Lake Biwa

Lake ·🇯🇵 Japan

Area 666 km²

Time zone Asia/Tokyo

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Explore Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa Essentials

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, is anchored by the Edo-period Hikone Castle and the ancient Tendai monastery of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. This area serves as the gateway to Kyoto’s cultural landmarks, including the gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji and the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. The selection covers the 17th-century Nijō Castle, the Zen gardens of Ginkakuji, and the traditional geisha district of Pontochō. The journey concludes at Kyoto Station, a modern 11-storey architectural hub connecting the region via bullet train.

8 places

Temples and Shrines of Kyoto

Kyoto's religious landscape is defined by its concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient Shinto sanctuaries. This collection features architectural landmarks like the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the hillside wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, and the minimalist Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji. Historical highlights include the 1,001 Kannon statues at Sanjusangen-do and the 7th-century foundations of Kamigamo and Yasaka Shrines. These locations showcase diverse styles, from the silver-themed Ginkaku-ji to the towering pagoda of To-ji, reflecting over a millennium of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.

15 places

Historic Sites and Castles

This collection features fifteen landmarks across Kyoto and Shiga, primarily focusing on UNESCO World Heritage sites. It includes architectural icons like the gold-leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji and the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Historical defensive structures are represented by the shogunal Nijo Castle and the original Edo-period Hikone Castle. The list spans centuries of religious history, from the ancient Kamo Shrines to Zen landmarks like Ryoan-ji. These sites showcase diverse styles, including the 17th-century Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the grand headquarters of major Buddhist sects at Chion-in and Nishi-Honganji.

15 places

Scenic Viewpoints and Nature

This collection spans the diverse landscapes of the Kyoto and Lake Biwa region. Highlights include the 131-meter Kyoto Tower for urban panoramas and Maruyama Park’s historic weeping cherry trees. Nature enthusiasts can explore the 416-hectare Kibogaoka Culture Park, hike the 472-meter Nyoigatake Mountain—central to the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires—or visit the legendary Otonashi Falls in Ohara. In Omihachiman, the Hachiman-yama Observation Deck offers views of Japan’s largest lake, while Suigo Meguri provides traditional boat tours through protected wetland landscapes.

10 places