The five Fuji lakes are one of the greatest sights to see in Japan. Check out our article on Lake Biwa.
You can travel all of Japan and you may not encounter a sight as wonderful as the five Fuji Lakes. They are impressive works of nature that are naturally formed by the run-off from the snow of Mt.Fuji. They create a beautiful scene when you can view from the air and the ground. Each lake has some defining characteristic that sets them apart from the others. In this article, we will focus on Lake Biwa.
History
Lake Biwa is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Japan at 670 km squared. It has been fed into by the many rivers that drain from the nearby mountain. It is the main outlet for the Seta River and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Japan.
The lake was established as a town in the Japan’s Edo period and was named Biwa because it was shaped like the strings of the instrument. It mostly serves as a fresh-water reservoir for Kyoto and Otsu. The lake is home to many types of fish and other wildlife and is a nature lovers dream when it comes to taking photographs. Lately, there has been an invasion of foreign fish in the lake, and the ecosystem there has taken a hit. They have even caught a largemouth bass that tied the world record for weight.
The lake has a day named after it and it is protected by many environmental legislations. The vegetation around the lake has been designated for protection to ensure future generations can enjoy the area. They have a good tourist economy that is growing every year, and they have many attractions to keep people entertained.
Attractions
There are a surprising amount of activities and places to see in the local area. Many are great for those looking to see some of the traditional buildings of Japan.
Ukimido Temple
This old temple is known for its incredible view of the lake. It is one of the Eight Views of Omi. It was founded by an old Buddhist priest to help ensure the safety and serenity of the lake and the surrounding area. It is designated as a cultural site and is not open to the public.
Biwako Valley
This is a great way to experience the true natural side of the area. The beautiful scenery of Biwako Valley changes dramatically with each season. During winter it becomes a ski resort and from the spring to fall it is open for camping and hiking. From skiing to hiking, camping to zip-lining, Biwako Valley offers a wide variety of attractions for the outdoor enthusiast.
Kusatsu Mizunomori Lotus Pond
This is a garden that has many aquatic plants. This is unusual for typical Japanese gardens, and it is well-known for having the largest number of water lilies in the country. Seasonal flowers also bloom in large numbers and change the look of the parking area. They even have the three holy trees of Buddhism on the grounds.
Kokokujunibou-no-mori
This garden was built around the spas at its center. There are multiple baths for visitors to use and you can enjoy your time with the family. You can enjoy the training rooms and the restaurant there as well.
Water Channel Tour
This lake tour takes you around Lake Nishinoko and is a gentle cruise style trip. You can enjoy the scenery while riding the old-style Japanese boat and you can reserve lunches to be served while you ride.
Hikone Castle
This castle has been designated as a national treasure and is the old house of the Li family. The Li family was known for helping open Japan to the rest of the world. The walls were built using special building techniques and you will be able to see three large pagodas there. There are many attractions on the castle grounds which makes it popular attraction.
Travel
You can get to Lake Biwa easily by train or a bus from a major bus station. When you arrive there you can also ride around in some boats, take public transport, and use other unconventional ways to get around. They have zip-line trails you can travel on as well as bike paths that you can enjoy. The hiking trails are also enjoyable.
There are other places you can visit in Lake Biwa. It is a place that has learned that tourism is important to the area. They have made great efforts to make it a more interesting area for non-Japanese. You can find many things to do to thoroughly enjoy your time on the lakeside.