Papersky’s Tour de Nippon project is about finding the magic of Japan’s rural districts, their inhabitants, nature, culture and food. We travel to various prefectures and ride bicycles. Traveling via bicycle allows us a clean and healthy way to explore Japan’s rural areas.
Upcoming
Tour de Nippon in Shiga Kohoku
Embracing Lake Biwa and Mount Ibuki: A Journey Through Northern Shiga’s Abundant Waterways
Day 1 of cycling begins at the tranquil shores of beautiful Lake Yogo. In the nostalgic old post town of Kinomoto, discover the sake brewing at Tomita Shuzo, along with the food culture and townscape nurtured by its pristine waters.
After recharging with a lunch packed with local ingredients, we guide you to the unique “DAS TRAIL,” where you can experience regional resources and the environment through “Data × Art × Science.” Pedal onward to Nagahama, a castle town connected to Hideyoshi. In the evening, gather around Shiga’s delicious food and sake.
Day 2 begins at the shores of Lake Biwa. With Mount Ibuki in view, we head for the Azusakawachi settlement, home to about 230 people. Spend peaceful moments with locals in this water-rich mountain valley. Join us on this journey through Shiga, exploring the “water” that nourishes the land and connects past and future.
【Featuring】
● A cycling route rich in nature with minimal elevation changes (DAY 1 & DAY 2)
● The “DAS TRAIL” walk: Discover the region through “Data × Art × Science” (DAY 1 & DAY 2)
● Savor Shiga’s cuisine: mountain delicacies, lake treasures, and sake (DAY 1 & DAY 2)
● Visit Tomita Shuzo, brewer of the renowned sake “Shichihonyari,” a tradition dating back to the Warring States period (DAY 1)
● Experience the clear streams and woodcarving culture in the historic post town of Samegai-juku (DAY 2)
【Tour detail】
＜DAY 1: Saturday, April 18, 2026＞
Start at: April 18 (Sat) 9:30 AM JR West Hokuriku Main Line “Yogo Station” (Shiga Prefecture, Nagahama City, Yogo Town, Shimo-Yogo)
Goal at: April 18 (Sat) 20:00 BIWAKO PICNIC BASE (7-5 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture)
Distance: 37km
Participation Fee: ¥21,000 / ¥19,000 for Shiga Prefecture residents (includes bicycle rental fee)
★Special rate applies for participating both days
★Please indicate if you wish to bring your own bicycle when applying
Included in participation fee: Cycling guide fee, trail walk guide fee, meal costs (lunch, dinner), snacks, support vehicle (can transport luggage), commemorative item, insurance fee
※Accommodation costs are not included in the participation fee.
＜DAY 2: Sunday, April 19, 2026＞
Start at: April 19 (Sun) 8:30 AM, in front of the fountain at Toyo Park along Lake Biwa (1325 Koen-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture)
Goal at: April 19 (Sun) 16:30 JR “Maibara Station” (Maibara Nakamachi, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture)
Distance: 39km
Participation Fee: ¥12,000 / ¥10,000 for Shiga Prefecture residents (includes bicycle rental fee)
★Discount available for participating both days
★If you wish to participate with your own bicycle, please indicate this when applying
Included in Participation Fee: Cycling guide fee, trail walk guide fee, meal cost (lunch), snacks, support vehicle (can transport luggage), commemorative item, insurance fee
Not Included in Travel Cost: Transportation costs to/from your home to the meeting point and from the disbandment point to your home, meal and beverage costs not included in the itinerary, and transportation costs between your home and the location are the responsibility of each participant.
【Remarks】
・Round-trip transportation costs between your home and the event location are the responsibility of each participant.
・Your application is complete upon payment of the participation fee.
・If you have your own cycling helmet, please bring it. Free rentals are also available.
・For accommodations on Saturday, April 18th, we can recommend lodging near Nagahama Station. Please inquire when applying.
【Sign up for participation】
For inquiries regarding tour details, please contact at:
https://papersky.jp/contact
Please select “Event” from the URL above to apply.
★ When applying, please specify: “Participating both days,” “Participating only on 4/18,” or “Participating only on 4/19.”
★ For both days: Participation fee: ¥30,000 / ¥27,000 for Shiga Prefecture residents (includes bicycle rental fee)
★When applying, please fill in the followings:
・Preferred Participation Date (select one):
① Both Days ／ ② April 18 (Sat) Only ／ ③ April 19 (Sun) Only
・Number of Participants:
・Name:
・Date of Birth:
・Address:
・Contact Number on Event Day (Mobile Phone):
・Bicycle Rental: Required (Height cm)／Not Required
・Helmet Rental: Required／Not Required
*Please provide the name, date of birth, bicycle rental preference, and helmet rental preference for each participant.
＜Co-hosted by＞
TOYOTA CONIQ, Inc.
DAS LAB
＜Tour de Nippon Supporters＞
Circles
SimWorks
POC
macpac
Brompton
