Located approximately 10 km east of the city of Kyoto, Lake Biwa is Japan's largest lake. It has a total area of approximately 670 km² and a circumference of approximately 235 km. Its average depth is

approximately 41 meters and deepest point approximately 104 meters. The total volume of water it holds is 27.5 billion m³. The lake supports an abundance of life and industry across a wide area. It is also one of the oldest lakes in the world, calculated at over four million years old. This mother lake is considered a sacred natural environment, and is home to over 50 unique species of flora and fauna. Its name appears many times over in historical accounts as a popular stopping point on overland travel routes, and the area has numerous historical sites, including ancient shrines, temples, and castle remains. The islands on the lake and mountains that surround it provide beautiful scenery that has enchanted visitors throughout the ages. Even the most famous haiku poet of the Edo period (1603-1868), Matsuo Basho, wrote a poem about Lake Biwa. Experience the exquisite beauty and great scale of the lake by taking a cruise on the Michigan. You are sure to enjoy yourself.