Guide to Adventure at Japan’s Biggest Fresh Water Lake

I was shocked to see such crystal-clear water. We meandered past families under large white tents, the women chatting while cooking meat and vegetables over a barbecue while the men, roaring with laughter over the latest joke, sat drinking beer from cans. The children were quietly playing in the shallows of the lake, occasionally letting out a squeal at a mischievous splash of water or a stray fish.

In the Shiga Prefecture, near Kyoto and Osaka, the biggest freshwater lake in Japan hides quietly from Western tourists.

Lake Biwa is a haven from the summer heat — dive headfirst into the cool water and splash around on inflatables, kayaks or jet skis. Trek up lush mountains and enjoy the treetop views, or race down rapids from the rivers flowing off the lake.

The whole lake is encased by a looping railway, easily accessed from big cities.

Basic ‘Good to Know’ Info

The lake is massive, spanning about 670km and geologists call it one of the oldest lakes in the world. On days of high humidity, the opposite shore is hidden from view, earning it the nickname, ‘Fresh Water Sea.’ Rimmed by mountains, Biwako oozes a sacred aura during all four seasons. From birds to fish, over 1000 species and sub species are lurking in every nook and cranny.

Off to the left are more mountains — you just can’t see them

The water is bracing (aka too cold) in the winter, crisp in the spring, a relief in the summer and refreshing in the autumn. Some private beaches only officially allow swimming in the summer, but others don’t place restrictions on…