Lake Biwa Lake

Address: Lake Biwa (Biwako), Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free

Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, located in Shiga Prefecture northeast of Kyoto. It covers about 670 square kilometres and extends roughly 63 kilometres from north to south.

The lake is used for recreation, fishing and water supply and is surrounded by lakeside towns and cycling routes; popular activities include boating, fishing and birdwatching. Several bays, peninsulas and shoreline parks provide accessible viewpoints and visitor facilities.

Lake Biwa sits in central Honshu in Shiga Prefecture, east of the city of Kyoto and immediately north of the city of Otsu, occupying a long basin between low mountains.

• Size and extent: Covers roughly 670 square kilometres and is about 63 kilometres long, making it the largest freshwater lake in Japan.
• Wildlife and viewpoints: Home to a wide range of freshwater fish and migratory waterbirds; popular scenic viewpoints are on the eastern and western shores near the city of Otsu.

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) is served by JR trains. From Kyoto Station take the JR Biwako Line (Tokaido Main Line, trains bound for Maibara) one stop to Otsu Station (about 10-15 minutes); the lakeshore is a short walk from Otsu station. From Osaka you can take JR Special Rapid / Biwako Line services to Otsu (roughly 30-40 minutes).

By car the southern shore of Lake Biwa is about 15 km from central Kyoto (roughly a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic) and about 50-60 km from central Osaka (roughly 1-1.5 hours). Major roads serving the lake include National Route 1 along the southern shore and the Meishin Expressway to access western and northern parts.

• For classic reflections and quieter shorelines, head to Lake Biwa at sunrise from Omi‑Maiko or the northern lakeshore; the early light and calm wind give the best photos.
• If you want to experience local culture and smaller harbors, start or finish a Biwaichi (Lake Biwa loop) bike route from Otsu or Omihachiman and use the smaller ferries to reach Chikubu Island for a less crowded island visit.
• Skip the busiest weekend picnic spots by exploring the lake's eastern and northern shores (Nagahama, Hikone and Omi‑Maiko) where historical towns, castle views and quieter beaches are easily accessible by train.