Autumn is the season for food, reading, and sports!

It’s now a comfortable season to do anything.

A cycling event called “RIDE AROUND HAMANAKO 30 DAYS” will be held around Lake Hamana for the month of November! (This event has already ended.)

This time, we would like to introduce events and cycling spots in Kosai City, focusing on Hamaichi!

What is Hamaichi?

“Hamaichi” is a course that goes around Lake Hamana.

The route is approximately 65km long and allows you to enjoy the scenery along the lakeside and the natural surroundings of the lake and mountains.

*Total length varies depending on the course.

There are many relatively flat and easy-to-ride roads, making it enjoyable for everyone from beginners to veteran cyclists.

This is a course where you can enjoy Lake Hamana’s gourmet food and tourist spots while cycling comfortably.

Hamaichi and Biwaichi...?

Have you heard of “Biwaichi,” which has a similar name to “Hamaichi”?

“Biwaichi” is a cycling course that goes around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.

Lake Biwa, surrounded by Shiga Prefecture, is approximately 200km long and is a more challenging course than “Hamaichi”.

You can ride through a variety of terrains while taking in the lakeside scenery, historical sites, and local culture.

Biwaichi is popular among advanced cyclists, and is a course where you can enjoy the rich nature and history while also feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Both courses are attractive routes for cycling enthusiasts, and are visited by many people from all over Japan.

"RIDE AROUND HAMANAKO 30 DAYS" to be held

(Event information for 2024. Please check the official website for the latest information.)

What is 30days Hamaichi?

Starting this year, the “Lake Hamana Cycling Month 30 Days Hamaichi” is a new cycle tourism project that is a renewal of the Hamaichi tournament that has been held every year, with the aim of deepening ties with the local community.

During the month of November, which marks Lake Hamana Cycling Month, participants will be able to experience the lifestyle and culture around Lake Hamana, enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery and the scent of citrus fruits, and deepen their ties with the local community through cycling.

[RIDE AROUND HAMANAKO 30DAYS] Download the flyer here

Events in 30days Hamaichi

We will introduce various events that will be held during the “Lake Hamana Cycling Month 30 Days Hamaichi” period.

1.Freecycle with a mission

Lake Hamana Cycling Digital Stamp Rally

This is a free cycling event that uses a special app and aims to conquer nine checkpoints set up around Lake Hamana.

Among those who visit 5 or more locations, 100 people will be entered into a prize draw!

Simply install the mission app “DIIIG” and participate in the “Cycling Challenge!” to freely enjoy cycling around Lake Hamana.

【About Lake Hamana Cycling Digital Stamp Rally】

・Event period: Friday, November 1st to Sunday, December 1st, 2024

・Participation fee: Free

[Participation details]

You will need to install the app on your smartphone (download link below).

Please participate in the stamp rally by following the instructions below.

If you conquer five of the nine points, you will have a chance to win a prize.

Download the app here　https://diiig.net/world/34/?i=world&d=34

2.Bicycle tour with local cyclists

Lake Hamana Guided Cycling

This is a bicycle tour around Lake Hamana’s highlights and recommended places to stop by accompanied by a local cyclist guide. Let’s rediscover the charm of Lake Hamana. K-MIX personalities will also be participating!

・Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

・Capacity: 20 people

・Meeting/Disbanding Location: Bentenjima Seaside Park

3.Enjoy a bicycle-based lifestyle with your family

First bicycle

This is a bicycle riding class for children who are not familiar with bicycles.

・Dates: Sunday, November 10, 2024 and Saturday, November 23, 2024

・Capacity: 15 people per session (morning and afternoon on each day)

・Venue: Hamanako Garden Park Parking Lot North Rotary

4.Discover new bicycles and their culture

Bicycle experience exchange event @ Lake Hamana

Bicycle manufacturers and others will exhibit at the event, offering visitors the opportunity to try out the latest models, raising awareness of safe driving, and providing a forum for interaction between visitors.

・Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

・Venue: Hamanako Garden Park Parking Lot South Rotary

5.Various bicycle-related events held around Lake Hamana

Lake Hamana Cycling Style

This is a bicycle event held in November in collaboration with various tourist associations and private businesses.

Cycle spots in Kosai City

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots in Kosai City that you should stop by during your cycling trip!

SPOT.01 Kimama Coffee

Kimama Coffee, which opened in July 2024 on the lakeside in Kosai City, is a relaxing place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some time for yourself while taking in the lakeside scenery.

The large, open windows offer a panoramic view of the lake, and the scenery changes with the seasons and time of day, providing a soothing experience.

The interior of the store is decorated with warm wood and simple, tasteful decor, and the natural light pours in gently, creating a calm and relaxing space.

Kimama Coffee specializes in serving fragrant coffee made with carefully selected beans.

