# Biwako Valley

> A mountaintop resort above the western shore reached by a fast ropeway, whose Biwako Terrace decks look out over the whole of Lake Biwa; a green-season viewpoint and winter ski area.

- Prefecture: Shiga
- Type: Attraction
- Address: Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- Admission: 5000 yen
- Official site: https://www.biwako-valley.com/

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.

## FAQ

### How much is the Biwako Valley ropeway?

In the green season a round-trip ropeway ticket is around 5,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children, with higher prices on peak days; advance web tickets are cheaper. Check the official site for current fares.

### How do I get to Biwako Valley?

Take a bus to the ropeway from JR Shiga Station on the Kosei Line (about 10 minutes), or drive; the Shiga interchange on the Kosei Road is about 10 minutes away and there is a large paid car park.

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Source: Biwako Valley — Japan Voyage