2025 Lake Biwa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#lake #Biwakoattractions #thebiggestlake #JapanTravel lake biwa Lake Biwa, located in the central area of ​​Shiga Prefecture, belongs to the first-class river "Yodogawa River System" and covers an area of ​​approximately 670 square kilometers, accounting for approximately one-sixth of the total area of ​​the prefecture. The amount of water injected from the Ibuki Mountains, the Suzuka Mountains, the Hira Mountains and the surrounding mountains with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters reaches 27.5 billion tons. It is the largest lake in Japan with the largest water storage capacity and the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is also one of the only 20 ancient lakes in the world. I highly recommend the Shiga Prince Hotel. It has a large space and beautiful environment. It is perfect for walking around the lake in the morning and evening. #KYOTOShiga #ShigaPrince #First-grade river #100 ways to travel

Shiga Prefecture - Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival The Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition in Shiga Prefecture! The fireworks display at Japan's largest lake is grand and breathtaking.👏 ☑️ This fireworks festival features 10,000 fireworks✨ ☑️ The launch site is right in front of the Lake Biwa Hotel! ☑️ A powerful fireworks festival! ☑️ Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, offers stunning reflections of the fireworks on its surface. ☑️ The venue, Otsu City, and Kusatsu City, where the fireworks can be seen, are easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, even though they are in Shiga Prefecture! 📍 Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival

⁡ I went to Oku-no-shima (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture), a small island that became connected to the mainland due to the drop in the water level of Lake Biwa! ⁡ Oku-no-shima is a bird habitat and floats about 200 meters offshore. Since the beginning of December last year, the water has receded, and a road has appeared. Since there is a single road from the shore to the island, it has been in the news as if it were the French monastery "Mont Saint-Michel" 😌 ⁡ The road was in the water, but when you walk on it, it feels solid and feels like you are on a sandy beach 😳 There were many birds swimming in the lake, and it was beautiful ✨🦢 ⁡ In Oku-no-shima, my shoes got stuck in the mud and sank, but I was able to take a beautiful picture while rinsing them in the lake (6th photo) 👟😂 7th to 9th photos are photos I took in Oku-no-shima 📷 ⁡ ⁡ 📍Oku-no-shima Location: Kohoku-cho, Nagahama-shi, Shiga Parking: Free ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ #Lake Biwa #Shiga Prefecture Tourism #Island #Wild Birds #Oku-no-shima #Scenic Spot #Tourist Spot ⁡

I went to see the sunrise at Lake Biwa in Shiga ✨ It seems like the sunrise is at 4:44 at this time of year 🌅 The sunset always falls on the opposite side of Lake Biwa, so Lake Biwa seems like a good place to see the sunrise 🌊🌿 All of the sky is unprocessed ✨ It was really nice to be along Lake Biwa in the morning when there was no one around 🎵 When it comes to beach mornings, coffee and hot sandwiches are the best ✨ We prepared our own and enjoyed it ☕️ I recommend early morning Lake Biwa mornings 🌿 The sun sets on most of the seas in Kansai, so I think Lake Biwa is a hidden gem for the sunrise ❤️ I was moved by the moment the sunrise came out 🌅🌟 I want to do it again when I can get up early ☕️✨ #ShigaTourism #LakeBiwa #BeachMorning

It’s too late to write Tim🤣 There should be no snow now in summer I went to this ski resort in Lake Biwa in early March this year! To be at JR "Shiga Station", then there is a bus stop as soon as you exit JR To note that the shifts are not frequent, you have to find the schedule on the Internet and then change the time to go better! However, there are some taxis in the head that will tempt you to get on the bus, but the day I went it was just right to get the bus so I don't know how much the taxi costs! Take the bus up and have to buy tickets to take the cable car up the mountain! The cable car seems to be the fastest in Japan? ! 5 minutes to the mountain You can rent skiing when you go up in the winter however we did not choose to ski that day Although I was still able to ski when I went! But actually it melts the snow has a lot to hold! I see it has different little games and can ride the d crane! If you have time it is highly recommended to go because the view is beautiful! It should be said that from sitting under the jr the view is beautiful! #Register HotelSleeper #OsakaTrip #OsakaFreeTrip #OsakaGood Places #Lake Biwa

