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where you are:SSG Home/the guide/transportation/regular trains/JR Biwako Line
transportation: regular trains | using the train | bullet trains | buses | ferries
JR Biwako Line
train system | JR biwako line | JR kosei line | JR kusatsu line | JR hokuriku line | keihan railway | omi tetsudo line

MAP OF BIWAKO LINE
Shinkaisoku stops on this map are shown in Bold.
* Just a reminder--not including the bullet train, there are two types of Japan Rail trains in Shiga:
  • Local Trains (futsu )
  • Limited Express (shinkaisoku )
For tips and instructions on using the train, head here.

The Biwako Line runs between Kyoto and Maibara, along the east side of the lake, the most highly populated area in Shiga. This line can be ridden directly as far north as Nagahama and as far south as Osaka, Kobe and Himeji. Trains running south originate in Nagahama, Maibara, Azuchi, Yasu and Kusatsu, and can be taken past the southern borders of Shiga. These are also the final destinations when traveling north, so one should make sure to check the final destination of their train before boarding. If not, you may get on a train that does not go as far as your destination.

STATIONS ON THE BIWAKO LINE

* Nagahama
(Technically, this is on the JR hokuriku, but many trains on the Biwako Line either originate from, or reach their final destination at this station. All trains, even express (shinkaisoku) trains stop at all stations between Nagahama and Maibara.)
Tamura
Sakata
Maibara
(Transfer for JR hokuriku, Omi Tetsudo, JR Shinkansen, and JR lines towards Gifu and Nagoya.)
Hikone
(Transfer for Omi Tetsudo)
Minami Hikone
Kawase
Inae
Notogawa
Azuchi
Omi Hachiman
(Transfer for Omi Tetsudo)
Shinohara
Yasu
Moriyama
Ritto
Kusatsu
(Transfer for JR Kusatsu)
Minami Kusatsu
Seta
Ishiyama
(Transfer for Keihan Line)
Zeze
Otsu
Yamashina
(Transfer for JR Kosei and Keihan Line)
Kyoto

*Shinkaisoku stops are in bold.
train systems JR kosei line