【Cycling Tour】Experience the History of KATATA | ~Discover the Real Japan~
Explore the Nostalgic World of Katata
Flow of experience
- Arrive at O'PAL
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・Meet your guide!
・Bicycle explanation
・Safety talk
・Departure!
- Ukimido Temple ＆ Kozoku Museum
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We will stop at Ukimido Temple, where your guide will explain the history of the temple, as well as the Kozoku Museum, where you will learn about the history of the kozoku (lake pirates) who protected and ran Katata, a town one must pass when sailing through the lake.
You guide will also introduce a nearby lake fish tsukudani (fish boiled in soy sauce) shop as well as Japanese sweets and match milk tea shop. All are highly recommended by our staff!
- Lunch
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Enjoy a tasty lunch at a lakeside restaurant! Take in the beautiful view of the lake as you eat!
- Lake Biwa Bridge Observation Deck
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Get an amazing shot of Lake Biwa from the Lake Biwa Bridge Observation Deck!
Enjoy lunch at Daiichi Nagisa Park on the opposite shore!
- Lake Biwa Bridge Kome Plaza
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Rest stop and great place to be specialty local goods and souvenirs with a view of Lake Biwa
Experience content
This tour is a guided cycling tour through the Katata district of Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.
This town retains a nostalgic landscape as if frozen in time, and is filled with many hidden treasures such as shops, views, and more!
Tour content:
○History
You will visit the famous Ukimido Floating Pavilion (Mangetsu Temple) while enjoying a magnificent view of Lake Biwa.
You will also learn about the history of Lake Biwa and the “Kozoku” (lake pirates) through the Kozoku no Sato Museum.
○Scenery
We will stop at the observation deck on the Lake Biwa Bridge where you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, including the symbol of Lake Biwa, Ukimido Temple.
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the snowy scenery of Mt. Hira.
Lake Fish & Sweets
This course includes visits to famous sweets and lake fish shops in Katata! Please enjoy delicious Daifuku, green tea milk tea, and more!
Cycling Level
Intermediate
Duration: 6 hours (about 3 hours of riding time)
Distance: about 18km
The Katata course is a leisurely course with few uphill and downhill paths.
Plan Features
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This is a guided tour!
In addition to taking you along the most comfortable and beautiful routes, your guide will teach you about the history and culture of the area. -
Bicycle explanations will be given prior to departure.
Electric bicycles are recommended for the Sakamoto course. -
If you would like to order a special lunch box, please apply for it at the time of reservation.
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This tours features Ukimido Floating Pavilion (Mangetsuji Temple), famous for the woodblock print "Geese Returning at Katata" one of the "Eight Views of Omi."
Plan Details
- Plan name
- Experience the History of KATATA | ~Discover the Real Japan~
- Availability
- Year-round (Best seasons: Spring and Autumn)
- Minimum participants
- 2 - 5 participants
- Requirements
- Height of 140 cm or above
- Cost
- Cross bike:
Group of 2: 26,400 yen/person
Group of 3: 19,250 yen/person
Group of 4: 16,500 yen/person
Group of 5: 13,750 yen/person
E-bike:
Group of 2: 28,600 yen/person
Group of 3: 21,450 yen/person
Group of 4: 18,700 yen/person
Group of 5: 15,950 yen/person
*All prices include tax
- Included in cost
- Bicycle rental, tour guide, helmet, bike lock, accident insurance, entrance fee to Ukimido Temple, entrance fee to Kozoku Museum
- Time
- Approx. 6 hrs. (hours can be shortened if necessary)
- Time slots
- 10 a.m.
- What to expect
- 10:30 a.m. departure
- What to bring
- Seasonally appropriate clothing
Sunglasses, gloves, athletic shoes
Two-strap backpack, water, rain gear
- Clothing
- Seasonally appropriate clothing, gloves
- Cancellation policy
- 2 days prior to tour start: 40
1 day prior to tour start: 50%.
Cancellation on the day of the tour or no notice on the day of the tour: 100%.
- Inquiries
- Email: biwako@o-pal.com
TEL: 077-579-7111
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Cycling Tours- 【Otsu, Shiga】Create Your Own Cycling Adventure! (Self-guided tour)
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Rental Cycle
- O’PAL Rental Bicycles (For Biwa-ichi, local exploration, and more!)
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Year-round
Access
- Address
- O'PAL OPTEX Co., Ltd.
5-265-1 Ogoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
〒520-0101
Google Map
- Access
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- ■By car
- 15 min. via Meishin Kyoto Higashi IC; 5 min. via Kosei Bypass Ogi Ogoto IC.
- ■By train
- 20 min. via JR Kosei Line from JR Kyoto Station (get off at Ogoto Onsen Station).
Approx. 12 min walk from station.
*Please use a local train. Rapid Express trains do not stop at Ogoto Onsen Station.
All Activities
