Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, boasting a size of almost 260 square miles and a maximum depth of 341 feet. But as locals and those who have traveled there will know, this pristine expanse of water has much more to offer than just its size.

With the desire to share the unique natural beauty of the lake with the rest of the world, Shiga Prefecture created a 3-minute promotional movie for the famous sightseeing spot. Titled “Rainbow, Beautiful SHIGA — Biwa Lake, Shiga,” it focuses on the “theme of a rainbow-hued, ever-changing, beautiful side of Shiga's Biwa Lake like you've never seen before.”

Source: YouTube

The scenes were taken at different times throughout the year, revealing the myriad faces of Lake Biwa visible in the passing of the seasons. They show well-known travel destinations like Shirahige Shine and its floating torii (gateway of a Shinto shrine), Kohoku Waterfowl Park, and terraced rice fields that are becoming increasingly rare sceneries in Japan.

Also complementing the variety of the landscapes constituting the immense area are the serene sounds of running water and surrounding nature to accompany this virtual trip across the exquisite lake.

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

With such picturesque landscapes awaiting prospective travelers, "Rainbow, Beautiful SHIGA" will most likely leave viewers with an overwhelming case of wanderlust.

Watch the full movie in 4K:


By - grape Japan editorial staff.