Lake Biwa, Shiga: Top Spots, Activities & Stays for Spring & Summer!

Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture—Japan’s largest lake—is gaining attention as a must-visit destination.

 While it’s always been popular for marine activities and cycling, we’re seeing more and more visitors come specifically for its breathtaking scenery and delicious local food!

In this guide, we’ll introduce the best scenic spots around the lake, fun activities on the water, local culinary specialties, and recommended accommodations for your spring or summer trip.

What is in lake Biwa ?

First, let’s explore why Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa are so popular!

Shiga Prefecture: The Perfect Addition to Your Kyoto & Osaka Trip

Located in almost the center of Japan, Shiga Prefecture is dominated by Lake Biwa, which covers about one-sixth of its area. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with numerous famous sights.

Places Rich in History and Tradition

Ukimido Hall in Otsu City (southern Lake Biwa), also known as Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple, is one of the classic “Omi Eight Views.” For centuries, its scenic beauty—appearing to float on the lake—has been admired by famous literary figures like the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho.

Also in Otsu City, but on the lake’s west side, is Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple. This is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, with its grounds encompassing the entire Mt. Hiei. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a place where you can deeply feel the weight of its history and tradition.

Retro Streets & Shopping

The area is also known for its charming retro streets and great shopping. A perfect example is Kurokabe Square in Nagahama City (northern Lake Biwa), where nostalgic streetscapes are filled with shops selling beautiful glass crafts.

On the eastern side of the lake, you’ll find historic cities like Hikone, famous for its National Treasure castle, Hikone Castle, and its beloved samurai cat mascot, Hikonyan. 

Another highlight is Omihachiman, known for its picturesque canal district, Hachimanbori.

3 Reasons for Lake Biwa’s Popularity

Lake Biwa’s growing appeal among domestic and international travelers can be summarized in three key points:

1. Excellent Accessibility

The lake’s southern area offers superb access: Otsu Station is just a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station and about 40 minutes from Osaka Station. This area is also well-equipped with swimming beaches and BBQ facilities, offering a different kind of enjoyment compared to the urban experiences of Kyoto and Osaka.

2. Ideal for Water Sports

Compared to the ocean, Lake Biwa has calmer waves and freshwater that is less sticky on the skin and doesn’t sting the eyes. This makes it a perfect and welcoming environment for beginners to try water sports like SUP and canoeing.

3. An Abundance of Scenic Spots

The lakeshore is dotted with breathtaking locations, such as Shirahige Beach, known for its iconic torii gate, and Imazuhama Swimming Area, celebrated for its beautiful pine groves along the shore. 

Furthermore, there are countless Instagram-worthy spots, which we will introduce in the following sections.

4 Must – See Scenic Spots Around Lake Biwa (Spring & Summer Recommended)

Here are four representative scenic spots around Lake Biwa that are especially lovely in spring and summer.

【Metasequoia Tree Line】A Place for All-Season Beauty

The Metasequoia Tree Line is a 2.4-kilometer avenue stretching from Makino Piccaland to Makino Highlands, lined with 500 metasequoia trees. While famously beautiful in autumn when the brick-red foliage earns it a spot among “Japan’s Top 100 Autumn Color Spots,” it gets very crowded then.

The hidden gems are spring and summer. The fresh green of spring and the deep green of summer are equally spectacular! With far fewer tourists, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through this magnificent tunnel of trees.

You Can Also Enjoy Fruit Picking at Makino Piccaland!

Makino Piccaland is an agricultural park where you can enjoy seasonal fruit picking, including rare cherries that ripen in early summer, as well as blueberries and grapes. Within the grounds, you’ll also find cafes and restaurants serving delicious treats like croissant-waffle hybrids (cloffles) and Pepper Rice made with renowned Omi beef.

Biwa Valley: A Scenic Activity Spot

Biwa Valley is a mountain resort area stretching from the summit of Mt. Utsumi (approx. 1,100m) to Mt. Hōrai, accessible in about 50 minutes from Kyoto by train and bus.

 It offers different experiences during its two main seasons:

・Green Season: Late April to Early November
Enjoy various activities like zip line adventures and scenic swings.
・Winter Season: Late December to Mid-March
Perfect for skiing and playing in the snow.

Let’s focus on two highlights of the Green Season!

Highlight 1 [Biwa Lake Terrace] – A Panoramic View from North to South!

The Biwa Lake Terrace offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the Shiga cityscape stretching from north to south. With its shimmering reflecting pool, the terrace is also a hugely popular and photogenic spot for social media.

