Easy to reach from Kyoto and Osaka, Shiga’s Lake Biwa area has been drawing more visitors in recent years.
Around the lake there are scenic viewpoints with fine views of the water, and because the surface stays calm, there are also plenty of outdoor activities that beginners can enjoy.
Among them, Otsu City is home to Biwako Valley, where you can enjoy skiing and other activities along with a number of scenic spots. It is one of the most popular places in the area.
This article covers the highlights of Biwako Valley, the Sky Bridge that opened in September 2026, how long to allow depending on how you spend your time, ropeway fares, souvenirs sold at the base station, and how to get there, along with nearby sights.
It is written for first-time visitors, for anyone who wants a sense of how long to allow before planning the day, and for anyone who wants to combine the views over Lake Biwa with a good meal.
About Biwako Valley
Kyoto is about an hour away by train and bus from Biwako Valley, a mountain resort that stretches from the 1,100-meter Mount Uchimi to the summit of Mount Horai.
The resort runs as a green season from spring through autumn and as a winter season in the colder months, so what you can do changes with the time of year, with the views over Lake Biwa throughout.
Here is what each season offers at Biwako Valley.
– Green season: late April to late November. Zip-line rides, a swing with a view and other outdoor activities
– Winter season: late December to mid-March. Skiing and snow play
What to see in the green season
From Biwako Terrace, you can see the whole lake from north to south. The reflecting pool catches the light, and the way it sits against the water makes it a spot most people want to photograph.
Biwako Terrace, the area known as The Main, is made up of the Grand Terrace and the North Terrace, each looking out over the lake from a different angle, which gives the feeling of walking in the air.
There is also a quiet cafe and bar where you can have original sweets and drinks with the view, so it is worth stopping if you want the scenery and a meal together.
There are plenty of activities as well, including zip-line rides and a real-life puzzle game, which makes it a good place for families.
Stopping at Café 360 on the summit of Mount Horai
Nothing blocks the view from the summit of Mount Horai, so you can see Lake Biwa and the mountains around it. It is a good place to sit for a while or stretch out on the grass.
Café 360 is open from 10:00 to 15:30 and serves original doughnuts, soft serve and local beer.
Places to eat with a view
Besides Café 360, there are restaurants such as Terrace Café and GrillDining & Bar HALUKA.
Terrace Café serves lunch dishes such as beef stew and clam chowder, along with gelato, tiramisu and other desserts.
GrillDining & Bar HALUKA serves Omi beef hamburg steak and Omi beef sirloin, which suits a fuller meal.
Both serve alcohol, so you can choose whichever fits. Terrace Café is open from 9:10 to 16:00 (last order 15:30) and GrillDining & Bar HALUKA from 10:30 to 15:30 (last order 15:00).
Biwako Terrace Sky Bridge is now open
On September 14, 2026, the suspension bridge running from the summit of Mount Uchimi at 1,108 meters toward Mount Horai at 1,174 meters, Biwako Terrace Sky Bridge, opened to the public.
It was built to mark ten years since Biwako Terrace opened, and the bridge is 220 meters long.It is the longest single-span pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan, with no towers or piers along its length. Walking out onto it, the lake fills the view, and the mountains beyond are visible without anything in the way.
The slight sway underfoot adds to the sense of height, and the bridge connects Biwako Terrace with Café 360, which makes moving between them easier. It is open through late November. Hours are 9:30 to 16:00, and you reach it by taking the Uchimi lift from the ropeway summit station and getting off at the midway station. For the ski season, check the official website.
What to see in the winter season
In winter the whole area turns to snow, and it fills up with people who come for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Building snowmen, snowball fights and sledding are all on offer, along with zip-line rides over the snow and snowshoe walks through the winter mountains.
Skis, snowboards and clothing can all be rented, so you can come without carrying gear.
Lessons are also available.
If you want to ski longer runs or work on your form, there are group lessons for adults and private lessons.
How long to allow at Biwako Valley, depending on what you want to do
A quick look at the terrace takes little time, while going up to the summit takes half a day, so the time you need varies a lot. Here is a rough guide.
| How you spend it | Time to allow |
|---|---|
| Walking around Biwako Terrace and taking photos | 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Biwako Terrace plus lunch | 2 to 3 hours |
| Biwako Terrace plus the Sky Bridge | 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours |
| Sky Bridge plus Mount Horai and Café 360 | 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours |
| Walking the summit area and eating at a restaurant | 4 to 5 hours |
| Including zip-line rides and other activities | Half a day to a full day |
One thing to note is that it takes about 20 minutes to get from Biwako Terrace to Café 360 at the summit. You change lifts to reach the top of Mount Horai, so allow for the round trip. The Sky Bridge is open through late November.
Souvenirs from Biwako Valley: shopping at Biwako Street by the base station
Souvenirs are sold at Biwako Street by the base station. The range runs from sweets made in Shiga to Omi beef products, local beer, regional drinks and small goods.
| Item | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Ropeway Chocolate Crunch (864 yen) | The packaging makes it clear where it came from, and it is easy to hand out |
| Biwako Terrace original financiers | Five flavors: plain, orange, chocolate, roasted green tea and matcha |
| Biwako Black Curry | When you want something other than sweets |
| Omi habutae mochi (590 yen) | For anyone who likes Japanese sweets |
| Omi beef rice crackers (800 yen small, 1,400 yen large) | A straightforward taste of Omi beef |
| Craft beer (710 to 730 yen) | To drink at home while thinking back on the view |
Prices are as of October 2026. The shop is right where you step off the ropeway on the way down, so leaving the shopping until the end saves carrying bags around the summit.
