BIWAICHI
Lake Biwa, Shiga
Shiga Prefecture
Biwaichi
As the name suggests, Biwaichi is an approximately 200-km cycling course
that circles Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, in a counterclockwise direction.
The distance can be covered in a single day for experienced cyclists,
but spending two or three days to enjoy sightseeing and dining is also highly recommended.
Beyond completing a full circuit, you can also choose a route
covering only the north side of the Lake Biwa Bridge (approx. 150 km)
or the south side (approx. 50 km),
or even take a shortcut by combining boat travel — there are many ways to enjoy it
suited to your own ability.
ACCESS
Shiga Prefecture
About 1h total
TrainAbout 1h
Cycling Around Lake Biwa — Japan’s Largest Lake
The Biwaichi cycling course lets you experience the exhilaration of Lake Biwa with all your senses as you ride across the blue sky and green land, gazing at the shimmering surface of the lake. The elation, satisfaction, and sense of achievement of completing Biwaichi entirely under your own power is something special that only those who experience it will know. Come to Biwaichi to discover a new side of this lake country.
A Tour of Historical Heritage Steeped in Culture
One of Biwaichi’s great attractions is the rich cultural experience along the way. The route and surrounding areas are filled with historic sites: satobo villages that flourished at the foot of Mt. Hiei, the gate town of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the special historic ruins of Azuchi Castle and Hikone Castle built by Oda Nobunaga, post towns on the Tokaido such as Kusatsu-juku and Moriyama-juku, Samegai-juku on the Nakasendo, and Kinomoto-juku on the Hokkoku Waki Oukan — all waiting to be discovered by bicycle.
Enjoy Sightseeing on the Omi Railway Cycle Train
The Omi Railway, which runs along the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, offers a cycle train service where you can bring your bicycle on board as-is. You can travel with your own bike, or rent one at the cycle station at Maibara — the first and last stop — and explore the sightseeing spots along the way.
