27

e
L in
ei
Ko
s
JR

w
ak
o

Nis
hiBypotsu
a ss

Bi
JR

Nagano Takaido

57.8
km

58.7
km

Shin-meishin
Expressway
49.7km1

Tomei
Expressway

Central JapanTokyo International
AirportSetahigashi

Ogura

Otsu Festival (Otsu)

172.8.km
346.7
km

86.8
km

The aid stations provide bike pump rentals andrestrooms for cyclists.
About 130 amenities (convenience stores, roadsidestations, restaurants, cafés, hotels, etc.) in Shiga.

BIWAICHI

CYCLE
ST
ATION

サイクル
ラック

工具

レンタ
サイクル

トイレ

空気入れ

給水

自転車宅配

自転車用品
販売

Contents for basic support.

This bana sym ner isbol for
aid st
ation
s!

休憩所

手荷物宅配

観光情報

Bike tools
Restrooms andpumps

In Shiga Prefecture you can use
Biwako Free Wi-Fi. This icon isdisplayed where Biwako Free Wi-Fi isavailable. Methods of connecting mayvary depending upon the location ofuse. Please check this website formore information.

Tickle your palate on freshwater ﬁsh, Omi
Beef and endless sweets youʼll only ﬁnd
on the shores of Lake Biwa.

Example / Sajo-towson (Otsu)

Bicycle Insurance Requiredin Shiga Prefecture

Biwako Free Wi-Fi

Epicurean delights to try …
Architectural work of
William Merrell Vories(Omihachiman)

185.8
km

Field service for those who enjoy riding around Lake Biwa.
ビワイチサイクルステーション

チューブ
販売

Encounter a contemplative way oflife and faith nurtured by nature.

Mie Pref.

233.4
km

BIWAICHI Cycle Support Station

Imagine blue skies and forested mountains reﬂecting oﬀ alake. Then, picture yourself on a bicycle Pedaling around its
shores. Biwaichi oﬀers a great way to take in Lake Biwa with all
5 senses and come out feeling elated, fulﬁlled and rewarded.
There is so much for you to discover, learn and relish about
Shiga Prefecture. Do it on a bicycle! Ride Biwaichi!

Cultural immersion …

477

Otsu

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine (Otsu)

421

Meishin36.7km Expressway
40.3
21.4
km
km
5.2
8.3
km
km
70.0kmKeiji bypass
87.3km19.3km
Suita

Nagisa Park (Otsu)

Nagano Expressway
78.1kmKobe
Sanda

The Wind Serenades You and the Waves Entice You
Proud Location of Japan s Biggest Lake

114.0
km

Let s cycle around Lake Biwa!

Central Japan International Airport
from Sapporo 100min.
from Fukuoka 75min.

Chugoku Expressway
Tsuyama Nishinomiya KansaiInternational
AirportHikone Castle (Hikone)

Omihachiman
477
ka
HieizanTo
Keihan Sakamoto
Yasu 8 JR 477
IshiyamaMoriyama
307
SakamotoJR
Ku
Line
Kusatsu
Otsukyosats
Yamashina Otsu
u
1
Kyoto
L
9
Otsu
Kusatsu JCT ine
Kyoto-minami
Seta-higashi JCT
Kibukawa
171
Keihan Keishin Line

y
wa
ail
iR

Cycle amidst a wondrous natural landscape ofmountains, rivers and lakes.

Travel to sites with long histories anddiscover how generals lived in Japanʼ scentury of civil war.

477 161

Kyoto Pref. Katata

Airport Bus 60min.

By carNotogawan Meishin
Expressway
nse
ka
hin
Shiga Pref.
S
Yokaichiido

of Shiga Prefecture

Tokyo

Tagataisha-mae
306

NagoyaHikoneMaibaraHikonem
Oh

History everywhere …

Welcome to Shiga

Tinged with seasonal
splendor throughout the year …

Rapeseed Fields in Nagisa Park (Moriyama)

477

Cherry Blossoms on Kaizu-osaki Point (Takashima)

Dawn Redwoods (Takashima)

Shiga

Shinkansen
Express 75min.

Kansai International Airport
from Tokyo75min.
from Fukuoka 60min.

Lake Biwa

Omi-maiko

Cycling Map

Hokuriku
Shinkansen
148min.
Express112min
Nozomi99
Hikarimin.
25min.

Komaki
Okaya
Chuo
Kameyama
Expressway
ToyamaMaiharaHokuriku
Expressway
Kusatsutanakami

162

MaiharaMaibaraOkayamaNagahama

367
Adogawa

HakataOmi-imazu

Kyoto

303

Otsu

161

Osaka

303

Fukui pref.
Shiga
Prefectureinfrom Tokyo 60 min.
Airport Bus
8m
from Fukuoka 60 min.
1２
55min.
Gifu Pref. 揖斐ssOsaka Airport (Itami)re
JR Tokaido Main Line Exp42
929min.
min.
min.
Nozomi365
98
8 Nagahama Sekigahara
Hikari21min.
min.
Nozomi 62min.

Li
neObama line

By public transport

Omi-shiotsu
303
303 8
Kinomoto Kinomoto161uurik ay
Hok ressw
Exp
riku
oku e
JR H in Lin
Ma

Obama

Kanazawa

Access to Shiga

Wetland in Omihachiman

By prefectural ordinance, anyone who wants to ridea bicycle in Shiga Prefecture must have ʻprivate orgroup insurance that covers all accidents related tobicycle useʼ . Before setting out on your trip, check
whether you have insurance or not and thecoverage provided by your policy. Insurance isincluded in rental rates at some locations. For
details, contact the rental bicycle location.

URL https://biwako-wiﬁ-info.jp/about?locale=en
Seta-no-karahashi Bridge (Otsu)

Cycling Map of Shiga Prefecture - Let's cycle around Lake Biwa! March 2017[For more information]

The information on this map is valid as of March 2017.
But, information can change, so check up on things before setting out on your bike ride.

Feasting on local freshwater ﬁsh

Sukiyaki of Omi Beef

ʻBiwaichiʼ（ビワイチ）is the code word for circling the entire perimeter of Japanʼs largest lake, Lake Biwa. It is particularly used in reference to circling the lake on a bicycle.