They carefully select and roast the beans to bring out their rich flavor and deep flavor.

The snacks and sweets made with fresh local ingredients are also popular, making them perfect for morning breakfast or afternoon tea time.

Forget the stress of everyday life and enjoy a relaxing cafe time in harmony with nature at Kimama Coffee.

About Kimama Coffee

Address: 226-1 Toki, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 053-522-7299

Business hours: 8:30-16:00

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

Official website (Instagram): @kimama_coffee

SPOT.02 BONZO COFFEE

“BONZO COFFEE” is a shop that serves coffee and delicious waffles.

I had the almond caramel waffle and coffee!

The interior of the store has a relaxing atmosphere.

The owner of the shop is also very friendly and you can spend a relaxing time here.

About BONZO COFFEE

Address: 961-104 Yoshimi, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 053-528-7686

Business hours: 8:30-17:00

Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Official website: HP https://bonzo-coffee.jp/

SPOT.03 NOMAD COFFEE STAND & roaster

NOMAD COFFEE STAND & roaster (hereinafter, NOMAD) is located on the first floor of an apartment building in Araimachi, Kosai City.

NOMAD offers take-out coffee and lattes, sells coffee beans, and sells store design merchandise.

This is a specialty coffee spot that is loved by locals. They roast our own coffee in-house, bringing out the unique characteristics of each bean and providing a rich aroma and deep flavor.

They place great importance on providing the perfect cup of coffee for each individual customer, and their attentive customer service is also one of their charms!

Enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time at NOMAD, which is popular not only with local residents but also coffee lovers who visit from afar.

About NOMAD COFFEE STAND & roaster

Address: 1F Costa Hamanako, 3393-11 Arai, Arai-cho, Kosai-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 053-528-7686

Business hours: 11:00-17:00 (weekdays) 10:00-16:00 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Closed: Mondays

Official website (Instagram): @nomadcoffeestand

If you have any problems with your bicycle, come to TWOCYCLE!

TWOCYCLE is a bicycle shop where you will be greeted by the friendly manager, Mr./Ms. Higuchi. I have been using this store ever since I moved to Kosai City.

We moved from Washizu in Kosai City to Yoshimi in February of this year, and as the only sports bike specialty store in Kosai City, we also sell city bikes.

The appeal of this service is that you can ask for maintenance even for Hamaichi or everyday cycling.

Manager Mr./Ms. Higuchi is himself a cycling enthusiast and has a wealth of knowledge about Hamaichi’s recommended routes and cycling in general.

I also enjoyed my first Hamaichi with the guidance of the store manager, Mr./Ms. Higuchi. If you have any problems with your bicycle, please come to TWOCYCLE!

About TWOCYCLE

Address: 961-102 Yoshimi, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Telephone number: 053-522-7181

Business hours: 11:00-20:00

Closed: Wednesday

Stores where you can rent bicycles

If you want to casually cycle around Lake Hamana, we recommend renting a bicycle.

From here, we will introduce bicycle rental shops in Kosai City and Hamamatsu City.

Bicycle rental shops in Kosai City

Hamanako Cycle

Address: 5347 Washizu, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 080-9116-3196

Business hours: 9:00~17:00

Closed: Wednesda

Yurin (Kaikokan Terminal)

Address: No. 1, Araicho, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 053-594-6624

Business days: 9:00~16:30 (Yuurin is open until 16:30)

Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)

Yu-Rin (Araimachi Station West Terminal)

Address: 3423 Arai, Arai-cho, Kosai-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone number: 053-594-5022

Business hours: 9:00~16:00

Stores in Hamamatsu city where you can rent bicycles

Yurin (Bentenjima Seaside Park Terminal)

Phone number: 053-596-4187

Yurin (Tateyamadera Terminal)

Phone number: 053-487-0152

Yurin (Nagisaen Terminal)

Phone number: 053-592-1525

Yurin (Kiga Station Terminal)

Phone number: 053-522-4720

Yurin (Mikkabimachi Station Terminal)

Phone number: 053-525-0102

Lake Hamana Cycling Map Download Information

[Lake Hamana Cycling MAP] Download the flyer here

Cycling Precautions

Finally, here are some precautions to take when cycling around Lake Hamana.

The entire course is on public roads, and bicycles are considered light vehicles.

Be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles and follow traffic rules.

When cycling, advance preparation is important.

Be sure to check your bike’s maintenance, such as tire pressure and brake condition, as well as prepare your helmet, gloves, and other necessary gear, clothing, water, and food, and check the weather and any facilities you may need to stop at beforehand to ensure you are in good physical condition.

If you are looking at a smartphone or digital map while driving, be sure to stop in a safe place first.

Please take responsibility for your own safety while driving.

Source: https://hamanako-ct.jp/tournament/