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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.
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.
Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture.
Lake Biwa, Lakeside
Lake Biwa, the setting sun.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Lake Biwa
Autumn leaves Viewing in Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine
Some reviews are translated by AI.
Spend 2-3 days slowly exploring both the east and west shores of Lake Biwa. The trip felt super relaxing and enjoyable.
The scale is truly impressive—definitely worthy of being called Japan's largest lake.
The scenery is beautiful, no doubt about it. There are also some nice spots to check out nearby.
The majestic mountain scenery around Lake Biwa, including Mt. Hiei, Omi Fuji, and the Hira mountain range, is truly moving.
It feels really comfortable here during the summer season.
