Biwako Valley Ropeway in Shiga
Last updated: September 13, 2026
Japan's fastest ropeway climbs out of the forest above Lake Biwa in about five minutes, landing you on a plateau strung between the peaks of Mount Uchimiyama (1,108 m) and Mount Horai (1,174 m) — with Japan's largest lake spread wall to wall below. At the top, the Biwako Terrace pours that panorama past open-air decks and cafés, the view that made this mountain famous. In winter the plateau becomes a ski field with slopes for every level, an easy snow day from Kyoto or Osaka; the green seasons trade skis for ridge walks and terrace afternoons.
Itinerary
- Stop at: Biwako Valley Ropeway
Frequently Asked Questions
The open terraces at the ropeway's summit station, perched at 1,100 metres with Lake Biwa filling the entire view — stepped wooden decks, water features and cafés angled straight at the panorama. It is the image that carried Biwako Valley across social media, and it lives up to the photographs.
Yes — in winter the plateau between the two peaks runs as a full ski field, with slopes graded from first-timers to advanced riders and the lake glittering below every run. It is one of the most accessible snow days in Kansai.
Take the JR Kosei Line to Shiga Station — around 40 minutes from Kyoto — then the connecting bus about ten minutes uphill to the ropeway base at Kido. From there the cabin does the rest, climbing to the plateau in roughly five minutes.
Each has its own argument: crisp spring and summer days give the clearest lake views from the terrace, autumn colours the slopes below the cabin, and winter adds the ski field. Clear mornings beat afternoons for haze over the water in any month.