Lake Biwa Summer Adventures

May 23, 2017

Lake Biwa Summer Adventures

As the largest freshwater lake in all of Japan, Lake Biwa is no stranger to tourism. Especially as the weather warms up and the days grow longer, residents and visitors alike flock to this natural wonderland for a fun and relaxing escape from civilization. Located in the Shiga Prefecture, northeast of the old capital, this lake is day-trip distance from all over Kansai. Of course you can indulge in some of the famous beachside resorts like the luxurious Ōmi-Maiko, but with 235.2 meters of shore length and 258.8 square miles in area, there are countless ways you can spend your day at the lake. We’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite ways to pass the days in the sunshine here. Whether it’s on the shores, in the air or on the waves, Lake Biwa truly has something for everyone.

Water Sports

What’s a lake without water sports? If you’re more on the adventurous side, why not check out some of these awesome tour options to get out on the water and get your adrenaline pumping!

Kayak Lake Biwa

One of the most popular sports on the lake, for those of you who don’t mind getting a little wet, is kayaking! There are various tours you can book from half-day adventures to multi-day tours with sunrise barbeques. Check out these tour companies to book your next Biwa boating adventure!

General water sports and tourism info: https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/89

Multi-day kayak tour: https://www.kkday.com/en/product/3423

Roll Across the Lake in a Water Ball

Ever seen those giant, inflated balls people can move atop the water in? Ever wanted to give it a go yourself? You’re in luck! One of the many water sport companies on Lake Biwa offers visitors the chance to try out the strange and wildly entertaining sport for themselves!

Book your water ball tour here: https://www.govoyagin.com/activities/japan-shiga-discover-lake-biwa-in-the-ball/2102

Bass Fishing

For many people, a day at Japan’s most famous lake would be incomplete without interacting with the abundant animal and wildlife species that live there. If fishing is your preferred sport, there are many options to cast your line in the bass-filled waters of Lake Biwa. If you don’t have your own gear and don’t want to worry about securing a permit, why not give one of the fishing tour companies a try?

Truth Fishing Guide Service: http://www.truth-biwako.com/english/

Zipline Tour

If testing the waters seems too standard for your lake agenda, there’s always the option to go aerial. Put your fear of heights aside for a zipline adventure like no other. Speed through the trees and above the water for a ride you’ll surely never forget!

Book your zipline tour here:

https://www.govoyagin.com/activities/japan-shiga-embark-on-a-zipline-adventure-at-lake

By Hiroaki Kaneko (琵琶湖の噴水のアート(Fountain art on Lake Biwa)) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons