Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley
4
About
You can enjoy the terrace of Lake Biwa with a magnificent view overlooking Lake Biwa, Japan's elevation of 1,100 meters, north-south panorama. Attractions such as Skywalker and Zip Line are also available (reservation required). It is famous as the closest ski resort in the Kansai area.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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家庭円満
Mie Prefecture, Japan10,376 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Take a mid-air walk on the 'Lake Biwa Valley Ropeway' (posted separately), the fastest in Japan, and when you arrive at the summit station, you will find the 'Lake Biwa Terrace' (posted separately), an observation facility with a panoramic view of Lake Biwa from there. Especially if you go first thing on a weekday morning, you can really have the breathtaking scenery to yourself. You can also take two lifts to the top of Mount Horai, the highest mountain in Lake Biwa Valley, for a 360-degree panoramic view. In addition, there are plenty of activities and play spaces such as skywalkers and zip lines, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults regardless of the season. Either way, if the weather is good, you can feel the magnificence of Lake Biwa and you will definitely have the best day. By the way, this year's green season will close on November 4th and we are closed for inspections for the winter season.
Automatically translated
Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yoothasart
Samut Prakan Province, Thailand58 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
Biwako valley is very close to Kyoto which take only an hour by JR train. One you arrived at Shiga Station, you will see the sign for Biwako Valley and the bus stop is just right in the front of the station. Bus fee is only 330 Yen and took about ten minutes to get to the base hill. When you arrived at the base, you will see the rental shop on your right hand. You can rent ski, snowboard, suit. There is the locker available on second floor of the ticket boot building. For anyone who wants to play only snowpark, you don't have to pay extra for the lifting, you just pay for the cable car ride. I just want to remind for anyone who would like to do both skiing and snowboarding, please prepare to pay for the lifting as you may need it to get back up on the top of the hill. There is the ski course available for both adults and kids. This place suits family with children. It is the alternative place for travellers who don't want to deal with the cool temperature all day.
Written 12 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snaro
Pasig177 contributions
Jan 2018
Getting here from Osaka can be a challenge for your patience. You have to ride a one hour train to Kyoto, and then switch lines and ride a thirty minute train to Shiga. From Shiga station, you have to take a twenty minute bus to the entrance of Biwako Valley. From there, you have to take a five minute ropeway up to the peak. The ropeway now costs ¥2,500 (roundtrip), which is too high, in my opinion. When you get up there, there's a fenced off area called "Snow Land" -- again, you have to pay an extra ¥500 to access it, and there you can play with sleds and buckets. We didn't bother with that one. Neither did we bother with skiing, for the rental prices were also exorbitant and there were no package deals.
If you're like us, though -- visitors from a tropical country, never having seen snow before -- you'll still have a grand time just from taking that first step onto the snow and proceeding to sink two feet into it. The view from the train to Shiga, showing towns that look progressively snowier, is entrancing in its own right. Luckily, the bus stop has a large "Biwako Valley" sign on it, so the place is pretty tourist-friendly (which explains all the high prices). The ropeway ascends and descends every fifteen minutes.
Even though we just stayed in the common area and had a snowball fight (since we didn't have the time nor money to ski), it was still one of the highlights of our Japan trip. The snow is soft and powdery, and from the mountain, you're granted an amazing view of Biwako Lake. We barely stayed for an hour (because the bus, unfortunately, doesn't come by during lunch, and it was either leave Biwako at 11:30 am or wait til 1:30 pm for the next bus) but we made the most of our time there and it was still money well-spent. So basically: if you're looking for a great first snow experience, this place is the answer. But other than that, there's really not much else to do up there during winter other than ski.
If you're like us, though -- visitors from a tropical country, never having seen snow before -- you'll still have a grand time just from taking that first step onto the snow and proceeding to sink two feet into it. The view from the train to Shiga, showing towns that look progressively snowier, is entrancing in its own right. Luckily, the bus stop has a large "Biwako Valley" sign on it, so the place is pretty tourist-friendly (which explains all the high prices). The ropeway ascends and descends every fifteen minutes.
