Unhurried moments by the tranquil lakeside Where Japan’s everyday rhythms gently unfold
~ Private, thoughtfully curated experiences in Shiga, just beyond Kyoto~
An invitation to the quiet rhythms of Shiga
Explore a quieter Japan beyond the expected with private, thoughtfully curated programs in Shiga Prefecture on the western shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Just a short distance from Kyoto yet largely untouched by mass tourism, Shiga invites you to explore a more intimate side of Japan, shaped by water, fields, and enduring local traditions.
Away from the well-trodden paths, our experiences offer rare access to the rhythms of everyday life in rural Japan. Guests are welcomed into carefully selected local homes, where farm-to-table cooking and time shared around the table create space for genuine connection. We work with families with whom we have built long-standing relationships, allowing encounters that feel both personal and natural.
Programs also take you through the landscapes that define the region—tranquil lakeside paths, historic villages, and terraced rice fields shaped over generations. Whether by bicycle or on foot, each day unfolds at an unhurried pace, with time to appreciate local craftsmanship, seasonal beauty, and the small details that make a place feel lived-in.
All experiences are fully private and guided by expert locals who offer not only insight, but a personal connection to the region.
Each program can be tailored with care, from timing and pace to interests such as food culture, crafts, and nature, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Tour du Lac is a local team based along the shores of Lake Biwa; by joining us, guests not only discover these lesser-known landscapes but also help sustain local traditions and communities.
If you are planning a journey to the Kyoto region, we would be delighted to help you design a memorable experience in Shiga.
Customers Reviews
”A special tea field visit”
Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality and sharing your part of Japan with us. We loved our guides and hostesses and so appreciated their special presentation, delicious lunch, and heartfelt sharing of their life stories.
Spending the day the with these ladies was truly a special experience that we will never forget. It was especially exciting to find women across the world who share our values and hopes for a better planet.
You are doing excellent work and I cannot recommend you enough to other travelers who want a unique, educational, and personalized visit.
E-M (USA)
Review submitted May 2019
”Insightful Tour with the Dai Ajari”
The tour with the marathon monk was without doubt one of the highlights of our trip, and it’s something we’ve been talking about ever since.
It was an incredible privilege to spend so much time with the monk, to be able to ask questions about his practice, and to receive kaji from him. The experience felt deeply meaningful and offered a rare insight into a way of life that most people would never normally have access to.
The tour itself was also exceptionally well organised.
This is the kind of experience that genuinely stays with you long after it’s over, and I highly recommend it!
Clare H
Review submitted Apr. 2026
Landscape photos: ©Biwako Visitors Bureau