Biwako Cycling: The Sacred Ground of Cycling Around Lake Biwa

Japan's Largest Cycling Course

Biwaichi, circumnavigating Lake Biwa, is approximately 200km around the full lake (about 150 to 160km for the north lake only, north of the Lake Biwa Bridge). Designated as one of the first National Cycle Routes by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2019, it is famous as one of Japan's representative cycling routes.

Course Attractions

Riding along lakeside roads, cyclists can enjoy spectacular Lake Biwa scenery, historic townscapes, and the vermilion torii gate of Shirahige Shrine that appears to float on the water. The route is generally flat, and the standard style is to ride counterclockwise with the lake on your left. This follows the traffic rule that bicycles keep to the left, making it safer and easier to ride with the lake on the left side.

Rental Bicycles

Bicycle stations in Otsu, Kusatsu, Nagahama, Hikone, and other locations offer rental bicycles including road bikes, cross bikes, and electric-assist bicycles. Advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

Comprehensive Support Infrastructure

Blue arrow markings painted on the road surface guide riders along the route, so it is hard to get lost even on a first attempt. Many roadside stations and shops along the route are registered as Biwaichi Cycling Support Stations, providing water, rest, and simple repair support. A beginner-friendly environment is in place.

Access and Basics

• Starting points: JR stations near the lakeshore such as Otsu, Moriyama, Omihachiman, and Nagahama
• Distance: about 200km for the full loop, or about 150 to 160km for the north lake only
• Direction: counterclockwise is recommended, keeping the lake on your left
• Route markers: blue arrow marks on the road surface
• Rental hubs: Otsu, Kusatsu, Nagahama, Hikone and other locations

Practical Travel Notes

• Best seasons: spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November), when the climate is mild and lake views are beautiful. Prepare for heat in summer and for cold and possible icy roads in winter
• Time needed: strong riders may complete the north lake in a single day, but many enjoy a leisurely two-night, three-day trip with sightseeing and meals
• Avoiding crowds: rental bicycles at popular hubs fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so book early
• Nearby real spots: Shirahige Shrine in Takashima, Hikone Castle, Kurokabe Square in Nagahama, and Hachimanbori in Omihachiman are easy stops along the way
• Refueling: use support stations and convenience stores along the route for regular water and energy replenishment

A Word of Advice

An unhurried plan matters most. If you are unsure of your stamina or schedule, start with a shorter plan covering only the north lake or a single section. Wear a helmet and carry lights and a puncture repair kit, then set off with your safety preparations in order. Adjust to the weather and your own pace, and enjoy this journey around Japan's largest lake to the fullest.

📚 Sources

This article was edited with reference to public guidance from Shiga Prefecture and others on the Biwaichi loop cycling route and information on rental-bike and support facilities along the way. Published information was consulted for the designation as a National Cycle Route by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and for the arrow-feather route markings on the road. Rental-bike plans and the operating status of support facilities may change, so please check each operator official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Some strong riders complete the loop in a day, while others take three days and two nights; plan around your own fitness.
• Choosing a course: The full loop is about 200 kilometers, or about 150 to 160 kilometers for the north lake only, so pick a comfortable distance.
• How to ride: The standard is to go counterclockwise with the lake on your left, and arrow-feather markings on the road guide the way.
• Preparation: Know in advance the locations of support facilities for hydration, rest, and simple repairs.
• Rental bikes: Rental and equipment-free plans are available along the route, so check them along with your gear.
• Best season: The mild greenery and autumn seasons are comfortable for riding, and you can stop at sights along the way such as Shirahige Shrine.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Length of the route: The National Cycle Route designation information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism gives the circuit of the Lake Biwa shoreline as 193 km. You can also shorten it by riding only the northern section beyond the Biwako Ohashi Bridge (about 150 km) or only the southern section (about 50 km)
• Rental bicycles (Biwako Isshu Rental Cycle / Maibara Station Cycle Station, revised May 7, 2026): On weekdays a day costs 6,200 yen for a road bike and 4,700 yen for a cross bike or kids' bike. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays a day costs 7,200 yen for a road bike and 5,800 yen for a cross bike. In peak season a day costs 7,800 yen for a road bike and 6,400 yen for a cross bike. A helmet is included in the basic fee
• One-way drop-off at another station: 3,500 yen whatever the type of bicycle. The stations that accept drop-offs are the Maibara Station Cycle Station and the Otsu Port Cycle Station
• Reservations: Up to 2 days before the day of use. Turning up without a reservation, or booking on the day, incurs an extra charge of 550 yen. Opening hours are 9:00-17:00. Cancellation is free of charge until 17:00 two days before, 50% until 17:00 the day before, and 100% on the day
• Carrying bicycles on trains: On the Ohmi Railway you can take a bicycle on board as it is, except on some sections (not possible between Omihachiman and Yokaichi, and boarding and alighting are not possible at Hikone Station). On the Shigaraki Kohara Railway bicycles can be carried between Shigarakigu-shi and Shigaraki stations
• Biwako Ohashi Bridge: Bicycles cross free of charge, as pedestrians and others do, using the dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path. The highest point is about 26 m above the lake surface with nothing to block the wind, and Moriyama City advises that "it is safer to avoid riding when the wind speed is about 10 m or more, and that a wind speed of about 5-6 m is the guide for comfortable cycling"

* No official guide is given for how many days Biwaichi takes. (Sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Wa no Kuni Biwako, Biwako Isshu Rental Cycle, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture Road Public Corporation)