Access

The best fishing days start before you reach the lake. Here's why we recommend the train.

Meeting points vary by guide.

Getting to Katata Station from Kyoto

Take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station — the first train of the day, 22 minutes, no transfers, guaranteed seating. Step off at Katata Station and we'll be right there waiting.

Getting to Minami-Kusatsu Station from Kyoto

Take the JR Biwako Line (Rapid) from Kyoto Station — a direct, no-transfer ride to Minami-Kusatsu Station in just 18 minutes. Step off and we'll be right there waiting.

The smartest way in

You arrive fresh.

The JR Kosei Line hugs the western shore of Lake Biwa, and the morning light over the water is something most visitors don't expect. Sit back, watch the lake wake up, and arrive at the station already in the right headspace for a day on the water. No traffic to read, no route to navigate — just 20 minutes of quiet before the action begins.

Safety first.

Japan's rail network is among the safest in the world — punctual, well-maintained, and remarkably reliable. Both the JR Kosei Line and the JR Biwako Line are no exception. You'll arrive on time, every time, with zero stress about getting there.

Fishing starts the moment you arrive.

By the time your train pulls into the station, your guide has already prepped the boat, loaded the tackle, and checked the wind. You step off, we shake hands, and we're on the water within minutes. It's the difference between a day that starts with anticipation and one that starts with logistics.

A clean finish, too.

When the fishing ends, we head straight back to the station. Within minutes you're on the train, watching the lake slide past the window one more time. The boat work happens later — that's our job, not part of your day.

Japan has one of the world's most reliable and convenient rail networks, and taking the train is simply how people get around here. For most visitors, it's also part of what makes a trip to Japan memorable.

One more thing — Lake Biwa is much larger than most visitors expect. It's the biggest lake in Japan, stretching across a significant part of Shiga Prefecture. How you arrive sets the tone for the whole day. The train gets you to the water rested, on time, and ready to fish.

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For guests who prefer door-to-door pickup

Door-to-door pickup can be the right choice in certain situations:

• A more comfortable journey from your accommodation, with no transfers, no platforms, and no early morning walk to the station.
• Staying outside central Kyoto, where reaching Kyoto Station early isn't convenient.
• A more private, relaxed ride from your accommodation directly to the lake.

If any of these apply to you, door-to-door pickup is available on request. Before booking, please note the following:

• Travel time varies with road conditions. The drive between Kyoto and the marina takes 40 minutes on a clear morning, but traffic and other road conditions can extend this to 60–90 minutes. Please allow extra time in your schedule.
• Boat and tackle preparation begins after arrival at the marina. Please allow approximately 20–30 minutes before departure.
• The same applies at the end of the day. Boat cleanup and packdown take place before the return drive.

If you'd like to arrange door-to-door pickup, please mention it in your reservation inquiry and we'll confirm the details with you.