Cycling Around South Lake Biwa, Exploring the Lake and Mountains

Follow a historic route connecting the ancient capital of Kyoto and Omi, and enjoy Lake Biwa’s scenery, culture, cuisine, and spectacular mountain views all in one journey.

Highlights of the Journey

• A Journey Through History to Discover Lake Biwa

  Cross historic bridges that have connected the ancient capital of Kyoto and Omi, then head north along Lake Biwa. At the Lake Biwa Museum, discover the creatures that live in and around the lake, as well as the lives and culture of the people who have developed alongside it. By learning about the lake, it becomes more than just a “view of a large lake” and comes alive as a place shaped by a long history and the lives of its people.

• Taste the Bounty of Omi, Nurtured by Lake and Mountains

  Cross the Biwako Ohashi Bridge and experience Omi’s food culture, nurtured by the lake and mountains, with an Omi beef lunch. At Ukimido, floating peacefully on the water, relax amid the calm scenery stretching across the lake and prepare for the mountain road ahead. This journey is about more than cycling—you can also take your time enjoying the local cuisine and scenery that are unique to the area.

• From the Lakeside to the Mountains: Breathtaking Vistas with an E-Bike

  As you climb the hills of western Lake Biwa by E-bike, Lake Biwa spreads out below you. Enjoy spectacular views with a sense of height and depth that differ from those seen from the lakeside. At Saikyo-ji Temple, standing quietly amid the mountains, take a moment for reflection before returning to Hama-Otsu, the starting point. The route is approximately 50 km with about 390 m of elevation gain. Thanks to the assistance of the E-bike, even routes that include unpaved sections can be enjoyed regardless of differences in physical strength, allowing you to experience both the culture and scenery.