Lake Biwa, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lake Biwa, Japan? If you're planning to go to Lake Biwa, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lake Biwa
- Important essentials for Lake Biwa
- Activities for Lake Biwa
- Lake Biwa in January: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in February: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in March: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in April: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in May: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in June: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in July: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in August: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in September: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in October: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in November: weather and what to pack
- Lake Biwa in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Lake Biwa, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Lake Biwa, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lake Biwa, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lake Biwa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lake Biwa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Lake Biwa, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Lake Biwa can be brisk, somewhat snowy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Lake Biwa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
If you go to Lake Biwa in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool, somewhat snowy, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Lake Biwa, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
March
March here is cold, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
April
April for Lake Biwa can be chilly, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
May
Traveling to Lake Biwa in May, you will notice that it is mild, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in this region is a perfect temperature, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
July
In July, Lake Biwa is pretty consistently hot, extremely rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Lake Biwa, with most of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Lake Biwa during August, you are likely to notice that it is really hot, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
September
September in Lake Biwa is a perfect temperature, very rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October for Lake Biwa is mild, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to Lake Biwa in November, you will notice that it is chilly, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Lake Biwa can be brisk, somewhat rainy and very hazy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Lake Biwa, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lake Biwa.
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