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- USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726
- Australia (02) 8006 4411
Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake with a surface area of 670.4 km² and circumference of 235.2 km. The lake is also considered one of the twenty oldest lakes in the world, dating back approximately 4 million years. This long history has led to a great diverse ecosystem in the lake, resulting in about 1100 species. The lake is mainly a reservoir for Shiga's capital city Ōtsu and Japan's ancient capital Kyoto. Lake Biwa is a major source of drinking water for approximately 15 million Kansai people. Besides providing drinking water, Lake Biwa also served as a breeding ground for freshwater fish and freshwater pearl cultivation.
Home to Hikone Castle; great castle town full of historical interest
Road reproducing the streetscape of the Edo period yet with a mix of modern aspects
Largest of the Fuji Five Lakes; created by lava flows from Mt. Fuji
Known for an extraordinary depth, the deepest point measuring 161.5m