[Shiga] Private Lake Biwa Boat Race Tour — 1 Group Only

• You may have heard of Japan's famous "Keirin racing," now an Olympic sport, which is a bicycle race that is paced in the first laps by a motorized vehicle. The boat races on Lake Biwa are a kind of aquatic version of Keirin racing — but with high-powered, high-tech speedboats instead of bicycles.
• Boat racing offers locals — and visitors — an exciting and completely legal way to place wagers. These races originated in Japan and are overseen and operated by the government.
• The boats are high-powered, state-of-the-art machines, and the races are thrilling to watch — and maybe even a bit more exciting if you place a small bet!
• Kenji, with 20 years of experience in these races, will give clear, easy-to-follow instructions on enjoying the sport and placing wagers.
• We'll make a brief stop at a local supermarket where you'll get to choose your favorite snacks and drinks — including beer, sake, or a Japanese highball — for a delicious picnic at the races.
• Group size: 2 - 4 people

We'll set out from Kyoto Station; stop at a special supermarket to pick up your choice of a light meal 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 11:15am. 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: ¥20,000 per person, which includes the cost of travel from Kyoto station to the stadium and back; a light meal 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!