Discovering Biwako Valley: A Must-Visit Side Trip from Your Kyoto Adventure with a Payke Insider!

Lake Biwa is not only Japan’s largest lake but also its oldest. It is one of the 20 ancient lakes in the world.

While Lake Biwa is famous for swimming and water activities, this time, my husband and I ventured to the trending “Biwako Valley,” where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire lake. Here’s a report on our experience!

Getting There

Accessing Biwako Valley is quite convenient. It takes about 50 minutes by train and bus from Kyoto, or you can drive there, with parking available for 1,000 yen per day.

Ropeway Experience

The view from the ropeway is breathtaking…!

You enter Biwako Valley via a ropeway, and the pricing is as follows:

You can save up to 1,500 yen by purchasing your tickets online in advance for weekdays (excluding certain days). Unfortunately, my husband and I missed this discount and paid the full price—so frustrating! I highly recommend buying your tickets ahead of time through the link below.

Buy Biwako Valley Advance Tickets Here

Biwako Valley Operating Hours
We visited on a weekday, and by the afternoon, it was bustling with tourists. To avoid crowds, try to arrive early in the morning.

● The ropeway operates every 15 minutes (00, 15, 30, 45 minutes), but this may change depending on the situation on the day.
● Please note that Biwako Valley closes during the winter as it becomes a ski resort, so be sure to check the schedule.

In case of bad weather, the ropeway may not operate, so be sure to check the official website below.

Biwako Valley Official Website

Biwako Terrace

Our first stop was the iconic Biwako Terrace, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters. The terrace offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa—perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Enjoy light meals and drinks at the “Terrace Café” while soaking in the stunning scenery. There’s also an Infinity Lounge where you can relax with a drink.

Taking the Sightseeing Lift to the Play Area

*Images courtesy of the official website

From the Biwako Terrace area, take the sightseeing lift up to the summit. You can enjoy the view of Lake Biwa below, making it feel like you’re taking a stroll in the sky!

This area is packed with free activities, including a dog run, sledding area, and scenic swings, so even small children and pets can have a great time.

Switching Lifts to Reach the Summit

At the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view from the wooden deck.

Activities at Biwako Valley

Now, let’s introduce some activities you can experience at Biwako Valley.

Zipline: A Thrilling Aerial Adventure

For those who are more active, Biwako Valley offers a variety of activities. This time, I tried the zipline, which I was especially looking forward to!

For those unfamiliar, a zipline is an activity where you glide down a wire from a high point, giving you the sensation of flying like a bird.

Biwako Valley’s zipline is one of the largest in Japan, with a total course length of 1,400 meters. The 1,400 meters are spread across five separate ziplines, so even someone like me who gets scared easily could enjoy it!

The landing is quite tricky…!

The experience takes about 120 minutes, but since it was just my husband and me, we finished in about 100 minutes.

Even couples can fly together.

The instructor was very helpful, and since the group was small, we were taught various ways to fly, so if you want to enjoy the zipline experience to the fullest, I recommend going in the morning.

Zipline Details Here

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Skywalker

*Images courtesy of the official website

Though we didn’t try it, Biwako Valley’s “Skywalker” is a high-altitude adventure course that’s gaining popularity. It’s suitable for both children and adults, making it a fun activity for families and groups.

Skywalker Details Here

Conclusion

How was it? Biwako Valley is the perfect spot to enjoy both the breathtaking view of Lake Biwa and a variety of activities. Just 50 minutes by train and bus from Kyoto, or 30 minutes by car, it’s a convenient and worthwhile side trip from your Kyoto adventure. So, the next time you’re in Kyoto, be sure to add Biwako Valley to your itinerary!