Biwako Valley — Attraction in Otsu

Transportation and Arrival: Our journey to Biwako Valley began with a train ride from Osaka to Shiga train station. Upon arrival, we opted for a local bus or a taxi to reach the Biwako Ropeway Station entrance. For a group of five without luggage or ski gear, a taxi ride cost us 1600 Yen. If you're driving, expect to park in a lower parking area and take a free shuttle to the entrance.

Ticketing and Gondola: Purchasing ropeway tickets and boarding the gondola was a breeze with a short 10-minute wait. For those not planning to ski, it's advisable to buy only the ropeway ticket, while chairlift tickets are necessary for skiing. Afternoon tickets, available at a reduced price, are ideal for visitors arriving around noon.

At the Top: The summit was moderately crowded, offering a pleasant atmosphere despite the many visitors. The sled and play area are relatively small, but there's a lot more to explore. Ski school, the Grande Terrace, and play areas are located in the lower building on your right after exiting the gondola. Meanwhile, ski rentals and the cafeteria are situated in the upper building.

Skiing Experience: The ski slopes were not overly crowded, though visitor numbers are expected to rise as temperatures drop. For convenience, clothing and ski gear can be rented at Shiga train station, the bottom ropeway station, and the upper building after the top ropeway station. Check out Biwako Valley official website for rental rates.

Scenic Views: One of the highlights of our visit was the stunning view of Shiga town and Biwa Lake from the Grande Terrace. The panoramic vistas were simply breathtaking and made the trip even more memorable.

In conclusion, our visit to Biwako Valley was a delightful experience with easy access, smooth ticketing, enjoyable skiing, and spectacular views. It’s a fantastic destination for both ski enthusiasts and those simply looking to take in the natural beauty...

Biwako Valley, Shiga

Biwako Valley is an absolute gem in Shiga Prefecture, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and year-round fun! Whether you're visiting in winter or summer, this resort delivers an unforgettable experience.

Stunning Views & Scenery The panoramic views of Lake Biwa from the Biwako Terrace are nothing short of spectacular. The 360-degree glass ropeway provides an exhilarating ride to the summit, where you can soak in the beauty of Japan’s largest freshwater lake, with glimpses of Kyoto and Osaka on clear days .

Exciting Activities for All Seasons -Winter: The ski slopes are well-groomed, with courses for all skill levels, including the Horai Panorama Slope, which offers incredible lake views while skiing. Snowshoeing, sledding, and snowboarding lessons make it a fantastic winter destination . -Summer: The zip line adventure and Sky Walker obstacle course are adrenaline-pumping highlights, while summer sledding and scenic chair-lift rides provide family-friendly fun .

Top-Notch Facilities & Dining The resort boasts excellent amenities, including Café 360, where you can enjoy drinks with a view, and Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, serving delicious gourmet meals. The rental gear is high-quality, and the staff are friendly and helpful .

Easy Accessibility from Kyoto & Osaka Just 40 minutes from Kyoto and about an hour from Osaka, Biwako Valley is incredibly convenient for a day trip or weekend getaway. The JR Kosei Line and shuttle buses make transportation hassle-free .

Perfect for Families, Couples & Solo Travelers Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a romantic spot with stunning sunsets, Biwako Valley has it all. The well-maintained facilities, variety of activities, and unmatched scenery make it a must-visit destination in Japan.

Final Verdict: 4/5 – A flawless mix of nature, adventure, and comfort....

A very popular ski resort in Shiga and there were so many people!

I would recommend arriving around 7:00am to avoid queueing for a loooong time.

Preparations:

1. Transportation: Car or (JR train +Bus)
2. You will first arrive at the ropeway station with one rental shop. I would recommend purchasing the ropeway+lift ticket, and the rental online, as they have queues for those who reserved online and those who are buying on the spot.

The 1st thing to do is to go to the rental shop. IMPORTANT: The rental shop is for renting the wear, helmet and boots for both ski and snowboard. You will get the skis and snowboards after taking the ropeway. The 2nd thing is to get the (ropeway+lift) ticket from the ticket counter. 3rd, take the ropeway up to the slope 3) After arriving at the top, go to the rental shop and get your skis/snowboards. IMPORTANT: There are lockers in both rental shops, I would recommend putting them at the rental shop after taking the ropeway. 4) Enjoy!

This is not the best ski slope I have been to, so I would not highly recommend this place, but feel free to give it a try.

PS - The online rental reservation is for both rental shops I have discussed. There are no other...