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Biwaichi cycle route ビワイチ

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2013

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Visiting Biwaichi cycle route today

  • What it is: A signed cycling circuit of Lake Biwa known as Biwaichi, listed by JNTO as 193 km and described as a lap of about 200 km. About 150 km is the north shore and about 50 km the south. Ride counterclockwise, on the left, following the blue route lines and signposts. JNTO estimates about 10 hours of riding.
  • Getting there: The Biwaichi rental operator plans a 150 km north-lake loop from Maibara (Maibara-Takashima-Moriyama-Maibara) and a 200 km whole-lake loop from Otsu (Otsu-Hikone-Takashima-Otsu), both over 2 nights and 3 days. Maibara Cycle Station is on the ground floor of the east gate of JR Maibara Station.
  • Rental and return: Maibara Cycle Station opens 9:00-17:00, closed Wednesdays and from mid-December to mid-February. Weekday hire is ¥4,700 a day for a cross bike and ¥6,200 for a road bike, or ¥11,500 and ¥12,600 for 3 days; weekends cost more. Helmet included, cash only. Day rentals are also available in Hikone and Nagahama. Returning a bike elsewhere costs ¥3,500 if reserved in advance (not available in high season), otherwise ¥5,500.
  • Best time: The route can be ridden all year, and JNTO calls it especially pleasant from summer through autumn.
  • Tip: JR West carries sports bikes on trains only dismantled in a dedicated bike bag (rinko bag), at no charge.
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Summer through autumn; Maibara rental closed mid-December to mid-February

Checked against: Biwaichi Rental Cycle (official) · Rental fee and return option - Biwaichi Rental Cycle · Biwaichi Cycling Course - JNTO · Train Usage Guide - JR West. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Biwaichi cycle route on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

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