Highlight2[Suisen Hill] –  A Stunning Hill of Daffodils

By May, the hill is in full bloom with a spectacular sea of 300,000 daffodils—one of the largest displays in the Kansai region. Take the sightseeing lift for an “aerial stroll” over the magnificent yellow flowers.

At the summit of Mt. Hōrai, you can enjoy a meal with a view. Visit Café 360, the highest terrace in the area at 1,174 meters, or the scenic restaurant Ekinaka Kitchen. The fried chicken burger set and shrimp cutlet burger set at Ekinaka Kitchen are particularly renowned for their flavor, rivaling even those from major chain restaurants.

We recommend setting aside about 2 hours for your visit to comfortably enjoy the sights and a meal.

【Mt. Biwako Hakodate】A Hidden Gem Packed with Photo Spots!

Mt. Biwako Hakodate is accessible in about 70 minutes from Kyoto using a combination of train and bus. While it takes a bit longer to reach than Biwa Valley, it’s well worth it as a less-crowded, hidden gem. Like its neighbor, it offers distinct experiences during its Green Season and Ski Season.

・Green Season: Late April to Mid-November
Enjoy the flower terraces adorned with seasonal blooms and various activities in the play zone
・Ski Season: Late December to Mid-March
Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snow rafting, and other winter sports.

With its colorful, Instagram-ready spots like “The Hill Overlooking Lake Biwa,” the mountain-hut-style “Parfait Specialty Shop LAMP,” and flower fields that change with the seasons, this is a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Highlight 1 [The Hill Overlooking Lake Biwa] – Prepare for Photo Spot Gridlock!

The main photo spots at “The Hill Overlooking Lake Biwa” are these three:

・BIWAKO SWING
A “sky swing” perched at 630m above sea level with an incredible view, where you can swing out towards the sky and the lake.
・Fūrin no Yoshi Komichi (Wind Chime Reed Path)
A soothing path featuring a collaboration between “yoshi” (a reed-like plant from Lake Biwa’s shores) and 882 rainbow-colored wind chimes.
・Niji no Curtain (Rainbow Curtain)
A colorful curtain made from Takashima City’s traditional textile, “Takashima-chijimi.”

The most breathtaking view is the sequence you experience: walking through the path lined with rainbow wind chimes, emerging before the vibrant Rainbow Curtain, and then seeing the grand panorama of Lake Biwa unfold beyond it.

Highlight2 [Parfait Specialty Shop LAMP] – A Dream of Limited-Time Parfaits

Parfait Specialty Shop LAMP is a magical café designed to evoke the image of a “gently lit night forest,” with countless lamps creating a fantastical atmosphere. 

The menu features over four types of parfaits, including limited-time offerings like matcha and peach. They also serve hearty lunch sets packed with fresh vegetables from Shiga.

Given the vast grounds of Mt. Biwako Hakodate and its many attractions, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours for your visit if you plan to include a meal.

【Shirahige Shrine】Experience the Mystery of the Floating Torii Gate

Shirahige Shrine is a stunning sight, with its iconic red torii gate standing in Lake Biwa and the main shrine building located across National Route 161. It is the oldest major shrine in Omi and is often called the “Itsukushima of Omi.”

The shrine is revered as a “God of Guidance” for all matters, including longevity, marriage, childbirth, and good fortune. The view of the torii gate against the sunset reflecting on the lake is truly mystical and breathtaking.For the best photo of this unique collaboration between the lake and the gate, head to the “Aiko Shirahige Da” observation platform. From Kyoto Station, it takes about 40 minutes by train to Omi-Takashima Station. From there, it’s a 40-minute walk to the shrine, so we recommend renting a bicycle or using the reservation-based shared taxi from the station.

Activities on Lake Biwa

From water sports to land-based adventures, Lake Biwa offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler.

Water Activities

The lake boasts a diverse selection of water activities, suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Here are some of our top recommendations.

【Shirahige Shrine Visit by Canoe】Paddle Your Way to the Shrine!

This unique activity lets you visit the iconic Shirahige Shrine—one of Lake Biwa’s most scenic spots—by canoe! It’s an excellent choice for beginners and families, as you’ll be accompanied by an instructor and can use a two-person canoe. 

A major plus is that the staff takes photos throughout the tour, so even if you’re busy paddling, you’re guaranteed great souvenir photos. The photo data is provided for free.

【Iroiro SUP】Fun for Beginners to Experts!

SUP (Stand-Up Paddling) involves standing on a board slightly larger than a surfboard, balancing, and paddling across the water. At Lakeside Terrace Biwako, guests can experience “Iroiro SUP” (Various SUP), an activity exclusive to those staying at the resort.

