The appeal of a trip around Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko) is how the scenery and character of the towns change between the lake’s eastern shore, northern area, and western shore.
Linking Hikone’s castle town, Nagahama’s merchant-house streets, and the scenery of Takashima, where the mountains draw close to the lake, over 3 days and 2 nights creates a circuit that is about more than simply moving from place to place.
This article introduces a model driving route that proceeds clockwise from Hikone through Nagahama to Takashima.
Road conditions and facility operating information can change, so check the relevant guidance before departure.
How to plan a 3-day, 2-night circuit of Lake Biwa
Why travel from the eastern shore to the north and then the western shore
Spending Day 1 in Hikone, traveling from Nagahama to Takashima on Day 2, and heading from Takashima toward Ōtsu on Day 3 lets you connect the major sights in sequence.
Rather than insisting on lakeside roads alone, it is practical to switch between main roads according to your destinations and rest stops.
Do not pack the schedule with too much driving; set aside time for the castle and town walks first.
Hikone and Takashima are convenient places to stay
Staying around Hikone on Night 1 leaves more time to explore the castle town on the day you arrive.
Choosing accommodation in Takashima City on Night 2 makes it easier to enjoy the Metasequoia Avenue and the scenery of the western shore from the morning.
Compare accommodation by its location in relation to the next day’s direction of travel and its parking conditions, and also check your options for dinner and refueling.
Prioritize the quality of each stay over completing the entire circuit
Lake Biwa has a long perimeter, and congestion or rest stops can extend the schedule.
Securing time to walk in each area will bring more satisfaction than merely completing a line around the entire lake.
Leave enough flexibility to shorten lakeside sections according to the weather and traffic conditions.
| Day | Main area | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Hikone | Walk around Hikone Castle and the castle town |
| Day 2 | Nagahama and Takashima | Move from a town walk to the natural scenery of the western shore |
| Day 3 | Takashima and the western shore | Visit Shirahige Shrine safely, then begin the journey home |
Walk around Hikone Castle and the castle town on Day 1
Allow enough time and energy for Hikone Castle
Stone steps and stairways continue all the way to the keep at Hikone Castle (Hikone-jō).
The stairs inside the keep are extremely steep, so wear comfortable shoes, bring a drink, and take breaks as you explore.
Instead of rushing to the keep and back, decide your route after checking which turrets, gardens, and other areas are open that day so you can appreciate the layout of the whole castle.
The keep is an original surviving keep designated as a National Treasure, and the staircase from the 1st to the 2nd floor inside it has a steep incline of about 62 degrees.
Shoes are not permitted inside the keep or turrets, so footwear that is easy to remove and put on will make the visit smoother.
Take in the buildings and streets of the castle town
After visiting the castle, head to nearby streets such as Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road.
The area is lined with shops whose exteriors evoke traditional lattice doors, making it easy to combine a meal with souvenir shopping.
Business days vary by shop, so check in advance if there is a particular place you want to visit.
Check in to your accommodation early in the evening and prepare for the next day’s long drive.
Check the parking options before choosing
There are several parking lots around the castle, but events and congestion may change their conditions of use.
Rather than circling in search of the nearest space, it is safer to confirm which parking lots are available before entering the area.
Once parked, combine your destinations into one walk to reduce the number of times you move the car.
Explore Nagahama’s townscape on the morning of Day 2
Make Kurokabe Square the center of your walk
In Nagahama, start around Kurokabe Square and walk among the old streets and shops themed around glass.
Each street has a different atmosphere, so rather than hurrying from one point on the map to another, this area rewards stepping briefly into lanes that catch your interest.
Check the day’s guidance for the opening and business status of facilities and shops.
Keep lunchtime flexible
Restaurants in the center may be crowded on holidays. Keep the plan flexible by considering several options or shifting the time instead of choosing only one restaurant. Because you will travel to Takashima in the afternoon, deciding in advance when to finish the town walk will make it easier to arrive before sunset.
Notice how the lakeshore changes in the northern area
As you travel north from Nagahama, the distance between the lake and mountains gradually changes.
Even at scenic spots, avoid stopping on the road and take breaks only at facilities where parking is permitted.
In addition to the shortest route shown by your navigation system, check Shiga Prefecture’s road information and choose your route according to restrictions and congestion.
Visit Takashima’s tree-lined road on the afternoon of Day 2
Remember that the Metasequoia Avenue is a public road
The Metasequoia Avenue in Makino is not a dedicated photography space; it is a tree-lined prefectural road used by vehicles.
Follow local instructions, do not take photographs in the roadway or park along the road, and remain mindful of both pedestrians and passing vehicles.
The standard approach is to view it through the car window, then move to a place where parking is allowed and enjoy it on foot.
Park around Makino Pic-land
Use the parking at Makino Pic-land.
When crowded, follow staff instructions and do not stop on the roadside for a quick photograph.
