Cycling around Lake Biwa, known as Biwa-ichi, has a number of areas that can be enjoyed without having to make a full circuit. Omi Hachiman, located in the eastern part of Lake Biwa, is one of the Kansai region’s leading water townships and still retains a tasteful townscape with stone walls and the mansions built by wealthy merchants.
Here we introduce you to cycling in Omi Hachiman, where you can also enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Biwako Yoshibue Road

The start of the cycling road Biwako Yoshibue Road starts from a parking lot near JR Omi Hachiman Station. The road runs along the long row of cherry blossom trees along the Shirotori River to the shores of Lake Biwa.

As it was late April, many carp streamers were lined up along the river.

The rice paddies beside the course are beginning to fill up with water, creating a water mirror.

Chomeiji Port and Lake Biwa

Just off Biwako Yoshibue Road is Chomeiji Port. From here you can see Lake Biwa.

Near the port there is a long stairway (approach) leading to Chomeiji Temple.

Noto River Water Mill and Canoe Land

Ride 8.5km from Chomeiji Port to Noto River Water Mill and Canoe Land.

Part of Biwako Yoshibue Road is also part of the National Cycle Route “Biwaichi Route”, so it is very easy and comfortable to ride.

Noto River Water Mill and Canoe Land, a water park consisting of a giant water mill 13m in diameter and a grass square, hosts Dragon Canoe Competition in summer. Unfortunately, the park is still under renovation and we were unable to see the giant waterwheel, but we were able to see the waterwheel at Waterwheel Museum.

Azuchi Castle Ruins

Ride through the countryside, which is like a water mirror all around, to Azuchi Castle Ruins.

The ruins of Oda Nobunaga’s castle, located on the 198m high Mt. Azuchi, are designated as a special national historic site. The castle was built at the start of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, but after Honnoji Incident, it was burnt down and only the stone walls remain.
For a moment, we will reflect on Azuchi Castle, which once had a magnificent castle tower.

Lunch on Suwaicho-dori

Swaicho-dori (Akindo-do shopping street) is lined with the merchant houses of the Omi merchants, preserving the townscape as a reminder of its former prosperity. The former Yawata Post Office, built by architect Vories, still exists.

Lunch is served at the elegant Shuyuukan restaurant next to the post office.

Order some sweets and enjoy Omi Hachiman’s gourmet food.

Hachimanbori walk

Walk north along Nakaya-cho Dori to Hachimanbori.

Hachiman-bori, connected to Lake Biwa via the western lake, was built as a canal in 1585 and Omi Hachiman developed as a commercial city. The 4.75-km-long Hachiman-bori is frequented by boats on Hachiman-bori Meguri (Hachiman-bori tour).

You can also watch the boats from Hakuun Bridge.

Across Hakuun Bridge is the famous confectionery shop Taneya Himure in Omi Hachiman. Club Harie, famous for its baumkuchen, is also a member of the Taneya group.

From Hachimanbori, stop briefly at Vories Memorial Museum, then return to the start near JR Omi Hachiman Station to finish the cycling tour.

Course Introduction

Distance: 26.3km Elevation Gain (Up): 238m

Summary

Omi Hachiman Station is approximately 90minutes from Osaka Station by car and 65minutes by JR Kyoto Line.
The roads in the area, including Lake Biwa Yoshibue Road, are very easy to ride on, with little traffic outside of the national and main prefectural roads.
The azalea blossoms around Hachimanbori in April and May make you feel the spring, so try cycling during Golden Week or on weekends.

Text: Yasushi Hanada