The beaches of Lake Biwa 琵琶湖のビーチ

In the Kansai region, not far from Kyoto, Lake Biwa is the largest lake in the country. With its 4 million years of existence, it is also the 3rd oldest lake on the planet! Its name is taken from a Japanese four-stringed musical instrument, the biwa.

See also: Japanese melodies.

Easily accessible from Kyoto, the lake can be visited particularly for its landscapes and sanctuaries scattered along its banks. But the lake has another hidden treasure: its beaches! Located mainly on the west bank, they offer a few kilometers of clear sand in the shade of pine trees and the promise of swimming in warm, transparent water ... and without the inconveniences of salt water!

Omi-maiko beach

On the shores of Lake Biwa, Omi-maiko beach is undoubtedly the most pleasant and popular. With its 4 kilometers of white sand, it is the landmark of families and groups of friends from the region looking for a bit of freshness during the stifling Japanese summer. It is bordered by a pine forest which provides welcome shade and small shops where you can buy something to eat. The Japanese also habitually organize improvised picnics and barbecues in the afternoon. Several campsites have been set up nearby, allowing you to spend the night near the water. This beach is perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon away from the big cities and recharging your batteries for a few hours. You can even rent a jet ski there!

Omi-maiko beach is also one of the most accessible. The journey is directly from Kyoto Station via the JR Kosei Line in 45 min. Get off at Omi-maiko station and walk five minutes: you are there.

You will also find a similar beach, that of Omatsuzaki, located on a point very close to Omi-maiko. To get there, follow the shore to the south!

Our dossier on beaches in Japan

Omi Shirahama Beach

Still on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Omi-shirahama beach is located further north. To get there, get off at Omi-takashima on the Kosei line. If you have time, we advise you to visit the Shirahige shrine, to admire the emblematic floating torii which has its feet in the water.

Read: Must-see Shinto shrines

Omi-shirahama beach has the advantage of being wider than its sister beaches, and therefore of offering more space to sunbathers. The water here is very clear and shallow , making it perfect for swimming, especially for children. It is also possible to rent a beach-volleyball net there for an afternoon devoted to sport, as well as windsurfing boards for water sports enthusiasts.

To top it off, after a busy day at the beach, the sunset is magnificent...

Makino Sunny Beach

Finally, at the very north of Lake Biwa is Makino Sunny Beach. With a more family atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax during the summer. The Japanese are used to parking their car very close to the sand and setting up a tent and a barbecue. You can even rent all this gear on-site if you haven't planned your own to make the most of the summer!

To discover: Camping in Japan.

Like the other beaches on this shore, the water is clear, swimming is refreshing, and the pine trees provide welcome shade... On some coasts, the sand even turns into the lawn. 

To get there, stay on the Kosei Line and get off at Makino Station.

Driving tour: On the shores of Lake Biwa