Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park

Best trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park

4.1(808 reviews)

·

Shiga
: 
#1 of 1 quasi national parks

All photos

Lake Biwa Quasi-National Park encompasses Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains, part of the Uji River which originates from Lake Biwa, and the area around Mount Hiei.

The coast of the Uji River is lined with clear streams and lush mountain ranges, and you will be greeted by scenic views. The downstream area is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, cormorant fishing, and autumn leaves. Surrounded by rich nature, the area is also blessed with world cultural heritage sites such as Ujikami Shrine and Byodoin Temple, as well as historical sites related to the Tale of Genji.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Hieizan Enryakuji - Shugakuin (Kyoto)

    4.7 (104)·Hard·6.8 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This trail begins at Enryaku-ji Temple, one of the most important monastic centers in Japanese history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path down, which is part of the official Kyoto Isshu Trail, is a peaceful walk. You will be descending through a magnificent, ancient forest of towering, moss-covered Japanese cedar trees. The reward is a wonderfully atmospheric forest-bathing experience, far from the crowds, ending with a final walk through the quiet suburbs to the Shugakuin station.

  2. #2 - Mount Hieizan - Shūgakuin Station

    4.6 (68)·Hard·8.2 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This trail is a steep hike up the western side of Mount Hiei (Hieizan), the sacred mountain that dominates the Kyoto skyline. The journey is a steady ascent through a magnificent, ancient forest of towering Japanese cedar and cypress trees. The main reward for the climb is reaching the summit and the magnificent Enryaku-ji Temple. Founded in 788, this temple was the historic center of Tendai Buddhism and the powerful home of Japan's legendary warrior monks. The summit offers a spectacular...

  3. #3 - Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station - Mount Hiei - Shūgakuin Station

    4.6 (41)·Hard·6.5 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station - Mount Hiei - Shūgakuin Station (坂本比叡山口駅 - 比叡山 - 修学院駅) Mount Hieizan is very famous in Japan for the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan, and one of the historical temples in Japan. In addition, the temple is also designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. This route will lead you from Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station to Mount Hiei and the temple and descend to Shūgakuin Station. There are its viewpoints along the...

  4. #4 - Cable Hiei Station - Kirarazaka

    4.5 (43)·Hard·3.5 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Cable Hiei Station - Kirarazaka (ケーブル比叡駅 - 雲母坂) Mount Hiei is very famous for the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan, and one of the historical temples in Japan. In addition, the temple is also designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. This route will take you from the Shugakuin side of the mountain to the Cable Hiei Station via the slope of Kirarazaka. It is also known for its viewpoints along the way where you can overlook the city of...

  5. #5 - Shūgakuin Station - Mount Hieizan - Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station

    4.6 (42)·Hard·6.7 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Shūgakuin Station - Mount Hieizan - Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station (修学院駅 - 比叡山 - 坂本比叡山口駅) Mount Hieizan is very famous in Japan for the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan, and one of the historical temples in Japan. In addition, the temple is also designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. This route will take you from Shūgakuin Station to Mount Hiei and the temple and descend to Sakamoto-hieizanguchi. It is also known for its viewpoints...

  6. #6 - Hieizan Sakamoto Station - Mount Hieizan

    4.6 (37)·Hard·5.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Hieizan Sakamoto Station - Mount Hieizan (比叡山坂本駅 - 比叡山) Visit Mount Hiei and the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site from Hieizan Sakamoto Station. There are its viewpoints along the way where you can overlook Lake Biwa. Note mountain leeches in rainy weather and after rainfall.

  7. #7 - Uji Walking Tour

    4.5 (42)·Moderate·4.7 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Uji (宇治), a City of Tea and World Heritage Sites. Since Muromachi Period (1336 - 1573), the cultivation of Green tea has been promoted in the Uji area. Uji has been an important production and distribution center of superior quality Green Tea. Numinous visitors are also attracted to Uji for its centuries-old historic sites, which include various Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples. Among the most famous are the Ujigami Shrine and the Byodo-in Temple (built-in 1053), both are designated...

  8. #8 - Miyakehachiman Station - Mt. DaiHiei - Lake Biwa

    4.8 (36)·Hard·7.7 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Miyakehachiman Station - Mt. DaiHiei - Lake Biwa(三宅八幡ー大比叡山ー琵琶湖) This route will take you from Miyake Hachiman Station to Mt. Ohiei and Enryakuji Temple to reach Lake Biwa. It is easy to access even for people without a car, and there is also a viewpoint overlooking the city of Kyoto.

  9. #9 - Mount Bunagatake Loop

    4.7 (30)·Hard·7.4 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hr
    Mount Bunagatake Loop (武奈ヶ岳ループ) Explore the highest peak of the Hira Mountains, Mount Bunagatake. The stunning location at the top of the mountain is one of the reasons why Bunagatake is popular among many climbers. You can enjoy the 360 degrees panoramic views of Lake Biwa, Mount Ibuki, and the Suzuka Mountains in all directions.

  10. #10 - Hieizan Viewpoint

    4.6 (13)·Moderate·2.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
Showing results 1–10 of 87
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Biwako Quasi-National Park is Hieizan Enryakuji - Shugakuin (Kyoto), which has a 4.7 star rating from 104 reviews. This trail is 6.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,759 ft.

What is the longest trail in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Biwako Quasi-National Park is Uji - Ishiyamadera Temple - Seta River Loop. This trail is estimated to be 29.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

There are 87 trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park.These trails have an average 4.1-star ratingfrom 808 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Hira Mountains Half Traverse has the most elevation gain with 6,446 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Uji - Ishiyamadera Temple - Seta River Loop, which has 4,901 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park and the most popular is Mount Bunagatake Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 30 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 17 running trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park and the most popular is Cable Hiei Station - Kirarazaka with an average 4.5 star rating from 43 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Biwako Quasi-National Park and the most popular is Lake Yogo Loop with an average 4.3 star rating from 4 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Yes, there are 16 trails with waterfalls in Biwako Quasi-National Park, including Mount Horai - Yakushi Falls, Mount Horai - Yakushi Falls Loop, Mt. Bunagatake: Kitahira Pass, Yobai Fall, and Little Hira Traverse Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with castles in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with dams in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Yes, there are 10 trails with ponds in Biwako Quasi-National Park, including Uji Walking Tour, Byodoin Temple - Uji Shrine - Ujigami Shrine, Hieizan Hiking Trail, Yokokawa- Mt. Hiei, and Mt. Mizui - Mt. Hiei.

Are there any trails with canals in Biwako Quasi-National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with canals in Biwako Quasi-National Park, including Uji - Ishiyamadera Temple - Seta River Loop and Uji - Iwama-dera Temeple - Ishiyamadera Temple.