Shiga Prefecture, Tourism and Exchange Bureau, Oﬃce for Promotion of BIWAICHI
4-1-1 Kyomachi, Otsu-city, Shiga Pref. 520-8577, Japan
Mail biwaichi@pref.shiga.lg.jp (Japanese and English support provided)Oﬀshore Torii of Shirahige-jinja Shrine (Takashima)

Facts & Tips for Cycling around Lake Biwa

Rental Bicycle locations in Shiga Prefecture

GlovesGloves dampen theimpacts transmitted toyour hands. They also
protect hands should
you fall.

Bags
Bags should be as lightand compact as possible;
the general practice is tocarry just what can ﬁt
into a small backpack.
Saddlebags or other kindof bags that can be hungon or strapped to thebike lessen the physicalload placed on yourbody.

1.6km Mii-dera 0.4km Lake Biwa 1.2km Biwako Kisen
Ogoto Onsen 2.6km Hieizan-Sakamoto 1.2km Hiyoshi-taisha 4.6km Omi-jingu 0.4km Omi Otsu-no-miya
Kanko Park 15min Station
2min Nishikori Historical Site 8min Temple
10min Shrine
25min Shrine
2min Canal
6min Otsu Port

1.6km Ishiyama-dera
Seta-noKarahashi Bridge 8min Temple

Kibukawa 15.2km AburahiStation
80min jinja Shrine

JR

w
ay

9.4km Manninko-toro 6.8km Tsuchiyama- 12.7km Minakuchi- 3.8km Lantern of
6.7km Kibukawa
75min Lantern
35min shuku
65min shuku
20min Yokota Ferry 35min Station

Hino

O
h
M mi
ai Ra
n il
Li w
ne ay

ss
re
Ex
p

1

Y

1 R asu
ive
r
Kosei

ei

sh
in

Mt. Ameyama

Konan City Ameyama
Cultural Sports Park

Aburahi-jinja Shrine

This shrine is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan
partly because of its traditional Japanese architecture. It is revered by
local residents as a god of oil-lit ﬁres and garners the faith of oil
producers across the country. It was also honored by the Koka Ninjas.

8.2kmThis lantern marks the spot
where one of the 13 ferry
crossings along the Tokaido
Highway was. It was the largest
lantern on the highway at 7 m inheight, 17.3 m around its
2
perimeter and topped by a 2.3 m
roof. Since traﬃc along the
highway was often busy atnight, the lantern functioned asa landmark visible from thelanding on the other bank.

7.9km

300m
200m

1.3
km

15.2km100m
0m

Traveling Japanʼs Historical Roads

Nakasendo and Hokkoku Wakiokan

RakuyajiTempleThe 3.3m-tall
K a n n o n(goddess ofmercy) is thelargest statueof a sitting 11-faced Kannon Bodhisattva in Japan that has been
carved from a single piece of wood. It was made by the monk
Saicho who founded the Tendai Sect of Buddhism at the end of the
8th century. The 20 statues of Buddha worshipped here aredesignated Important Cultural Properties.

400m
Kibukawa
Station

9.9km

This park is built for playing
sports all year-round. There is a
Tokaido Ishibe-shuku History
and Folk Museum by the park.
You can experience the past at
the recreated historicalstreetscape in Shukuba-no-Sato.

This lantern was built in the 18th
century to safeguard people
travelling back and forth
between Suzuka Pass and Ise,and sailing between Ise andKotohiragu Shrine in Shikoku. It
is 5 m 44 cm tall and weighs 38
tons.

Elevation

10.7km2.4
km

Omi-Fuji Flower
and Green Park

This is where you ﬁnd Tomon-in Temple, a guardian temple that
protects the Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei. There are several points ofinterest along the way such as the view from Dobashi Bridge that
Hiroshige Utagawa (1797 - 1858) painted, and Katsube-jinja Shrine,
which is famous for its ﬁre festival. The home where former Prime
Minister Sosuke Uno was born and raised is open for viewing.

Kogan Rd.

Moriyama-shuku

Moriyama-shuku

Unoke (The Uno house)

Konan City
Ameyama Cultural
Sports Park

4.6km

53.2km 5h 0min
Intermediate Course ★★

This course follows a section of the Nakasendo Highway that was built in the 17th century as a primary roadbetween Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo), and a shortcut from there to the Hokkoku Byway, known as the Hokkoku
Wakiokan Byway. You start at Maibara Station and visit the Samegai-shuku that operated as a layover point on the
Nakasendo. Then, from Kashiwabara-shuku on the border with Gifu Prefecture, you ﬁrst ride to Izumi-jinja Shrine
where you wet your thirst on the famously toted water, then pass Mt. Ibuki over its southern foot until ﬁnding the
Hokkoku Wakiokan that will take you to Kinomoto. Along the way, you will encounter a series of historical locations
to note the 16th century Anegawa Battleﬁeld and the former site of Odani Castle. Without any major ups anddowns, the 53.2 km are easy to ride, so the various attractions along the way can be enjoyed.
Castle8.4km Kinomoto- 1.4km Kinomoto
Maibara 6.5km Samegai- 5.7km Kasiwabara- 12.6km Izumi-jinja 11.4km Anegawa 6.6km Odani
Sengoku Historicalstation 40min shuku
45min shuku
80min Shrine
55min Battleﬁeld 35min Museum
40min shuku
7min Station

12.0km

6.8km

12.7kmCultural Exploration on the Nature-Rich West side of Lake Biwa

Dawn Redwoods and Worship

3.8
km

6.7km

68.6km 7h 5min
Advanced Course ★★★

This roughly 68.6 km course runs through valleys and over a mixture of ups and downs. After spinning past therows of dawn redwoods lining the road from Makino Station, you cross the foot of Mt. Hakodate from Imazu
and head for Kutsuki Village where the Ado River originates. You will gradually get a feel for how important theriver was to livelihoods long ago, from the numerous shrines that safeguarded the local rafters who ﬂoatedtimber downstream in days gone by. The course eventually joins the Saba-kaido Byway and crosses Hanaore
Pass. After that, itʼs across the Biwako-ohashi Bridge with its over-the-water views of a seemingly endless Lake
Biwa. Once oﬀ the bridge, you turn left at the Biwako-ohashi-higashizume Intersection onto Kogan Rd. andfollow the lakeshore until you reach the end at the Hotel Laforet Biwako Resort.
Makino 5.1km Rows of Dawn 24.3km Kutsuki 14.2km Myooin
Station 25 分 Redwoods
Temple155 分
90 分

Kinomoto-shuku

Rows of Dawn Redwoods

4.3km Shikobuchi4.0km Hanaore 13.3km Biwako Ohashi 2.9km Hotel Laforet
35 分 daimyojin Shrine 35 分 Pass
65 分 Bridge
15 分 Biwako Resort

START
MakinoOdani Castle
Sengoku Historical MuseumH
W oko
By ak ku
w iok
ay a
n

Nagahama

TamuraLake Biwa

SakataSTART
Maibara

ido

oka

JR T

sen

an
ink

Sh

Omi-nagaoka
Kashiwabara

ido
Maibara City Samegai-shuku Museum

Samegai-shuku

100m
0m

6.5km

5.7km

Kasiwabarashuku

200m

Samegaishuku

300m
MaibaraStation13.4kmThis layover town is at the northern end of the Hokkoku Wakiokan
Byway. (The town ﬂourished a long time ago on the throngs oftravelers on pilgrimage to Kinomoto-jizoin Temple.) The historical
townscape has an interesting atmosphere with old storehouses anda sake brewery, which are best enjoyed by strolling the streets.

