noun
north of a lake; north of Lake Biwa
Often refers specifically to the northern shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, but can be used for any lake.
湖北地方は冬に雪が多い。
The area north of Lake Biwa gets a lot of snow in winter.
この湖の湖北には小さな漁村がある。
There is a small fishing village on the north side of this lake.
Compound of 湖 (lake) and 北 (north). The specific reference to Lake Biwa comes from its cultural and geographical prominence.