Bicycle escape: Lake Biwa
Discover Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, and explore the picturesque countryside of Japan on a cycling tour!
Take the time to discover the legends of Shiga with a cruise on the island of the gods and visit its most beautiful historical places and admire the breathtaking scenery.
Departing from Kyoto, from which the cycling journey covers around 250km.
Throughout the 5-day journey, immerse yourself in the culture of Japan, between mountains, across beaches and through forests.
We recommend this cycling tour to those experienced in the sport who wish to experience an intimate way of traversing around Lake Biwa in Shiga.
Included in this self-guided trip: accommodation, breakfast, dinner at select locations, bike rental and a cruise on Lake Biwa.
With Japan Experience, confidently visit and stay at different locations we have personally visited and recommend.
5-day excursion:
- Otsu
- Omihachiman
- Hikone
- Chikubushima
- Komatsu
- Makino
please find travel details below.
Why choose this excursion to Japan?
- Discover Japan's largest lake by bike and take time to appreciate the surrounding towns and region.
- Take a detour by boat to visit Chikuba Island, dubbed "the Island of the Gods," located right on Lake Biwa itself.
- Take a stroll through Omihachiman, known as the "Venice of Lake Biwa" due to its canals.
- Enjoy the beaches of Lake Biwa
- The digital diary included with your package has a number of recommendations to see on your own time.
Your excursion in detail
itinerary
Day 1 : Prepare for your journey by bike around Lake Biwa!
Arrive in Kyoto in the morning to pick up your rental bikes then head towards Lake Biwa, north of the former capital of Japan, and cross the Ohara region to enter Shiga prefecture and begin your tour.
Don't hesitate to stop on the road to visit the many temples that exist throughout the forests of the area.
Continue your journey towards the waterside town of Otsu to admire the floating temple of Mangetsuji, a Zen site of the Rinzai school which will provide a moment of peace and a beautiful view.
Head to your ryokan in Otsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture then, at the end of the afternoon, take a stroll throughout the city and enjoy the clear waters of the beaches of Lake Biwa.
Dinner will be included at your traditional accommodation.
This first day includes a cycling route of approximately 45km by bike.
Day 2 : Beyond the island
Enjoy breakfast in your ryokan, then start your day's cycling adventure through Shiga by riding to the lake bridge to stop and admire the view!
After crossing the bridge, take advantage of your morning to visit the art museum facing Lake Biwa with a number of exhibitions.
Continue and enjoy a lunch break overlooking the water of the lake in a small Japanese chalet.
Your afternoon continues in Omihachiman and its delightful canals, with a charming temple at the top of the hill waiting for you to visit.
Omihachiman is a beautifully preserved trading town, once a stopover town on the legendary Nakasendo Road which links Tokyo to Kyoto.
Head to your ryokan in Hikone, for a well-deserved break before continuing your tour.
This day includes a route of approximately 65km by bike. (Lunch and dinner are not included for this day).
Day 3 : Shellfish and crustaceans
Start your day with breakfast at your ryokan once again then go out to visit a 17th century castle and its magnificent gardens!
Take a cruise on Lake Biwa with a visit to Chikubu Island, the island of the gods, with its two small sanctuaries dating back to the 16th century.
Plan your lunch for a picnic on the island, then, at the start of the afternoon, head to the peninsula to the north of Lake Biwa, renowned for the beauty of its landscape and its hundreds of Japanese cherry trees.
Then return to your accommodation in Makino, an elegant hotel that is perfect for relaxing after a long day of cycling.
This day includes a route of approximately 60km by bike. (Lunch and dinner are not included for this day)
Day 4 : Between beaches and waterfalls
Have breakfast at your hotel once again, then head south for the last stage of your cycling journey through Shiga. A beautiful torii gate and its view of the lake welcomes you, a place renowned for bringing good fortune and longevity to those who wish to admire it.
For lunch, indulge in some fresh and delicious seafood facing facing Lake Biwa, the perfect way to take in the atmosphere and charm of Shiga.
After the meal, bike further south, and set off to discover magnificent waterfalls hidden within the forest.
After these hectic cycling stages, a short break on a white sand beach to enjoy the freshness of the lake water if the weather allows.
End your long day of cycling at the final hotel of the journey.
This day includes a circuit of approximately 38km by bike. (Lunch and dinner are not included).
Day 5 : Circling back to Kyoto
The final stretch has you bike straight to reach Kyoto and finish the loop, leaving Shiga prefecture.
Drop off your bikes to our trusted rental partner to finish your journey.
This day includes a route of approximately 50km by bike. Lunch and dinner are at your expense.
Accommodations
2 nights in a 3* ryokan in Otsu and Hikone
1 night in a 3* hotel in Makino
1 night in a 3* hotel in Takashima
1 night in a 3* hotel in Shiga
The base rate includes a twin room for two people
Transport
- Bike rental with gears for 5 days from Kyoto.
- Cruise on Lake Biwa departing from Nagahama port. Two-wheelers are not allowed on board, you can park them at the pier.
Visits and meals
- All breakfasts
- Dinner on the first night in Otsu
Included in your self-guided excursion
Additional services
- Complete digital travel diary sent before your departure
- 24/7 telephone support in English
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Personal expenses including lunches & dinners
- Everything that is not in the “included in your excursion” section
- the cable car in Otsu
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