Shiga Prefecture surrounds Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, just a short train ride east of Kyoto. Landlocked and often overlooked by international visitors, it pairs the UNESCO-listed temple complex of Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei with the National Treasure castle at Hikone, Edo-era merchant towns, Shigaraki pottery villages, and some of Japan's finest wagyu in Omi beef.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Shiga.
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- family-friendly, lively summer crowd with windsurfing energy
- White sand shoreline (~4 km)
- Pine grove backdrop
- Windsurfing and swimming
- Changing rooms and showers (seasonal)
- Beach shops and food stalls in summer
- Parking (fee, summer season)
Omi-Maiko Beach
Lake Biwa's most popular freshwater swimming beach, a 4-km stretch of white sand backed by pine trees just north of Otsu, busy with swimmers and windsurfers in July and August.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9am on summer weekends to find parking near the beach
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- quiet, scenic, campground atmosphere
- Pine-lined white sand shore
- Ranked among Japan's top white sand beaches
- Swimming and camping
- Showers and changing facilities (seasonal)
- Parking (fee, summer season)
- Near Kaizu-Osaki cherry blossom peninsula
Makino Sunny Beach (Takagihama)
A pine-fringed white sand beach on the Kaizu-Osaki peninsula, regularly ranked among Japan's most beautiful lakeside beaches and a quieter alternative to the beaches nearer Otsu.
Editor’s tip. Book campground spots in advance for July and August weekends
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- quiet, scenic, shrine-adjacent
- View of Shirahige Shrine's floating torii gate
- Swimming area
- Parking along Route 161
- Nearby shrine and photo spot
- Quieter than Omi-Maiko
Shirahige-hama Beach
A lakeside swimming spot at the southern edge of Takashima, best known for its view of Shirahige Shrine's iconic vermilion torii gate rising out of Lake Biwa just offshore.
Editor’s tip. Arrive at sunrise for the best light on the torii gate with fewer photographers
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- seasonal, festive during cherry blossoms and calm and quiet in summer
- Nearly 4 km of cherry trees along the shoreline
- Lakeside swimming and picnicking
- Parking (fee during cherry blossom season)
- Scenic peninsula walking path
- Photogenic sunset views over the lake
Kaizu-Osaki Lakeshore
A peninsula on Lake Biwa's northwest shore famous for its nearly 4-km tunnel of cherry blossoms in spring, with a quiet swimmable shoreline in summer once the crowds have gone.
Editor’s tip. Visit on a weekday during peak cherry blossom season to avoid the heaviest crowds
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- functional port-side spot, calm rather than scenic
- Swimming area near Imazu Port
- Departure point for Chikubushima cruises
- Showers and restrooms (seasonal)
- Parking near the port
- Combine with a boat trip to Chikubushima Island
Omi-Imazu Beach
A lakeside swimming spot beside Imazu Port on Lake Biwa's northwest shore, convenient for combining a summer swim with the shorter cruise crossing to Chikubushima Island.
Editor’s tip. Combine a swim with a Chikubushima Island cruise for an efficient day trip
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Shiga’s coast.
Is Omi-Maiko Beach good for families with young children?
Yes, the southern stretch near Omi-Maiko Station has shallow, calm water and is the most popular section for families.
From the Omi-Maiko Beach editorial.
How do I get to Omi-Maiko Beach without a car?
Take the JR Kosei Line from Otsu Station to Omi-Maiko Station, about 20 minutes, then walk five minutes to the shore.
From the Omi-Maiko Beach editorial.
Is Makino Sunny Beach good for camping?
Yes, a lakeside campground adjoins the beach and is popular through the summer swimming season.
From the Makino Sunny Beach (Takagihama) editorial.
How does it compare to Omi-Maiko Beach?
It is quieter and further from Otsu, with clearer water, but has fewer food and transit options.
From the Makino Sunny Beach (Takagihama) editorial.
Can visitors swim near the torii gate?
Swimming is possible in the area, though the shoreline is narrow and best treated as a scenic stop rather than a full swimming beach.
From the Shirahige-hama Beach editorial.
Is Shirahige-hama Beach good for photography?
Yes, it is one of the more popular spots on Lake Biwa for photographing the shrine's torii gate rising from the water, especially at sunrise.
From the Shirahige-hama Beach editorial.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom at Kaizu-Osaki?
Blossoms typically peak in late March to early April, though timing varies year to year.
From the Kaizu-Osaki Lakeshore editorial.
Is Kaizu-Osaki Lakeshore good for swimming?
Yes, the shoreline offers calm, quiet swimming in July and August, well after the blossom crowds have left.
From the Kaizu-Osaki Lakeshore editorial.