my LINNELL'S backpack. I've included a photo of the meeting point -- which includes me and my big backpack -- in the photos above.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for travelers under the age of 20

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (2)