The Central Biwako Touring Rally — known as CBTR — is a motorcycle touring event that takes riders around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture while collecting digital stamps along the way. CBTR2026 opened entry registration on May 27, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM.
The rally period runs from September 12 (Saturday) to November 23 (Monday, public holiday), 2026. With cumulative participant numbers now surpassing 10,000 since the inaugural event in 2022, CBTR2026 marks the 5th consecutive year of this large-scale motorcycle event centered on Lake Biwa.
Participants choose between two routes: visiting 10 out of 15 designated spots, or completing all 15 spots. Those who fulfill the requirements receive an official "Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Certificate." First-time completions of all 15 spots this 5th anniversary year earn a special "Premium Completion Certificate Card."
5th Anniversary Special: "Omi Sanjin — Battle for Territory"
To celebrate the 5th anniversary, a special program called "Omi Sanjin — Battle for Territory" runs alongside the main rally. All CBTR2026 participants are assigned to one of three factions — Water, Mountain, or Wind — and work through faction-specific missions throughout the event period.
Participants find out which faction they belong to when their entry kit arrives. While riding around the lake, riders can look out for fellow members of their faction. The motorcycle greeting known as "Yaeh" (a wave exchanged between bikers) provides a way to connect with fellow riders without exchanging words.
Key points of the program:
- No additional fees
- Enjoyable both solo and in groups
- Every participant is assigned to one of the three factions
Biwa King 2026
The popular mystery-solving option "Biwa King" returns for 2026 with new content. Riders solve puzzles placed at the stamp spots to earn the title of Biwa King along with exclusive items.
5th Anniversary Official Merchandise
CBTR2026 is also releasing 11 official merchandise items to mark the milestone. Highlights include the first-ever CBTR original hoodie and 15 varieties of iron-on prints that can be applied to t-shirts and hoodies for personalized customization.
Main lineup:
- CBTR original hoodie (first ever)
- 5th anniversary limited-edition original T-shirt
- Hikonyan logo T-shirt
- Iron-on prints (15 varieties)
- 5th anniversary commemorative sticker
- Personalized commemorative dog tag
Event Overview
- Rally period: September 12 (Saturday) to November 23 (Monday, public holiday), 2026
- Entry open: From 12:00 PM on May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Event website: https://goto2.co.jp/pages/cbtr2026
- Organizer: CBTR2026 Executive Committee
Stamp Spots
This year's rally features 15 stamp spots selected by local riders, ranging from well-known tourist sites to little-known hidden gems. The spots cover a broad range of Lake Biwa's appeal — scenery, history, food, and photo opportunities.
Participants can either:
- Complete 10 out of the 15 spots
- Conquer all 15 spots for a full completion
Entry Fee
Entry Plan: ¥5,000 (tax included) — first 4,000 participants only
Included with entry:
- Participation sticker (bib number starting from No. 0001)
- Digital stamp rally account fee
- Travel guide booklet
- Access to the Gotouchi Riders app (June 1 to December 31, valued at ¥3,850)
- Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Certificate (digital, for qualified completers only)
- Participation in on-site social events (start and finish events, collaboration events, etc.)
For full event details, visit: https://goto2.co.jp/pages/cbtr2026
Official social media:
- X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cbtr_official
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbtr_official/
