Private Tour
Private Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour — with Your Own Local Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
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!
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
Options
Private Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour — with Your Own Local Guide
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Local Experience!
Excursion00169676343,Feb 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to Kenji, I had a fantastic time watching Japanese boat racing. As a big American sports fan who loves to go to sports stadiums in the United States, I was expecting the American 'ballpark' experience: overpriced food, crowded seating, and rowdy fans. Japanese boat racing stadiums reject each one of these three negatives about American sports. First, you're allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the stadium. Second, you can enjoy your meal at spacious tables with a pristine view of the stadium lake. Third, although the fans are very respectful, they are still enthusiastic about the races. Kenji enhanced the boat racing experience through his extensive knowledge of the sport. He knew the betting system in great detail, informing me how to incorporate the racing, driver, and stadium data to give me the best chance to win. Thanks to Kenji, I felt comfortable trying my odds against the house. If you are interested in the excitement of sports, immersing yourself in Japanese culture, and having a great time, I highly recommend booking this tour with Kenji.
Very interesting Japanese Boat Race
577rebeccaq,Feb 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have traveled to Japan many times but have never thought of watching a Japanese boat race. Thank you to Kenji San for introducing me and my family to this wonderful and fun event. Even though I am normally not into any sports race, it was quite fun to watch all the boats racing against each other, especially since there were all women racing which was easier for me to relate to. I would highly recommend going for this fun event.
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