6 Exclusive Souvenirs You Can Buy at Lake Biwa in Shiga: Selected Popular Sweets!

Lake Biwa, located in Shiga Prefecture, is known as Japan’s largest lake, with its vast water surface and beautiful nature that changes with the seasons. Not only can you enjoy the lake's scenery, but you can also find a wealth of unique local specialties and souvenirs. The souvenirs around Lake Biwa are filled with the charm of the local culture, making your travel memories even more colorful. In this article, we will carefully select and introduce you to exclusive Lake Biwa souvenirs that let you feel the beautiful nature of the lake. All of them are also perfect for sharing with friends and family.

*All products and their prices (including tax) mentioned in this article are as of July 2024. Content may have changed since the time of writing.

*Purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article may result in a portion of sales being returned to FUN! JAPAN.

Places to Buy Souvenirs Around Lake Biwa

There are many spots around Lake Biwa where you can purchase souvenirs. Here are three recommended places.

Otsu Station: Umi no Eki Hamaotsu

• Address: 2-1 Hamamachi, Otsu-shi, Shiga, Hamaotsu Arcus 2nd Floor
• Business hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (currently closing at 20:00)
• Official website: https://umino-eki.jp/
  

Otsu Station: Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

• Address: 4-7-7 Nionohama, Otsu-shi, Shiga
• Business hours: 7:00 to 22:00
• Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/otsu/facility/convenience-shop/

Hikone Station: Hikone Souvenir Honjin

• Address: 1-8 Sawamachi, Hikone-shi, Shiga, Hikone Castle Resort & Spa 1F
• Business hours: 8:00 to 20:00 (open daily) *Until 19:00 during winter
• Official website: https://www.hch.jp/shop/ 

EN 👉Recommended leisure, experience activities, play, and sightseeing information in Shiga

6 Exclusive Souvenirs from Shiga's Lake Biwa

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ①: BIWAKO BLUE Chocolate

"Lake Biwa Blue Chocolate" is inspired by the beautiful blue color of Lake Biwa. This chocolate features a gradient of white, light blue, and blue, reminiscent of the gentle ripples on the lake's surface. The vivid blue color comes from butterfly pea, a natural herb. This leguminous plant, native to Southeast Asia, is rich in anthocyanin, a polyphenol known for its health and beauty benefits.

Produced by "Yokoi Chocolate," a specialty manufacturer in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Lake Biwa Blue Chocolate is characterized by its smooth melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich yet refreshing milk flavor. The aroma and gentle sweetness of the chocolate fill your mouth, making it a luxurious treat.

The package depicts the vast blue Lake Biwa and the lush lakeside scenery. This chocolate, which evokes the beautiful landscape of Lake Biwa, is sure to be appreciated as a souvenir or gift.

• Price: 1,480 yen (tax included) for 9 pieces
• Manufacturer: Japan Advanced Agri
• Official website: http://www.adv-agri.co.jp/

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ②: BIWAKO BLUE Baum

"BIWAKO BLUE Baum" is a beautiful baumkuchen characterized by its vibrant blue appearance. The blue color, like the "Lake Biwa Blue Chocolate," comes from the natural pigment extracted from butterfly pea. The appearance is sure to amaze, more for its beauty than for whetting the appetite. The flavor is plain, featuring a moist texture and smooth mouthfeel. The rich flavors of butter and eggs fill your mouth, offering a simple yet profound taste.

The striking appearance and exquisite flavor balance of "Lake Biwa Blue Baumkuchen" pair well with tea or milk tea. Why not treat yourself or gift it to someone special?

• Price: 1,480 yen (tax included) per piece
• Manufacturer: Japan Advanced Agri
• Official website: http://www.adv-agri.co.jp/

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ③: BIWAKO BLUE Rusk 

Born from a collaboration with Pom de Terre, a popular bakery in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, "BIWAKO BLUE Rusk " is a unique and delightful treat. The bakery’s most popular rusk is made entirely without additives such as fragrances and colorings, using only high-quality ingredients from the dough. The beautiful blue paste spread on the rusk is made from butterfly pea, providing a gentle sweetness with a strong buttery flavor.

With each bite, you’ll experience a crispy texture, and the paste will melt in your mouth, filling it with the rich aroma of butter. Packaged in a stylish, transparent design, it makes a perfect small gift or souvenir.

• Price: 2 pieces x 4 bags 760 yen (tax included)
• Manufacturer: Japan Advanstore Agri
• Official site: http://www.adv-agri.co.jp/

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ④: BIWAKO BLUE Tart  

The "BIWAKO BLUE Tart" is a blueberry tart inspired by the beautiful blue of Lake Biwa. As soon as you open the package, the scent of blueberries fills the air, instantly soothing your senses. The moist tart dough encases a blueberry-flavored filling, offering a refined taste with subtle sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth, combining the soft texture and simple flavor in perfect harmony.

Additionally, lightly warming the tart in the oven brings out a toasty flavor, making it taste freshly baked. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it an excellent companion for tea time.

• Price: 810 yen (tax included) for 6 pieces
• Manufacturer: Nagatoya
• Official site: https://www.nagatoya-gift.com/

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ⑤: Genji Waka Senbei - HAHAKIGI

The "Genji Waka Senbei - HAHAKIGI" captures the charm of Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, known as the holy land of Karuta (a traditional Japanese card game). "Omi Jingu," a shrine located in Otsu City, enshrines Emperor Tenchi, who ascended the throne in 668. Otsu is called the "holy land of Karuta" because Emperor Tenchi's poem is featured at the beginning of the "Ogura Hyakunin Isshu," a poetry collection compiled in the early 13th century. Moreover, the famous manga "Chihayafuru" is set in this location.

These senbei (rice crackers) are made by blending fresh eggs, wheat flour, sugar, and matcha, then baking them into the shape of Karuta cards. The individually wrapped senbei come in packs of 10, with four different designs based on the waka (Japanese poetry) from "The Tale of Genji."

Upon tasting, you’ll first notice the savory flavor of the senbei, followed by the gentle aroma of Uji matcha. With a mild sweetness, these light and delightful treats are perfect for enjoying during tea time or a small break. The "Genji Waka Senbei - Haegikicho" offers both a taste of history and culture, making it a delightful treat. Enjoy the elegance and tradition of Japan with these beautiful and delicious senbei.

• Price: 10 pieces for 648 yen (tax included)
• Manufacturer: Daichudo
• Official website: https://www.daichudo.com/

Shiga & Lake Biwa Exclusive Souvenir ⑥: BIWAKO Financier

These round, charming financiers are inspired by Lake Biwa. Made with wheat flour and eggs from Shiga Prefecture and a generous amount of almond powder, these financiers are rich in flavor and have a moist texture. Baked at a high temperature for a short time, they have a light and crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior, creating a perfect balance of textures.

Additionally, the use of fresh cream powder adds a luxurious depth and richness, enhancing the gentle sweetness and creaminess with each bite. These palm-sized treats are like a miniature version of Shiga, filled with local love and flavor.

• Price: 540 yen (tax included) for 3 pieces
• Manufacturer: Shigatakara
• Official website: https://shigatakara.co.jp/

About the "BIWAKO BLUE" Project

The "BIWAKO BLUE" project focuses on creating products inspired by the blue color of Lake Biwa and introducing Shiga’s blue-themed products. This project aims to showcase the beauty of Lake Biwa's blue hues through local specialties and new products, promoting the charm of Shiga Prefecture more broadly. Through these blue-colored items, you can experience the natural beauty and culture of Shiga Prefecture.

Official website: https://biwakoblue.org/