The Complete Lake Biwa Travel Guide to Read First
Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest and most famous lake, offers countless stunning viewpoints and must-see attractions. It also changes with the seasons, giving travelers many different ways to enjoy it.
Because of that, it can be hard to know where to start.
And because Lake Biwa has such a long history, it’s worth learning about its cultural side before you visit.
For those planning a trip around Lake Biwa, this article introduces not only the lake’s appeal and ways to enjoy it, but also its cultural background.
Reading it will help make your Lake Biwa-centered trip even more rewarding.
What is Lake Biwa Like?
Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, lies almost at the center of the Japanese archipelago.
Located in Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, it covers Approx. 670 sq. km, or one-sixth of the prefecture’s total area.
Lake Biwa was formed Approx. 4 million years ago, and at that time it was farther south, around present-day Mie Prefecture.
Over the ages, shifts in the earth moved it north, and Approx. 300,000 to 400,000 years ago it reached its current location and size.
Lake Biwa is an “ancient lake” with a history of more than 100,000 years, making it rare even on a global scale.
Because it is an ancient lake, many endemic species live here, and a distinctive ecosystem has been preserved.
It also has the largest water volume in Japan, with an abundant Approx. 27.5 billion tons.
Known as the “water reservoir of the Kinki region,” it has long supported the region’s development through water transport and fishing grounds.
Its history as a scenic destination is also long, and many travelers visit, drawn by the beauty and power of its landscapes.
In particular, places chosen as the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa” and the “Eight Views of Omi” have attracted visitors for generations who come to see Lake Biwa’s spectacular scenery.
Beyond the views, Lake Biwa offers a wide range of experiences, including activities such as water sports and paragliding, as well as local cuisine made with fish and seafood caught in the lake.
Lake Biwa’s Seasonal Appeal and Ways to Enjoy It
There are many scenic spots around Lake Biwa, including views that can only be seen in certain seasons.
There are also seasonal activities, so be sure to plan your sightseeing around the time of year you visit.
Stroll Around Lake Biwa in Spring, Surrounded by Cherry Blossoms
If you visit Lake Biwa in spring, make your way to the lakeside cherry blossom spots.
Kaizu Osaki, known as “Dawn Mist: The Reefs of Kaizu Osaki,” one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, has Approx. 800 elegant Somei Yoshino cherry trees that create an Approx. 4 km cherry blossom tunnel along the lakeshore.
At Biwako Valley in the Hira Mountains, Approx. 1,000 cherry trees bloom across 1,500 m of sloping terrain, letting you enjoy the blossoms with Lake Biwa in the background.
Ishiyama-dera Temple, whose grounds are filled with Approx. 600 cherry trees including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and wild cherry trees, is also not to be missed.
The best time to see cherry blossoms around Lake Biwa is usually from late March to early April, but it can vary depending on the year’s weather, so check before you go.
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Kaizu Osaki at peak cherry blossom season
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Biwako Valley, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms with Lake Biwa as the backdrop
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Ishiyama-dera Temple surrounded by cherry blossoms, viewed from the opposite shore
Enjoy Activities Unique to Lake Biwa in Summer
Lake Biwa’s appeal is not limited to its beautiful scenery. The variety of activities is another major draw.
In summer especially, the lake is lively with people swimming, and you can try a wide range of water sports.
These include SUP stand-up paddleboarding, where you stand on a surfboard and paddle forward; flyboarding, where water pressure blasted from a personal watercraft lets you fly above the water; and water balls, where you climb inside a 2.5 m-diameter inflatable ball for a floating experience—activities you won’t easily find elsewhere.
In addition, the Nagahama, Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival, where fireworks are launched over the lake, is usually held in mid-September.
Enjoy summer-only activities along with the atmosphere of the season.
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Beautiful Lake Biwa reflecting the blue summer sky and towering clouds
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The Nagahama, Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival, with fireworks beautifully reflected on the lake
Go Leaf Peeping Around Lake Biwa in Fall
There are many famous fall foliage spots around Lake Biwa, so if you visit in autumn, add leaf peeping to your itinerary.
At Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, located at an elevation of 848 m, you can stroll through a setting where autumn leaves and historic buildings blend beautifully, while feeling the atmosphere of a deep mountain temple.
Ishiyama-dera Temple, also known for its cherry blossoms, is colored by Approx. 1,000 trees turning red and yellow, brightening the surrounding wollastonite. The illuminated temple grounds are also dreamlike and beautiful.
From the Biwako Valley Ropeway, you can look out over a carpet-like spread of colorful foliage and Lake Biwa below.
