Lake Biwa

#summervacay Lake Biwa, located in Shiga Prefecture just northeast of Kyoto, is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and one of the world’s oldest lakes—formed about 4 million years ago . Area: ~670 km² with a shoreline of ~235 km Depth: Up to ~104 m in the northern basin, average ~44 m Biodiversity: Home to over 1,700 documented species, including more than 60 that are endemic to the lake Role: Supplies water to ~14 million people in the Kansai region Things to Do & Must-See Spots 1. Shirahige Shrine Famous for its floating red torii gate dramatically emerging from the water. An especially beautiful sight at sunset. 2. Chikubu Island A scenic, sacred island in the north of Lake Biwa. Features ancient shrines and temples, including a shrine to Benzaiten. Accessible #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel #seascapes