琵琶湖を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、琵琶湖に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 琵琶湖の基本情報
- 面積: 約 670平方キロメートル（滋賀県の約 1/6 ）
- 水源: 近畿地方の 約1,400万人の生活用水 を支える
- 歴史: 約 400万年前に形成 された、日本で最も古い湖
- 生態系: 約 1,700種類の動植物 が生息し、60種以上の固有種 がいる
- 琵琶湖の観光スポット
- びわ湖テラス:山頂にある展望デッキ＆カフェ、ロープウェイで行ける
- 彦根城:現存する 5つの天守 の一つ、国宝 に指定
- 白鬚神社:湖の中に鳥居が立つ 神秘的な神社、朝日や夕暮れ時が特に美しい
- 竹生島:琵琶湖に浮かぶ 島、「宝厳寺」や「都久夫須麻神社」がある、「かわらけ投げ」をする儀式がある
- ビワイチ:琵琶湖を自転車で一周する約200km のルート、一般的には2〜3日かけて周るのがオススメ
- 琵琶湖で楽しめるアクティビティ
- サイクリング（ビワイチ）:転車で湖を一周できる
- クルーズ:「ミシガンクルーズ」「竹生島クルーズ」などの観光船がある
- ウォータースポーツ: カヌー、SUP（スタンドアップパドルボード）、釣り、ヨットなど
- びわ湖花火大会: 夏に開催される関西最大級の花火大会
- 京都・大阪からのアクセスの良さ
- 京都駅 → 大津駅（JR琵琶湖線） … 約10分
- 京都駅 → 彦根駅（JR琵琶湖線） … 約50分
- 大阪駅 → 大津駅（JR琵琶湖線） … 約40分
- 琵琶湖の歴史・文化的な重要性
- 琵琶湖は、古くから 水運の要所 として栄えた
- 戦国時代には 織田信長や豊臣秀吉 などの歴史的な人物が琵琶湖周辺で活動
- 周辺には 比叡山延暦寺もあり、宗教的にも重要な場所
2人が琵琶湖について話しています。
琵琶湖の歴史や生態系、びわ湖テラス、白鬚神社、竹生島などの見どころなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key. I’ve always known about Lake Biwa, but recently, I’ve been hearing more about what a great place it is to visit. I never really thought of it as a travel destination.
Yeah, a lot of people think it’s just a big lake, but it’s actually full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. And the best part? It’s only 30 minutes from Kyoto by train!
That’s what surprised me! I mean, it’s right next to Kyoto, but I’ve never thought about going there. What’s so special about it?
First of all, it’s one of the oldest lakes in the world—about 4 million years old. That’s way older than most lakes on Earth.
4 million years? That’s insane! I guess that means the ecosystem must be unique, right?
Exactly! It has over 1,700 species of animals and plants, and more than 60 of them are found nowhere else in the world. It’s so important that it’s protected under the Ramsar Convention.
I had no idea. So, it’s not just a scenic place, but a major environmental and historical landmark too.
Right. And it’s not just for sightseeing—you can actually do a lot of activities there.
Like what?
For one, there’s cycling around the entire lake, called “Biwaichi.” It’s about 200 kilometers, and while some very experienced cyclists might try to do it in a day, most people take two or three days and stay at hotels or campsites.
That sounds like an adventure! But if I want something more relaxing, what do you recommend?
You’d love Biwako Terrace. It’s a mountain-top café with a breathtaking view of the lake. You take a ropeway up to the top, and it’s perfect for just sitting and enjoying the scenery.
That sounds amazing. And what about historical places? I heard there are some old castles and shrines around the lake.
Yep! Hikone Castle is one of only five original castles left in Japan and is a national treasure. From the top, you get a great view of Lake Biwa.
And there’s that famous shrine in the water, right?
Ah, you mean Shirahige Shrine. It has a torii gate standing in the lake, kind of like Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. It looks especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
I definitely need to take some photos there. And I also heard about some kind of island?