The best time for fall foliage is usually from mid-November to early December. However, it can vary somewhat depending on the weather, so keep that in mind.
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Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, where you can enjoy a deep mountain atmosphere and beautiful fall colors
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The Biwako Valley Ropeway, where you can view autumn leaves from above
Enjoy Winter Sports at Lake Biwa
Did you know there are ski resorts along the shores of Lake Biwa where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding?
The ski area at the nature resort Biwako Valley usually opens in late December.
High-quality natural snow is supplemented with world-class snowmaking machines, creating excellent snow conditions and plenty of snow.
Its location, with sweeping views of Lake Biwa below, is another major attraction.
Be sure to take in the beautiful snowy scenery around Lake Biwa as well.
If you visit Lake Biwa in winter, enjoy the winter sports too.
The Appeal of 6 Lakeside Areas to Know Before Planning Your Trip
Lake Biwa is large, and the atmosphere, appeal, and ways to enjoy it differ greatly depending on where you go.
Before sightseeing around Lake Biwa, learn the characteristics of each area, choose where you want to visit, and build your itinerary.
To help you create a sightseeing plan that fully captures Lake Biwa’s appeal, use the highlights and attractions of the following six areas as a reference.
Close to Kyoto and Packed with Highlights: The Otsu Area
The Otsu Area stretches across the southwestern part of Lake Biwa, and because it borders Kyoto, many travelers visit.
A capital called Otsu-kyo was established here Approx. 1,350 years ago, so the area is home to many historic buildings, shrines, and temples, including Omi Jingu Shrine. Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, a World Heritage Site, is also famous.
You’ll also find Biwako Valley, where you can take in spectacular Lake Biwa views and enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Enjoy Beautiful Mountain Scenery in the Konan Area
This area spreads southeast of Lake Biwa and includes Kusatsu City and Moriyama City. It is a peaceful, nature-rich region with broad rice fields.
You can enjoy abundant nature by hiking Mt. Mikami, a majestic mountain also known as Omi Fuji, or by visiting Kusatsu City Aquatic Botanical Garden Mizunomori to see lotus flowers, water lilies, and other aquatic plants along with seasonal flowers.
The Kosei Area: Full of Spots Where You Can Feel Lake Biwa’s Nature and History
The Kosei Area, which includes Takashima City, is in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa.
You can camp or go glamping at places like Makino Highland and STAGEX Takashima, with experiences that let you feel the grandeur of nature up close. Seasonal activities are also a draw, from lake swimming in summer to skiing in winter.
The area has many attractive sightseeing spots: Kawashima Sake Brewery, where you can learn how sake is made; Saba Kaido, the old “Mackerel Road” that flourished from the samurai era as a route for transporting mackerel to Kyoto and offers a stroll through classic Japanese atmosphere; and Shirahige Shrine, known for its torii gate standing in the lake.
The Kohoku Area, Where Lake Biwa’s Nature and Faith Blend into the Landscape
The region on Lake Biwa’s northern shore, including Nagahama City and Maibara City, is called the Kohoku Area.
Here you’ll find Mt. Ibuki, revered since ancient times as a sacred mountain, and Chikubu Island, which appears to float on Lake Biwa, allowing you to fully enjoy scenery where nature and faith are intertwined.
There is also Kurokabe Square in Nagahama’s old town, an area that makes use of traditional buildings and is popular for dining and strolling in a retro-modern atmosphere.
The Koto Area, Where You Can Encounter Beauty Unique to Japan
The Koto Area is located on Lake Biwa’s eastern shore and includes Hikone City.
It is home to Hikone Castle, one of Shiga’s most popular attractions, as well as the Koto Sanzan temples—Saimyo-ji, Kongorin-ji, and Hyakusaiji—known as scenic spots for beautiful autumn leaves, where you can fully appreciate Japanese beauty.
Take a rickshaw ride around Hikone Castle and tour the garden and castle tower for a feeling of traveling back in time.
The Higashiomi Area, Where You Can Enjoy Landscapes of History, Nature, and Japanese Atmosphere
The Higashiomi Area, located on Lake Biwa’s southeastern shore, includes Omihachiman City.
There are many spots where you can enjoy landscapes where history and nature are in harmony, including canal cruises along waterways drawn from Lake Biwa, the Gokasho Kondo townscape lined with beautiful stone walls and white-walled storehouses, and Tarobogu Shrine, located halfway up Akagamiyama, a mountain said to be home to tengu.
