Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is Japan's largest lake: 100m deep, 64km long and a shoreline of 235km. It's one of the oldest freshwater lakes in the worlds, formed more than 4 million years ago.

“Thanks to its proximity to Kyoto, Lake Biwa appears in many of Hiroshige's woodblock prints. Even now the lake is a soothing escape from the big city.”

Ruth Hubbard, Product Manager

It's supposedly named after the biwa, a guitar-like stringed instrument used in traditional Japanese music. The lake resembles the instrument's shape.

All around the shoreline are pleasant beaches and spots for water sports including windsurfing, kayaking and swimming. Overlooking the lake in the north-east is Hikone Castle. Built In 1622 it's one of the few remaining castles from Japan's feudal era.

A great base for exploring Lake Biwa is Makino on the north-western shore. The village has several traditional wooden houses and retains the atmosphere of an old fishing and trading village. Nearby, cruises run to Chikuba, an uninhabited island in the centre, home of Hogon-ji Temple.

Accommodation
Weather & Climate

Recommended Accommodation in Lake Biwa

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Lake Biwa.

Lake Biwa

Grand Park Makino

Moderate

Weather in Lake Biwa

The Climate Guide for Lake Biwa, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	6	6	10	17	21	25	29	30	26	20	15	9
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	-1	-1	1	6	11	16	21	22	18	11	6	1
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	3	4	5	6	6	5	5	6	5	5	4	4
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	None	Moderate	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	23	22	21	17	15	18	19	17	18	16	17	21
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	96	96	127	140	147	221	242	135	219	116	86	73
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	3	2