Discover the Enchanting Charms of Lake Biwa: A Travel Guide for Japan Tourists

Top Reasons to Visit Lake Biwa

Nestled in the heart of Japan, Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in the country, offering breathtaking scenery and a wealth of attractions. From serene temples to thrilling outdoor adventures, here are some top reasons to add Lake Biwa to your Japan itinerary:

• Immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture at Omi Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Tenji, renowned as the father of Japanese playing cards.
• Admire the exquisite Japanese gardens and traditional architecture of Former Takebayashi-in Temple, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Ascend to Biwako Terrace via panoramic cable car and marvel at the stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
• Sip on refreshments while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree vistas from Cafe 360, a unique mountaintop café.
• Visit the iconic floating torii gate of White Beard Shrine, renowned for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty.
• Embark on a magical gondola ride to the summit of Mount Hakodateyama, where you can witness a spectacular starlit sky on clear evenings.
• Delight in Omi Champon, a unique noodle dish originating from the Omi region, featuring a clear soup base made with shaved bonito and kelp, topped with vegetables and pork.
• Pick up a deck of traditional karuta cards at Omi Shrine, a popular souvenir among collectors and enthusiasts.
• Find exquisite handmade crafts and local products at the shops and markets surrounding Lake Biwa.
• Purchase local delicacies such as fermented black soybeans (kuromame) and freshwater fish from Lake Biwa to savor the region’s flavors.

Attractions

Omi Shrine (近江神宮)

• Key Feature: Dedicated to Emperor Tenji, renowned as the father of Japanese playing cards.
• Description: Immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture at this sacred shrine. Admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the origins of karuta, a traditional Japanese card game.

Former Takebayashi-in Temple (旧竹林院)

• Key Feature: Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Description: Explore the exquisite Japanese gardens and traditional architecture of this former temple. Take a leisurely stroll through its serene grounds and capture stunning photos of its picturesque landscapes.

Biwako Terrace

• Key Feature: Panoramic cable car ride to the summit.
• Description: Ascend to the summit of Mount Biwako and marvel at the breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a refreshing beverage at the mountaintop café while taking in the stunning scenery.

Cafe 360

• Key Feature: Unique mountaintop café with 360-degree views.
• Description: Sip on refreshments while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree vistas from this unique mountaintop café. Capture panoramic photos and soak in the beauty of Lake Biwa from a different perspective.

White Beard Shrine (白髭神社)

• Key Feature: Iconic floating torii gate.
• Description: Visit the iconic floating torii gate of this ancient shrine, renowned for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty. Capture stunning photos of the torii gate against the backdrop of Lake Biwa.

Night Gondola at Biwako Hakodateyama

• Key Feature: Spectacular starlit sky on clear evenings.
• Description: Embark on a magical gondola ride to the summit of Mount Hakodateyama. As darkness falls, the surrounding lights are extinguished, revealing a spectacular starlit sky on clear evenings. Witness the beauty of the night sky and capture breathtaking photos of the stars.

Local Specialties

• Omi Champon (近江ちゃんぽん): A unique noodle dish originating from the Omi region, featuring a clear soup base made with shaved bonito and kelp, topped with vegetables and pork.
• Fermented Black Soybeans (Kuromame): A local delicacy made from fermented black soybeans, known for its rich flavor and nutritional value.
• Freshwater Fish from Lake Biwa: Savor the flavors of freshwater fish caught from Lake Biwa, such as carp, crucian carp, and eel.

Delicacies

Omi Champon (近江ちゃんぽん)

• Description: A unique noodle dish originating from the Omi region, featuring a clear soup base made with shaved bonito and kelp, topped with vegetables and pork. Savor the rich flavors of this local specialty.

Fermented Black Soybeans (Kuromame)

• Description: A local delicacy made from fermented black soybeans, known for its rich flavor and nutritional value. Enjoy these fermented soybeans as a snack or incorporate them into various dishes.

Freshwater Fish from Lake Biwa

• Description: Savor the flavors of freshwater fish caught from Lake Biwa, such as carp, crucian carp, and eel. These fish are often prepared using traditional Japanese cooking techniques, showcasing the culinary heritage of the region.

Souvenir Guide

Traditional Japanese Playing Cards

• Description: Pick up a deck of traditional karuta cards at Omi Shrine, a popular souvenir among collectors and enthusiasts. These cards feature beautiful designs and historical significance.

Handmade Crafts

• Description: Find exquisite handmade crafts and local products at the shops and markets surrounding Lake Biwa. Support local artisans by purchasing unique souvenirs that showcase the region’s traditional skills and creativity.

Local Delicacies

• Description: Purchase local delicacies such as fermented black soybeans (kuromame) and freshwater fish from Lake Biwa to savor the region’s flavors. These culinary delights make for excellent souvenirs to share with friends and family back home.

Detailed Itinerary