Even though we just stayed in the common area and had a snowball fight (since we didn't have the time nor money to ski), it was still one of the highlights of our Japan trip. The snow is soft and powdery, and from the mountain, you're granted an amazing view of Biwako Lake. We barely stayed for an hour (because the bus, unfortunately, doesn't come by during lunch, and it was either leave Biwako at 11:30 am or wait til 1:30 pm for the next bus) but we made the most of our time there and it was still money well-spent. So basically: if you're looking for a great first snow experience, this place is the answer. But other than that, there's really not much else to do up there during winter other than ski.
Written 25 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie M
Sydney, Australia155 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
We took a day trip from Osaka. I found clear instructions on this difficult to find so here is what we did:
- train from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (we tool the limited stop train from Kansai Airport, it was only one stop and took c.25min)
- change trains at Kyoto to the Kosei Line heading for Shiga (it is a local train that takes 37 minutes and there are 9 stops between Kyoto and Shiga - Shiga being the 10th)
- from Shiga take a local bus to Biwako Valley, the bus stop is just outside Shiga Station and is signed clearly. i have attached the timetable to this post because the buses are only hourly so try to time your trip). The first bus there is 9:02AM and last bus back is 5:35PM
We took our 3 year old so no skiing or snowboarding we just went to the kids snowland and had lunch at the terrace. It must not have snowed for a couple of days when we went and although there was snow it was quite hard and there was not any powdery snow, we sledged and built a tiny snow man with what snow we could scrape, snowland looked like it was in need of maintenance and updating. Had a very expensive (although tasty) lunch at the terrace (Lakeview is only open on weekends) then came home. We had hoped for more but you cannot predict nature and it was an easy day trip from Osaka so overall worth doing once
- train from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (we tool the limited stop train from Kansai Airport, it was only one stop and took c.25min)
- change trains at Kyoto to the Kosei Line heading for Shiga (it is a local train that takes 37 minutes and there are 9 stops between Kyoto and Shiga - Shiga being the 10th)
- from Shiga take a local bus to Biwako Valley, the bus stop is just outside Shiga Station and is signed clearly. i have attached the timetable to this post because the buses are only hourly so try to time your trip). The first bus there is 9:02AM and last bus back is 5:35PM
We took our 3 year old so no skiing or snowboarding we just went to the kids snowland and had lunch at the terrace. It must not have snowed for a couple of days when we went and although there was snow it was quite hard and there was not any powdery snow, we sledged and built a tiny snow man with what snow we could scrape, snowland looked like it was in need of maintenance and updating. Had a very expensive (although tasty) lunch at the terrace (Lakeview is only open on weekends) then came home. We had hoped for more but you cannot predict nature and it was an easy day trip from Osaka so overall worth doing once
Written 16 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coconuttreeandme
Canada202 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
I went there to play snowboards for two days. I stayed in Kyoto and went there in the morning. It was quite easy to get there. The train station was Shiga and the line was Kosei Line from Kyoto JR station.
I rented all my gears in the resort. Staff was helpful. In two days, I learned to slide, stop and turn. I wanted to learn more but unfortunately, there was a big storm in the second day and the resort closed early.
Snow was thick and nice powder. We fell a lot but did not get hurt.
I saved the train and bus timetables for your easy planning. Have fun.
I rented all my gears in the resort. Staff was helpful. In two days, I learned to slide, stop and turn. I wanted to learn more but unfortunately, there was a big storm in the second day and the resort closed early.
Snow was thick and nice powder. We fell a lot but did not get hurt.
I saved the train and bus timetables for your easy planning. Have fun.
Written 15 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salwa H
Brunei Darussalam7 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
I was looking for the closest place that I can experience snow in December in Japan from Osaka. I heard from the locals that it is rare to see snow around Osaka and Kyoto (basically southern Japan). I was quite disheartened by this so I look up the closest place to go from Osaka and I found this place!
