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.
The area north of Lake Biwa gets a lot of snow in winter.
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.