Frequently Asked Questions
1.Reservations
Michigan Cruise No Reservations Required Meals at the on-board restaurants do require reservations, by 12:00 noon of the day before the cruise.
Chikubushima Cruise If there are too many passengers for a single cruise, some passengers may be asked to wait until the following cruise.
Biwako Tour of Islands Reservations Required Reservations are required, by 12:00 noon of the day before the cruise.
Other Seasonal Cruises Seasonal cruises, such as cherry blossom-viewing or snow-viewing cruises, require reservations by the day before the cruise.
Note: For all cruises, reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.
2.Fares
Adults No senior discounts available.
Children Elementary school

Children 5 and under: 1 free fare per adult fare.

Any additional children 5 and under require 1 additional child fare (total).
If eating in the on-board restaurant, restaurant payment is required for all children ages 2 and up.

3.Payment
Pre-payment by Bank Transfer Day-of Cash Payment Credit Card
(China UnionPay, JCB, Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS, MasterCard, Visa)
Electronic Money
(PiTaPa, ICOCA, Edy)
Michigan Cruise

Only ICOCA is accepted.

Chikubushima Cruise
Biwako Tour of Islands

Only ICOCA is accepted.

Other Seasonal Cruises

Varies by Cruise

Varies by Cruise

* Please contact the Biwako Cruise Reservations Center for details if pre-paying by bank transfer.

* Discounted fares on all cruises require cash payment.

4.Discounts
Group Discount 10% discount per passenger for groups of 15 or more.
Discounts for People with Disabilities

Class 1 disability: Half-price fare both for passenger with disability and for caregiver.

Class 2 disability: Half-price fare for passenger with disability.

Please show your disability ID at the ticket window.

* Discounts also available to certain cardholders, for overnight guests of certain resort facilities and hotels, and more. For details about discount plans, please contact these facilities directly.

* Discounts cannot be combined.

5.Cancellation Fees
2 Days before Cruise 1 Day before Cruise Same Day
Individuals 10% of Cruise Fare 50% of Cruise Fare 100% of Cruise Fare
20% of Price of Meal 50% of Price of Meal 100% of Price of Meal
2 Days to 1 Month before Cruise 1 Day before Cruise Same Day
Groups (15 or more) 20% of Cruise Fare 50% of Cruise Fare 100% of Cruise Fare
20% of Price of Meal 50% of Price of Meal 100% of Price of Meal

For “Gurutto Biwako,” the cruise tour for Lake Biwa and its islands, a cancellation fee will be required if you cancel 3 days prior to the boarding date (cancellation made within 2-3 days will incur a 20% fare).

6.Bringing Food and Drinks Aboard
Michigan Cruise × In addition to the on-board restaurants, a shop and café are available.
Chikubushima Cruise
Biwako Tour of Islands Bringing alcohol onto cruise ships is prohibited.
Other Seasonal Cruises Varies by cruise. Please contact us for details.
7.Wheelchair Accessibility
Michigan Cruise

Wheelchair access available 1F―3F.

・1 elevator available (dimensions: W60cm x D 130cm) 4F Skydeck accessible by stairs only.

1 barrier-free toilet available aboard the Michigan.

2 barrier-free toilets available at the Otsu Port waiting room.

Chikubushima Cruise

Boat still not barrier-free. However, if a wheelchair user can walk with assistance from a caregiver, he or she may board the cruise (staff members can help when boarding).

(Stairs on Chikubushima are not wheelchair-accessible.)

・1 barrier-free toilet available at the Nagahama Port waiting room.

・No barrier-free toilets available at Imazu Port.

Biwako Tour of Islands

Boat still not barrier-free.However, if a wheelchair user can walk with assistance from a caregiver, he or she may board the cruise (staff members can help when boarding).

(Stairs on Chikubushima and Takeshima are not wheelchair-accessible.)

Other Seasonal Cruises Varies by cruise and vessel. Please contact us for details.
8.Bringing Bicycles Aboard
Michigan Cruise ×

Bicycles may not be brought aboard.

Chikubushima Cruise

Bicycles must be packed in bicycle bags (handled as freight; extra fee required).

Bicycles may be prohibited on cruises with many passengers.

Biwako Tour of Islands ×

Bringing bicycles onto cruise ships is prohibited

Other Seasonal Cruises Varies by cruise. Please contact us for details.
9.Bringing Pets Aboard

Pets may not be brought aboard (with the exceptions of guide dogs and service dogs; please contact us beforehand)

10.Cruises during Stormy Weather

Cruises operate during rainy weather, but may be modified or cancelled during storms with strong winds and high waves.

Biwako Kisen
Biwako Kisen Co., Ltd
5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan 520-0047 [Reservations Center] TEL +81-77-524-5000
COPYRIGHT(C) 2012 BIWAKOKISEN ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.