An art museum on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. I enjoyed the works of Hirayama Ikuo and Raku Kichizaemonkan. It seems like they put more effort into special exhibitions than permanent exhibitions. The Fujii Fumiya and Banksy exhibitions are also on! I didn't have much time that day, so I wasn't able to explore much, but there is a cafe inside, so it looks like you can relax and browse the museum. #artmuseum #gw2022jp

Hikone Castle is a quick stop away from the Shinkansen. It's one stop from Maibara Station to Hikone Station, and from there it's about a 15-20 minute walk. One of the few castles with a remaining castle tower, it's a small but beautiful sight that you can look at for ages. The view of Lake Biwa is also magnificent. Perhaps because the grounds are so large, it's surprisingly not visible from the surrounding area, so when you finally reach the top after climbing the stone steps and see the castle tower, you'll be quite excited. The admission fee is 800 yen, which also allows you to see Genkyuen Garden on the grounds.

The exterior of the Sagawa Art Museum. There were sculptures on display, and the garden and museum were so beautiful that many people were taking photos! An art museum on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. This is also one of Kyoto's most representative art museums, along with the Miho Museum. I enjoyed the works of Hirayama Ikuo and Raku Kichizaemonkan. It seems that they put more effort into special exhibitions than permanent exhibitions. Fumiya Fujii and Banksy exhibitions are also being held!! #artmuseum #gw2022jp

To Shiga Prefecture • Lake Biwa Everglades! This is a continuation from last time!! We came to Shiga Prefecture for a glamping experience! The bath is like the picture. The dinner for the easy plan was a great treat! The T-bone steak was super delicious! #gourmettrip The kids were also very happy! It was a fun memory! We have also uploaded a video of this trip to YouTube! Please take a look!! #family #familytrip #familyfriendly #familymemories #shiga #glamping #lakebiwaeverglades #everglades #canoe #outdoors #yassantv1977 #youtuber #tourism #tourismsupport #touristtouristplace #touristdestination #withkids #wanttoconnectwithhotellovers #photographyguideattouristtouristplaces#travelinspiration#instagrammable×beautifulwomen#immediatelyusablephotographytechniques#distinctiveaccommodation

To Everglades Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture! This time, we came to experience glamping for the first time in a while! This is a facility that just opened! We enjoyed canoeing with the family! This time, we chose the easy plan, so all the ingredients for dinner were prepared. Glamping is really fun! The kids were very happy! It became a fun memory! We have also uploaded a video of this trip to YouTube! Please take a look! #family #familytrip #familyfriendly #familymemories #shiga #glamping #EvergladesLakeBiwa #Everglades #canoeing #outdoors #yassantv1977 #youtuber #tourism #tourismsupport #touristtouristplace #touristdestination #withkids #wanttoconnectwithhotellovers #photographyguidefortouristplaces #travelinspiration #instagrammable×beautifulwomen #immediatelyusablephotographytechniques #distinctiveaccommodation

Shirahige Shrine A vermilion-lacquered torii gate floating in the lake, a spectacular power spot⛩ There is a large vermilion-lacquered torii gate in the middle of Lake Biwa, and the shrine is located across National Route 161. Widely known as 'Shirahige-san' or 'Myojin-san', it is the oldest shrine in Omi, also known as Omi's Itsukushima. The daytime view is wonderful, but the view in the evening is also exceptional. If you look at the torii gate on the lake at different times of the day, you can see a wonderful ⛩ large torii gate✨✨🌅 215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture #Lake Biwa #Power Spot #Spectacular View

I've picked out 5 recommended spots in Shiga Prefecture that I'm glad I visited! ① Biwako Terrace ② Hikone Castle ③ Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei ④ Lake Biwa ⑤ Ishiyama-dera Temple Shiga has lots of great tourist spots, including Lake Biwa! If you're going to Shiga, be sure to visit them 🤗 #recommendedlist #shiga

