Lake Biwa: the Largest Lake in Japan
Best Things to Do at Lake Biwa
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Lake Biwa (Biwako), located in Shiga Prefecture in Western Japan, is the largest lake in Japan, and it occupies about one sixth of the prefecture’s area. The enormous lake is one of the hottest tourist sites, and there are numerous things to do in the Lake Biwa area from seeing the fantastic view of Biwa Lake to fun activities you can enjoy on the lake.
The serene nature spot is also surrounded by historical landmarks including shrines and temples. It has got more popular among tourists to visit Lake Biwa partly because it is so accessible from the neighbor cities like Kyoto and Osaka.
Today, I’d like to introduce Lake Biwa and best things to do around there.
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▽Recommended local tours around Lake Biwa▽
1. Viewing the breathtaking view of Lake Biwa
Biwa Valley is located in the west of Lake Biwa, and you can climb up the mountain by the high-tech aerial cable car. The top of the mountain (about 1100 m high) overlooks the breathtaking views of Biwa Lake. There are cafes with open-air seats where you can enjoy the panoramic scenery. Biwa Valley changes its face with season: the beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in spring and the scenic ski resort in winter. Visiting Biwa Valley in any seasons is one of the most recommended things to do near Lake Biwa.
<< Book online: Day trip to Biwako Valley Ski Resort from Osaka or Kyoto!>>
2. Visiting Shirahige Shrine
There is a red-colored great Torii gate on Lake Biwa, which is Shirahige Shrine. The sacred shrine, the head of about 300 Shirahige shrines around Japan, has been loved by local poeple since it was built over 2000 years ago. Don’t forget to take a wonderful photo of the iconic attraction of Shiga Prefecture.
▶Shirahige Shrine : The Hidden Floating Torii Gate
3. Cycling along the shore
Not just on the lake but also along it, Lake Biwa entertains everyone from children to adults. Cycling around the shore of the tranquil lake totally refreshes you. Guides take you to traditional villages filled with nature such as seasonal flowers and rice fields. A Bento lunch box including local rice and seasonal ingredients is served for lunch.
<<Book Online: Half-Day Bike Tour in Maibara>>
4. SUP or walking on the water
You shouldn’t miss exciting activities on the transparent lake and SUP (Stand Up Paddling) with gentle waves is a recommended one there. You can not only learn the basic skill of SUP but also see the tiny islands on the lake and other landmarks on the board. There is other unique options you can exercise on Lake Biwa: walking on the water.
5. Windsurfing
For active travelers to Lake Biwa, windsurfing is also recommended to experience. Lake Biwa is a perfect place to enjoy that activity since it gets stable winds to enjoy windsurfing all the year around. Beginners can learn the basic skills of windsurfing from sailing to turning.
6. Cruise on the lake and the island-hopping
How about enjoying cruises on the largest lake in Japan? There are some gorgeous cruises on the lake, and you can enjoy the 360° panoramic views from the roof top of the ship and eating buffet. Four tiny spiritual islands float on Lake Biwa and you can access the three populated islands by cruise: Chikubushima Island, Okishima Island and Takeshima Island.
▽Check out 10 best things to do in Shiga!▽
Lake Biwa and Shiga Prefecture are not well-known as a tourist attraction by foreign visitors, however, only Shiga is worthy visiting just Lake Biwa. There are rich nature, historical buildings, Japanese traditions and less tourists than Kyoto. Why don’t you extend your trip to Shiga from Kyoto or Osaka? For more info about travel in Japan, check these articles below!
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Written by
Hi! I’m a writer and editor at Japan Web Magazine. Since 2017, I’ve written over 500 articles covering a wide range of Japan-related topics—must-visit travel spots, local food culture, helpful travel tips, seasonal events, anime, manga, and more. I travel all over Japan, from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. My hobbies, such as hunting for the best ramen shops and keeping up with the latest anime every season, help me share the magic of Japan with people from all over the world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Japan fan planning your dream trip, I want to help you experience the best of what this country has to offer. After traveling to many countries around the world, I still love Japan the most, and I continue to share information while making the most of my perspective as someone who was born and raised here. [Connect with me] ▷You can find more of my writing and follow my latest thoughts on Japan over on Medium. A bit more about me: [Traveler at heart] ▷Most unforgettable trip: Chichijima Island, a remote island that takes over 23 hours to reach by ferry from Tokyo! ▷Favorite neighborhood in Tokyo: Kagurazaka [Foodie life] ▷Obsessed with sushi and ramen ▷Proud foodie moment: Scored a seat at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro [Passionate otaku] ▷Favorite anime: March Comes in Like a Lion and Attack on Titan ▷Manga I live by: One Piece and Slam Dunk
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