Kyoto’s good neighbors, the fantastic day trip destination

Sunrise of Lake Biwa in winter

Lake Biwa Sunrise
Photo E.Morita

Beautiful sunrises are common all over the world, and there are sunrise spots in various places in Japan.

The sunrise from the mountains is nice, but the sunrise at the waterside where the surface of the water shines is also beautiful. The recommended place for travelers in Kyoto who love the sunrise is, of course, Lake Biwa in Shiga, next to Kyoto.

The photo was taken at a beach called Wanihama in Otsu City, on the west bank of Lake Biwa. On this day, an unusually large amount of steam was generated. In Japan, this steam is called “Kearashi” and it is truly a “storm of steam.”

Lake Biwa Sunrise
Photo E.Morita

The reason we recommend the sunrise over Lake Biwa in winter is that travelers staying in Kyoto can see it. If you take the first train from Kyoto Station in January, you will be in time for Kearashi around 7:00

Stations close to Kyoto are fine, but Horai Station and Shiga Station (about 35 minutes away), which are the closest stations to Lake Biwa, are recommended. If you leave the station, Lake Biwa is just around the corner.

When you want to see the sunrise over Lake Biwa ⇒ Lake Biwa West Coast (JR Kosei Line)

When you want to see the sunset over Lake Biwa ⇒ Lake Biwa East Shore (JR Biwako Line)

It is a very convenient lake for sun-loving Instagrammers. lol

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