Lake Biwa

All of Shiga

The largest lake in Japan, taking up 1/6 of the area of Shiga!

Shiga is so closely associated with the famous Lake Biwa that the lake is synonymous with the prefecture. It takes up 1/6 of the area of the prefecture, with a lakeshore 235 kilometers long. Lake Biwa’s history stretches back four million years, and plays an important role as the source of water for 14 million people not only in Shiga, but also in other prefectures in the Kansai area, such as Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto. This is also an indispensable place for animals and plants in addition to people, with over 1,000 different types of plants and animals making their home near the lake. Among these, there are unique kinds of fish that live only in Lake Biwa.

(c)Biwako visitor’s Bureou
(c)Biwako visitor’s Bureou

A boat trip around Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa has a variety of changing faces throughout the four seasons. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the seasons. Lake Biwa is alive with visitors enjoying cruises and water sports in summer. Summer is the best season, but the “Michigan Cruise” is good in any season. The “Michigan” is a uniquely-shaped boat with a single paddle in the rear that cruises the southern end of Lake Biwa. You can choose from 60, 90, and 150 minute cruises which feature music and a variety of foods from light meals to full-course meals. Visit the Michigan’s “sky deck” on the top floor for a guaranteed refreshing feeling when gazing out on Lake Biwa.

The dreamlike torii gate of Shirahige Shrine floating in Lake Biwa

Although there are many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples around Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine stands out as the one that brings out its beauty the best. This shrine has a 1,900 year old history, making it the oldest in Shiga Prefecture. Its most distinguishing feature is its torii gate. The large, vermillion-lacquered torii stand in the waters of the lake. Visitors flock to this location to capture a shot of the contrast of the gate and the shining lake surface as well as the dreamlike scenery at sunset and sunrise. As its name (Shirahige meaning “white beard”) suggests, the shrine blesses visitors with a long life. The main building of the shrine is located inland beyond a national road, so be sure to visit both.

For reference

Shirahige Shrine

Address

215 Ukawa, Takashima-shi, Shiga-ken
Telephone

0740−36−1555
Site

http://shirahigejinja.com/

Access

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 50 minute flight from New Chitose Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour flight from Haneda Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 10 minute flight from Fukuoka Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 10 minute flight from Kagoshima Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 2 hour flight from Naha Airport.

Kyoto is a 55 minute ride by an airport shuttle bus, and JR Omi Takashima Station is a 40 minute train ride from JR Kyoto Station by the Kosei Line (New Express train). The shrine is a 12 minute ride by city loop bus and 5 minute ride by taxi.