That would be Chikubu Island. It’s a small but sacred island with ancient shrines and temples. Some people believe it has spiritual power, and there’s a ritual where you throw a small ceramic plate (kawarake) to make a wish.
That’s really cool. I like places with deep history and unique traditions. What’s the best way to get there?
You take a boat from Nagahama or Otsu, and the ride itself is really scenic.
Man, I really underestimated how much there is to do at Lake Biwa. It’s not just a big lake—it’s got nature, history, and adventure all in one place.
Exactly! Let’s plan a trip soon. You’re going to love it!
概要 / Overview
「琵琶湖」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
琵琶湖
Introduction
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan and one of the oldest lakes in the world. It is located in Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto. The lake covers about 670 square kilometers, making up one-sixth of the prefecture’s land area. It is not only a beautiful natural spot but also an important source of water, history, and culture in Japan.
A Very Old and Unique Lake
Lake Biwa is about 4 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes on Earth. Because it has existed for so long, it has developed a unique ecosystem. The lake is home to over 1,700 species of animals and plants, including more than 60 species that exist nowhere else in the world. Due to its ecological importance, it was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1993 to protect its wetland environment.
A Vital Water Source
Lake Biwa is an essential water source for about 14 million people in Kyoto, Osaka, and other parts of the Kansai region. It provides drinking water, irrigation for farms, and industrial water for factories. Because of this, people in Japan call it “the water tank of Kansai.”
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Lake Biwa is a popular tourist destination with many interesting places to visit. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, offers a great view of the lake. Shirahige Shrine is famous for its floating torii gate, which looks beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Chikubu Island, a sacred island, has old shrines and temples and a tradition of kawarake throwing, where visitors toss small ceramic plates to make a wish.
Outdoor Activities
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like cycling around the lake (“Biwaichi”), canoeing, fishing, and yachting. The Biwako Terrace, a mountain-top café, offers a stunning view of the entire lake.
Conclusion
Lake Biwa is more than just a large lake. It is rich in nature, history, and culture. Whether you want to explore its history, enjoy its scenery, or try exciting outdoor activities, Lake Biwa has something for everyone. It is a must-visit destination for travelers in Japan!
10の質問 / 10 questions
「琵琶湖」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Lake Biwa?
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto. It is about 4 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in the world.
2: Why is Lake Biwa important?
Lake Biwa is an essential water source for about 14 million people in the Kansai region. It provides drinking water, irrigation for farming, and industrial water.
3: What kind of wildlife lives in Lake Biwa?
The lake is home to over 1,700 species of animals and plants, including more than 60 species that exist nowhere else in the world, such as the Biwa trout.
4: What is Biwaichi?
Biwaichi is a cycling route that goes around Lake Biwa. The route is about 200 kilometers long, and most people take two to three days to complete it.
5: What is special about Hikone Castle?
Hikone Castle is a national treasure and one of Japan’s five original castles. It offers a great view of Lake Biwa and has a historical connection to the samurai era.
6: Why is Shirahige Shrine famous?
Shirahige Shrine is famous for its torii gate standing in the lake. The gate looks beautiful at sunrise and sunset, making it a popular spot for photography.
7: What is Chikubu Island known for?
Chikubu Island is a small sacred island in Lake Biwa. It has old shrines and temples, and visitors can take part in a ritual called kawarake throwing to make a wish.
8: What outdoor activities can you do at Lake Biwa?
Visitors can enjoy cycling, canoeing, fishing, yachting, and hiking. The Biwako Terrace, a mountain-top café, is also a popular place to relax and enjoy the view.
9: When is the best time to visit Lake Biwa?
Lake Biwa is beautiful in every season. Spring has cherry blossoms, summer is great for water activities, autumn has colorful leaves, and winter is perfect for bird-watching.
10: How can you get to Lake Biwa from Kyoto?
Lake Biwa is very close to Kyoto. You can take a train from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station in about 10 minutes or to Hikone Station in about 50 minutes.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key. I’ve always known about Lake Biwa, but recently, I’ve been hearing more about what a great place it is to visit. I never really thought of it as a travel destination.