Fares, hours and access for Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley fares: ropeway prices change with the date
The round-trip ropeway fare includes unlimited lift rides and entry to Biwako Terrace and the Sky Bridge.There is no extra charge for the Sky Bridge.Prices change by the day, and buying online in advance costs less than at the window. Note that advance tickets can be used from the day after purchase, so buy them the day before at the latest.
| Advance online | Window, same day | Peak dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 3,500 to 4,500 yen | 5,000 yen | 5,500 yen |
| Elementary school | 1,400 to 1,800 yen | 2,000 yen | 2,500 yen |
| Child (3 and over) | 750 to 950 yen | 1,000 yen | 1,500 yen |
On peak dates such as Golden Week in early May, the Obon period in mid-August and the autumn holidays, both advance and window tickets cost 500 yen more than the standard window price. Peak dates change each year, so check the official website. Parking is 1,000 yen on weekdays and 2,000 yen on weekends and holidays, cash only.
The fares above are for the green season. Lift ticket pricing is different in the winter season, so check the official website if you are visiting in winter.
Prices and operating days can change, so check the official website before you go and buy the advance ticket online.
Getting to Biwako Valley
To reach Biwako Valley, take the local bus from JR Shiga Station (operated by Kojaku Kotsu) to the last stop, Biwako Valley Mae.From Kyoto Station it takes about an hour.
Note that the grounds are large, so arriving does not mean you are at Biwako Terrace right away.
If you come by car, the walk from the parking area to the ropeway, then the summit station and on to Biwako Terrace takes about 30 minutes.
The same applies by public transport: getting from the Biwako Valley Mae stop to the ropeway, the summit station and Biwako Terrace takes time, so check the last ropeway and bus departures before you set out.
Ropeway information
| Operating period | Late April to late November (dates vary by year) |
| Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 (last ride up 16:00, last ride down 17:00). 9:00 to 16:30 in November. Hours may be extended to 18:00 during the Obon period |
Travel time from major stations
| From | Travel time |
| Maibara | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Kyoto | About 1 hour |
| Osaka | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
A note on car navigation
There are a number of mountain trails near Biwako Valley, and car navigation systems often send drivers the wrong way. The entrance is a single T-junction on Prefectural Route 558 marked by a large sign, so it helps to check the route via the Shiga interchange before you set out.
Biwako Valley at a glance
| Name | Biwako Valley / Biwako Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 1547-1 Kido, Otsu, Shiga |
| Phone | 077-592-1155 |
| Operating period | Green season runs from late April to late November (dates vary by year) |
| Hours | Ropeway 9:00 to 17:00 (last ride up 16:00, last ride down 17:00). 9:00 to 16:30 in November. Hours may be extended to 18:00 during the Obon period |
| Closed | The resort closes for several days a few times a year for maintenance, even during the season. Check the official website before you go |
| Parking | 1,000 yen on weekdays, 2,000 yen on weekends and holidays (cash only). Free for motorcycles under 50cc and bicycles |
| By car | About 5 minutes from the Shiga interchange on the Kosei Road. The entrance is a single T-junction on Prefectural Route 558 marked by a sign |
| By train | About 10 minutes by Kojaku Kotsu bus from JR Shiga Station, getting off at Biwako Valley Mae |
Places to visit near Biwako Valley
Frequently asked questions
- How long should I allow at Biwako Valley?
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Walking around Biwako Terrace and taking photos takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Adding lunch brings it to 2 to 3 hours, and going as far as Café 360 on Mount Horai takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- How much is the ropeway?
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For adults, advance online tickets are 3,500 to 4,500 yen depending on the day, same-day window tickets are 5,000 yen, and peak dates are 5,500 yen. All include unlimited lift rides and entry to Biwako Terrace.
- Is there an extra charge to cross the Sky Bridge?
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No. The round-trip ropeway fare already includes unlimited lift rides and entry to Biwako Terrace and the Sky Bridge.
- When can I cross the Sky Bridge?
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It is open during the green season, through late November. For the ski season, check the official website.
- Can I buy an advance online ticket on the day?
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Advance tickets can be used from the day after purchase, so buy one the day before at the latest. If you buy on the day, you pay the window price.
- Is there anywhere to eat at the summit?
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The Main on Mount Uchimi has Terrace Café (9:10 to 16:00) and GrillDining & Bar HALUKA (10:30 to 15:30), and Café 360 (10:00 to 15:30) is at the summit of Mount Horai. HALUKA suits a full meal, while Café 360 is better for a break with the view.
- What happens on rainy or windy days?
-
The ropeway can stop running in strong wind. It is colder and windier at the top than at lake level, so check the operating status on the day and bring a layer.
Summary
Biwako Valley is about five minutes up by ropeway, and the view opens out over Lake Biwa from there. Allow around two hours if you plan to stay on the terrace, or half a day if you want to go up to the summit.
Fares change by the day, so it is worth buying online in advance. There are also places to stay around the lake with views over the water, so consider a night nearby and see how the lake looks in the morning and evening.
