Lake Biwa’s Hidden “Mont-Saint-Michel”: A Rare Path to Okunosu Revealed by Drought

A rare view of Okunosu, temporarily connected to the shore during an extreme drought

A path to Okunosu revealed by Lake Biwa’s drought — Japan’s own Mont-Saint-Michel

In December 2023, the water level of Lake Biwa dropped to –70 cm due to a prolonged lack of rainfall.
As a result, lakebeds that are usually hidden beneath the water were exposed in many areas around the lake.

At Okunosu, off the coast of Nagahama, an island that normally floats about 200 meters offshore became connected to the mainland as the lakebed emerged.
This rare phenomenon has drawn comparisons to Mont-Saint-Michel in France, where access to the island changes with the tides.

As news of this spread, visitors from both inside and outside Shiga Prefecture came to the area.
People could be seen walking across the exposed lakebed, taking photographs, and crossing on foot to reach Okunosu.

Location, parking, toilets, and access

You can reach Okunosu by setting the destination on Google Maps using the location below.
Across the lakeside road from the Okunosu access point, there is a relatively spacious area where cars can be parked.

Although not officially confirmed, this space appears to function as a temporary parking area for visitors to Okunosu.
There are no toilets here, but approximately 2 km south along the lakeside road is the Okubiwa Sports Forest Parking Area, where restrooms are available.

Please note that the access paths, shallow waters, and Okunosu itself are part of a public natural environment, so visitors are asked to proceed with care and respect.

Shooting data

Date & time: December 20, 2023, around 5:00 PM
Location: Around 1049 Kaie, Kohoku-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture (〒529-0367)
Camera: FUJIFILM X-T30
Lens: XF16–80mm f/4

Photographing Okunosu while it was connected to the shore

Wanting to document this unusual scene, I headed to Okunosu in Nagahama.
I arrived shortly after 4:00 PM, but the winter sun was already low and dusk was approaching.

The photographs presented here were taken between just before sunset and early twilight.
These are the first selections from that day’s shoot.

In hindsight, I arrived too late — the surroundings quickly grew dark.
For photography, visiting in the morning would likely be better.
I plan to return another day earlier, hoping to capture a full view of Okunosu from a more distant vantage point.

The surroundings of Okunosu and the narrow path down to the shore

The photos here show the area around Okunosu and the overgrown path leading down from the road to the lakeshore.

Because these areas are normally underwater, reaching the shallow lakebed required crossing thick mud.
By carefully stepping on slightly drier patches around the muddy areas, it was just barely possible to cross — though my shoes were still completely covered in mud.

Numerous footprints suggested that many people had simply walked straight through the mud.
Had I done the same, my trousers would likely have sunk deep into it.

Silhouettes of hikers against the sunset at Okunosu

These photographs capture hikers walking toward Okunosu, silhouetted against the setting sun.

Because the camera position was at nearly the same height as the lake’s surface, the hikers, water, and ground align horizontally in the frame.
Behind them, the sunset sky, clouds, and distant mountains glow with dramatic evening colors.

It was a moment where all these elements came together beautifully.

Dusk at Okunosu — after the sun had fully set

The images here show the brief moment after sunset, just before the Lake Biwa area fell into complete darkness.

Conclusion

The photographs shown here were taken about two years ago.
Since then, Lake Biwa’s water levels have continued to fluctuate, and last year Okunosu again became temporarily connected to the shore during another drought.

While this is a fascinating and rare sight, it is also concerning if such conditions are becoming a regular result of abnormal climate patterns.

In addition, access to Okunosu and Lake Biwa requires consideration for the natural environment — particularly the fragile reed beds (yoshi) native to the lake.
Shiga Prefecture has also announced regulations regarding entry and conservation, and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and act responsibly.