Kaizu-Osaki

A reef area located on the east side of Kaizu Bay at the northern end of Lake Biwa. Selected as one of the eight most picturesque areas on Lake Biwa and one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, the Kaizu Osaki reef area is one of the most scenic areas in Shiga Prefecture. In spring, the lakeshore road blooms with beautiful Yoshino cherry blossoms, creating an approximately four kilometer long tunnel of cherry trees gorgeously contrasted by the blue of the lake and the green of the surrounding mountains. The cherry trees in the area generally bloom around mid-April. Visitors can enjoy the area in a variety of ways—there’s a nature path for walking, flower viewing bus which operates during cherry blossom season, rentable bicycles, and sightseeing boats as well. Due to the heavy anticipated traffic jam from cars, traffic restrictions are implemented on Saturdays and Sundays when the cherries are in bloom. Toilets and shops available. The nearest station is JR Makino Station.