Lake Biwa Circuit — Otsu to Nagahama via the WestShore.
Distance
150 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
600 m
Lake Biwa Circuit — Otsu to Nagahama via the West Shore.
A relaxed loop around the northern half of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. The west shore runs below the forested Hira mountains past the famous lakeside torii of Shirahige Shrine and the dawn-redwood avenue at Makino, then crosses the calm northern tip to the castle towns of the eastern shore. Gentle, fast lakeside roads with constant water views — ideal for an easy day out from Kyoto.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance150 km
Days1
Total climb600 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
OtsuStart · Shiga's capital on the lake's south shore, minutes from Kyoto. Fuel up — the quiet west-shore road has few stations.
Shirahige ShrinePhoto Spot · Omi province's oldest shrine. Its vermilion torii stands directly in the lake — the classic Lake Biwa photograph, best in calm morning light.
Makino Metasequoia AvenueScenic Point · 2.4km tunnel of 500 dawn-redwood trees near the lake's north tip. Fiery red in November, fresh green in summer.
Hikone CastleScenic Point · One of only twelve original castle keeps left in Japan and a designated National Treasure, watching over the east shore.
NagahamaEnd · End in the merchant town of Nagahama. The Kurokabe glass district and lakeside sunset over the Hira range close the loop.
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