I skied for the first time and it was great though I fall many times T.T. There are also people playing snowboard and also the children can play at the snow playground area for free except you need to pay for the sledding board (around 200 yen). I personally recommend you to try skiing or snowboarding because there are not many things to do up there unless you are content with the scenery or playing the sleds with the kids!
How to go there?
It took me around 2 hours to get to that place from the house that I stayed which is at Namba area. To get there, I went to Namba station and I changed to Osaka station which is just 3 minutes walked from Namba station. Then I bought ticket to Shiga prefecture (which is just a few stations after kyoto)
Once I arrived at the Shiga station, i used the bus to the Biwako Valley.
At the Biwako, I bought the cable car tickets and also rent the ski set and you are good to go!
You can look up more about it at their website if you are interested. Take note that they only open at a certain period of time usually from mid-December. So better to check their website out first!
I skied for the first time and it was great though I fall many times T.T. There are also people playing snowboard and also the children can play at the snow playground area for free except you need to pay for the sledding board (around 200 yen). I personally recommend you to try skiing or snowboarding because there are not many things to do up there unless you are content with the scenery or playing the sleds with the kids!
How to go there?
It took me around 2 hours to get to that place from the house that I stayed which is at Namba area. To get there, I went to Namba station and I changed to Osaka station which is just 3 minutes walked from Namba station. Then I bought ticket to Shiga prefecture (which is just a few stations after kyoto)
Once I arrived at the Shiga station, i used the bus to the Biwako Valley.
At the Biwako, I bought the cable car tickets and also rent the ski set and you are good to go!
You can look up more about it at their website if you are interested. Take note that they only open at a certain period of time usually from mid-December. So better to check their website out first!
Written 28 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sisca C
Jakarta, Indonesia99 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
One of the popular site to go snowboarding and skiing in Japan. Charge to use the cable car is JPY1,800 for one adult. We did not ski or snowboard, so I can't tell you the price for it, but possibly higher. The tariff gets you one ride up and one ride down to the snow hills. Once you get up there, you can store your belongings in lockers, or grab a bite in the restaurants available there. The view is really good, white everywhere with splash of colors from people's jackets.
We got there from Kyoto, taking the JR Kosei line from Kyoto station to Shiga station for forty minutes. From there, you can take a bus for JPY320 per one adult or take a cab for around JPY1,200 for one ride. The ride will only take about ten minutes to get you to Biwako Valley Ski Resort.
We got there from Kyoto, taking the JR Kosei line from Kyoto station to Shiga station for forty minutes. From there, you can take a bus for JPY320 per one adult or take a cab for around JPY1,200 for one ride. The ride will only take about ten minutes to get you to Biwako Valley Ski Resort.
Written 21 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RDTAus
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
I had never heard of this place but just came across it when we arrived in Kyoto. It was awesome. We skied New Year's Eve and took the train from Kyoto. I thought it would be tough to find but it was so easy. We caught the train from Kyoto station to Shiga station which took about 40 mins. At Shiga there is a bus - the only bus I think and a big sign at the station with a picture of the place. There is a little ski hire shop there but we waited until the bus took us to the base of the cable car where there is a big hire shop. I take a UK size 13 and we were worried that they wouldn't have any but the largest size fitted and they had plenty of them. You can use the lockers there for 100 Yen to store your shoes. You can hire clothes and goggles as well as skis, boots and snowboards. We then took the cable car to the top and bought a half-day pass which was from 830-1330. There aren't heaps of runs but there were plenty for a full day of fun for all skier skill levels from kids to black. There was a kids play area and a decent restaurant. There was also a jump but that was closed and one of the slopes had moguls. The snow was surprisingly good. Plenty of it and the slopes weren't very busy so it was a perfect day. The view is absolutely amazing as the big lake is at the bottom of the mountain and it makes for a spectacular picture.