This layover point of the
Nakasendo lies in the valley
between Mt. Ibuki and theSuzuka Mountains. It is thelongest layover town at about
1.4 km. On a corner in thehistorical quarter is the
Kashiwabara Museum of History
that explains the history of thelocal area.

11.4km12.6km

6.6km

8.4km

1.4
km

Rows of Dawn Redwoods

Adogawa

This enchanting road is lined on both sides with dawn redwoods for
2.4 km. The roughly 500 trees are beautiful in spring for their
sprouting buds, in summer for their thick canopy of fresh greenery,in autumn for their colorful foliage and in winter for the whitesnowy landscape.

161

Omi-takashima

Lake Biwa

Izumi-jinja Shrine

Everyday, about 4,500t of springwater gush from the limestoneof Mt. Ibuki. Because of its
freshness, this water was
selected amongst the Top 100
Springs by the Ministry of theEnvironment. The waterproduced at Kamo-jinja Shrine in
Samegai is also on this list.
(It is recommend to boil thewater before drinking.)

Shin-asahi

Myooin Temple
Kitakomatsu
Jishu-jinja Shrine
Omi-maiko
Katsuragawa
ShikobuchiHira
daimyojin
ShrineShiga
Hanaore
Horai
Pass
Tochu
Biwako-ohashi Bridge
Wani
GOAL
Ono
477
Nagisa Park
KatataHotel Laforet Biwako Resort

kashiwabaraSamegai
Meis
shuku
21
Expresshin
way
Samegaishuku

Kinomoto-shuku

Elevation

9.3km

AzuchiAzuchiCastle
CastleArcheologicalArcheologicalMuseumMuseum

9.9km

Mt. Kojin

The castle was built on Mt. Hikone in 1622 and still looks today as it
did when it was ﬁrst built. The main keep, extended watchtower andlong watchtower are National Treasures. Around the base of themountain are the historically important inner and middle moats. The
Genkyu Rakurakuen Garden of the lordʼs villa is designated a Place of
Scenic Beauty by Japan.

367

Samegai-shuku was the 61st layover point on the Nakasendo. The
historical townscape still exists along the Jizo River. The relay stationthat provided travelers with fresh horses has been restored and, insummer, cute white ﬂowers bloom from the aquatic plants in the river.

Kashiwabara-shuku

Hikone Castle

Omi-imazuay
Byw

Izumijinja
Shrinea-kaMt. Ibuki

Sab

The General Nobunaga Oda spent 3 years building this castle, which
was completed in 1576. Just 3 years later, Oda was forced into
committing suicide by his retainer and the castle was burnt to theground. Only the stone wall remain today.

KutsukiMyoo-in Temple

Myooin Temple andJishu-jinja Shrine

Biwako-ohashi Bridge

Opened in 1964, this bridge stretches
1,350m across Lake Biwa at its
narrowest point and sits 26.3m above
the water at its highest point. It
connects Katata in Otsu City with
Imahama in Moriyama City. When travelling by bicycle, you can get
an end-to-end view of the lake from the bridgeʼs highest point.
600m
500m
400m
300m
200m
100m
0m

Makino Station

8

Former Site of Azuchi Castle

Anegawa
Battleﬁeld

Elevation

Torahime

y

ywa

sa B

ka
Wa

Hinoki Pass

Kinomoto Station

KawakeKinomotoKinomoto
shuku
Shuku

365

5.1
km

24.3kmThis sanctuary was built aroundthe 9th century as a dojo for themonks of Enryakuji Temple topractice their disciplines. Acrossthe valley is the main shrine of
Jishujinja, which features an
exceptionally rare architectural
style for Shiga Prefecture bysporting a roof made of cypress
bark shingles.

4.3km

14.2kmShikobuchi-daimyojin Shrine(Shikobuchi-jinja Shrine)
From before the 8th century
until the early 20th century, theAdo River was used to ﬂoat
felled trees from inland forests
to mills downstream. This shrine
watched over the woodmen
and rafters.

4.0km
13.3km2.7
km

Hotel Laforet
Biwako Resort

Takatsuki

Hikone Castle

4.3km

3.6
km

Ishibe.
Ishibe-shuku
Konan City Ameyama
Cultural Sports Park

Ishibe-shuku

2.4km

1.3km Rakuyaji
7min Temple

Kibukawa
T
Tsuchiyama-shuku
Hist okaidoric oal R
d. Yasu
Konan
Shin River
TerashoExpr-meishin
JR
essw
Ku
ay
1
sa Rakuyaji
ts Temple
START & GOAL
Ohara Dam
Koka u Li
ne
Manninko-toro Lantern
AburahiAburahi-jinja Shrine

Sh
i
K ga
Ra oh rak
ilw ge i
ay n

se
n

an

nk

sh
i

id
o

ka

To
100m

Kogan Rd.

Elevation

200m

0m

Takamiya

FormerToyosato
Elementary
SchoolToyosato
Elementary
School0m

9.5km

Gokasho
Kondo
Quarter

1.1km
100m

Former Site of
Azuchi Castle

200m

Azuchi Castle
ArcheologicalMuseum300m
13.3kmKora Toyosato Aisho Town Higashiomi City
Hikone City Taga Town Town
Town

Otsu City

A convenient way to get to Kibukawa Station is to Pedal along JRʼs Kusatsu Line. In the initial segment,
you can see the trains as you follow the Somakaido. Once oﬀ the Somakaido, it is uphill to the Ohara
Dam. You merge with the Tokaido and climb to the Suzuka Pass. There, you can pray for a safe journey at
the Manninkotoro Lantern (elevation: 357 m) that is always lit. From there, it is downhill to Mikumo, ﬁrst
over a quick-paced gradient and then an almost ﬂat stretch. The transformation from the idylliccountryside landscape to the castle town streetscape of Minakuchi is worth seeing. After that, you crossthe Yasu River and follow the Somakaido again from Mikumo Station until reaching the ﬁnal destination.

