Lake Biwa is an amazing place to explore. On the doorstep of Kyoto and very close to Osaka, it's a beautiful place to discover and get away from the hustle of the cities. There are traditional lake-side towns scattered on the shore of the lake making for some interesting places to stop along the way. In warmer weather the lake is a fantastic place to have a swim and cool off after a day of riding. The north-west part of the lake in particular has some spectacular scenery with Makino being an excellent place to stop for a swim.
Details
Distance: 220km
Elevation Gain: 2,132m
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Points of Interest

Waterside
All around Lake Biwa you'll find beautiful little spots to relax by the lake. The water is clean and perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of cycling.
Mountainous
There are some impressive mountains surrounding the lake, especially in the north. Tackle the climb and enjoy the view.