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
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.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
Recommended Accommodation in Lake Biwa
The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Lake Biwa.
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 |
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
Featured trips including Lake Biwa
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Small Group Tour
Tokaido Trail (IJT Essential)
- Tokyo
- Hakone
- Lake Biwa
- Kyoto
- Tokyo
Our original great value Japan tour
9 nights: US$2730 Read more >