Hello! My name is Shinya and I post about architecture and travel on Instagram! Today, I'd like to introduce Shiga Prefecture, which has a variety of tourist attractions! My house is close to Shiga Prefecture, so I often go there for drives, and it's fun because there are so many things to see! If you're interested, please take a look at this😚 #Springtimetrip #Themepark #Amazingview #Cooltravelexperience #Readytousephotographytechniques

I visited Hikone Castle. I went with a history buff and he said, "It's a traditional structure. There are many ingenious measures that make it difficult for enemies to attack." I think it's meant to be difficult to attack, but it's located on a slight hill and has a great view. I went at dusk, so there were few tourists and it was a quiet and relaxed time. #2021c #Retro townscape

Hikone Castle is located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. This is the home ground of Hikonyan, the mascot character that took the world by storm a few years ago. Hikonyan shows are held here several times a day. He's so cute and hasn't lost his charms... You should definitely see him... Also, I love Omi beef, it's tender and juicy. #Snowscape #FreeSpot

〒521-0081 Address: 605-10 Tawada, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed: Tuesday Parking: 360 spaces (free) Admission fee: 1300 yen for adults (junior high school students and above), 700 yen for ages 4 and above, free for ages 3 and under This place is a place where you can feel the healing of nature with all five senses. Beautiful mountains and gardens. The sound of swaying trees and chirping birds. The scent of flowers and trees that change with the seasons. The taste of freshly picked vegetables and fruits. The warmth of coming into contact with animals and nature. You can spend your time leisurely as you like. #ShigaPrefecture #RoseBerryTawada　#WeekendTrip #Walk #BotanicalGarden #CoupleTrip

Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture is famous for its mascot character Hikonyan. It is especially recommended to visit during the autumn leaves and cherry blossom seasons. I have been there several times, and Hikonyan sometimes greets you at the entrance, and you can take photos with him. You have to climb very steep steps to reach the castle tower. Hikone Castle 1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture #Autumn Leaves #Maple

Eigenji Temple, Shiga Prefecture Eigenji Temple is located deep in the mountains of Shiga Prefecture. This temple is famous for its autumn leaves. You have to climb the stone steps to get to the temple, which is lined with maples, and it is very beautiful in the autumn leaves season, so it is crowded with many tourists. The admission fee is 500 yen. 41 Takano-cho, Eigenji, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture #autumn leaves #maple

#Hikone Hikone Castle is a national treasure. There are only five national treasure castles in Japan, so it is one of the precious castles. You can enjoy the view of Hikone City and the surrounding towns from the castle tower. (However, there is a fence.) In addition, Ii Naosuke, who was born here in Hikone, was the protagonist of the first taiga drama, and there is a stone monument in his honor. (Outside the castle) Also, Hikone City's mascot, Hikonyan. It was on display at a stone statue shop in the city. Also, Omi Chanpon, a specialty of Shiga Prefecture. Omi Chanpon itself is said to have originated in Moriyama City, but it is very delicious and contains a lot of vegetables, so it is a healthy dish. Also, although I did not visit this time, the annual Birdman Contest is also held in Hikone City, and I think there are still many wonderful places to see in Hikone. By the way, the time spent on the ground on this trip was about 3 hours. #Summer trip

You can take the ropeway to the top of the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. The view is beautiful even on a cloudy day. The price is a little high, but I was able to relax in the cafe, which was very relaxing.

This is a very mysterious torii gate at Lake Biwa. I took a taxi from a nearby station, and got a business card to use on my way back. The shrine is on the other side of the road, and there is a lot of traffic and no crossings, so please follow the traffic rules. There were many people doing things like w sup, which looked fun. I'll try it next time.

