Lake Biwa (Biwako – 琵琶湖) is the largest lake in Japan and one of the oldest in the world.  Lake Biwa is surrounded by mountains and is located just north of Kyoto.  Atop these mountains are temples, the most well know is Enryakuji (延暦寺) on Mount Hiei (比叡山) – upcoming post. Another is Chomeiji (長命寺) in Omihachiman (近江八幡市). We stayed in nearby Yunohana Hot Springs (湯の花温泉), hoping to catch sight of some fireflies – we had some success.