Overnight spot number two: Hamana-ko, or Lake Hamana. This is one of the largest lakes in Japan, as a look at the map will show you, and it's located just west of the large regional city of Hamamatsu. As at Lake Biwa, a lot of local aquaculture goes on here, in places marked with poles llke the ones you see here. The lake also offers the expected boat tours; cyclists may simply want to cycle around the lake.

Surpringly, the bikepath goes only partway around the lake - primarily around the right side. Along most of the west bank, you'll have to go on the regular road. It shouldn't be a problem; there wasn't much traffic even on this Golden Week period with a special exposition drawing hordes of visitors to the city. On this trip, I cheated slightly by avoiding the smaller right lock of the lake by means of a conveniently placed bridge.