Lake Biwa International Fishing Guides
Japan is one of the best countries in the world for bass fishing, and most visitors have no idea. The lake that tied the world record largemouth is 22 minutes by train from Kyoto. There is a famous bass lake at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and a smallmouth lake in the mountains of Nagano.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip, from licenses and where to go to the best season, tackle and local rules.
There is no national fishing license in Japan. Instead, many lakes and rivers are managed by local fisheries cooperatives, which sell day tickets.
Japan's largest lake and the home of the 22 lb 4 oz largemouth that tied George Perry's world record in 2009. Biwa is famous for big largemouth, thick weed beds and year-round fishing. It is 22 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to Katata Station, with no transfers.
The lake in most photos of Mt. Fuji reflected on still water. It is a clear, deep highland lake with decades of tournament history and pressured, technical largemouth. About two hours from Shinjuku by direct train or highway bus.
One of the few true smallmouth bass lakes in Japan, ringed by mountains at 654 meters. About two to two and a half hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The bass season runs from late April to early November.
If you are visiting Kyoto or Osaka, Lake Biwa is the easy choice. If your trip is centered on Tokyo, Kawaguchi and Nojiri fit naturally into a Mt. Fuji or Nagano day.
Lake Biwa can be fished all year, and every season fishes differently.
Spring is when big fish move shallow before spawning, and it is the season many anglers wait for.
Summer means early starts, thick weeds and fish that feed in the cooler hours.
Autumn brings active fish feeding up before winter.
Winter is slower, but some of the biggest fish of the year come in the cold months.
Each month has its own pattern. See our monthly guides for the details.
Lake Kawaguchi stays cool in summer, which makes it a good escape from the city heat. Lake Nojiri is a spring to autumn lake, with the autumn colors and a strong fall bite lining up in late October.
You can rent boats on some Japanese lakes, but there are a few things to know. Boats with motors over 2 horsepower need a Japanese boat license. Rental shops usually work in Japanese. And on a big lake like Biwa, knowing where to start makes the difference between a long day of searching and a day of catching.
A guided trip takes care of all of it. The boat, tackle, life jackets and local rules are handled, and you spend the day fishing. On our trips, your guide shows you the sonar screen and explains each spot and lure choice as the day goes on, so you learn the lake while you fish.
You do not need to bring anything. Rental tackle and life jackets come with every trip, and rain gear and winter clothes are available to borrow.
If you want to bring your own gear, this is what works best on Lake Biwa:
For airline and customs tips, see our guide to bringing tackle to Japan.
Releasing bass is banned on Lake Biwa. Since 2003, Shiga Prefecture has banned releasing largemouth, smallmouth and bluegill.
Never move live bass. Under national law, bass and bluegill cannot be transported alive, kept or released into new waters anywhere in Japan.
Life jackets are required. Everyone on the open deck of a small boat must wear one. We provide them.
Rules differ from lake to lake, so check before you fish somewhere new.
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Katata Station. It takes 22 minutes, costs 420 yen, and your ICOCA or Suica card works. We meet you at the station with a sign.
For a relaxed start, stay the night before at a hot spring ryokan in Ogoto Onsen on the shore of Lake Biwa. You wake up to the sunrise over the lake, and we pick you up at the hotel.
On Lake Biwa, guided trips start from 40,000 yen for a half day with a staff guide, for up to 2 guests. Rental tackle and life jackets are included. Full day trips and a Kyoto pickup plan are also available.
Can tourists go bass fishing in Japan?
Yes. On Lake Biwa, no license is needed. Other lakes sell day tickets.
What is the best bass lake in Japan for visitors?
Lake Biwa, near Kyoto, is the easiest to reach and is famous for big largemouth. Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Nojiri are good choices from Tokyo.
When is bass season in Japan?
Lake Biwa is open all year. Lake Nojiri runs from late April to early November.
Do I need to bring my own tackle?
No. Rental tackle is included on every trip.
Can I release the bass I catch?
Not on Lake Biwa. Releasing bass is banned there, and moving live bass is illegal everywhere in Japan.
Tell us your dates and how many people are coming, and we will take it from there.
