Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko) in Shiga Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko) near Kyoto is with a surface area of 672 square km and a circumference of approx. 235 km the largest and most well-known freshwater lake in Japan. The lake's depth is on average 41 m and the deepest spot is reaching 104 m. 118 small rivers/tributaries bring their water to the lake. Biwa-ko covers 1/6 of the area of the Shiga Prefecture. It is said that the name biwa is related to a Japanese musical instrument, which the lake resembles in shape. The lake is a very important water reservoir for cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Otsu. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > It is the source of drinking water for more than 15 million people in the Kansai region. Lake Biwa contains over 46 native fish species and subspecies. The surrounding mountains give this place a beautiful scenery, which was also praised in Japanese poetry. The whole area is for every season the perfect spot for outdoor lovers to go camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, island-hopping, and much much more.

My tips for local activities

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History

Lake Biwa is with an age of almost 4 million years one of the oldest lakes in the world. It is home to more than 1000 species. The area around the lake was formerly known as Omi. It was a major transportation hub between the east and western parts of Japan. In 1993 Lake Biwa was registered as a Wetland under the Ramsar Convention. Lake Biwa is a very important freshwater resource for many cities in the region. To bring this water to Kyoto a man-made waterway with the name Lake Biwa Canal was constructed during the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912). The 3rd governor of the Kyoto Prefecture Kunimichi Kitagaki (1836 - 1916) gave the green light for this difficult project in 1886 and it took 4 million workers till 1890 to finish it. The canal ends near the Nanzenji Temple and the Keage Incline in Kyoto. The water was used for generating electricity, transport of goods, irrigation, industry processes, households, and for fire protection. Famous ukiyo-e (woodblock) artists like Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) captured the beauty of the lake in a series called Eight Views of Omi.

Sightseeing spots at Lake Biwa

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Hikone - It is the largest town along the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. The biggest attraction for tourists is the Hikone Castle. One of the most beautiful castles in Japan was built in 1622.

Otsu - Otsu is the capital of the Shiga Prefecture. You will find there the largest port of Lake Biwa, important temples and shrines like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji.

Shirahige Shrine - The oldest shrine within the Shiga Prefecture is dating back over 1900 years. Its must-see feature is the large vermillion-colored torii (gate), which is standing in the water of the lake. People come here to pray for a long life.
Address: 215 Ukawa, Takashima-shi, Shiga-ken

Boat cruise on Lake Biwa - Take Michigan, an American Mississippi River paddle wheel boat, from the Otsu Port for a 60, 90, or 150-minute cruise on the lake.

Lake Biwa Museum - The museum is located within the city of Kusatsu. It explores the connection between people and lakes.
Address: 1091 Oroshimo, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0001, Japan

Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden - The botanical garden in the city of Kusatsu displays a huge variety of aquatic plants.
Address: 1091 Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga 525-0001, Japan

Popular Beaches - You should check out the well-known white sandy Omi-Maiko and Shiga Beach at the north-western shoreline. It is a great place for windsurfing.

Nagahma - The small city is a popular tourist destination with many historical attractions like the Nagahama Castle, Daitsu-ji Temple, etc...

Sakamoto - The historic town of Sakamoto is the perfect getaway to Mount Hiei (the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism), with its famous temple complex near the summit.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort - A very popular site to go snowboarding and skiing in Japan. The resort is located in the city of Otsu.

Chikubu Island - The island is easily accessible by boat from Hikone Port, Nagahama Port, and Imazu Port. You will find there beautiful shrines.

Okubiwako Campground - For outdoor lovers this is a must-see place at the north end of the lake. You can even do clamping there. The campground can be reached within a 30-minute walk from Nagahara Station.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

August

Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival (6th, 7th, 8th)
This festival is the largest fireworks show in the Kansai region. It starts at 7:30 pm and you will have the best view from Hama-Otsu.

October

Otsu Festival (2nd Saturday and Sunday)
The festival dates back 350 years and is held in the old streets of Otsu. The procession of floats is a beautiful sight. The floats are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Biwako Biennale (10th of Oct - 23rd of Nov)
The art festival will show exhibitions at more than 18 venues in Omihachiman and Hikone.

November

Hikone Shiro-Matsuri (3rd)
In this procession, children are dressed in traditional costumes of feudal lords.