Manninko-toro Lantern Lantern of Yokota Ferry

Kusatsu was the 52nd of 53 layover
points on the Tokaido Highway inthe 17th - 19th centuries. It was
important because this is where
the Nakasendo Highway branchedfrom the Tokaido Highway. Of thevarious inns frequented by daimyo
and other public oﬃcials, the one
in Kusatsu is amongst the largest
still standing today.
300m

58.9km 5h 30min
Intermediate Course ★★

Omi-nakasho

The mountain isquaintly known as the
god of cooking. It is
one of the eight prized
locations in Hikone as
it has a commanding
view of Lake Biwa. A
recently veriﬁed burial
Lake Biwa seen from the summit
mound found on themountain has been designated a Historical Site of Japan. The stonechamber and armoring are visible on the mountain.

Elevation

12.3kmEigenji
TempleHyakusaiji
Temple14.8km
5.2km

Saimyoji
TempleKongorinji
TempleTaga-taisha Shrine

5.5km

Here, you get a taste of what life was like in
Hino back in the heydays. A few
recommended spots you should visit are
the Omi-Hino Merchant Museum, the Hino
Machikado Kanno, which was a focal pointof a booming pharmaceutical trade, and theformer Residence of Shokichi Yamanaka,
which has been converted into a museum.

Kibukawa Station

Built in 1361, this Zen temple sits
amongst a silent forest, which makes aprime location for viewing the autumnal
foliage. The thatched roof over the main
hall of worship was made with reeds
grown around Lake Biwa. The Yotsugi
Kannon revered by the temple is known
as a god of conception.

Historical Quarter ofthe Hino Merchants

Historical
Quarter of the
Hino Merchants

Eigenji Temple

Except bicycles
Bicycles may enter when
the below mark is used.

Touring Koka on the Somakaido and Tokaido

This former landing is one of theeight prized locations of Omi, atown that ﬂourished around its
port a long time ago. Back in theday, boats were a shortcut forgetting across the lake, butwhen the weather was bad andthe boats could not leave port,
many people walked their way
around the lake.
三雲

Odani Castle
Sengoku HistoricalMuseumEchigawaNotogawa
shuku
Echigawa
START & GOAL Gokasho
Kondo
Former site of
QuarterAzuchi Castle
GokashoAzuchiAzuchi CastleoidArcheologicalka en
To ansMuseum
JR inkSh

TokaHistori ido
cal RdFormer Site of
the Yabase Landing

Anegawa
Battlefield

as
m Hik
e
ich o
N
i B neHi ak
yw
st as
or e
ay
ica nd
lR o
d.

Ka

Inae
Chubei Itoh Memorial Hall

One-way Street

The Somakaido and Tokaido are historical roads built in the 17th century

GOAL

TagataishaAmago mae
Former Toyosato
Elementary School
Toyosato

Echigawa-shuku

Road
Omi

Gree
n
MaibaraStationElevation

8

Ohmi Railway
Main Line

se
n

an

in
k

Sh

o

id

ka

To
JR

0m

18.1km

a

w

Bi

L

Line

Omi-Fuji
Flower andGreen Park

Kusatsu-shuku

Kinomoto

HikoneJR K
usa
Teharatsu

Mt. Kojin
Kojinyama-jinja Shrine

2.8km

One-way Street

Lantern of
Yokota Ferry
MikumoMinakuchi Minakuchi-matsuo
Minakuchi-shuku
MinakuchiMinamuchi-ishibashi
jonan

Kusatsu-shuku Honjin
Headquarters

ay
sw
res
xp
uE
rik
ku
Ho
Line
Main
riku
oku

100m

Taga-taisha Shrine

JR

e
in

ay Eigenji
TempleMinakuchi
1
Kibukawa
GOAL
JR Kusatsu Line

200m

Koto Sanzan

Saimyoji, Kongorinji andHyakusaiji Temples

kow

Saimyoji Temple

Hyakusaiji
TempleHistorical
Quarter of the
Hino Merchants

300m

Minamikusatsu
START
1 1
Seta

JR H

ay
ilw
Ra ineLmi
Oh ainM
Hino

Gokasho
4.3km Echigawa- 3.6km Former Toyosato 9.9km Hikone 9.3km
13.4km Azuchi Castle
安土城考古Archeological
Kondo
Elementary
Mt. Kojin
博物館
Quarter
50min Castle
20min shuku
20min School
45min
85min Museum

9.5km

50min

Mt. Mikami

Izumi-jinja
Shrine1.1km Former Site of
6min Azuchi Castleond d.
se al R
a
ak ic
N tor
s
Hi

8

JR
M To
ai ka
n
LinidoeAzuchi Castle
ArcheologicalMuseum

Mt.Kojin

Located on the eastern side of Lake Biwa,
Saimyoji, Kongorinji and Hyakusaiji are all
temples of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism andcollectively known as the ʻKoto Sanzanʼ.
Autumn is the busiest time of year because of
the colorful foliage. The main temples at
Saimyoji and Kongorinji are National Treasures,
while most of the grounds at Hyakusaiji are arecognized National Historical Site.

51.9km 4h 40min
Intermediate Course ★★

This course starts at the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archeological Museum where you ﬁnd artifacts andinformation about Azuchi Castle and Nobunaga Oda, one of the 16th century generals who helped end
decades of civil war in Japan. You then visit the site where Azuchi Castle stood. Next is the Nakasendo andplenty of interesting places to visit like the Gokasho Kondo Quarter where the homes are 200-plus years
old, and the former Toyosato Elementary School that is known for its architectural importance and thesetting of the anime ʻK-ON!ʼ After that, you go from Hikone Castle to the road travelled by Korean traders(Hikone-michi Byway). There is a steep but short climb to make, but it takes you to the ﬁnal destination on
Mt. Kojin (about 150 m in elevation) where you have a spectacular view of Lake Biwa.