Scenic Lake Biwa Spots Loved for Centuries
If you visit Lake Biwa, you should plan to fully enjoy its spectacular scenery.
There are many scenic spots, but here we’ll focus on the long-loved “Eight Views of Lake Biwa” and “Eight Views of Omi.”
The Eight Views of Lake Biwa, Chosen by Local Residents
The “Eight Views of Lake Biwa” are eight beautiful Lake Biwa landscapes selected in 1950 through a public call for entries from local residents.
Each one is a grand and varied scene across Lake Biwa, and touring them will let you fully experience the lake’s appeal.
1. “Dawn Mist”: The Reefs of Kaizu Osaki
This is a dreamlike view of reefs projecting straight out from the waters of Kaizu Osaki, with Chikubu Island behind them, all wrapped in morning mist.
Kaizu Osaki is a rocky reef area on the lakeshore in Makino-cho, Takashima City, at the northern end of Lake Biwa. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom spot.
2. “Cool Breeze”: The White Shore of Omatsuzaki
This view highlights the beautiful contrast on Lake Biwa’s western shore: Approx. 3 km of white sand, green pine trees, and blue lake water.
It also refers to the refreshing breeze blowing across that lovely scenery.
Omatsuzaki is a sandbar spreading north of the mouth of the Hira River on Lake Biwa’s western shore.
3. “Misty Rain”: The Forests of Hiei
This view features the dense forests of aged cedar, fir, and other trees around Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, located on Lake Biwa’s western shore.
The sight of these deep, mysterious woods veiled in rain creates an ethereal atmosphere that seems to make you forget the everyday world.
4. “Sunset”: The Clear Stream of Seta-Ishiyama
This is the atmospheric, beautiful scenery of the Seta River and Seta no Karahashi Bridge glowing in the sunset.
Seta no Karahashi Bridge spans the Seta River near Lake Biwa and is Approx. 224 m long. It was selected among Japan’s 100 Best Roads and appears in the Nihon Shoki, Japan’s oldest historical chronicle.
5. “Fresh Snow”: The Grand View from Shizugatake
Shizugatake is known as the site of a historic battle in the 16th century.
From the summit, you can look out over a magnificent view of Lake Biwa’s large curving inlet and steep, rugged mountainsides descending toward it.
During the season when fresh snow lies on the ground, and when the morning sun shines in, the scenery remains grand while becoming dreamlike.
6. “Deep Green”: Chikubu Island’s Reflection
Chikubu Island is a small island in Lake Biwa with a circumference of Approx. 2 km.
The view from Kaizu Osaki, where the green-covered island’s silhouette reflects on the surface of Lake Biwa, is one of the lake’s signature scenes.
7. “Moonlight”: The Old Castle of Hikone
Hikone Castle stands on Lake Biwa’s eastern shore. The scene of its graceful yet imposing castle tower lit by moonlight is not only beautiful, but deeply moving.
As you look at Hikone Castle, which has stood since 1622, and the moon, whose beauty remains unchanged through the ages, let your thoughts drift to Japan’s past.
8. “Spring Colors”: The Waterways of Azuchi-Hachiman
Suigo Meguri canal cruises are a specialty of the Higashiomi Area, which includes Omihachiman City on Lake Biwa’s southeastern shore.
Reeds grow thickly along the banks of the moats, and many waterbirds gather here. Suigo Meguri lets you leisurely enjoy both natural and Japanese atmosphere, but the scenery of the canal cruises itself is also peaceful and picturesque. The view of new greenery budding in the warm spring air is especially not to be missed.
The Eight Views of Omi, Selected Approx. 500 Years Ago
“Omi” is the old name for the eastern part of Lake Biwa. Long before the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa,” the “Eight Views of Omi” were established Approx. 500 years ago by the rulers of the time, following Chinese cultural models.
They became widely known through the landscape prints “Eight Views of Omi” by the famous ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige.
Some landscapes have changed with the times, while others retain their old character or have spots that recreate the scenes of the past.
Be sure to visit the places selected as the “Eight Views of Omi” as well.
1. Evening Snow on Hira
The Hira Mountains include Mt. Bunagatake, at an elevation of 1,214 m, along with a chain of peaks over 1,000 m.
The dynamic ridgelines are impressive throughout the year, but their winter appearance is especially majestic and powerful.
As winter arrives, the mountains are capped with snow, and the white ridgelines in the twilight, together with the clear lake surface, convey both the severity and wildness of nature, along with a deep, expansive grandeur.
