Lake Biwa

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Lake Biwa

A lake in Shiga Prefecture that boasts the largest area and water storage capacity in Japan, belonging to the Yodo River system of first-grade rivers.

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Lake Biwa, which belongs to the first-grade Yodo River system and is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture, occupies an area of about 670 k㎡, or about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area, and is the largest lake in Japan in terms of both area and water storage capacity, with 27.5 billion tons of water pouring in through rivers from the surrounding mountains of Ibuki, Suzuka, and Hira, all of which are over 1,000 meters high.

It is said that a narrow lake formed near the present Iga City, Mie Prefecture, moved its shape and location due to fault movements, and settled in its present location about 400,000 years ago. For this reason, many of the creatures that live in Lake Biwa have undergone unique changes, and the lake is characterized by a wide variety of species, with more than 60 endemic species found only here in the world. In addition to “funa-zushi”(carp sushi), a specialty of Shiga Prefecture, inns and restaurants around Lake Biwa serve dishes made with lake fish.

There are also various leisure activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, such as swimming at Miyagahama Swimming Beach, which has been selected as one of the 88 best bathing spots in Japan, and canoeing and yachting on the lake. Another popular activity is "Biwaichi," a bicycle tour of the 235-km lakeshore.
There are also many other spots and accommodations in Shiga Prefecture where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lake Biwa, and the beautiful scenery created by nature is one of the charms of Shiga Prefecture.

Highlights

  • It is the largest lake in Japan and has a history of more than 100,000 years, making it one of the world's rare ancient lakes.
  • There are a variety of activities on Lake Biwa, including sightseeing boats.
  • The surrounding area, including hotels and leisure facilities with views of Lake Biwa, is also attractive.
  • The cycling course called "Biwaichi" is also popular.

Photos

  • Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture.

    Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture.

  • Lake Biwa, Lakeside

    Lake Biwa, Lakeside

  • Lake Biwa, the setting sun.

    Lake Biwa, the setting sun.

  • Cherry Blossom Viewing in Lake Biwa

    Cherry Blossom Viewing in Lake Biwa

  • Autumn leaves Viewing in Lake Biwa

    Autumn leaves Viewing in Lake Biwa

  • Lake Biwa,  Shirahige Shrine

    Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine

Reviews

18
  • 秀齡

    待2-3天並慢遊琵琶湖東岸 & 西岸景點,行程上放鬆又愉快。

  • 楊鳳晨

    氣勢磅礡不愧為日本最大湖泊。

  • 王崙

    風景優美不在話下,附近還有一些景點很不錯。

  • Sam Lin

    湖四周的比叡山、近江富士、比良連峰雄偉壯闊的山景令人感動。

  • 珊莎

    夏天季節會感到非常舒服。

Details

Name in Japanese
びわ湖(琵琶湖)
Location
Shiga Prefecture
Tel
077-511-1530 (Lake Biwa Visitors Bureau)
Closed
Able to use anytime
Hours
Able to use anytime
Admission
Free
Access
Otsu Station, JR Biwako Line, etc.
Official Website
Official Website (English)