Minami-hikone

ay
sw
es
r
p
Ex Happ
u Byw
hin

eis

ga
n

Azuchi Castle, Hikone Castle andOther Historically Important Sites

Meishin Expressway

71.9km 7h 0min
Advanced Course ★★★

Lake Biwa

This shrine has been aﬀectionately
known as ʻOtaga-sanʼ since long ago.
It enshrines Izanagi-okami and
Izanami-okami, the two deities of life thatgave birth to Yaoyorozu-no-kami(multitudinous gods) in Japan.

6.2km

Seta-no-Karahashi
Bridge12.5km

17.9kmShigaraki

3.4
km

Hikone Castle

Minami-hikone

This park is all about ceramics.
There is a museum that
introduces ceramics from aroundthe world and has a gift shopwhere you can buy Shigarakiyaki,
the local ceramic art. The park
also has an Artist in Residence
program that welcomes artists
from around the world to comeand pursue their work. Large
works are displayed outdoors at
the Hoshi-no-hiroba.

Asamiya2.6
km

HikoneHikone-serikawa

M

Ishiyama-dera Temple

7.2km

START
Maibara8421

Former Siteof theKusatsu-shukuyYabase
Bywa
base
a
Y
Landing

This Buddhist sanctuary was built in the 8th century. There areseveral recognized cultural properties such as the main temple thatwas built on top of a mammoth boulder of wollastonite, which itself
is a Natural Monument. The temple is associated with the 11th
century female novelist Shikibu Murasaki.

Oishi

100m

1.6
km

Ishiyama-dera
Temple200m

Setagawa Weir

300m

GOAL Sandai-jinja
ShrineKusatsuThis weir works as a water source for 14 million people in the Kinki
Area and to protect ﬂoods downstream. You can learn about theweir at Aqua Biwa Museum. The original weir was built in 1905.
ʻAraizeki Retro Caféʼ opens once a month at the old weir.
400m

Moriyamashuku
ne
LiMoriyama
o
k
a
w
Bi
R
Ritto
J

Shinakaido Byway

Rd

Shigaraki Ceramic
Chokushi
Cultural Park
Gyokkeiji
Shigaraki-mae
Shigaraki

Setagawa Weir

0m

Maibara 18.1km Taga-taisha 5.5km Saimyoji 2.8km Kongorinji 5.2km Hyakusaiji 12.3km Eigenji 14.8km Historical Quarter of 13.3km Kibukawa
Station 110min Shrine
35min Temple
20min Temple
40min Temple
60min Temple 90min the Hino Merchants 65min Station

Kongorinji
Temple2.4km Konan City Ameyama 9.9km Omi-Fuji Flower 8.2km Moriyama- 7.9km
Kogan Rd.
60min and Green Park 45min shuku
40min

20min Cultural Sports Park

Yasu

Kumoi

Kyu-Setagawa-Araizeki / Old Weir of Seta River

Seta-no-Karahashi
Bridge1.2
kmThis course tours the most representative tourism spots along Ohmi Railway. You start by renting abicycle from the rental bicycle shop at Maibara Station. The ﬁrst stop is at Taga-taisha Shrine, one of thebiggest tourist attractions in Shiga Prefecture. You then Pedal around the three main temples on theeastern side of Lake Biwa, which are beautifully tinged in autumnal foliage in November and December.
You pay a visit to Eigenji Temple that was built in a valley and absorb the historical quarter of Hino. There
are several ups and downs with the steepest climb imparting from the base of Hyakusaiji Temple, but
the magnanimous view from the top is well worth the eﬀort. If you are pooped out, you can catch the
Cycle Train, bike and all, back to Maibara.

Tagataisha TagaTakamiya-mae taisha
KawaseShrineOhmi
Railway
e
in
Taga
Line
L
Inae
o
ak
w
i
B
SaimyojiJR8
307 Temple
Notogawa

篠原

2.4km Former Site of
4.6km Kusatsu- 10.7km Ishibe10min the Yabase Landing 25min shuku
55min shuku.

Shigaraki Kohgen Railway

422

Legacy Road

Getting Around on the Cycle Train

Yokaichi

Kogan Rd.

ay

Asamiya

Elevation

1.6km

0.4
km

Biwako Kisen
Otsu Port

0.4
km

Lake Biwa Canal

4.6km

With over 100 Important
Cultural Properties and National
Treasures like the Kondo (maintemple), this Buddhist sanctuary
is a recognized Japanese
Heritage. It is also famous as thelocation where they ﬁlmed
many movies.
Mii-dera Temple

Omi-jingu Shrine

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine is the head
shrine of more than 3,800
ʻSannoʼ shrines all across Japan,
and is a recognized Japanese
Heritage. The shrine isparticularly beautiful in autumn
thanks to the changing colors of
the surrounding maples.

Pedal and Ride the Ohmi Railway

Lake Biwa

6.2km Seta-no-

35min Karahashi Bridgesw

Mii-dera (Onjoji)
TempleOmi Otsu-no-miya
NishikoriHistorical Site

0m

1.2km

Hiyoshi-taisha
ShrineHieizan-Sakamoto
StationOgoto Onsen
Kanko Park

Elevation

2.6km

Kamitanakami

Shigaraki Ceramic
Cultural Park

This multipurpose waterway stretches 11 km from its intake gate inHama-otsu to the Kamo River in Kyoto. It was built in 1885 as ameans of transport to Kyoto, hydroelectric power source anddrinking water source.

100m

90min

Shigarakigushi

Ogoto Onsen Hot spring dates back 1,200 years. The free foot bath isperfect for soothing tired feet after a day of Pedaling.
Information is available on local sightseeing attractions, local
specialties are on display and sold, and there is a café.

Lake Biwa Canal

200m

17.9kmIshiba1

Pedestrians and Bicycles Only

Except bicycles

自転車を除くThis course departs from the former site of the Yabase Landing on Lake Biwa and merges with the Tokaido
Highway that served as a principal road in the 17th century, in Kusatsu. After taking in the historicalstreetscape of Kusatsu, the course heads to Ishibe. This is where you cross the Yasu River and get your ﬁrst
sight of the beautifully contoured Mt. Mikami, which looks very much like Mt. Fuji. The route that takes youon the eastern side of the mountain is great for riding because of the plush natural landscape andmanageable ups and downs. Beyond that, the course merges with yet another historical thoroughfare, theNakasendo Highway that takes you to Moriyama. From here, you head towards to the ﬁnal destination,
Shina Landing. Along the way, a tasty thing to try is kushidango, a local sweet of mochi balls on a stick.

