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.

Lake Biwa Essentials — Map

2008/7/30 / Public domain

A

Hikone castle

Hikone Castle is an Edo-period Japanese castle located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

B

Enryaku-ji Monastery

Enryaku-ji is a Tendai monastery located on Mount Hiei in Ōtsu, overlooking Kyoto.

C

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple)

Zen Buddhist temple featuring a gold-leaf-covered pavilion and historic gardens. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.

Jordy Meow / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Historic Buddhist temple known for its large wooden stage and scenic views, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BriYYZ / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle

Built in 1603, this castle belongs to one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World…

Wolfiewolf from / CC BY 2.0

F

Pontochō

Ponto-chō is a Hanamachi district, which literally translates as "flower town." This name is a Japanese way of saying that there are geisha…

Oilstreet / CC BY 2.5

G

Ginkakuji Temple

A Zen temple from the 15th century AD. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with famous decorative sand patterns, trees, and ponds, said…

松岡明芳 / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Kyoto Station

The Kyoto Station, a huge, 11-storey railway station for normal and bullet trains located in the heart of Kyoto, is the second largest…

Other Lists

Temples and Shrines of Kyoto Historic Sites and Castles Scenic Viewpoints and Nature