Get Ready to Ride
Find the right bike, safety gear and clothing for Biwaichi.
Compare our six rental bikes, prices and how renting works.
Getting a Bike
There’s more than one way to get a bike for Biwaichi. Weigh up the pros and cons and choose what suits your style.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
Six types of bike to match your fitness, goals and distance. See what each one does best and how it likes to be ridden.
With flat handlebars and easy handling, this all-rounder is a confidence-inspiring choice even if you’ve never ridden a sports bike. The upright position and slightly wider tires mean you can ride for hours without tiring. It’s ideal if you’d rather take in the views and make plenty of stops than chase speed — think around 50 km a day on a relaxed Biwaichi of three days or more.
An entry-level road bike whose narrow tires and light frame let you pick up speed more easily than on a hybrid. The drop handlebars and forward riding position take a little getting used to, but once you’re comfortable you can hold a good pace with less effort. At around 50–80 km a day, it’s the perfect bike for taking on the North Lake loop (about 150 km) over two days.
The go-to bike for Biwaichi. Carbon’s excellent vibration damping and a lightweight frame soak up road buzz, so compared with an aluminum road bike you’ll cover long distances far more comfortably. It combines lively performance with all-day comfort, and experienced long-distance riders may even want to try the North Lake loop (about 150 km) in a single day.
A lightweight full-carbon frame and wheels, paired with tubeless-ready tires for grip and a supple ride. Add hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping and electronic shifting at the touch of a finger, and you get to experience the latest tech first-hand. Every pedal stroke turns into forward motion, with a lightness and comfort that live up to the ambitions of intermediate and advanced riders who want to take Biwaichi to the next level.
Powerful electric assist backs up every pedal stroke, so climbs and strong headwinds feel surprisingly easy. That means couples and groups with different fitness levels can ride together comfortably at the same pace. Our partner hotels around the lake lend GIANT e-bike chargers free of charge, so if you’re planning a relaxed two-day Biwaichi, check our partner hotel listings when choosing where to stay.
Available in several sizes to fit your child, with a design that puts safety first, so parents can relax while the kids ride. Children’s helmets are also available to borrow free of charge.
Choosing Bikes for a Group Ride
If you’re riding Biwaichi with friends or in a group, keep one thing in mind when choosing bikes: each type has its own comfortable cruising speed.
Hybrids and e-bikes both feel most comfortable at around 20 km/h, so they pair really well and it’s easy to ride together at the same pace.
Be careful when combining road bikes and e-bikes, though. In Japan, e-bike assist cuts out completely at 24 km/h, so once road riders settle into a comfortable 25 km/h or more, the heavier e-bike will struggle to keep up. An e-bike won’t necessarily keep up with a road bike easily. Know the difference in speeds before you go — agreeing on a pace or riding the same type of bike is the secret to a comfortable Biwaichi.
Rental Prices
Guide prices for rentals at GIANT Store Biwako Moriyama.
| Bike | 5 Hours | 1 Day | 2 Days / 1 Night | Each Extra Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid bike | ¥3,960 | ¥5,280 | ¥8,580 | ¥3,300 |
| Aluminum road bike (entry) | ¥4,620 | ¥6,600 | ¥10,560 | ¥3,960 |
| Carbon road bike (mid-range) | ¥6,600 | ¥9,240 | ¥15,840 | ¥6,600 |
| Premium carbon road bike | ¥11,880 | ¥17,160 | ¥26,400 | ¥9,240 |
| E-bike | ¥9,240 | ¥13,200 | ¥21,120 | ¥7,920 |
| Kids’ bike | ¥2,640 | ¥3,960 | ¥6,600 | ¥2,640 |
* Prices include basic accessories such as a helmet, lock and lights, as well as insurance.
* Prices are a guide only. Please check the booking page for the latest rates.
How Renting Works
Four simple steps from booking online to returning your bike. Here’s how it works at GIANT Store, as an example.
Book Online
Choose your date, bike and size online. We recommend booking ahead, although same-day rentals may be possible if bikes are available.
At GIANT Store, online booking opens 60 days before your rental date and closes at 3:00 pm two days before.
Pick Up Your Bike
Let the staff know you have a reservation, then complete check-in and payment. They’ll walk you through how everything works before you go.
Get Fitted and Go
The saddle height and other settings are adjusted to fit you. If you have any questions about your route or riding, ask before you set off. Then you’re on your way!
