When you visit Lake Biwa, you’re standing at the edge of a 4-million-year-old piece of natural history. As one of the world’s few ancient lakes, it offers a window into a prehistoric world you can't find anywhere else.

Over millennia, it has nurtured one of the richest freshwater ecosystems on earth. There are over 1700 aquatic plants and animals that call the lake home, including over 60 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The lake’s wetlands (including Ramsar-designated sites) are a dream for bird-watchers and photographers, offering lush landscapes and a haven for diverse wildlife.

Lake Biwa sustains communities large and small, including major cities like Kyoto and Osaka, with its waters. You can discover this deep connection for yourself in the sacred shrines, strategically-located lakeside castles, and unique food traditions that all developed around this ancient body of water.

Shiga was a vital crossroads and power base for Japan's most famous warlords, and their legacy is everywhere. You can explore this history firsthand by strolling through preserved townscapes that still echo the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Shiga is a must-see for castle lovers. There are a remarkable number of old castles in the area, each with a fascinating history. Explore Hikone Castle, the lavish residence of the powerful Ii clan during the Tokugawa shogunate, see Nagahama Castle, the first stronghold of the great unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and explore the remains of Azuchi Castle, constructed by the Oda Nobunaga.