Shiga Prefecture
Shiga lies immediately east of Kyoto and is organised around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. The lake has shaped the region's transport, agriculture, food, settlements, and culture for centuries.
Historically, Shiga occupied an important position between Kyoto and eastern Japan. Roads connecting the old capital with other parts of the country passed through the prefecture, helping towns such as Hikone, Nagahama, and Omihachiman develop as castle towns, merchant centres, and stopping points for travellers.
Today, the prefecture still feels closely connected to those landscapes. Towns are relatively compact, agriculture remains visible between them, and mountains rise quickly from the flatter terrain surrounding the lake.
What cycling in Shiga is like
Shiga has one of the most established cycling environments in Japan, largely because of the Biwaichi — the approximately 200-kilometre circuit around Lake Biwa.
Much of the riding around the lake is relatively flat, making it accessible to a wide range of cyclists. Railway stations are also distributed around much of the lake, which makes it easier to shorten routes or build multi-day rides without needing to complete the entire circuit.
But the most interesting part of cycling in Shiga is often what happens when you leave the main lakeside route. Roads lead into farming communities, old towns, river valleys, and mountain foothills where traffic becomes lighter and the landscape feels considerably more rural.
Morikai's approach is not simply to complete the Biwaichi. We use it as a backbone, then add quieter local roads and places worth stopping for along the way.
Places to know
These are some of the places that help define cycling around Shiga. Select the corresponding pins on the map for their locations.
Lake Biwa
Japan's largest lake and the geographical centre of the prefecture. Most cycling journeys in Shiga interact with the lake at some point.
Nagahama
A northern lakeside town with a historic centre and a useful base for exploring quieter parts of northern Shiga.
Hikone
One of Shiga's best-known castle towns and an important stop along the eastern side of Lake Biwa.
Omihachiman
A historic merchant town with canals and a surrounding landscape of rice fields and smaller roads.
Northern Shiga
Valleys, rural towns, farmland, and mountain foothills create some of the quieter riding in the prefecture.
A curated selection of historical sites, temples, cycling stops, cafés, food, and nature around Shiga.
Lake Biwa
Understanding the Biwaichi
Lake Biwa can be approached in several ways by bicycle. The full Biwaichi circles the entire lake, while shorter northern and southern routes make it possible to shape the ride around your available time and interests.
Lake Biwa Cycling
Biwaichi at a glance
Biwaichi is the cycling route around Lake Biwa. Riders can take on the full lake or break the journey into northern and southern sections depending on time, experience, and the kind of riding they are looking for.
Full Biwaichi
~200 kmThe complete circuit around Lake Biwa. Strong riders can finish it quickly, but two to three days gives more time to explore the towns and countryside along the route.
North Lake
~150 kmQuieter roads, more rural scenery, mountain backdrops, and longer stretches between towns.
South Lake
~50 kmA shorter and more accessible loop around the southern basin, well suited to a day ride.
Simplified illustration for orientation only — not intended for navigation.
Before you ride
Practical notes
Terrain
Much of the riding around Lake Biwa is relatively flat, particularly along the eastern shore. Northern Shiga and routes farther inland introduce more rolling roads and mountain terrain.
Best seasons
Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable conditions. Summers are hot and humid, while winter can bring significant snow to northern Shiga.
Access
Rail connections around the lake make Shiga particularly flexible for cycling. Maibara provides direct Shinkansen access, while towns including Hikone, Nagahama, Otsu, and Omihachiman are connected by local and regional trains.