Return Your Bike
When you’re done, return the bike to the store where you rented it. To return it to a different store, you’ll need to request this when you book. If anything goes wrong on the road, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What to Wear and Bring
A checklist of things to sort out before you set off, so you can enjoy Biwaichi safely and comfortably.
Safety Gear
Included with your rental. Japanese law asks all cyclists to wear one. Choose a size that fits your head properly.
Included with your rental. Always lock your bike when you park it.
Helps you see and be seen at night and in tunnels. (We don’t recommend riding after dark.)
Reduce hand fatigue and protect your palms if you fall. (Also sold at GIANT Store.)
Protect your eyes from sun, bugs and dust.
Included with your rental (a spare tube, tire levers, a mini pump and so on). If you’re new to this, watch a video on fixing a flat (replacing the inner tube) before you go. If you’d rather not do it yourself, you can call out a mobile repair service.
Bike shops in Shiga (Japanese only)
Clothing & Bags
Wear clothes you can move in that suit the season. You’ll sweat even in winter, so quick-drying fabrics matter. In cold weather, layers make it easier to regulate your temperature.
Skirts and wide-leg pants can catch in the chain, which is dangerous. Choose pants that are narrow at the ankle.
Sandals, heels and other unstable footwear are a no-go. Wear sneakers or other athletic shoes.
The weather around Lake Biwa can change quickly. A compact, packable rain jacket is handy.
There’s little shade along the lakeshore and the UV is strong. A must on long rides — sunburn also saps your energy.
Essential for overnight trips. To pack light, make good use of hotel loungewear and coin laundries.
A backpack keeps both hands free and sits steadily on your back. Shoulder bags throw off your balance and soon become a nuisance. If you have a lot of luggage, consider renting a rear rack or panniers.
Phone & Emergencies
Essential for navigation and emergencies. A waterproof case gives extra peace of mind.
Don’t let your phone die on a long ride. We recommend 10,000 mAh or more.
Your first call if anything goes wrong. Make sure you have it when you pick up your bike.
In summer, set off with at least 500 ml of water, and carry energy gels too.
A map of your planned route. Best used alongside your smartphone.
Send your bags ahead and ride light
A new luggage delivery service now offers same-day delivery within Shiga Prefecture. Have your suitcase and other large bags sent to your hotel, and set off with just what you need for the ride. For same-day delivery, book by around 10:00 a.m. Please check the service page for prices and conditions (Japanese only).
Luggage delivery details & booking→Bicycle Insurance
Before you ride Biwaichi, make sure you’re covered by bicycle insurance.
Insurance Is Mandatory in Shiga
Under Shiga Prefecture’s bicycle safety ordinance, everyone who cycles in the prefecture must carry bicycle liability insurance, which covers you if you accidentally injure someone else.
Biwaichi takes you a long way on both cycle paths and ordinary roads. The risk of an accident can never be zero, so treat insurance as an essential part of your preparation.
Insurance When You Rent
If you’re renting, we strongly recommend choosing a plan that includes insurance.
If you’re bringing your own bike, make sure you have cover before you set off — for example Japan’s TS Mark bicycle insurance, a cycling add-on to your car insurance, or a dedicated cycling policy. Some travel insurance and credit card policies also include liability cover, so check yours in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Road bikes and hybrids suit riders who want to go fast under their own steam (20–25 km/h or more) and enjoy a sense of achievement.
E-bikes are ideal if you prefer a relaxed sightseeing pace of around 15–20 km/h, want to take the sting out of hills and headwinds, or are riding as a couple with different fitness levels.
Note that in Japan e-bike assist stops at 24 km/h, so keep the difference in cruising speed in mind when riding with road bikes. For an overnight e-bike trip, factor in the range per charge (roughly 80–150 km) and choose a cyclist-friendly hotel that lends chargers.
Our Partner Rental Station
Our recommended rental station: well equipped and right by the lake.
Moriyama Rental Station
| Address | 1F, Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel 2876 Jukkenya, Imahama-cho, Moriyama, Shiga 524-0101 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +81 77-584-2033 |
| Hours | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Access | JR Kosei Line to Katata Station, then about 15 min by local bus About 30 min by car from Ritto IC (Meishin Expressway) via Route 8 |
Book Your Rental Bike
Choose your date, station, bike and size online. Booking before you arrive makes pick-up quick and easy, and you can check same-day availability online, too.
EXTERNAL SITE — OPENS IN A NEW TAB