Biwako Valley
About This Destination
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.
Location
Prefecture: Shiga
Address: Otsu, Shiga, Japan
Nearest Station: Shiga Station (bus)
Closed: Closed between seasons: March 23 to April 23, June 29 to July 3, September 7 to 11, and from November 24 until late December.
Hours note: Green season (April 24 to November 23, 2026): 9:00 to 17:00, last ropeway up 16:00 and last down 17:00. Extended to 18:00 from August 8 to 16. In November it closes at 16:30. Winter season hours are announced separately.
Best time to visit: Late spring to autumn for the Biwako Terrace views; winter for skiing and snowboarding
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Access
Shiga, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
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.
Nearby Golf Courses
Nearby Ski Resorts
More in Otsu / Lake Biwa
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