Because the lake and mountains remain unchanged from the era depicted in ukiyo-e to today, the timeless landscape is deeply moving.
2. Returning Geese at Katata
In Katata, on Lake Biwa’s western shore, flocks of migratory geese arrive.
They have been famous as an autumn seasonal sight since ancient times.
The image of Ukimido Hall, located southwest of Lake Biwa, together with flocks of geese, creates a scene as beautiful as a painting composed with careful design.
At autumn dusk, the red sky, flocks of geese, and the silhouette of the hall floating over the lake can only be seen in that season and at that time of day.
The lively motion of the geese, together with the endlessly spreading sky and lake surface, has captivated viewers for hundreds of years.
3. Night Rain at Karasaki
Karasaki Shrine, on Lake Biwa’s southwestern shore, has a large black pine tree in its spacious grounds facing the lake.
The sight of rain falling on the black pine creates mysterious shadows and an unforgettable beautiful scene.
The black pine still exists today, but it has been heavily pruned for the health of the tree and is now being cared for with preservation and cultivation in mind. As a result, the scenery seen when it was selected as one of the Eight Views of Omi can no longer be viewed in the same way.
However, the grounds have many other highlights, so it is still well worth a visit.
4. Evening Bell at Mii
“Evening Bell at Mii” refers to the sound of the bell echoing at dusk at Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, commonly known as Mii-dera Temple, on Lake Biwa’s southwestern shore.
The bell’s tone is so beautiful that it has been chosen as one of Japan’s three great temple bells and has earned Mii-dera the nickname “Mii-dera of the voice.”
Even if you are not there when the bell is rung, you can ring it yourself by paying 800 yen at the information office next to the bell tower.
5. Clearing Storm at Awazu
Awazugahara spreads along Lake Biwa’s southwestern shore. Today, it has been developed as Nagisa Park.
“Clearing Storm at Awazu” refers to the refreshing sight of strong winds on a clear day moving through rows of pine trees.
Although little of that original scene remains, a promenade lined with pine trees has been created to recreate the “Clearing Storm at Awazu” landscape painted by Utagawa Hiroshige.
Enjoy the contrast between the rustling pines and the lake surface as you stroll along the shore.
6. Returning Sails at Yabase
In Yabase, on Lake Biwa’s southeastern shore, there was once Yabase Port, a ferry landing for boats crossing Lake Biwa.
It has been passed down as an impressive scene where the lively sight of many sailing boats coming and going contrasted with the grand quiet of the mountains across the water and the clear lake surface.
Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e also depicts Yabase at the time with a vivid sense of movement.
Today the port has been closed and the area has been developed as Yabasekihanto Park, so the former scene of sailing boats passing by can no longer be seen.
However, three stone jetties, remains of the excavated Yabase Port, and a night lantern used since that time still preserve traces of the past.
As you stroll through the park, why not think about the history of this land that has lived alongside Lake Biwa since long ago?
7. Sunset Glow at Seta
The beautiful sight of Seta no Karahashi Bridge, also selected as one of the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa,” lit by the setting sun has moved people for hundreds of years.
It is also a historic place that long prospered as a key transportation point, appearing not only in ukiyo-e by Utagawa Hiroshige but also in haiku by the famous 17th-century poet Matsuo Basho.
Along with the bridge’s large, graceful form, the people crossing it and the lake surface and opposite ridgeline glowing red at dusk create a truly spectacular view.
8. Autumn Moon at Ishiyama
Ishiyama-dera Temple, a head temple of the Shingon school, stands on the banks of the Seta River, which flows out of Lake Biwa.
From Tsukimi-tei on the temple grounds, you can view the grounds illuminated by moonlight and the moon’s reflection on Lake Biwa.
Every year on the Harvest Moon, the Autumn Moon Festival is held, allowing visitors to worship at night.
The grounds are lit with gentle lights from lanterns, paper lanterns, candles, and more, creating a dreamlike atmosphere without interfering with the moonlight.
Don’t Miss These 3 Popular Lake Biwa Attractions
From here, we’ll introduce some of the most popular sightseeing spots around Lake Biwa.
Visit them together with the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa” and the “Eight Views of Omi,” and you should be able to fully enjoy Lake Biwa’s appeal.
1. Biwako Terrace
Biwako Terrace is a nature resort where you can look out over Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, from an elevation of Approx. 1,100 m.
At the two terraces stretching across the summits of Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai, spend a luxurious moment relaxing over a meal while taking in the view.
On the Lake Biwa side of the summit, Biwako Terrace “The Main” spreads out.