Shina Landingres

Shigaraki Palace Site

Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park

Lake Biwa

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

300m

Shigaraki

Kamitanakami

JR Kosei
Line

Otsu

Stop

ʻWatch out for OO!ʼ(To warn trailing cyclists ofobjects or level changes
in the roadway)

46.4km 4h 15min
Intermediate Course ★★

Pedaling Around an Old Port Town on Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa
xp

START & GOAL

Setagawa
Weir
Sekinotsu
Pass
Oishi

Omi-jingu Shrine
Omi-ｊingu-mae Omi Otsu-no-miya Nishikori
Historical Site
Ojiyama Otsukyo
MiiBessho
GOALdera
Biwako Kisen Otsu Port
Mii-dera Temple
Hama-otsu
Lake Biwa Canal
Shimanoseki
Kamisakaemachi

Slow

No Vehicles

Traveling Japanʼs Historical Roads

Yabase and Shinakaido Byway

Ko

ay
yw
mi
ji B

Ni

1

KarasakiMinami-shiga

7.2km

35min

No Vehicles

do
ai
ak ay
m yw
So B

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine Sakamoto
Mt. Hiei Sakamoto Cable
Hieizan-Sakamoto
Matsunobanba
161
Keihan Ishiyama161
Sakamoto Line
Ano

Shigasato

AsamiyaʻStoppingʼʻSlowing downʼ

No Bicycle

Biwako Ohashi
Bridge

in ay
sh w
ei ss
Seta 1 1
M rep
exIshiyama Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge
Sh
IshiyamainKamitanakami
me
dera
ish
in
TempleE

95min

ʻTurning
rightʼ

Road Closed to Vehicles

Minami-kusatsu

START

sh
io

Kos

ei R
d

Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park12.5kmOishi

ʻTurning
leftʼ

Road Closed to All Traﬃc

Kibukawa
Station52.2km 5h 0min
Intermediate Course ★★

This course runs along the Seta and Shigaraki Rivers from Seta-no-karahashi Bridge. Though the initial
climb Sekinotsu is steep, it is short and the course is free from big ups and downs. There also is little
traﬃc, lots of nature all around and villages with traditional homes. The halfway point is Asamiya, known
for growing Japanese tea. There are many tea shops where you can quench your thirst. As you enter the
Town of Shigaraki, the ceramic raccoon dogs will catch your attention; Shigaraki is the home to one ofJapanʼs most representative ceramic industries. The latter half of the course has many downhills where itis easy to pick up speed. There are also numerous blind spots, so watch your speed and stay alert.

20min

Major traﬃc signs
自転車を除くSpare tube

This course guides you to many of the historical legacies in the central part of Otsu City. It covers a total distance of
12 km, so even beginners can give it a shot. The journey starts from Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park at Ogoto Onsen Hot
spring, which made its mark in history as the closest hot springs to Mt. Hiei, then joins the Nishiomiji Byway. The
longest uphill climb in this course is just Hieizan-Sakamoto Station. At the top of the climb is Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine.
From there, you pedal alongside Keihan Electric Railwayʼ s Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line with views of Lake Biwa to theeast. The traﬃc picks up from Hiyoshitaisha Shrine to Omi-jingu-mae Station and, since there is basically little if any
shoulder, you have to be careful in this segment. At around Mii-dera Temple, the course allows a slower pace along
the Lake Biwa Canal, which is known for its cherry blossoms, until reaching the end at the Biwako Kisen Otsu Port.

Setagawa 3.4km

Since bicycles are not equipped with indicators or brake lights, handsignals tell drivers and others behind you what your intentions are.
Also, say what you are doing at the same time. If you are unable touse hand signals, you may just announce your intentions. Riding in agroup is safer when trailing cyclists verbally acknowledge theleaderʼs hand signals.

Traveling Japanʼs Historical Roads

Around Shigaraki from Seta-no-karahashi Bridge

2.6km(Whether riding alone or in a group)

Shiga Prefecture has a wondrous natural landscape that is interspersed with history and culture. And, it can be enjoyed on any of the skill-appropriate courses from the short and challengeable for beginners to the serious for hardened cyclists.
The intermediate and advanced courses have strenuous ups and downs, and are unmarked in places, therefore thoroughly prepare for your ride and choose an appropriate sports bicycle.

Idyllic Fields of Asamiya Tea (Ride through Tea Groves and Stop for a Cup)

15min Weir

Hand signals

Obey signals at intersections. If the traﬃc light in front of you isred, you cannot proceed forward or turn left. If wanting to turnright, ride on the left edge of the roadway, ﬁrst cross the street
before you, then, once across, turn to the right and cross the street
you were just on.
Always come to a full stop at intersections. Bicycles
must obey stop signs and roadway indications atintersections with poor visibility.
Ride behind each other in a row. Do not ride side-by-side.
Always turn lights ON in tunnels. Also, turn your lights ON if having
to ride in the dark.
It is prohibited to drink and ride, ride in twos (except for children
under the age of 6 with proper child seat), ride with an open
umbrella, or use a cellphone or earphones while riding.

Shikobuchidaimyojin
ShrineHanaore Pass

12.2km 1h 5min
Beginners course ★

Mini pumpObserve traﬃc rules!

Moriyama City Tourist Rental Bicycle Shop Rise Ville Tsugayama F12Moriyama City Tourist Rental Bicycle Shop Unoke
F12
Moriyama City Tourist Rental Bicycle Shop Ohminchi
F11
Kyushokai
Minamiguchi
Cycle
CenterYasu City
G12
Michi-no-Eki Agri Park Ryuo
J12
Imose-no-sato
J12
Hino Rental Bicycle Shop Shokien
L13
Hino Rental Bicycle Nishizuka Shop
L13
Hino Rental Bicycle Shop Hino Town Tourist Association L13
Ekirinkun Omihachiman Shop
I10
Azuchi Rental Bicycle Shop Fukao
I10
Azuchi Rental Bicycle Shop Takashima
I10

Lantern of
Yokota Ferry

Shoes
The best shoes for riding
are low-cut athletic shoes
with hard soles. Lacesmust be kept tied so thatthey do not get entangled
in the chain.

A road is not a race course. People live and work in the area. Be
appreciative of local residents for allowing Biwaichi to ride throughtheir community. Be sure to reduce your speed when riding throughvillages.
It will make those who get out of your way happy if you would sayʻthank youʼ.

