Biwako Valley

Biwako Valley sits high on the Hira mountains above the western shore of Lake Biwa in Otsu. A ropeway climbs more than 780 metres in about five minutes to the summit area, where the Biwako Terrace, a set of open wooden decks and a cafe at around 1,100 metres, frames a panorama of the entire lake and the mountains beyond. In the green season the resort adds ziplines, a sky walk and other activities for families, while in winter the slopes become one of the closest ski areas to Kyoto and Osaka. Views depend on the weather, so it is worth checking conditions and the ropeway timetable before setting out.