なぁキー、琵琶湖のことはずっと知ってたけど、最近「観光地としてすごくいい場所だ」って話をよく聞くんだよね。でも正直、旅行先として考えたことはなかったよ。
Yeah, a lot of people think it’s just a big lake, but it’s actually full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. And the best part? It’s only 30 minutes from Kyoto by train!
そうそう、多くの人が「ただの大きな湖」って思ってるけど、実は歴史や文化、アウトドアアクティビティがたくさんあるんだよ。一番いいのはね、京都から電車でたった30分 で行けること！
That’s what surprised me! I mean, it’s right next to Kyoto, but I’ve never thought about going there. What’s so special about it?
そこがびっくりしたんだよ！京都のすぐ隣にあるのに、一度も行こうと思ったことがなかった。そんなに特別な場所なの？
First of all, it’s one of the oldest lakes in the world—about 4 million years old. That’s way older than most lakes on Earth.
まずね、琵琶湖は世界でも最も古い湖の一つなんだよ。なんと約400万年前 にできたんだ。他の湖と比べても、めちゃくちゃ古いんだよ！
4 million years?! That’s insane! I guess that means the ecosystem must be unique, right?
400万年？！ それはすごいな！ってことは、生態系もかなり独特 なんじゃない？
Exactly! It has over 1,700 species of animals and plants, and more than 60 of them are found nowhere else in the world. It’s so important that it’s protected under the Ramsar Convention.
その通り！1,700種以上の動植物 が生息していて、そのうち60種類以上は琵琶湖にしかいないんだよ。だから、国際的にも貴重な湖としてラムサール条約 に登録されてるんだ。
I had no idea. So, it’s not just a scenic place, but a major environmental and historical landmark too.
知らなかったなぁ。つまり、単なる景色のきれいな場所じゃなくて、環境的にも歴史的にも重要な場所 なんだね。
Right. And it’s not just for sightseeing—you can actually do a lot of activities there.
そうそう、観光だけじゃなくて、いろんなアクティビティ も楽しめるんだよ。
Like what?
例えば？
For one, there’s cycling around the entire lake, called “Biwaichi.” It’s about 200 kilometers, and while some very experienced cyclists might try to do it in a day, most people take two or three days and stay at hotels or campsites.
まず一つは、「ビワイチ」 っていう湖一周サイクリング があるんだ。約200キロメートル なんだけど、すごく経験のあるサイクリストなら1日で挑戦することもあるけど、普通は2〜3日かけて、ホテルやキャンプ場に泊まりながら走るんだよ。
That sounds like an adventure! But if I want something more relaxing, what do you recommend?
それは冒険っぽくて楽しそう！でも、もっとリラックスできる感じの場所はある？
You’d love Biwako Terrace. It’s a mountain-top café with a breathtaking view of the lake. You take a ropeway up to the top, and it’s perfect for just sitting and enjoying the scenery.
それなら、びわ湖テラス が気に入ると思うよ。山の上にあるカフェ で、琵琶湖を一望できる絶景スポット なんだ。ロープウェイで山頂まで行けて、のんびり景色を楽しむには最高だよ。
That sounds amazing. And what about historical places? I heard there are some old castles and shrines around the lake.
それはいいねぇ。他には歴史的な場所とかは？琵琶湖の周りに古いお城とか神社があるって聞いたことがあるんだけど。
Yep! Hikone Castle is one of only five original castles left in Japan and is a national treasure. From the top, you get a great view of Lake Biwa.
うん！彦根城 は、日本に現存する5つの天守 の一つで、国宝 にも指定されているんだ。天守閣からは琵琶湖の絶景 が見えるよ。
And there’s that famous shrine in the water, right?
