【Cycling Tour】Experience the History of KATATA | ~Discover the Real Japan~

Cycling Tours

Explore the Nostalgic World of Katata

Flow of experience

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!

Schedule

Arrive at O’PAL ・Meet your guide! ・Bicycle explanation ・Safety talk
Departure!
Kozoku Museum: We will stop at the Kozoku (lake pirates) 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 our highly recommended by our staff!
Lake Biwa Bridge Observation Deck: 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: Rest stop and great place to be specialty local goods and souvenirs with a view of Lake Biwa

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

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.
This tours features Ukimido Floating Pavilion (Mangetsuji Temple), famous for the woodblock print "Geese Returning at Katata" one of the "Eight Views of Omi."

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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: Group of 2: 19,800 yen per person (cross bike), 22,000 yen per person (assisted bicycle E-Bike), tax included　　　　　　　
Group of 3: 14,300 yen per person (cross bike), 16,500 yen per person (e-bike)
Group of 4: 11,550 yen per person (cross bike), 13,750 yen per person (e-bike), tax included
Group of 5: 9,900 yen per person (cross bike), 12,100 yen per person (e-bike), including 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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Access

Address: O'PAL OPTEX Co., Ltd.
5-265-1 Ogoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
〒520-0101
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Access

■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.

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