Biwako Ōhashi Bridge

The 1400-meter Biwako Ohashi Bridge connects Katata district in Otsu City with Imahama area in Moriyama City through a graceful arch design over Lake Biwa.

The construction of the bridge in 1964 marked the first direct connection between the eastern and western shores of Lake Biwa, reducing travel time by 50 minutes.

The bridge divides Lake Biwa into two distinct sections: the Northern Lake and the Southern Lake, reflecting the geographical understanding of the water body by local residents.

Vehicles pay a toll of 200 yen to cross while pedestrians and cyclists can use dedicated paths on both sides of the bridge without charge.

The bridge incorporates a musical road segment on the eastbound overtaking lane, creating melodies through the interaction of vehicle tires with the surface.

Location: Shiga Prefecture

Inception: September 28, 1964

Official opening: September 28, 1964

Length: 1,400 m

Website: https://shiga-dourokousha.or.jp/biwako

GPS coordinates: 35.12241,135.93199

Latest update: September 23, 2025 16:45