Take a scenic lakeside drive through the finest view in Lake Biwa and enjoy the rock formations and Chikubu Island views
About this spot
Near the northern tip of Lake Biwa, this scenic area features rocky formations jutting into the lake and is counted as one of the Eight Scenes of Lake Biwa as "Morning Mist at Kaizu Osaki's Rock Formations (暁霧・海津大崎の岩礁)." In spring, approximately 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom brilliantly for about 4 km along the lakeshore, earning selection as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots" and establishing it as one of Shiga's premier hanami destinations. The cherry blossom tunnel extending its branches over the blue lake surface is breathtakingly beautiful. Beyond cherry season, a lakeside drive with views of the rugged rock formations and Chikubu Island (竹生島) floating in the distance is exhilarating. The expansive Lake Biwa panorama filling the car windows will surely prompt delighted exclamations from children. There are several places where you can pull off to take family photos in front of your favorite views.
Tips
From Makino Pick Land, it takes approximately 15 minutes by car along the lakeside prefectural road. Some sections have narrow roads, so drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic. During cherry blossom peak season (early to mid-April), traffic control and one-way traffic are enforced due to heavy congestion; either travel early in the morning during the season or confirm traffic restrictions in advance.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour required. In the afternoon, the lake surface glistens beautifully in the light; if visiting during cherry blossom season, early morning before crowds is exceptional.
Access & map
〒520-1811 Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Makino-cho, Kaizu
Model course featuring this spot
Makino Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue and Fruit-Growing Region
Shiga
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