Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, covering about 670 square kilometers—roughly one-sixth of Shiga Prefecture. It is said to have been named because its shape resembles the musical instrument “biwa,” though the name “Biwako” is believed to have become common from the Edo period. The nearest station is JR Otsu Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the lakeside. Because there are many areas with few jagged rocks, there are also many spots suitable for lakeside camping. Matsubara Swimming Beach, known as the venue for the Birdman Rally (Human-Powered Aircraft Contest), becomes lively in summer with people enjoying lake swimming. A recommended way to experience Lake Biwa is the “Biwako Cruise.” You can board at three ports—Otsu Port, Nionohama Tourist Port, and Yanagasaki Lakeside Park Port—and enjoy meals while taking in panoramic lake views. On a full-day course, you can also visit Chikubu Island, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. There, Hogon-ji Temple (the 30th temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage) and Tsukubusuma Shrine are known as power spots.