Lake Biwa

滋賀県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Symbol of Shiga, the oldest and largest prefecture in Japan.

With a history of approximately 4 million years, it is the oldest and largest lake in Japan. There is no doubt that you can heal yourself in the large Lake Biwa, which spreads across Shiga Prefecture! You can enjoy unique activities on the lake, such as fishing or taking a boat to Chikubu Island.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Nature

Highlights

Point 1

Visiting the Power Spot of Lake Biwa

Located in the northwest of Lake Biwa, the Shiraishi Shrine is a power spot that has been around for over 2,000 years. It has been worshipped as a god of longevity since ancient times, and is also said to bring benefits for matchmaking, childbirth, and traffic safety. In addition, the shrine's torii gate is placed in Lake Biwa, and the contrast between the vermilion gate and the sunset is attracting attention for its beauty. On weekends, the gate is also lit up after sunset.

Point 2

Enjoy the View from a Sightseeing Boat

One of the popular attractions of Biwako tourism is the sightseeing boat, which allows you to enjoy the view of Lake Biwa from the water. Cruises depart from Otsu Port and offer two courses: a 60-minute and a 90-minute one. The boat features a sky deck where you can enjoy a 360-degree view, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy light meals and authentic cuisine. It's also recommended as a romantic date course, as it operates during dinner time as well, creating a mood-filled atmosphere.

Point 3

Enjoy Water Activities

For those who want to enjoy Lake Biwa actively, we recommend lake activities. There are many activity companies operating on Lake Biwa, where you can enjoy activities such as SAP, kayaking, and banana boarding. The recommended activity is flyboarding, which is often featured on TV. This activity uses water pressure to fly in the air, requiring a sense of balance, but allowing you to experience thrills that cannot be felt in everyday life.

Point 4

Enjoy BBQs and Camping by the Lakeside

There are over 10 campsites and barbecue facilities around Lake Biwa. One recommended way to stay is to enjoy meat and alcohol while admiring the view of Lake Biwa. Carmel Beach Club is one of them, offering a BBQ plan where you can enjoy the equipment without bringing anything except the ingredients. It's also a plus that there is a roofed BBQ space that can be used even on rainy days.

Point 5

Summer Night Sky Decorated with Fireworks

Every year in early August, the "Biwako Dai Hanabi Taikai" (Biwako Lake Grand Fireworks Festival) is held at Lake Biwa, attracting many people from the Kansai area as a popular event. A total of 10,000 fireworks are launched during the approximately one-hour fireworks show. The numerous fireworks shining in the sky above Lake Biwa are truly breathtaking. Due to the heavy congestion of surrounding hotels before and after the fireworks display, it is recommended to make reservations early for those planning a trip.

Access

Easily Accessible from Outside the Prefecture

Lake Biwa has a vast area, but the area around Otsu Port serves as a base for tourism. Otsu Port is accessible by a 17-minute walk from JR Otsu Station or a 4-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway's Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. It's also located in a place that's easy to visit from outside the prefecture, taking only 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station and about 40 minutes by train from Shin-Osaka Station. There are many rental bicycle shops around the station, so it's recommended to use them as a means of transportation on-site after arriving at the station.

Parking

Numerous Parking Lots Available Around the Station

There are many paid coin parking lots around the Biwako-Hamaotsu Station, but there are hardly any free parking lots. If you want to park your car around Otsu Port, we recommend the Hamaotsu Arcus Parking Lot (1st and 2nd), which boasts a total capacity of 500 cars. They offer a great service where you can park for free for up to 3 hours if you make a purchase of 500 yen (tax included) or more within the Hamaotsu Arcus.