MK Guide Recommends

Hidden along the scenic shores of Lake Biwa, just outside Ōmihachiman, Chalet Mizugahama is a serene café-retreat that blends minimalist architecture with panoramic natural beauty. The modern chalet-style structure features floor-to-ceiling windows and wide wooden decks that open directly to the lake—creating a seamless line between coffee, light, and water. Guests linger over hand-drip brews, simple sweets, and light meals while watching waves shimmer or clouds roll in across the surface. Its location, removed from tourist trails and surrounded by forested shoreline, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking space to think, write, or simply breathe.