Experience the thrilling aquatic tradition of Biwako Boat Race in Japan. Bet on high-powered boats and watch exciting races on Lake Biwa. Legal and safe gambling with a guide’s 20 years of experience.
- Boat Race Biwako - 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!
- Entry fee and reserved seat at the races
- Snacks
- Train and bus tickets to and from the boat race stadium
- Money or tickets for betting
- Insurance of any type
Japan’s renowned “Keirin racing,” now an Olympic event, is a bicycle race initially paced by a motorized vehicle. The boat races on Lake Biwa offer a similar experience on water, featuring high-powered, advanced speedboats instead of bicycles.
These races, held on the stunning “Biwako,” or Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, promise an exhilarating afternoon. Betting on the races adds to the excitement. The Shiga Prefecture local government organizes and regulates the races and gaming, ensuring they are well-managed and completely legal.
The races are sure to get your adrenaline going—especially if you’ve placed a bet on one of the boats.
Your guide, Kenji, with two decades of experience in these races, will offer comprehensive guidance on enjoying the sport and placing bets.
Group size: 2 - 4 participants
- Not suitable for travelers under the age of 20
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