Written 31 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rezzqi
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia165 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
We went there on February with 2 kids.
From Osaka, it took around 2 or 3 hours including waiting time.
Nearest station is Shiga (JR Kosei Line). Before we proceed to the base of ropeway, we went to the lakeside beach of Biwa Lake (10 minutes or less walking distance from the station).
From Shiga Station, we took taxi to the ropeway station, cost us around 1300 Yen (10 minutes ride).
At the top, there is a small child playing area with slide.
The view of Lake Biwa from the top was really amazing. To get better view, there are resting area on the upper floor with balcony facing the lake.
From Osaka, it took around 2 or 3 hours including waiting time.
Nearest station is Shiga (JR Kosei Line). Before we proceed to the base of ropeway, we went to the lakeside beach of Biwa Lake (10 minutes or less walking distance from the station).
From Shiga Station, we took taxi to the ropeway station, cost us around 1300 Yen (10 minutes ride).
At the top, there is a small child playing area with slide.
The view of Lake Biwa from the top was really amazing. To get better view, there are resting area on the upper floor with balcony facing the lake.
Written 25 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rusdiawan
Jakarta, Indonesia34 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
It will take you 2 hours to go to this place from Osaka, but it is worth. Nice place to play ski .... it has rental store, and it has also the school with teacher who can speak english who can teach your kids how to play ski ... great and willing to come back ...
Written 18 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sori...im curious..
Is the snow at biwako valley real or man-made? And how do we know if snow resorts are real snow or man-made in japan?
Planning to go osaka..is biwako the nearest to play snow sledge?
Written 5 May 2020
Hai...where the exact location to rent ski or snowboard at Biawako Valley. Is there at Biwako Valley Ropeway (at bottom) or at Biwako Terrace (at top)
Written 23 January 2020
Is the snow quality of Biwako good for ski? Is it also suited for beginners
Written 28 December 2019
Hi! I am wondering if Biwako valley has new year countdown or fireworks? Also I would like to know if we can stay overnight here so we can spend our new year’s eve there at the park.
Thanks!
Written 16 September 2019
Hi, if I plan to go to the resort on December 29 this year, do I have to book admission tickets in advance or should I just show up there and pay on the spot? Also, does it ever get overcrowded there and if so, do they stop allowing people to come in? Thank you!
Written 10 September 2019
Good morning and sorry for the late reply. As I do not check my tripadvisor account regularly I became aware only now, receiving tripadvisor’s mail, of your request.
And sorry again Jenelle, we had been there in May so I’m not familiar with conditions in winter. The parking lots are huge, that I can say, but since it’s an attractive area it certainly gets crowded especially in peak season like end of the year. Wether tickets can be bought upfront, no idea, but local tourist information or websites might help.
Have a lovely trip!
Written 31 October 2019
Hi, any idea of the opening date of the ski resort of Biwako Valley this winter , 2019-20 .
Written 9 August 2019
maybe around last week of Dec 2019 til March 2020... check out there website for more updates.
Written 5 September 2019
Hi how much did the transportation costs from osaka to biwako valley? Thanks.
Written 22 June 2019
You may check the google maps' get direction feature for the prices.
We took a train from Osaka to Shiga station, it's covered by JR Pass
From Shiga station, we took a taxi (JPY 1,400) since the bus left already. Bus fare was JPY 330 per way.
Written 5 September 2019
Going to Biwako Valley on 14th November?
What temperature should I expect? Winter wear needed?
Will they have summer activities during in mid nov? Thanks.
Written 29 April 2019
Jasovinz
Alaminos City, Philippines
I'll be visiting osaka this december, do i need to make an advance reservation when visiting biwako valley ski resort? Or i could just go there the day i like?
Written 20 March 2019
We just walked in last Feb 2019, no reservation needed. Check their website for more info. biwako-valley . c o m
Written 5 September 2019
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