Lake Biwa
Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Description:
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the oldest in the world. The lake is famous for a huge variety of fish species and is considered a paradise for fishermen. The name "Biva" is associated with the national Japanese instrument, the shape of which resembles the outline of the lake.
The area of the lake is more than 3150 square kilometers, its age is about 4 million years. The lake is a habitat for many species of fish, which attracts many fishermen. It was here that one of the world records was set - Manabu Kurita managed to catch a perch weighing more than 10 kilograms and 73.5 centimeters long. The coast of the lake is inhabited by more than 1,100 species of animals and birds.
The lake also occupies a significant place in Japanese literature, often appearing in fairy tales, poems and chronicles.