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Lake Biwa

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Originally known as Lake Omi, Lake Biwa is located in the central-western part of Honshū, Japan, covering an area of 670 square kilometers, making it the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Adjacent to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, Lake Biwa served as the primary water source for both Kyoto and Ōtsu. It also supported the development of local and surrounding industries such as textiles, trout farming, and pearl cultivation, frequently appearing in Japanese literary works—especially as themes in poetry and historical war accounts. Formed around 4 million years ago due to tectonic movements, Lake Biwa is the third oldest lake in the world. Over millennia, its ecosystem has remained well-preserved, home to approximately 1,100 plant species (including 58 endemic ones), 46 fish species, 40 mollusk species, and about 70 types of aquatic plants. Its rich ecological environment has made it one of the favorite habitats for migratory birds, with roughly 5,000 species visiting annually to breed. The scenic shores of Lake Biwa have established it as one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations. In June 1945, through a public selection process, the “Eight Views of Ōmi” were chosen: “Misty Rain – The Woods of Hiei,” “Setting Sun – The Clear Stream of Seta River,” “Cool Breeze – The White Beaches of Uchidezaki,” “Dawn Fog – The Rocky Shores of Haizuki,” “New Snow – The Grand View of Mount Ibuki,” “Bright Moon – The Ancient Castle of Hikone,” “Deep Green – The Reflections of Chikubushima,” and “Silent Water – The Water Town of Azuchi-Hachiman.” These views collectively form the world-renowned “Eight Views of Lake Biwa.”

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Lake Biwa

Originally known as Lake Omi, Lake Biwa is located in the central-western part of Honshū, Japan, covering an area of 670 square meters, making it the largest freshwater lake in Japan.

Adjacent to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, Lake Biwa served as the primary water source for both Kyoto and Ōtsu. It also supported the development of local and surrounding industries such as textiles, trout farming, and pearl cultivation, frequently appearing in Japanese literary works—especially as themes in poetry and historical war accounts. Formed around 4 million years ago due to tectonic movements, Lake Biwa is the third oldest lake in the world. Over millennia, its ecosystem has remained well-preserved, home to approximately 1,100 plant species (including 58 endemic ones), 46 fish species, 40 mollusk species, and about 70 types of aquatic plants. Its rich ecological environment has made it one of the favorite habitats for migratory birds, with roughly 5,000 species visiting annually to breed. The scenic shores of Lake Biwa have established it as one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations. In June 1945, through a public selection process, the “Eight Views of Ōmi” were chosen: “Misty Rain – The Woods of Hiei,” “Setting Sun – The Clear Stream of Seta River,” “Cool Breeze – The White Beaches of Uchidezaki,” “Dawn Fog – The Rocky Shores of Haizuki,” “New Snow – The Grand View of Mount Ibuki,” “Bright Moon – The Ancient Castle of Hikone,” “Deep Green – The Reflections of Chikubushima,” and “Silent Water – The Water Town of Azuchi-Hachiman.” These views collectively form the world-renowned “Eight Views of Lake Biwa.”

Lake Biwa

Why Go: Japan’s Largest Freshwater Lake

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Japan

Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture

City: Kyoto