They offer a wide variety of SUP boards to choose from: larger boards that parents and children can ride together, sport-type boards for a more serious experience, and even boards equipped with a glass-bottom viewport for looking into the water below. This popular activity lets you pick the perfect board for your skill level and desired experience.

Cycling Lake Biwa: A Spring and Summer Adventure

“Biwachi” refers to cycling around the approximately 200 km perimeter of Lake Biwa. It’s one of the popular National Cycle Routes designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

It’s not uncommon for cyclists to visit Japan specifically to enjoy this ride over two days, savoring the local cuisine around the lake along the way.

Want to cycle but not the full 200km? No problem. Rental bikes are available with convenient one-way drop-off options.

Scenic Cycling Route: Coastal Views, Forests & Famous Landmarks

A highly recommended cycling course takes you from Imazu Port, through the lakeside pine forests of the western shore, past a vibrant spider lily habitat, up to Makino Highlands, down the famous Metasequoia Tree Line, and finally to Makino Piccaland. A highlight along the early stretch from Imazu Port is the view of Chikubu Island, often called the “Island of Mystery and Romance.”

Best Seasons for Cycling

Considering the climate and wind conditions, the best times for cycling are from spring to early summer, and autumn.

・Summer brings intense heat, significantly increasing the risk of heatstroke.
・Winter is best avoided as snow can make cycling difficult and dangerous.

Must Try Local Gourmet Food

The area around Lake Biwa is famous for its local specialties: Omi beef, saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), funazushi (fermented crucian carp sushi), and tonchan (seasoned chicken). Here are some of the highest-rated restaurants to try them.

Omi Beef Specialist Restaurant Matsukiya Honten

Matsukiya, founded in Ginza as the original Omi beef sukiyaki restaurant, is the specialist shop that popularized this premium beef nationwide. You can enjoy top-grade Omi beef as teppanyaki, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or steak.

While dinner menus are expensive, lunch is relatively reasonable, with a Yakiniku Don set for 2,970 yen.Across from the restaurant, you’ll find the Matsukiya Butcher Shop on the first floor and Hamburg Steak Matsukiya on the second. After enjoying a steak or hamburg, check out the butcher shop for Omi beef souvenirs.

Saba-zushi Tochiuumetake

This shop is located along the historic “Mackerel Road,” where salted mackerel was transported to the Kyoto imperial court. Among the many saba-zushi shops, Tochiuumetake is highly rated for its thick, fatty mackerel wrapped in slightly sweet vinegar rice and fragrant bamboo leaves.

 Saba-zushi costs between 2,300 and 3,500 yen per roll for takeout or dine-in.

Note: While they accept PayPay, credit cards and other electronic money are not accepted.

Korian

Korian is a famous restaurant where you can enjoy funazushi (Crucian Carp Sushi) and kaiseki cuisine using Lake Biwa’s bounty while overlooking the lake. The name is derived from the pen name of novelist Shusaku Endo. 

The menu features funazushi, whose acidity and rich depth pair well with sake, and “kanro-zuke,” fish marinated in sweet sake lees. Meals are by reservation only, with two seatings per day (Lunch from 12:00, Dinner from 17:00) at 15,000 yen per person. Reservations are for two or more people, and guests should be junior high school age or older. They also offer exclusive overnight stays for one group per day (2-6 people).

Ganso Ajitsuke Kashiwatorinaka (The Origin of Tonchan)

“Tonchan,” beloved in Takashima City as a “home-style dish,” was created by the previous owners of the chicken specialty shop “Torinaka.” The original “tonchan” (also called “ajitsuke kashiwa”) is lean chicken coated in a sweet and spicy miso sauce. It can be grilled and eaten as is, added to yaki udon, or breaded as tonchan miso katsu. It’s also a great item for BBQ.

Recommended Accommodations

Here are two recommended hotels with easy access to the spots mentioned above.

Lakeside Terrace Biwako: Luxury BBQ by the Lake

Discover a glamping oasis perfectly positioned between the legendary Shirahige Shrine (a 5-minute drive) and the breathtaking Metasequoia Tree Line (30 minutes away). 

Your retreat awaits in accommodations featuring the ultimate trifecta of relaxation: a rejuvenating hot spring, an invigorating sauna, and a refreshing private pool. Whether you choose a trendy dome tent, a cozy cottage, or a sprawling spa suite, your comfort is guaranteed. 

Savor the local terroir with our immersive BBQ experiences or sophisticated in-room dining, designed to delight your palate.