This area features the Grand Terrace, a tiered wooden deck with panoramic lake views, and the North Terrace, which overlooks the North Lake. Each has a spacious wooden deck and a beautiful reflecting pool.
2. Shirahige Shrine
Standing in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake by area, this is Omi’s oldest grand shrine, said to have been founded more than 2,000 years ago.
A large vermilion torii gate stands in the lake across National Route 161, and because the scene recalls Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, it is also called the “Itsukushima of Omi.”
In recent years, the mystical scenery of the large torii gate floating on Lake Biwa has become a topic on social media. Many young visitors now come to this scenic power spot.
3. Chikubu Island
Chikubu Island is a small island with a circumference of just over 2 km, floating Approx. 6 km offshore in northern Lake Biwa.
It is home to Hogon-ji Temple, counted among Japan’s three great Benzaiten temples, and Tsukubusuma Shrine.
Since ancient times, people have worshiped it as an island where gods dwell, and in recent years it has also become popular as a power spot.
Try Lake Biwa’s Local Cuisine Made with Lake Fish
There are many restaurants along Lake Biwa’s shores, where you can taste a variety of local specialties.
When it comes to Lake Biwa cuisine, dishes made with fish and seafood caught in the lake are especially famous.
Funazushi and tsukudani made with Lake Biwa fish are hard to find elsewhere, so be sure to try them.
We also recommend tasting dishes such as salt-grilled freshwater fish from Lake Biwa, including ayu and honmoroko, as well as dishes made with biwa trout, a fish found only in Lake Biwa.
Of course, many restaurants also serve Shiga specialties such as Omi beef and Omi champon.
For a Lakeside Stay, Ogoto Onsen Is Recommended for Hot Springs and Scenic Views
If you stay along Lake Biwa, choose accommodations in the hot spring village of Ogoto Onsen.
Ogoto Onsen is in Otsu City, where many sightseeing spots are gathered and access from Kyoto is easy.
It is a rare hot spring area in Japan where you can watch the sunrise, and since some open-air baths offer panoramic views of Lake Biwa, there are quite a few facilities where you can enjoy hot springs and scenery at the same time.
In addition to hot spring ryokan, there are facilities for day-use bathing and free footbaths, so even if you are not staying overnight, be sure to stop by.
A Luxury Model Course for Enjoying Lake Biwa’s Views and Food
Lake Biwa is wide, with many ways to enjoy it and many sightseeing spots, so you may wonder what kind of plan to make.
When that happens, use the following model course as a reference for enjoying Lake Biwa’s stunning views and food in style.
Model Course: Day 1
- 10:00 am
- Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa from Biwako Terrace
- 12:00 pm
- Lunch at Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA inside Biwako Terrace
- 1:30 pm
- Enjoy the great outdoors through a variety of activities
- 5:00 pm
- Relax after your trip at Yumotokan, an atmospheric inn in Ogoto Onsen
Model Course: Day 2
- 8:10 am
- Head to Ogoto Onsen Kanko Park in the morning, where you can enjoy a free footbath
- 9:30 am
- Try a yacht experience at Marina Club Rivre
- 3:00 pm
- Visit the elegant and dreamlike Ukimido Hall at Mangetsu-ji Temple
- 3:30 pm
- Stop by Uotomi Shoten, where tsukudani made with lake fish sourced from local Katata Fishing Port is displayed
- 4:00 pm
- At long-established Naminone Sake Brewery, learn about sake brewed carefully and wholeheartedly
- 4:30 pm
- At Okashidokoro Shimaya, enjoy beautiful wagashi that honor the blessings of each season
- 5:10 pm
- Visit the beer terrace at Omi Beer while taking a stroll
For details on the model course, check the article below.
FAQ about Lake Biwa Travel
Q
Which areas around Lake Biwa have many sightseeing spots?
There are many in the Otsu Area, which is close to Kyoto, and the Kosei Area, where spots such as Shirahige Shrine are scattered.
Q
When is the best time to see fall foliage around Lake Biwa?
Many spots reach their peak from mid-November to early December, but it varies depending on the year’s weather and the location.
Q
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms around Lake Biwa?
The usual peak season is from late March to early April.
Summary
In this article, we introduced the appeal and ways to enjoy Lake Biwa, along with cultural aspects you should know to make the most of a trip around the lake.
If you use this article as a reference while traveling around Lake Biwa, your trip will likely be richer and more satisfying.
We also recommend the article below, which introduces popular sightseeing spots around Lake Biwa as well as accommodations and shopping spots.