Minakuchishuku

Legs
Stretchwear that does notinhibit leg motion is amust. Do not wear stiﬀ
denim or the like. If yourbutt hurts, we recommend
using padded innerwear.
You must also be carefulthat cuﬀs do not getcaught in the chain.

Flat tire repair kit

Be courteous to pedestrians andlocal residents!

A bicycle is a vehicle of sorts. Under the law, bicycles must be riddenin the farthest left lane of the roadway.
Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks where marked ʻBicycles
Permitted on Sidewalkʼ, but pedestrians have the right-of-way.
If you encounter pedestrians, slow down and passthem with safe clearance. If you cannot pass themsafely, stop and walk your bike. Do not ring your bell!

MyooinTempleTouring the Historical Legacies of Otsu

• Food (Portable supplements)• Flat tire repair kit(Spare tube, portable pump and tools)• Bicycle lock
• Change of clothes• Map• Raingear• First-aid kit• Other(Cash, credit card, smartphone, camera, etc.)

Ride on the left of vehicle lanes in Japan!

MAP

Kokka Shop
K11
Michi-no-Eki Aito Marguerite Station
M11
Plaza Sanpoh-yoshi Tourist Information Center
K10
Ohmi Railway Gokasho Station
K10
Crefeel Koto Hotel
M10
Aoki Bicycle Shop
J9
Rental Bicycle Shop Tanaka
J9
Aisho Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
M10
Tourist Information Center Kotoh-sanzan-kan-Aisho
Aisho Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
K9Community House Louvre-Echigawa
Toyosato Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
in Former Toyosato Elementary School
L9
Tourist Information Center
Kora Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
L8
Amago Station Community House
Taga Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
M8
Taga Tourist Information Center
Taga Town Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
M8Taga-ekimae Tourist Information Center
Sazanami Bicycle ShopH□
Ekirinkun Hikone ShopH□
Hikone City Rental Bicycle Shop Megurinko
H□
Hikone-ekimae Cycle Station
Tsuchikawa Akira Bicycle ShopH□
Maibara City Hall
M6
Biwako Isshu Rental Bicycle (Maibara-eki Cycle Station) M6
Samegai Mizu-no-Eki
O6
Omi-haha-no-sato Community House
M6
Michi-no-Eki Omi-haha-no-sato
M6
Green Park Santo
O5
Orix Rent a Car Nagahama Station West-exit ShopN□
Tabichari Center (Nagahama Station West-exit Parking Shop) □N
Torahime Community House
M4
Kawake Station Community House
L3
Takatsuki Tourist Information Center
L3
Kinomoto Tourist Information Center
L2
Yogo Station Community House
K2
Omi-shiotsu Station Community House
J2
Nagahara Station Community House Koti
I2
JR Makino Station Tourist Information Center
H3
Tourist Information Center in JR Omi-imazu Station
G5
Biwako Takashima Tourism Association
G6
Blue 3196 (Cycle) & Soap
F6
Tourist Information Center in JR Adogawa Station
G6
Tourist Information Center in JR Omi-takashima Station G7

Tsuchiyamashuku

Torso
Wear multiple layers ofclothing that you can takeoﬀ or put on when you
feel hot or cold. You will
be sweating, so werecommend ʻdryʼ wear beworn against the skin.

want to see more of Shiga!
BIWAICHI Plus IDiscover
the Sites and Attractions Found Only by Circling Lake Biwa

Short easy-biking course to local legacies

What to bring with you• Water bottle

Eyewear
It is wise to wear
sunglasses or eyeglasses
in order to protect youeyes against the
sunlight, ﬂying insects,
kicked-up rocks, etc.

Like cars, bicycles are to be ridden on the left of vehicle roads. Also, you must be considerate of pedestrians.

Maibara City

HelmetFor your safety, always
wear a helmet. Helmets
are also easy for drivers tospot.

Traﬃc rules and etiquette

Nagahama City

Bicycling is a sport. Choose clothing that is appropriate for doing sports. Minimize and bundle carried items inas light and small of a baggage as possible.

The right brake lever is for the front wheel and the left brake lever
for the rear wheel. Braking with just one or the other can cause you
to fall. So, brake with both hands.

Takashima City

Clothing and carried items

Konan Ritto
City City Kusatsu City

Check your chain for dirt and grime. It should be
lubricated only to the degree that it looks slightly wet.
Also, check that your gears function properly.

Braking

Manninko-toro
Lantern

A minivelo uses small wheels of no
more than 20 inches in diameter.
Foldable types work great if combining
riding with public transportation liketrains, buses or ferries. However, theminivelo oﬀers less riding performance
than road bikes and cross bikes.

Chain and gears

Bicycling causes you to sweat more than you think. It is best to hydrate
yourself constantly rather than waiting till you feel thirsty.

Koka City

The proper seat height is when, seated with your heels on the pedals,
your knees can fully extend. If the ball of your foot cannot touch theground when seated, lower the seat slightly.
At that same height, try grabbing the handlebars andcheck that your posture is not unbearable. If too strenuous,
you should adjust the position of your handlebars.
Also, make sure that you can easily operate the brakeand gear levers.

Raise one tire at a time about 10 cm oﬀ the ground, then drop the
bike and listen for sounds that might suggest loose parts. Checkalso that the handlebars and seat are aligned straight and tight.

Stretch a little before riding and massage your muscles during
breaks. A good massage at the end of a dayʼs ride greatly lessens thefatigue that carries over to the next day.
Fatigue accumulates in the latter half of a trip and can cause you tohit obstacles you would normally avoid or fall when riding overdiﬀerent levels. Therefore, be especially careful.

Staying hydrated

Moriyama City

Once your bike clears all of the above checks, check your riding position and posture.

To relieve fatigue

Kutsuki

Minivelo(Small diameter tire bike)(Rated ★★☆)

This genre of sports bicycle comes with straighthandlebars and slightly wider on-road tires.
Though a cross bike does not reach the speeds ofa road bike, it is operated much like a city bike, so
ﬁrst-timers will feel safe riding it.

Position

ine(Rated ★★☆)Taking breaks

Bell

Aburahi-jinja
ShrineRakuyajiTempleAs its name suggest, a mountain bike isbuilt for oﬀ-road riding such as onmountain trails. All Biwaichi courses
travel on paved surfaces, so the deep
treads typical of mountain bike tires willmeet with greater resistance.

Rest for 5 - 10 minutes every hour of Pedaling. Longer breaks can becounterproductive.