Forest Villa Metasequoia: Hot Springs & BBQ by the Famous Trees

Wake up to stunning views of the famous Metasequoia Tree Line from your own private villa retreat. Every villa offers the ultimate luxury: a personal hot spring for soaking under the stars, perfectly sized for groups of 2 to 5.

Get ready for a feast. Our highly-rated BBQ plan has you covered with everything you need for a memorable meal, from the first bite to the last. Prefer a quiet night in? Delicious in-room dining is just a call away.

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Useful Travel Tips Q&A

How to get to Lake Biwa?

Otsu Station, the main gateway, is just 10 minutes from JR Kyoto Station and about 45 minutes from JR Osaka Station (transfer at Yamashina Station from Osaka). 

Travel times to Omi-Takashima Station on the lake’s west side are:

・Kyoto Station → Omi-Takashima Station: 38 min
・Osaka Station → Omi-Takashima Station: 1 hr 8 min
・Otsu Station → Omi-Takashima Station: 40 min

Are there any discount passes?

O-mi Enjoyment Pass

Unlimited rides on Ohmi Railway trains/buses and Kokoku Buses for one day. Includes a round trip on the Hachiman-yama Ropeway. Price: 2,000 yen.

Website：https://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/page.jsp?id=4590

Keihan Bus IC 1-day Ticket

Unlimited rides on Keihan buses in Osaka, Kyoto, and Shiga areas (some routes excluded). Adult: 650 yen, Child: 330 yen.

Website：https://www.keihanbus.jp/local/bus_ic_1day.html#

How to avoid crowds?

The best season varies (spring for cherry blossoms, summer for water sports, etc.). Crowds tend to be smaller during the rainy season (June-July). 

Visiting popular spots first thing in the morning and using Google Maps’ crowd prediction feature can help.

What should I wear?

Temperatures vary greatly between mountaintops and urban areas.

【2023 – Otsu City – Averegage Monthly Tempreture（℃）】

For example, while the average May temperature in Otsu City is 18.8°C, it can be 7-10°C cooler at Biwako Valley. Layered clothing is essential.

Are there any fireworks festivals?

Biwako Otsu Night Cruise Fireworks: A Secret Musical Spectacle

Forget ordinary fireworks, the Biwako Otsu Night Cruise Fireworks are a truly unique, secret event. The launch location is kept hidden, creating an exclusive experience. It’s also a spectacular musical fireworks show, synchronized to a powerful soundtrack of famous movie scores, setting it in a class of its own.

Guests board a sightseeing cruise that glides across Lake Biwa towards the secret launch site, offering a private viewing of fireworks bursting directly over the water. The 25-minute display set to music is a warm and thrilling experience.

You can choose from a range of vessels, from luxurious ships to traditional yakatabune boats, with optional meal plans. This event is immensely popular, and tickets sell out incredibly fast—so if you’re interested, be sure to book your tickets well in advance!

The Grand Return: Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival

After a four-year hiatus, the magnificent Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival made a triumphant return on August 8th, 2023, and continued the tradition on the same date in 2024!

Witness approximately 10,000 fireworks launched over the lake, including stunning fan and semicircular shapes. The grand finale is a breathtaking “star mine” display that will light up the night sky in a continuous, dazzling explosion.

Pro Tip: For a secret, spectacular vantage point, look into the “Fireworks & Night View Tour from Mt. Hiei.” This tour offers the rare chance to enjoy the fireworks paired with a stunning nightscape view from near Enryakuji Temple. If the festival is held this year, the tour will likely run again—make sure to check their website frequently for updates!

Nagahama / Kita-Biwako Grand Fireworks: Music & Mirror Effects

The Nagahama / Kita-Biwako Grand Fireworks is a must-see event famous for its “water-in fireworks,” where large explosions are brilliantly reflected on the surface of the lake, and its perfectly synchronized “music fireworks.”

The “Nagahama-no-Jin” event is held over three days (September 17-19), featuring a vibrant food village with food trucks and stalls for a classic summer festival atmosphere. The “Yogo-no-Jin” event in mid-October is a special autumn treat, offering a chance to see fireworks in a cooler, crisper atmosphere—a truly different and beautiful experience.

Don’t miss the chance to see fireworks in a whole new light!

Summary

We’ve introduced you to the stunning scenic spots, exciting activities, delicious local food, and top-rated accommodations around Lake Biwa.

As we enter the perfect season to visit, the Lake Biwa area—with its wealth of attractions and adventures—is poised to become more popular than ever.

If your interest is sparked, we highly recommend starting to plan your trip soon!

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