Walk Japan's ancient lake
A lakeside pilgrimage along the shore of Biwako, reimagined as a virtual challenge you complete with your everyday steps.
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the oldest in the world, sitting in Shiga Prefecture just east of Kyoto. Its southern shoreline passes Shinto shrines shaded by sacred pines, art deco promenades, sandy beaches, and hilltop temples with panoramic views across the water.
With Zelus, you walk the 44.7 km Blueway route from the sacred pine of Karasaki Jinja to the 808 stone steps of Chomeiji Temple. Your daily steps move you along the real lakeshore on a live map, unlocking six milestone checkpoints at landmarks like the Lake Biwa Museum and Yoshikawa Beach.
6 milestones along the way
Each milestone marks a real landmark on the Lake Biwa shore. Unlock them one by one as your daily steps add up.
Begin beneath the sprawling sacred pine of Karasaki on Lake Biwa's south shore — one of the Eight Views of Omi celebrated in Japanese art.
Skirt the art deco promenade beside the former lakeside hotel, where Meiji-era elegance meets Biwa's calm morning waters.
Trace boardwalks and beaches framing Otsu's waterfront skyline, with the Hiei mountains rising behind the city.
Pause by the floating marsh exhibits that chronicle the four-million-year history of Japan's largest lake and its unique ecosystem.
Follow the sandy arc at Yoshikawa Beach where reeds meet Biwa's calm morning surf and fishing boats dot the horizon.
Climb toward the 808 steps of Chomeiji for vast views across the water. Route complete — your medal is earned.
How it works
Ready to start walking?
Download Zelus and pick the Lake Biwa Blueway. Your first steps today count toward the finish line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this challenge take?
The target is 14 days, but there's no time limit. At around 3 km of walking per day (roughly 4,000 steps), most people finish within 2–3 weeks. Go at whatever pace feels sustainable.
What is Lake Biwa?
Lake Biwa (Biwako) is Japan's largest freshwater lake, located in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto. It's over four million years old, making it one of the world's oldest lakes, and is home to unique endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Do I need to run?
No. Zelus is built for walking — commuting, errands, lunch walks, pacing on a phone call. Running counts too, but it's not required.
How are my steps converted to distance?
Zelus syncs with your phone's step counter and converts steps into kilometres using a calibrated stride length. Your position updates on the map automatically.
What happens when I finish?
You earn the Lake Biwa Blueway completion medal, which is permanently added to your profile. Then you can pick your next route from the 14+ challenges available.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing happens — your progress stays exactly where you left it. The goal is consistency over time, not perfection. Pick it back up whenever you're ready.