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Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa
Shiga

Lake Biwa, Shiga

4.5 (1192)LakeNatural FeatureEstablishment

Lake Biwa, located in Shiga Prefecture in central Japan, is the country's largest freshwater lake, covering approximately 670 square kilometers. The lake stretches about 64 kilometers from north to south and reaches a maximum depth of 104 meters. Named after the traditional Japanese lute called the biwa due to its resemblance in shape, the lake has been a vital water source for the Kansai region for over four million years, making it one of the world's oldest lakes.

The lake holds profound cultural significance in Japanese history and literature. Its shores have witnessed pivotal historical events, and the lake appears frequently in classical poetry and art. Chikubushima Island, one of the lake's four islands, houses the sacred Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, both designated as National Treasures. The lake also supports unique biodiversity, with several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, contributing to its designation as a Ramsar Wetland of international importance.

Visitors can explore the lake through various activities including pleasure boat cruises departing from Otsu Port and Imazu Port, with routes offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The Biwako Valley ski resort and recreation area on the western shore provides year-round activities, accessible via ropeway. Cycling enthusiasts can follow the Lake Biwa Canal, a historic waterway completed in 1890, or tackle the 200-kilometer circumference route popular among cyclists. The lakeside promenade in Otsu offers peaceful walks with views of the water and nearby Mount Hiei.

Lake Biwa is easily accessible from Kyoto, located just 15 kilometers to the southwest. The JR Tokaido Line connects Kyoto Station to Otsu Station in approximately 10 minutes, while Otsukyo Station provides another gateway on the JR Kosei Line. The lake's eastern shore is served by the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. Most attractions around the lake are free to access, though specific facilities like museums, cable cars, and boat cruises charge separate admission fees ranging from 500 to 3,000 yen.

The area

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Lake Biwa, Shiga, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Lake Biwa, Shiga

Incredibly huge and stunningly beautiful lake.

Nearby attractions to see

Azuchi Castle Ruins

Azuchi Castle Ruins, Omihachiman

Eigenji Temple

Eigenji Temple, Higashiomi

Shigaraki Pottery Village

Shigaraki Pottery Village, Koka

Nearby attractions to see

Azuchi Castle Ruins

Azuchi Castle Ruins, Omihachiman

Eigenji Temple

Eigenji Temple, Higashiomi

Shigaraki Pottery Village

Shigaraki Pottery Village, Koka

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Biwa reaches a maximum depth of 104 meters in its northern basin, making it not only Japan's largest lake by surface area but also one of its deepest. The lake contains approximately 27.5 cubic kilometers of water, accounting for roughly one-sixth of Japan's total freshwater volume. Its age of over four million years makes it one of the 20 oldest lakes in the world, comparable to Lake Baikal in Russia and Lake Tanganyika in Africa.

The most popular way to explore Lake Biwa is by bicycle, as the 200-kilometer circumference route, known as Biwaichi, is well-marked and mostly flat, making it suitable for cyclists of varying skill levels. Most riders complete the circuit in one to two days with overnight stops in lakeside towns. Alternatively, the JR Kosei Line runs along the western shore while the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line serves the eastern side, allowing visitors to explore different areas by train. Rental bicycles are available at major stations including Otsu, Hikone, and Nagahama.

Yes, swimming is permitted at designated beach areas around Lake Biwa during the summer months, typically from early July through late August. Popular swimming spots include Omi-Maiko Beach on the western shore and Matsubara Beach near Hikone. The lake maintains relatively clean water quality, though visitors should swim only at official beaches where water quality is monitored and lifeguards are present during the summer season. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming from mid-July through August.

Lake Biwa supports over 60 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth due to its ancient origins. Notable endemic fish include biwa trout (biwa-masu), a subspecive of cherry salmon, and several species of gobies. The lake is home to approximately 1,000 species of plants and animals in total. Birdwatchers can observe migratory waterfowl during winter months, with the lake serving as an important stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The surrounding wetlands and reed beds provide crucial habitat for rare bird species, contributing to the lake's international recognition as a Ramsar Convention wetland site.

Yes, Lake Biwa makes an excellent day trip from Kyoto, located just 15 kilometers away with train connections taking only 10 minutes from Kyoto Station to Otsu. The lake offers a completely different atmosphere from Kyoto's urban temple districts, providing natural scenery, waterfront relaxation, and outdoor activities. Visitors can easily combine multiple attractions in one day, such as taking a boat cruise, visiting Hikone Castle (one of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan), and exploring lakeside towns. The proximity makes it practical to experience both Kyoto's cultural heritage and Lake Biwa's natural beauty during a single trip to the Kansai region.
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Suchart Techasapcharoen
Nov 8, 2025
Absolute stunning. I take a bus tour and one of the place we visited is lake biwa. This place is definitely a hidden gem just like almost everything else in eastern Hokkaido. Nothing that is mindblowing but the vibe and atmosphere is so serene and i dont mind spending hours just to sit in the bench and enjoy everything i lies my eyes on. It is clean and they sell a nice ice cream there. During my visit on summer (june) it feels pretty breezy and cool unlike the hot weather that i experience in Tokyo. The issue is that it is kinda difficult to reach this place without bus tour or public transport.
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William Gunawan
Feb 4, 2025
I captured these images of "Lake Biwa" from a moving train while traveling on the 'Kosei Line' from Shin-Osaka to Tsuruga. Looking at a map of Japan, I never imagined that "Lake Biwa" would feel so expansive, almost like an ocean, until I experienced its beauty and vastness firsthand. It was a truly remarkable journey and a discovery for me.
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TimeTraveleR
Dec 9, 2024
What a place for relaxing. Great scenery over where silvery water meets the bright sky in the morning after heavy rain. A good place for onsen without doubt. Not to forget that cycling here is such a perfect place
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มานี่มาตรา มานั่น
Jul 11, 2019
Had the privilege to see Lake Biwa from a viewpoint up in Hieizan. That vantage point gives a better perspective how the lake's shape is indeed similar to a biwa, a type of traditional Japanese lute. Overwhelming size which makes sense as it is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. From what I've read, this is also considered to be one of the oldest lakes in the world given its formation was ~5 million years ago.
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Anne
Feb 21, 2024