Lake Biwa Private Kayak Tour | Guided Kayaking Experience in Shiga, Japan

Water Activities

Kayak
private tour

Flow of experience

Check-in/Change clothes: Please check in at the front desk at least 20 minutes before your reservation time.
Locker rooms are available to store your belongings and to change clothes.

Kayak instruction & safety: Our instructor will carefully instruct you on how to paddle and maneuver your kayak, so even beginners can go into the experience with confidence.

Head out onto the lake: Paddle out with your instructor to nearby rivers or reed beds, discovering local wildlife while learning about the lake and environment. If you are up to the challenge, ask your instructor about paddling down to the floating pavilion, Ukimido Temple!

Return to shore: Feel free to use the locker and shower rooms!

Experience content

This 2-hour private kayak tour with full instructor support is perfect for beginners or just for those who want to explore further out into the lake. We’ll start with a lesson on paddle techniques and kayak handling, and your instructor will accompany you during your time on the water. Even beginners or those feeling a little nervous about getting on the water can participate with confidence.

This tour allows you to explore a wider area than with the Lake Biwa Kayak Experience Pass, including local rivers, reed beds, and if you are up to the challenge, all the way to the floating pavilion, Ukimido Temple!

Plan Features

■Swimming Pool
Guests may use pool freely before or after your lake activity reservation. (summer season only)
Pool open from July 18th - September 12th, 2026
Our entire staff is committed to ensuring your experience is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable!
Locker/shower rooms are available for both men and women and are included in your experience fee.

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Plan Details

Plan name: Lake Biwa Private Kayak Tour

Availability: March 20th - November 29th, 2026

Minimum participants: 2 participants or more

Requirements: Participants must be 5 yrs. or older to participate. Those under 8 yrs. must ride a tandem kayak with an adult.
Weight limit of 90 kg (200 lbs).

If minors (under 18) will be participating without a parent or guardian present, a consent form must be submitted.

※Please note that pregnant individuals and anyone under the influence of alcohol cannot participate.

Cost: Regular season
Adult: ¥7,700
Child: ¥6,600
Busy season (Golden Week & Pool season)
Adult: ¥8,250
Child: ¥7,150

Included in cost: ・rental fee
・showers, lockers, and other facility amenities
・accident insurance
・parking
・use of outdoor pool (summer season only)

Time: 2 hour tour

Time slots: Please arrive twenty minutes before your reservation time

What to expect: Regular season:
①A.M. slot: 10:30 – 12:30
②P.M. slot: 13:30 – 15:30

Pool season:
①A.M. slot: 10:00 – 12:00
②P.M. slot: 13:00 – 15:00

What to bring: ・clothes that can get wet
・change of clothes
・sandals
・towel (also available for purchase)
*The pool is also open during the summer, so bring a swimsuit if you would like to use it.

Clothing: Clothes that can get wet, change of clothes, sandals

Cancellation policy: Cancellation policy:
1 day prior; 50%
Day of reservation, with or without notice: 100％

*In the event of cancellation or suspension due to unavoidable circumstances such as typhoons or natural disasters, no cancellation fee shall be charged.
*Should you wish to postpone your reservation to another date, no cancellation fee shall be charged

Inquiries: O'PAL
TEL: 077-579-7111
email: biwako@o-pal.com (English is fine!)

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Access

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

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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