Rather than aiming only for the middle of the avenue, view the rows of trees together with the farmland and distant mountains to appreciate Takashima’s distinctive sense of depth.
The Metasequoia Avenue consists of about 500 trees extending for approximately 2.4 km, and free parking is available at Makino Pic-land.
Prioritize safety over waiting for seasonal light
Summer sunlight can be intense, and sudden showers may also change visibility.
Do not extend your visit unreasonably for photography; head to your accommodation before the weather worsens.
Conditions along the avenue and the operation of nearby facilities can change, so follow local guidance.
Visit Shirahige Shrine and see the western shore on Day 3
Do not cross the national highway at Shirahige Shrine
The torii standing in Lake Biwa at Shirahige Shrine (Shirahige Jinja) is striking, but a busy national highway runs between the shrine and the lake.
Do not cross the highway; view the gate from the Aiko Shirahige-dai observation platform on the shrine grounds.
Do not step into the road to take photographs, and follow local signs and staff instructions while visiting the shrine.
Crossing the national highway is extremely dangerous. The torii in the lake can be viewed from the Aiko Shirahige-dai observation platform in front of the shrine office.
Stay alert to traffic even during a morning visit
Although it may be easier to move around in the morning, vehicle speeds and reflected light can make the surroundings difficult to see.
Confirm the parking area and walking route, and enjoy the scenery safely from within the shrine grounds.
Looking beyond the torii to the main sanctuary and the history of the grounds will deepen the visit.
Use the parking lot on the shrine side at Shirahige Shrine. If it is full, avoid unsafe roadside parking and follow staff instructions.
Leave flexibility for the journey home along the western shore
After the visit, travel south along the western side of the lake. If you want to stop and view the water, choose a park, roadside station, or another place where parking is allowed and avoid unsafe stops.
If you do not have enough time before your planned arrival home, reduce additional stops and prioritize rest.
Guidelines for travel and stops
Plan times as ranges rather than fixed points
Set only approximate times for departure, meals, and arrival at your accommodation, and allow flexibility in how long you spend at each attraction.
Navigation estimates do not include breaks or waits for parking, so reassess your buffer before leaving for the next destination.
Especially on weekends and during busy sightseeing seasons, you may need to switch from lakeside roads to main roads.
Refuel and rest early
In the northern and western areas of the lake, options for fuel and meals may be limited depending on your direction of travel.
Rather than waiting until fuel is low, refuel early in an urban area.
If there is only 1 driver, it is particularly important to plan regular stops and get out of the car along scenic sections.
| Situation | What to check | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Castle visit | Hikone Castle guidance | Open areas, precautions, and parking information |
| Tree-lined road | Local traffic guidance | No roadside parking and safe ways to visit |
| Travel along the western shore | Road information | Restrictions, congestion, and weather-related changes |
Preparing for summer and rainy days
Build heat precautions into sightseeing time
The castle’s stone steps and town walks require energy even over a short period.
Bring a hat, drinks, and something to wipe away sweat, and plan in advance to rest in the shade or indoors.
If you are concerned about your condition, reduce the area you visit and move activities to a cooler time of day.
Limit outdoor sections in rainy weather
On days of heavy rain or strong wind, it is important not to insist on lakeside photography or walking along the avenue.
Watch for wet surfaces and steps while walking in Nagahama, and reorganize the plan around indoor facilities.
Check road restrictions and temporary facility changes both before departure and while traveling.
Watch the temperature inside the car and protect your belongings
The interior of a parked car becomes extremely hot in summer.
Do not leave food, drinks, or electronic devices inside, and never leave children or animals in the car even during a brief stop.
Divide sunscreen and changes of clothes into small portions and keep them in a bag you can carry while sightseeing on foot.
Treat residential roads with the same respect as tourist areas
People live among these beautiful landscapes.
Avoid roadside parking, entering private property, and speaking loudly while taking photographs; use designated parking lots and sidewalks.
When crowded, do not occupy one photography spot for a long time, and make room for others.
Facilities, road administrators, and the shrine each provide different kinds of information.
Check the appropriate guidance for facility access, road restrictions, and how to visit the shrine.
For safety, do not act based only on old travel accounts.
Summary: connect Lake Biwa’s towns and scenery in sequence
A 3-day, 2-night trip through Hikone, Nagahama, and Takashima connects a castle town, merchant-house streets, and the natural scenery of the western shore in one journey.
Explore Hikone carefully on Day 1, travel from Nagahama to Takashima on Day 2, and visit Shirahige Shrine safely on Day 3 before beginning the journey home.
Do not become preoccupied with completing the entire distance around the lake; leave room in the plan for parking, rest, and changes in the weather.
Check road conditions and facility guidance immediately before departure, and observe safe practices on residential roads and the national highway to enjoy Lake Biwa’s scale and the distinct character of each area at a relaxed pace.
Reviews (0)