Lake Biwa — Japan's Largest Freshwater Lake

Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is Japan's largest lake, covering 670 km² and holding 20% of Japan's freshwater. The lake has sustained life for 4+ million years, making it one of the world's oldest lakes. Lake Biwa provides drinking water for 14 million people in Kansai region and serves as recreational hub for boating, fishing, cycling, and beach activities.

The lake's scale creates inland sea atmosphere — shoreline stretches 235km with beaches, ports, wetlands, and mountains. The combination of water activities, Mt. Hiei views, cycling routes, and accessible location (15 min from Kyoto) makes Lake Biwa popular day-trip destination.