Summer in Shiga — 10 Must-Visit Spots ☀️🩵
Lake breeze, swim beaches, lotus mornings, cool mountains, and night fireworks. Each spot includes Kyoto access and an embedded map. Lake-blue accent, theme-safe, slightly kawaii.
Use this list to plan a chill summer day from Kyoto. Mix a swim beach with cafés, ride a ropeway to mountain air, or catch lotus flowers at sunrise. Hydrate, wear hats, and avoid mid-day heat.
🗺️ Inline Maps
🏖️ Swim & Cool-Down
🎆 Festivals & Fireworks
Contents
Omimaiko Beach (Ōtsu) Makino Sunny Beach (Takashima) Biwako Valley & Terrace (Ōtsu) Chikubushima Island Cruise (Nagahama) Metasequoia Avenue (Makino) Harie “Shozu-no-Sato” Springs (Takashima) Shirahige Shrine & Lakeside (Takashima) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden (Kusatsu) Mt. Ibuki Highlands (Maibara) Lake Biwa Fireworks Area (Ōtsu)
1) Omimaiko Beach — Ōtsu
Shallow, clear water and pine shade — the classic Lake Biwa swim spot.
Highlights. White-sand feel, rentals in season, cafés nearby; great for paddle time and picnics.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → JR Kosei Line to Ōmi-Maiko (~35–40 min) → walk 5–8 min to the beach.
Summer tip. Arrive early for shade; water shoes help on pebbly areas. Follow lifeguard zones.
Ōmi-Maiko Beach area, Ōtsu
2) Makino Sunny Beach — Takashima
Wide family-friendly shoreline (Takagihama & Chinaihama zones) with calm water.
Highlights. Long sands, BBQ areas, SUP rentals in season; sunsets over the northern lake.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → JR Kosei Line to Makino (~80 min) → walk 12–15 min or short local bus/taxi.
Summer tip. Bring sunshade; check designated swim periods and cleanup rules.
Makino Sunny Beach (Takagihama / Chinaihama)
3) Biwako Valley & Terrace — Ōtsu
Ropeway to cool mountain air, sky decks with sweeping lake views.
Highlights. Panoramic terraces, easy trails, zipline & summer activities; café time above the clouds.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Shiga (~15–20) → bus/shuttle (~20) to Ropeway → ropeway (~5–10).
Summer tip. Even in August it’s cooler at the top—bring a light layer; midday UV is strong.
Biwako Valley Ropeway base, Ōtsu
4) Chikubushima Island Cruise — Nagahama
Shrine & temple island in the northern lake; breezy boat ride perfect for hot days.
Highlights. Lakeside torii, cliff-top views, small island loop; combine with Nagahama old town.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Nagahama (~75–80) → walk ~10 to Nagahama Port → cruise (~30) to Chikubushima.
Summer tip. Hats & water—there’s little shade on stair sections; check boat timetables.
Nagahama Port for Chikubushima cruises
5) Metasequoia Avenue — Makino
A long, photogenic tree avenue in lush summer green near fruit farms.
Highlights. Shaded walk, soft-serve at Makino Pic-Land, countryside cycling.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Imazu (~60) → bus (~30) to Makino Pic-Land / Metasequoia Avenue.
Summer tip. Go early for softer light and fewer cars; bring bug spray after rain.
Metasequoia Avenue, Makino area
6) Harie “Shozu-no-Sato” Springs — Takashima
Traditional village of crystal-clear spring water channels (kabata culture).
Highlights. Cool spring alleys, community tours, calming rural scenes.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Takashima (~60–65) → local bus (~10) to Harie area + short walk.
Summer tip. Be respectful—this is a living neighborhood. Join guided tours when available.
Harie “Shozu-no-Sato” spring district
7) Shirahige Shrine & Lakeside — Takashima
Iconic torii in the lake. Sunrise photos, twilight glow, and calm paddling days.
Highlights. Lakeside shrine gate, SUP/kayak rentals nearby in season, scenic Route 161 pull-outs.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Takashima (~60–65) → bus (~10) to “Shirahige Jinja-mae” or taxi ~8 min.
Summer tip. For sunrise, arrive before first light; for paddling, check wind and boat traffic.
Shirahige Shrine lakeshore torii
8) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden — Kusatsu
Lotus & water-lily heaven next to Lake Biwa Museum—best on summer mornings.
Highlights. Lotus Pavilion, ponds, shady paths; pair with the museum for AC breaks.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20) → bus (~25) to “Mizunomori.”
Summer tip. Lotus bloom early—arrive 8–10am for flowers fully open; bring a hat.
Karasuma Peninsula, Kusatsu
9) Mt. Ibuki Highlands — Maibara
Cooler alpine air and wildflowers in mid-summer; big lake vistas.
Highlights. Short summit walks, flower meadows, starry skies on clear nights.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Nagaoka (~45) or Maibara (~50) → taxi/bus to driveway gate; seasonal shuttles/drive further up.
Summer tip. Weather changes fast—pack a light jacket; no fuel up top.
Mt. Ibuki summit/highland area
10) Lake Biwa Fireworks Area — Ōtsu
Shiga’s signature summer night—massive fireworks over the southern lake (early Aug typically).
Highlights. Lakeside viewing along Nagisa Park; reflections over the bay. (Check the current year’s schedule and regulations.)
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōtsu (~10) → walk ~15 toward Nagisa Park waterfront.
Summer tip. Huge crowds—arrive very early; bring portable fan/water; verify areas with restrictions or paid seats.
Nagisa Park waterfront, Ōtsu (typical viewing zone)
FAQ: Summer in Shiga
Where can I swim safely? Omimaiko and Makino Sunny Beach are popular with lifeguards in season. Follow posted flags and local rules.
Best time for lotus flowers? Early morning in mid-summer (often July–August) at Mizunomori Garden on the Karasuma Peninsula.
How to beat the heat? Start early, take a midday café/museum break, then head to higher/cooler spots like Biwako Valley or Mt. Ibuki.
Can I do SUP/kayak on Lake Biwa? Yes—rental shops operate seasonally near Omimaiko, Makino, and around Shirahige Shrine. Check wind and safety advice.
When are the fireworks? Usually early August around Ōtsu’s lakefront. Dates, access controls, and paid seating change each year—check the latest announcement.