Unless you eat something, you might run out of energy and ﬁnd
yourself unable to ride. A hearty breakfast before setting out on yourride is particularly important. Replenish your energy often as you
ride. And, since there are many great food options along the way,
why not try some of the local treats!

Kos
ei L

A road bike is built for road racing, so it is made tocover long distances at high speeds. However, youhave to be somewhat used to the thin tires, drop
bars and forward-leaning riding posture. Morerecently, manufacturers have come out with many
long-ride models that can be ridden in a more
comfortable posture for people who are notlooking for race-competitive speeds.

Check that your bike has a bell and that it actually rings.

Replenishing your energy

JR

Mountain bike

The best gear for riding long distances is that which makes it slightly
easy to Pedal. Switch gears as often as needed when climbing slopes
or riding into the wind, so that you keep Pedaling at a constant
speed.

Rows of Dawn
Redwoods

Road bike(Rated ★★★)

Try moving your bike forward and back with the front andrear brakes squeezed, and check that the brakes areworking properly and are not loose. Also, check that therubber brake shoes are not worn down and that the brakewires are not damaged in any way.

Using the proper gear

Make sure that your front lights are suﬃciently bright.
(When riding through tunnels, you are required to turnyour lights ON. On the rear, it is safer to mount a taillightand have it ﬂicker the whole time you are riding, rather
than rely on reﬂectors.)

Name

MAP

Katata Tourism Association (Kozoku-no-sato Museum) □K D11
Outdoor Sports Club OʼPAL (Biwako OʼPAL)
O D11□
Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park
O D11□
Sakamoto Tourism Association
O C12□
Biwako Otsukan
O C12□
Biwako Kisen Otsu Port
O C13□
Otsu Port Parking
O C13□
Biwako HotelO C13□
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince HotelO D13□
Nagisa Park Rental Bicycle Shop
O D13□
JR Otsu Station Tourist Information Center
O C13□
Ekirinkun Ishiyama Shop
O D13□
Hotaru-no-sato Ishiyama-dera Tourist Information Center D14
River hill Oishi
D15
Ekirinkun Kusatsu Shop
E13
Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu Green Plaza Karasuma
E12
Karasuma-hanto Rental Bicycle Shop
E11
CAFE INTRO
E11
JR Tehara ekimae Rental Bicycle Shop
F12
JR Ritto Station East-exit Rental Bicycle Shop
F12
Ishibe Community House
H13
Konan City Society of Commerce and Industry
H13
Traditional Crafts Center of Shigaraki
H16
Shigaraki Kohgen Railway Rental Bicycle ShopH16
JR Kibukawa Station Rental Bicycle Shop
J14
Sugimoto Shop
J14
Ogawa Shop
K15
JR Koka Station Rental Bicycle Shop
K15
JR Aburahi Station Rental Bicycle Shop
L15
Michi-no-Eki Ai-no-Tsuchiyama
M15
Giant Store Biwako Moriyama
K□E10Moriyama City Tourist Rental Bicycle Shop Misaki Park □K E10Ekirinkun Moriyama Shop
F12
Moriyama-city Tourist Rental Bicycle Shop Moriyama
F12ekimae General Information Center

Hino Ryuo
Town Town

Kinomoto

Bicycle recommendations Choose a ʻsports bikeʼ for your ride.

Cross bike

BrakesTightness of assembled parts

Beginners who are thinking of 2 days and 1
night, doing just the northern half of the lake(150 km around) instead of the full 200 km
North Lakeround would not be unreasonable, or you
Omi-takashima
might also want to explore the possibilities
Omi-maiko
and beneﬁts of a 3-day 2-night journey.
MaibaraWe recommend covering a shorter distance on
Hikonethe ﬁrst day and giving yourself plenty ofOmihachiman
leeway so that you can arrive at your lodging
early. Get as early of a start as possible andBiwako-ohashi Bridge
plan out your ride so as to get to yourovernight destination by 17:00, especially if Otsu
South Lake
travelling between October and April when
the sun sets earlier in the day.

(Rated ★★★)

LightsCheck that your tires are properly inﬂated and not
scratched, damaged or deformed in any way. Also, spinyour tires by hand and check if they are warped.

Name

You should know how to ride long distances without straining yourself, as well as the basics of riding a bicycle.

M

If departing from Otsu, you should consider
somewhere around Hikone (65 km) for the ﬁrst
night and somewhere around Omi-takashima(80km) for the second night. If starting from
Maibara, somewhere around Omi-takashima(75km) would be good for the ﬁrst night andsomewhere around Omihachiman (86km) for
the second night.

Tires

Riding style

Kusatsu-shuku

For a 3-day 2-night trip

To ensure safe riding, check the following before heading out on your ride. If you do not feel capable ofchecking you bike properly, consult a bicycle shop, etc.

Former Site of
the Yabase Landing

If departing from Otsu, you should consider
somewhere around Kinomoto (approx. 96 km of
riding) for staying the night. If starting from
M a i b a r a , s ome w h e r e ar oun d Omi-maiko(approx. 85 km of riding) would be good.

Check your bike out before riding

The coordinates in the MAP column indicate locations on the maps on the backside of this pamphlet.The mark before the coordinates
indicates which map to use. (O): Otsu enlarged view, (K): Katata enlarged view, (H): Hikone enlarged view, (N): Nagahama enlarged view
Locations indicated in this color carry sports bicycles for long-distance cycling.

Omihachiman
City

Plan your trip out
For a 2-day 1-night trip

(As of March 2017)* Business hours, rates, usable area, return policy and other conditions of use diﬀer by location. For details, contact the rental Bicycle location.

One lap around Lake Biwa is about 200 km. Seasoned riders can cover this distance in one day, but werecommend you take 2 or 3 days and do some sightseeing and try the local food along the way.
You can also do just the northern half of the lake, which is about a 150 km ride, or the southern half of thelake, which is about a 50 km ride, or you can combine biking and ferry rides.
The lake should be circled in the counterclockwise direction. So, since bicycles must be ridden on the left
side of the road like cars in Japan, the lake will be on your left. This puts you that much closer to the shore
and makes your ride easier because there are less roads to cross.
The best seasons are spring and autumn. In summer, you must watch out for heatstroke. Winter, though
beautiful in its own way, is not suited for cycling because of the snow accumulation.

Plan your trip on an assumed average speed of 12 km/h and include breaks.

Shiga PrefectureThis map was printed on 70% recycled paper withvegetable oil ink using a system driven by wind power.