Lake Biwa Cycling Route (Biwako Cycling Road)
Japan's most popular cycling route — a 180km perimeter loop of Japan's largest lake (Biwako), typically completed in two days. Dedicated cycling paths pass reed beds, old post towns, castle ruins, and fishermen's huts along the shore. The southern section is flat and ideal for half-day rides from Kyoto.
1–2 days
Free (bike rental ¥1,500/day)
Path accessible year-round; best Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov; bicycle rental at multiple stations around the lake
April–June, September–November
Start from Otsu Station (JR Biwako Line, 10 min from Kyoto)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Biwako Cycling Road (BiwaIchi) — a 180km circumnavigation of Japan's largest lake
- 2
Multiple rental shops near Otsu and Hikone — day section rides are possible for non-athletes
- 3
The reed-bed shoreline and floating torii gate of Shirahige Shrine appear only from the cycling path
Local Tips
The full Lake Biwa circumnavigation (160km) takes 2 days for experienced cyclists; the northern half alone (Nagahama to Hikone) is a satisfying one-day ride with castle views. The lakeside path is generally flat and well-marked. The Biwako Terrace on Mt Biei above the western shore gives the best aerial view of the entire lake.
Add to your AI itinerary
Let AI build a multi-day trip around this spot.
Advertisement
More in Shiga
Azuchi Castle Ruins
The ruins of Oda Nobunaga's revolutionary castle (1576–1582) — the first Japanese castle built with a seven-storey keep as a symbol of political power rather than pure defence. Destroyed after Nobunaga's assassination, only the stone foundations survive, climbing 198 metres above Lake Biwa. The panoramic views explain exactly why Nobunaga built here.
Chikubushima Island
A sacred island in Lake Biwa accessible only by boat — one of Japan's three major powerspot islands. The Hogonji temple and Tsukubusuma shrine share the tiny forested island, and throwing earthenware rings (kawa-rake) through the torii gate from a clifftop is a famous ritual for wish-granting. Cormorant fishing operates from the island in summer.
Hikone Castle
One of only five Japanese castles rated National Treasure — its three-storey keep is the original 1622 structure, never reconstructed. The castle sits on a hill above Lake Biwa with one of Japan's finest castle garden (Genkyuen) below, where the reflection of the keep on the pond creates a classical painting. 1,100 cherry trees surround the moats.