Biwaichi: Complete Guide to Cycling Around Lake Biwa (2026 Edition)

Personal Impressions: My Biwaichi Experience

• Lake East side: Pleasant and scenic ✓
• Lake West side: Intense traffic, be cautious ⚠️
• Recommended overnight area: Kohoku (Lake North)
• Difficulty comparison: Easier than Awaichi
• Beginner recommendation: Two-day, one-night Semi-Biwaichi

This is my personal impression of cycling around Lake Biwa—the famous "Biwaichi."

Biwaichi Basic Information

In the Kansai region's two prefectures and four cities, each has its signature catchphrase. For Shiga Prefecture residents, it's: "We'll dam up Lake Biwa's waters!"

The perimeter of this "water reservoir of the Kinki region" is one of Japan's premier cycling, touring, and walking courses. The bicycle loop known as Biwaichi has gained particular fame.

Two Route Options: Full vs. Semi

Lake Biwa is primarily divided into four areas:

Cycling the entire perimeter is the 200km Full Biwaichi. Unless otherwise specified, "Biwaichi" among cyclists refers to this complete loop.

The Challenge of 200km

However, 200km (124 miles) is a demanding distance for beginners—and not trivial even for veterans. Even motorcycle touring takes approximately 6 hours non-stop. Maintaining 20km/h (12 mph) with several breaks still keeps you under 10 hours.

Lake West Traffic Warning

⚠️ Lake West & South: Traffic conditions are tight for cyclists. The west side is a major route to Fukushima Prefecture—trucks and large vehicles pass constantly. Few attractions along the way except Shirahige Shrine.

On the other hand, this west lake area is excellent for swimming and BBQ. I've enjoyed lakeside bathing and barbecues here several times with friends. The water is clean.

Semi-Biwaichi: 150km Northern Loop

The northern loop course, omitting the congested areas south of Biwako Ohashi Bridge, is the 150km (93 miles) Semi-Biwaichi. The split point is Biwako Ohashi Bridge—motorcycles and cars pay tolls, but bicycles and pedestrians cross free.

In this case, main starting points are either at Biwako Ohashi Bridge—Pierri Moriyama or JR Katata Station. Train cyclists tend toward Moriyama; car transporters head to Katata. There's also a Giant Store in Moriyama.

This Biwako Ohashi Bridge is the only shortcut. The choice is between 200km full loop or 150km northern loop—these are the two Biwaichi route options.

Getting Biwaichi Certification

I don't particularly care about completion certificates or cycling computer records, but for those who value such things, Biwaichi certification and stickers make nice souvenirs.

Checkpoints are located at various ports, roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki), and information centers. There's no time limit. The certificate issuance fee is ¥1,000. Within 2-3 weeks, your completion certificate, sticker, and pamphlet arrive.

Elevation Profile

Biwaichi is nearly flat. There are no real climbs. Only wind disrupts your pace. The JR Kosei Line frequently suspends service due to descents from Hieizan.

The Only Climb: Shizugatake Tunnel Area

Biwaichi's only climbing section is near the exit of Shizugatake Tunnel in Kohoku. Beyond the tunnel spreads a quiet, photogenic scene. This sign marks approximately the highest point.

The view opens up dramatically ahead, followed by a straight descent. It's easy to neglect braking and pick up speed. However, there's a merge with the main road ahead—excessive speed is dangerous.

For hill climbers: The nearby Okubiwa Lake Parkway offers challenging climbs—but it's not part of the Biwaichi route.

So, Full Biwaichi elevation gain is at most ~250m (820ft). This differs from Awaichi, which forces you up 1,100m.

Beginner's Guide: Accommodation & Routes

Bicycle cycling and long rides have become more accessible thanks to smartphones and GPS devices. Vending machines and convenience stores help along the way. Japan's cycling environment is "easy mode" by global standards.

However, 100km+ long-distance travel isn't as casual as internet articles suggest. Blogs, YouTube, and SNS aren't complete documentaries—editing makes difficult routes appear simple.

For complete beginners: A one-day 200km Full Biwaichi is not recommended content. Solo, first-time attempts in extreme heat can turn leisure into torture.

Two-Day, One-Night: 150km on a Hybrid Bike

Bicycle calorie consumption for 200km (excluding basal metabolism) is roughly equivalent to a full marathon (42.195km). Attempting this without preparation or experience is reckless.

Even if you can ride 100km, without remaining stamina you can't enjoy good food or beautiful scenery. Only a few niche cyclists prioritize every minute of time—most would rather have Lacolina's Baumkuchen.

Therefore, the itinerary naturally becomes two days, one night. 75km × 2 days = 150km is correct. In other words, Biwahansu (half-Biwaichi) × 2. Enjoy cycling and Shiga Prefecture tourism.

75km/day isn't that demanding. Even non-athletes and indoor types can manage it somehow.

Bicycle Type Flexibility

With this distance setting, bicycle category doesn't matter. No need for expensive road bikes or e-bikes—regular city bikes work fine. A cross bike with basket and kickstand is optimal.

Recommended Biwaichi Accommodations

My two Biwaichi were 300km+ long journeys from Osaka: self-ride + full loop + detours. Both were in 30°C+ summer heat. One-day masochist challenges weren't even considered—this was "yuru-camp, yuru-pota" (relaxed camping, relaxed cycling).

Both Biwaichi trips ended up as tent camping overnight stays, but hotels were also planned.

Camping Options

Woody Park Yogo north of Kinomoto,Ski resort in winter, campsite in summer. Bicycle parking costs ¥500—cheap! (2020)

The first Biwaichi two years ago was at a campsite further ahead in Kaizu-Osaki. Same ¥500 rate—cheap! However, Kaizu-Osaki campsite is effectively closed.

Kohoku Area: Resort Territory

Due to Biwaichi starting point considerations, Kohoku accommodations are convenient. This area is a resort zone with stylish hotels and pensions.

Please consider based on budget and purpose. Some hotels offer Biwaichi support plans (free drinks, laundry service,etc).

Safety Warnings for Beginners

Biwaichi is flat, simple, and friendly—basically an easy course. However, there are points and sections requiring caution.

Secondary Danger: Lake West

The second danger zone is from Shirahige to Biwako Ohashi Bridge on the west side. This road is a major artery to Fukushima Prefecture on the Japan Sea coast—large vehicles pass at high speed constantly.

Biwaichi Summary

The full Biwaichi 200km isn't a friendly distance for casual users or even experienced riders. The 150km northern loop around Biwako Ohashi Bridge is recommended for beginners. Enjoy cycling and Shiga Prefecture tourism.

Hill climbers: For serious climbing, detour to Ibukiyama or Okubiwa Lake Parkway—not part of Biwaichi but worth exploring.