Hotels in Lake Biwa, Japan

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, sits in Shiga Prefecture just northeast of Kyoto, with a humid subtropical climate that brings hot summers (around 86°F / 30°C) and cold winters (around 32°F / 0°C). In summer, you can windsurf or paddleboard on the lake's calm waters, while winter draws you to the historic Hikone Castle and its samurai-era gardens. Spring's mild weather is perfect for cycling the 235-kilometer Biwaichi route, with cherry blossoms framing views of the lake and the distant Suzuka Mountains.