Cycling in Japan is a mixed bag. Areas of beautiful scenery and space often connect via busy roads and truck filled tunnels. Some days we felt only relief at the end of our ride.

The ride from Gujohachiman to Hikone was one of those days. It rained all day as we cycled through the grey urban sprawl on the outskirts of Gifu, the traffic noticeably heavier. We became uncertain whether our route would finally connect to Hikone on safe roads. Cold, wet and tired, we were later rewarded with our first glimpse of Lake Biwa.