あと、湖の中に立ってる有名な神社があるよね？
Ah, you mean Shirahige Shrine. It has a torii gate standing in the lake, kind of like Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. It looks especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
あぁ、それは白鬚神社 だね。湖の中に鳥居が立っている神社 で、宮島の厳島神社 にちょっと似てるんだよ。特に朝日や夕日の時間 はめちゃくちゃ綺麗だよ。
I definitely need to take some photos there. And I also heard about some kind of island?
そこは絶対に写真を撮りたいな。それと、何か島があるって聞いたんだけど？
That would be Chikubu Island. It’s a small but sacred island with ancient shrines and temples. Some people believe it has spiritual power, and there’s a ritual where you throw a small ceramic plate (kawarake) to make a wish.
それは 竹生島 だね。小さいけど神聖な島 で、古い神社やお寺 があるんだ。パワースポット って言われていて、願いを込めて 小さな陶器の皿（かわらけ）を投げる っていう特別な儀式もあるんだよ。
That’s really cool. I like places with deep history and unique traditions. What’s the best way to get there?
それ、すごくいいな！歴史が深くて、独特な伝統 がある場所って好きなんだよね。どうやって行くのが一番いいの？
You take a boat from Nagahama or Otsu, and the ride itself is really scenic.
長浜か大津から船に乗って行く んだ。船の旅自体もすごく景色がいいから、めちゃくちゃ楽しめるよ。
Man, I really underestimated how much there is to do at Lake Biwa. It’s not just a big lake—it’s got nature, history, and adventure all in one place.
いやぁ、琵琶湖ってこんなに楽しめる場所 だったなんて、完全に見くびってたよ。ただの大きな湖じゃなくて、自然も歴史も、冒険も全部詰まってる んだな！
Exactly! Let’s plan a trip soon. You’re going to love it!
その通り！今度一緒に行こうよ。絶対に気に入ると思うよ！
概要 / Overview
琵琶湖
Introduction
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan and one of the oldest lakes in the world. It is located in Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto. The lake covers about 670 square kilometers, making up one-sixth of the prefecture’s land area. It is not only a beautiful natural spot but also an important source of water, history, and culture in Japan.
琵琶湖は日本で最も大きな湖であり、世界でも最も古い湖の一つです。滋賀県にあり、京都の隣に位置しています。湖の面積は約670平方キロメートルで、滋賀県の約6分の1を占めています。琵琶湖は美しい自然スポットであるだけでなく、日本の水資源、歴史、文化においても重要な役割を果たしています。
A Very Old and Unique Lake
Lake Biwa is about 4 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes on Earth. Because it has existed for so long, it has developed a unique ecosystem. The lake is home to over 1,700 species of animals and plants, including more than 60 species that exist nowhere else in the world. Due to its ecological importance, it was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1993 to protect its wetland environment.
琵琶湖は約400万年前に形成され、世界でも最も古い湖の一つです。長い年月の間に、特有の生態系が発展しました。湖には1,700種類以上の動植物が生息しており、そのうち60種類以上は世界のどこにも存在しない固有種です。琵琶湖の生態学的な重要性が認められ、1993年には湿地の保護を目的とするラムサール条約に登録されました。
A Vital Water Source
Lake Biwa is an essential water source for about 14 million people in Kyoto, Osaka, and other parts of the Kansai region. It provides drinking water, irrigation for farms, and industrial water for factories. Because of this, people in Japan call it “the water tank of Kansai.”
琵琶湖は、京都や大阪を含む関西地方の約1,400万人にとって欠かせない水源です。飲料水や農業用の灌漑用水、工業用水を供給しています。そのため、日本では「関西の水瓶」とも呼ばれています。
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Lake Biwa is a popular tourist destination with many interesting places to visit. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, offers a great view of the lake. Shirahige Shrine is famous for its floating torii gate, which looks beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Chikubu Island, a sacred island, has old shrines and temples and a tradition of kawarake throwing, where visitors toss small ceramic plates to make a wish.