When you think of glamping sites, what comes to mind❓🤔 The glamping site "Stagex Takashima" in Shinasahi-cho, Shiga Prefecture is a stylish facility where you can enjoy camping, glamping, and day-trip BBQs😳🏕 Lake Biwa is nearby, so you can spend a very relaxing and elegant time‼️✨ Why not come and visit once? 😁 #camping #Lake Biwa #Stagex Takashima #supporting tourism#great views#trip to enjoy spring

●Name Biwako Terrace ●Access 40 minutes on JR from Kyoto Station to Shiga Station 10 minutes on a local bus to Biwako Valley After arriving at the foot of the mountain, take the ropeway to the top 2,600 yen *It's easier to go by car, but you'll need to use the ropeway, so it'll cost 2,600 yen ●Points Biwako Terrace has three areas: Main, North Terrace, and Cafe 360 There are plenty of outdoor activities so children can enjoy themselves all day Also, flowers🌼 bloom according to the season, so you can take a stroll As a mountaintop terrace with a spectacular view, you can see the magnificent view of Lake Biwa from every area. You'll feel like you're in a Western mountain🏔 resort #Shiga #Spectacular views #Enjoy nature #Spectacular views #Famous flower spots

Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. 🇯🇵 Since I discovered this treasure, every time I go to Kansai, I will definitely stay here for two or three days. After breakfast in the morning, I borrow the hotel's bicycle to travel half a circle, looking at the beautiful scenery of the lake, my mood is infinitely comfortable, and I really feel like I don't want to wake up from the dream🍃 #Lake Biwa #lakebiwa #Shiga Prefecture #Overseas Travel

The most significant and historical building and castle in the city of Hikone, Shiga, Japan. You walk up lots of stairs while you visit here. The museum was excellent and had a lot of English on signs and many beautiful artifacts and an Edo house on show here. Then up the stairs to the castle to join a small queue up ladder stairs to get to the top! Great adventure. We then walked to the plum orchard via nesting herons which was a beautiful walk. Popped into the garden the plum orchard walk was so gorgeous we skipped walking around the small garden. Highly recommended trip from Kyoto- only an hour on the train and we spent all morning walking to and around the castle ( about 15 mins walk from train station). Definitely worth a visit, castle, museum and garden with a nice view. #givethanks #givethanks

Beautiful cry! Japan's dreamy waterbirds, Kyoto, small travel guides, nets, red photographs, holy places, hh/ , have always been obsessed with Japanese vermilion, and looking for distinctive torii is every time I come to Japan. One of the goals. This time I came to Kyoto to finally check out the net red water bird house: Baishou Shrine. Transportation From Kyoto Station, take JR to Yamagata Station and transfer to the Biwa Line to Omi Takashima Station. You can choose to take a taxi or walk after you leave the station. Personally, you can walk on the one hand. On the one hand, it is because it is quite biased. It is not an easy task to get a car. On the other hand, it is about 30 minutes on foot. Moreover, the road will pass through Wuhu, which is very suitable for taking pictures. Stopping and taking pictures at the edge of Lake Biwa will soon arrive. Photo Raiders: The road to Baishen Shrine will pass through Wuhu. The water here is very clear. You must know that Wuhu is the only designated water source for SK2 products. When the weather is good, the lake is very Blue, it is very suitable for taking photos of Japanese style. If you want to take a good-looking Baishou Shrine, it is recommended to choose a sunny day. In the afternoon, it will be backlit at noon. The afternoon light is best for shooting, especially when it is more than five o'clock. Very beautiful evening (the dusk I met this time is not the most beautiful, I have seen other photographers shoot, really fried chicken!!) next to the white mustard / Hh/ Near the Shishou Shrine, the stone monument facing the Shisu Shrine is about 3 minutes left. There is a traditional Japanese ramen shop, a very authentic Japanese ramen, recommended to you.

