Makino Sunny Beach (Takagihama)

Makino Sunny Beach, also known as Takagihama, sits on the Kaizu-Osaki peninsula in Takashima City on Lake Biwa's northwestern shore. Its fine white sand and clear, pine-fringed shoreline are regularly cited among the most beautiful lakeside beaches in Japan, and the water here is noticeably clearer than at the busier beaches closer to Otsu. The beach curves gently along an open bay rather than a tight cove, giving it some exposure to lake winds, though the shallow water close to shore stays calm enough for swimming through most of the day. Its distance from central Otsu keeps crowds lighter than at Omi-Maiko, and the atmosphere leans toward families and campers rather than a party scene. A lakeside campground adjoins the beach, letting visitors combine an overnight stay with a swim, and the mature pine grove behind the sand provides natural shade. Seasonal showers and changing facilities operate during the official swimming period in July and August, and paid parking opens along the access road in summer, filling by late morning on weekends and during the nearby Kaizu-Osaki cherry blossom season in spring. There are no large-scale food concessions on-site, so visitors typically bring supplies from Makino Station or the nearest convenience store. Reaching the beach without a car takes some effort: the JR Kosei Line runs to Makino Station, about an hour from Otsu, followed by a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride. That extra distance is part of what keeps Makino Sunny Beach quieter and cleaner than beaches nearer the city, making it a favorite for visitors prioritizing scenery and water clarity over convenience.