Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 7, 2026
Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake, and its surface area covers approximately one-sixth of Shiga Prefecture, earning it the nickname "Mother Lake." With a history spanning about 4 million years since its formation as ancient Lake Biwa, it is home to over 1,700 species of aquatic plants and animals. In 2015, it was designated a Japan Heritage site. Activities such as canoeing, boating, sailing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) can also be enjoyed around Lake Biwa. This article presents a selection of recommended day trip plans to Lake Biwa.
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Lake Biwa is very large, so it's difficult to visit all the tourist spots in one day. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a route that suits your travel style.
For those who want to enjoy spectacular views and photography, we recommend "Shirahi Shrine" and "Biwako Terrace." For those who want to enjoy historic streets and sweets, we recommend "Omihachiman" and "La Collina Omihachiman."
Let's start the morning at Shirahige Shrine.
Shirahige Shrine is located in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, and its main attraction is the large vermilion torii gate standing in Lake Biwa. Behind it lies a vast lakescape, and it is known as one of the oldest shrines in Omi Province, with a history of approximately 1,900 to 2,000 years.
At sunrise, you can witness the magical sight of the sun rising between the torii gates, making it a popular photo spot.
Let's head to Biwako Terrace around lunchtime.
Biwako Terrace is located on the summit of the Hira mountain range and is accessible by ropeway. From the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Biwa from both the north and south, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms and daffodils in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and a ski resort in winter.
The Omihachiman area is a popular tourist destination where you can find old townscapes, waterside scenery, and the culture of Omi merchants.
First, take a stroll along Hachimanbori Canal and through the old town, enjoying the atmosphere of the historic townhouses. Afterwards, we recommend enjoying an Omi beef lunch.
In the afternoon, we went to La Collina Omihachiman.
This is the flagship facility of Shiga's long-established confectionery brands "Taneya" and "Club Harie," and is famous for its thatched roof architecture, Baumkuchen, and Japanese sweets.
Taneya:https://taneya.jp/
Club Harie:https://clubharie.jp/
The Lake Biwa Museum is a facility that focuses on the history, ecology, and lives of people associated with Lake Biwa.
In addition to permanent exhibits, the aquarium also boasts a wide variety of freshwater organism exhibits and interactive content, making it a popular destination for family trips.
Shirahige Shrine is a representative tourist spot around Lake Biwa.
The vermilion torii gate standing in the lake and the spectacular view of Lake Biwa are its main attractions, making it especially recommended for morning and evening photography. With a history of approximately 2,000 years, it is believed to bring blessings for longevity, academic success, and traffic safety.
Biwako Terrace is located on the summit of Biwako Valley mountain in Otsu City.
A short 5-minute ropeway ride takes you to the mountaintop, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa. It's a popular spot for couples, friends, and photography enthusiasts.
The Metasequoia tree-lined avenue is located in the Makino district of Takashima City.
Approximately 500 metasequoia trees line the 2.4km stretch, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons: a green tunnel from spring to summer, golden hues in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter.
Hachimanbori is a historical canal located in Omihachiman City.
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it was used as an important waterway supporting the logistics of the castle town and greatly contributed to the development of the Omi merchants.
Even today, white-walled storehouses and historic merchant houses remain, allowing visitors to enjoy the charming scenery unique to a waterside town.
| Lake Biwa spots | Characteristics of a day trip | Recommended Travelers | Estimated length of stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirahige Shrine | A vermilion torii gate on the lake | Couples and photography enthusiasts | Morning or evening |
| Biwako Terrace | Scenic spots accessible by ropeway | Couples and friends | Half a day to one day |
| Omi Hachiman | Old townscape and waterside scenery | Lover of Japanese culture | AM to PM |
| La Collina Omihachiman | Baumkuchen and sweets | Couples and families | tea time |
| Lake Biwa Museum | A facility where you can learn about ecology and culture. | Families and seniors | half a day |
Omi beef is a representative gourmet food of Shiga Prefecture and is one of Japan's three major wagyu beef brands.
It can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including yakiniku (grilled meat), sukiyaki, steak, and nigiri sushi. Its appeal lies in the sweetness of its high-quality fat and its rich umami flavor.
Funazushi is a fermented food made with nigorobuna (a type of carp) from Lake Biwa and Omi rice.
Characterized by its unique sourness, it's recommended for those interested in traditional Japanese fermentation culture. Some shops also offer easy-to-eat varieties suitable for beginners.
Red konjac is a specialty ingredient of Omihachiman.
Characterized by its vibrant red color, it is often used in oden (Japanese hot pot) and local cuisine. It also pairs well with Omi beef dishes and lake fish dishes, and is a popular souvenir.
If you only want to visit Shirahige Shrine and Omihachiman, a day trip is perfectly sufficient. However, if you want to leisurely enjoy the Metasequoia tree-lined avenue, Shirahige Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and the lakeside scenery, it's recommended to stay overnight in Takashima City.
This glamping villa in Shiga Prefecture is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto.
The hotel features a private pool, a private hot spring bath, and a self-service night bar. The menu includes luxurious options such as ribeye steak and Omi beef sirloin steak.
This glamping facility features covered BBQ areas in all guest rooms.
In the center of the facility is a free drink area exclusively for guests, and you can also use the private open-air hot spring. In the evening, you can relax by the bonfire area in your private garden.
This resort glamping facility boasts stunning views of Lake Biwa. A complimentary bar is available daily under the starry sky canopy in the center of the facility.
Enjoy luxurious meals such as sirloin steak, Omi beef steak, and wagyu shabu-shabu in a relaxed, Mediterranean resort-like atmosphere. Another attraction is the opportunity to enjoy an authentic outdoor sauna while gazing at the spectacular view of Lake Biwa.
Lake Biwa is easily accessible for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. If you want to enjoy spectacular views, Shirahige Shrine and Biwako Terrace are recommended, while Omihachiman is a great place to stroll through a historic townscape.
The Lake Biwa Museum is also popular with families. Because Lake Biwa is so vast, instead of trying to see everything in one trip, it's more enjoyable to choose a theme and enjoy different areas at a time for a more comfortable day trip.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