琵琶湖は観光地としても人気があり、多くの見どころがあります。国宝である彦根城は、琵琶湖を一望できる絶景スポットです。白鬚神社は湖に浮かぶ鳥居で有名で、特に日の出や夕暮れ時の景色が美しいと評判です。竹生島は神聖な島で、古い神社や寺院があり、「かわらけ投げ」という小さな陶器の皿を投げて願いを込める伝統的な儀式が行われています。
Outdoor Activities
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like cycling around the lake (“Biwaichi”), canoeing, fishing, and yachting. The Biwako Terrace, a mountain-top café, offers a stunning view of the entire lake.
観光客はまた、「ビワイチ」と呼ばれる琵琶湖一周のサイクリングや、カヌー、釣り、ヨットなどのアウトドアアクティビティも楽しめます。山頂にあるカフェ「びわ湖テラス」では、湖全体を見渡せる絶景が広がっています。
Conclusion
Lake Biwa is more than just a large lake. It is rich in nature, history, and culture. Whether you want to explore its history, enjoy its scenery, or try exciting outdoor activities, Lake Biwa has something for everyone. It is a must-visit destination for travelers in Japan!
琵琶湖は単なる大きな湖ではなく、自然、歴史、文化のすべてが詰まった魅力的な場所です。歴史を探訪したい人、絶景を楽しみたい人、アクティブな体験をしたい人、それぞれに合った楽しみ方があります。日本を訪れる旅行者にとって、ぜひ訪れるべき観光地のひとつです！
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Lake Biwa?
琵琶湖とは何ですか？
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto. It is about 4 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in the world.
琵琶湖は日本最大の湖で、京都の隣にある滋賀県に位置しています。約400万年前に形成された、世界でも最も古い湖の一つです。
2: Why is Lake Biwa important?
琵琶湖はなぜ重要ですか？
Lake Biwa is an essential water source for about 14 million people in the Kansai region. It provides drinking water, irrigation for farming, and industrial water.
琵琶湖は関西地域の約1,400万人にとって重要な水源です。飲料水、農業用の灌漑水、工業用水を供給しています。
3: What kind of wildlife lives in Lake Biwa?
琵琶湖にはどのような生き物が生息していますか？
The lake is home to over 1,700 species of animals and plants, including more than 60 species that exist nowhere else in the world, such as the Biwa trout.
湖には1,700種類以上の動植物が生息しており、ビワマスなど、世界のどこにもいない60種類以上の固有種がいます。
4: What is Biwaichi?
ビワイチとは何ですか？
Biwaichi is a cycling route that goes around Lake Biwa. The route is about 200 kilometers long, and most people take two to three days to complete it.
ビワイチは琵琶湖を一周するサイクリングルートのことです。全長は約200キロメートルで、多くの人は2〜3日かけて完走します。
5: What is special about Hikone Castle?
彦根城の特別な点は何ですか？
Hikone Castle is a national treasure and one of Japan’s five original castles. It offers a great view of Lake Biwa and has a historical connection to the samurai era.
彦根城は国宝であり、日本に現存する5つの城の一つです。琵琶湖を見渡せる素晴らしい景色があり、戦国時代とも深い歴史的なつながりがあります。
6: Why is Shirahige Shrine famous?
白鬚神社はなぜ有名ですか？
Shirahige Shrine is famous for its torii gate standing in the lake. The gate looks beautiful at sunrise and sunset, making it a popular spot for photography.
白鬚神社は湖の中に立つ鳥居で有名です。特に日の出や夕暮れ時の景色が美しく、写真撮影の人気スポットになっています。
7: What is Chikubu Island known for?
竹生島は何で有名ですか？
Chikubu Island is a small sacred island in Lake Biwa. It has old shrines and temples, and visitors can take part in a ritual called kawarake throwing to make a wish.
竹生島は琵琶湖に浮かぶ小さな神聖な島です。古い神社や寺院があり、訪れる人は「かわらけ投げ」という儀式を行い、願いを込めることができます。
8: What outdoor activities can you do at Lake Biwa?
