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Eight Views of Lake Biwa

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Kaizu Ōsaki: Shiga’s Ultimate Cherry Blossom Destination

March 15, 2026 / Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, Kansai Region, Shiga Prefecture

Nestled along the rugged northwestern edge of Lake Biwa, Kaizu Ōsaki (海津大崎) offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Shiga Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” this scenic part of the lake features a spectacular four-kilometer stretch of over 800 Yoshino cherry trees that frame the crystal-blue waters of […]

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Chikubu Island – The Mysterious Sacred Island on Lake Biwa

October 14, 2024 / Kansai Region, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Shiga Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Chikubu Island (竹生島), floating on the northern Lake Biwa, has been a sacred island since ancient times. Together with the Benzaiten in Enoshima (江ノ島) and Miyajima (宮島), the Benzaiten enshrined on the island are together known as the Three Great Benzaiten in Japan. Also, the Hōngon-ji Temple (宝厳寺) on the island is the 30th temple

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