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Lake Biwako– Japan's largest lake –

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Lake Biwako

Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), also known as Biwako, is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture on the eastern side of the island of Honshu. It has a surface area of 670 square kilometers (259 square miles) and a maximum depth of 103.58 meters (340 feet), making it one of the largest and oldest lakes in the world. Its age is estimated to be at least four million years old.

Lake Biwa is not only a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities but also an essential source of water for the Kansai region, providing drinking water to approximately 14 million people. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including the endemic Biwa trout (ビワマス), a local specialty. It also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The lake is surrounded by numerous cultural and historical sites. Some of the most famous attractions include the Ishiyama-dera Temple (石山寺), a Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century and renowned for its autumn foliage, and the Hikone Castle (彦根城), a national treasure and one of only twelve original castles in Japan with its main keep still intact.

In recent years, Lake Biwa has faced environmental challenges, such as pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste, as well as the proliferation of invasive species like the bluegill. Efforts are underway to address these issues and preserve the lake’s water quality and ecosystem for future generations. These efforts include promoting sustainable agriculture, improving wastewater treatment, and managing invasive species through various initiatives.

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Attractions around Lake Biwa

Hikone Castle Hikone Castle (彦根城), located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a historic castle that holds great significance in Japanese history. It was built in t…
Genkyuen Garden Genkyuen Garden (玄宮園) is a traditional Japanese garden located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The garden was created in 1677 by the local lord, Ii Na…
Omi Hachiman Otsu (大津), nestled on the southwestern shore of Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Biwa, is the vibrant capital of Shiga Prefecture. With a population of aro…
Otsu Otsu (大津) is the capital city of Shiga Prefecture, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It has a populatio…

Getting there

By Train

From Kyoto:

  • Take the JR Tokaido/Biwako Line to stations along the eastern shore
  • Journey time: 10-40 minutes depending on destination
  • Trains run frequently

From Osaka:

  • Take the JR Tokaido Line to Kyoto, then transfer to the Biwako Line
  • Total journey time: 1-1.5 hours

For the western shore:

  • Take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station
  • Trains run less frequently than on the eastern shore

By Shinkansen

From Tokyo or other major cities:

  • Take the shinkansen to Maibara Station (northern Biwa) or Kyoto Station
  • Transfer to local lines to reach lake destinations
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