琵琶湖ではどのようなアウトドアアクティビティが楽しめますか？
Visitors can enjoy cycling, canoeing, fishing, yachting, and hiking. The Biwako Terrace, a mountain-top café, is also a popular place to relax and enjoy the view.
訪問者はサイクリング、カヌー、釣り、ヨット、ハイキングなどを楽しめます。山頂にあるカフェ「びわ湖テラス」も、景色を楽しみながらリラックスできる人気スポットです。
9: When is the best time to visit Lake Biwa?
琵琶湖を訪れるのに最適な時期はいつですか？
Lake Biwa is beautiful in every season. Spring has cherry blossoms, summer is great for water activities, autumn has colorful leaves, and winter is perfect for bird-watching.
琵琶湖は四季折々の美しさがあります。春は桜が咲き、夏はウォーターアクティビティに最適で、秋は紅葉が美しく、冬はバードウォッチングにぴったりです。
10: How can you get to Lake Biwa from Kyoto?
京都から琵琶湖へはどうやって行けますか？
Lake Biwa is very close to Kyoto. You can take a train from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station in about 10 minutes or to Hikone Station in about 50 minutes.
琵琶湖は京都からとても近いです。京都駅から大津駅までは電車で約10分、彦根駅までは約50分で行けます。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
insane : 形容詞
意味: 狂っている、非常識な、驚くほどすごい
In general, “insane” means mentally ill or extremely unreasonable. It can also mean amazing or unbelievable in informal conversation.
（ 「4 million years?! That’s insane!」で使われており、驚くほど信じがたいという意味で使用）
例文:
- The price of the hotel was insane. It was way too expensive!
「そのホテルの値段は非常識だった。めちゃくちゃ高かったよ！」 - His skill in playing the piano is insane!
「彼のピアノの技術は驚異的だ！」 - Jumping from that height is insane!
「あの高さから飛び降りるなんてありえない！」
scenic : 形容詞
意味: 景色が美しい、風光明媚な
“Scenic” describes a place with beautiful natural views.
（琵琶湖への船旅が美しい景色を楽しめることを表す）
例文:
- We drove along a scenic road through the mountains.
「私たちは山を抜ける景色の美しい道をドライブした。」 - The hotel room had a scenic view of the lake.
「そのホテルの部屋からは湖の美しい景色が見えた。」 - The scenic landscape of Switzerland is breathtaking.
「スイスの風光明媚な風景は息をのむほど美しい。」
landmark : 名詞
意味: 目印となる建物・場所、歴史的に重要な建造物。A landmark can refer to a well-known building, a natural feature, or a historical site that is easily recognizable.
（琵琶湖が自然と歴史の両方の面で重要な存在であることを示す）
例文:
- Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan.
「東京タワーは日本で最も有名なランドマークの一つだ。」 - The Eiffel Tower is a well-known landmark in Paris.
「エッフェル塔はパリの有名な目印だ。」 - The Statue of Liberty is a national landmark in the United States.
「自由の女神像はアメリカの国の象徴だ。」
underestimate : 動詞
意味: 過小評価する、甘く見る。“Underestimate” means to think that something is less important, difficult, or valuable than it really is.
（琵琶湖の魅力を過小評価していたとして使用）
例文:
- I underestimated how difficult the exam would be.
「試験がこんなに難しいとは甘く見ていた。」 - Don’t underestimate his ability to solve problems.
「彼の問題解決能力を過小評価してはいけない。」 - We underestimated the time needed to complete the project.
「プロジェクトを終わらせるのに必要な時間を見誤った。」
sacred : 形容詞
意味: 神聖な、宗教的に重要な
“Sacred” describes something holy or deeply respected, often related to religion.
（竹生島が宗教的に重要な場所であることを示す）
例文:
- The temple is a sacred place for Buddhists.
「その寺院は仏教徒にとって神聖な場所です。」 - Many people consider Mount Fuji to be sacred.
「多くの人が富士山を神聖な山だと考えている。」 - This book is sacred to our culture.
「この本は私たちの文化にとって特別なものです。」