Lake Yogo

Yogo Lake is a serene lake located north of Lake Biwa, separated by Mount Shizugatake, which rises to 422 meters. The lake covers about 1.8 square kilometers, reaches a depth of around 13 meters, and has a shoreline of roughly 6.4 kilometers. In the past, Lake Biwa was called "Oe" (the Great Inlet) and Yogo Lake was known as "Ika no Koe" (the Small Inlet of Ika), and it is also nicknamed "Kagami-ko" (Mirror Lake). This mystical lake is tied to local legends, including the tale of a heavenly maiden’s feather robe and stories of a dragon god and Kikuiwa-hime. Rich in nature year-round, Yogo Lake becomes especially colorful in spring with rapeseed blossoms and cherry varieties such as double-flowered sakura and Oshima cherry. In winter, it is also popular for smelt fishing. The lake is home to many fish species, including crucian carp, carp, eel, and catfish, as well as the rare Iwatoko catfish found only in Yogo Lake and Lake Biwa. Waterfowl also visit in the winter season. Walking paths around the lake support cycling and hiking, and events such as the Yogo Lake Festival and health marathons are held each year. By public transport, it is about a 5-minute walk from JR Yogo Station on the Hokuriku Main Line. By car, it is about 10 minutes from Kinomoto IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.