Haluka Restaurant is located at the Biwako Observation Deck, which requires a cable car ride to reach. With endless views of the lake and mountains, the observation deck also features recreational facilities, making it a great attraction. There are several restaurants at the observation deck, and Haluka specializes in Western cuisine. The ambiance is excellent, combined with the cloud-level scenery— it's truly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. 😎 👉 Highly recommend the Grilled Sirloin Steak. The flavor is outstanding, and the value for money is exceptional. When paired with the scenic views on a good weather day, it’s definitely one of life's great pleasures. 🤔

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, is located about 30-60 minutes by car from Kyoto city center. It serves as a perfect extension destination for your Kyoto trip, offering natural scenery, historical and cultural sites, and a variety of water activities. Here are some classic experiences around Lake Biwa: --- ### **🌊 Must-Visit Attractions at Lake Biwa** #### **1. Omihachiman (Shiga Prefecture)** - **Highlights**: Riverside charm + Historic townhouses - **Transportation**: Take the JR Tokaido Line to "Omihachiman Station," then transfer to a bus or rent a bicycle - **Activities**: - Enjoy a boat ride along the "Hachiman-bori" canal, flanked by Edo-era white-walled warehouses and willow trees. - Climb to the "Mount Hachiman Castle Ruins" for panoramic views of Lake Biwa (cable car available). - Savor Omi beef dishes (try the sukiyaki at "Akadama" restaurant). #### **2. Shirahige Shrine (Takashima City)** - **Highlights**: The "Torii Gate in the Water" of Lake Biwa - **Transportation**: Take the JR Kosei Line to "Omi-Takashima Station," then a 10-minute taxi ride (or rent a bicycle) - **Best Time**: Sunrise or sunset, when the torii gate and its reflection create a stunning view (may freeze in winter). - *Tips*: The shrine itself is small, ideal for photography and exploring nearby attractions. #### **3. Hikone Castle (Hikone City)** - **Highlights**: One of Japan's five National Treasure castles + Adorable mascot "Hikonyan" - **Transportation**: Take the JR Tokaido Line to "Hikone Station," then a 15-minute walk - **Activities**: - Visit the well-preserved castle keep and enjoy views of Lake Biwa from the top. - Experience Japanese tea and snacks at the "Genkyu-en" garden. - Catch "Hikonyan" performances (2-3 times daily, schedule varies). #### **4. Biwako Valley (Otsu City)** - **Highlights**: Mountain-top observation deck + Outdoor activities - **Transportation**: Take the JR Kosei Line to "Shiga Station," then transfer to a cable car - **Activities**: - Ride the cable car to the summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Biwa. - Enjoy paragliding in summer or skiing in winter (at Omi-Maiko Ski Resort). --- ### **🚴 Recommended In-Depth Experiences** - **Cycling Around the Lake**: The full loop around Lake Biwa is about 200 km, with dedicated bike paths. Try the "Ogoto Onsen → Shirahige Shrine" segment. - **Lake Activities (SUP/Kayaking)**: Experience water sports at "Biwako Terrace" or "Oku-Biwako." - **Hot Spring Tours**: Relax at "Ogoto Onsen" or "Nagahama Kurokabe Onsen" with lake views. --- ### **🍱 Lake Biwa Food Highlights** - **Omi Beef**: Premium wagyu second only to Kobe beef (try "Omi Beef Restaurant Karo"). - **Funazushi**: Traditional fermented sushi made with Lake Biwa's freshwater fish (an acquired taste). - **Biwako Beer**: Local craft beer, pairs perfectly with lake fish dishes. --- ### **🚆 Transportation Guide** - **From Kyoto**: - JR Tokaido Line (Kyoto Station → Otsu/Hikone direction, about 20-50 minutes). - Keihan Electric Railway to "Hama-Otsu Station," then transfer to a sightseeing boat. - **Recommended Passes**: - "JR Kansai Wide Area Pass" (ideal for multi-region travel). - "Lake Biwa One-Day Pass" (includes bus rides + attraction discounts). --- The tranquility of Lake Biwa contrasts sharply with the bustling atmosphere of Kyoto. If time permits, consider spending 1-2 days at a lakeside hot spring inn (such as "Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel") to enjoy the slow-paced beauty of the lake and mountains. 🌅