【Biwako Valley】A Spot Offering Japan’s Best Panoramic Views of Lake Biwa

The Symbol of Biwako Terrace with Panoramic Lake Views

A five-minute ropeway ride from the Biwako Valley base station takes you to the summit station on Mount Uchimi, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa. One of the best spots is the Grand Terrace, a three-tiered wooden deck offering different perspectives of the lake as you move along.

Grand Terrace also features dining options such as the Terrace Café, where you can relax in a serene, woody interior, and Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, offering grill dishes like steaks and hamburgers along with champagne cocktails and vibrant mocktails in an open and breezy atmosphere. There’s also Café Stand, a takeaway shop with a variety of original sweets and drinks.

All cafés and restaurants have terrace seating where you can enjoy the view, so why not find your perfect angle to capture the stunning scenery? *Please note that outdoor seating may not be available depending on the weather and season.

Enjoy Open-Air Dining and Shop for Exclusive Original Products

In addition to cafés and restaurants, Biwako Valley also has shops offering original products and local specialties.

On the first floor of the ropeway base station, you’ll find Biwako Street, a select shop offering Biwako Terrace original products, local sake, Omi beef products, and more. Recommended items include five flavors of “Financier,” rich with the deep flavor of 100% fermented butter; “Biwako Black Curry,” with the fragrant spices and umami of tender domestic beef cheek; the delicate and gentle “OHMI TEA”; and “Ropeway Chocolate Crunch,” featuring packaging shaped like the iconic ropeway. These exclusive Biwako Valley and Biwako Terrace items make for perfect souvenirs or mementos of your visit.

Experience Stunning Panoramic Views with the Ropeway

The ropeway connecting the Biwako Valley base area to the summit of Mount Uchimi offers a luxurious aerial ride, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views while feeling the temperature differences at higher altitudes.

This scenic ropeway, which takes you 800 meters up in just five minutes, offers 360-degree views from its glass-walled cabin. On clear days, you can see not only Lake Biwa but also the city of Kyoto and even the skyscrapers of Osaka. The view is particularly breathtaking in the early mornings of autumn and winter when you might experience the mystical sensation of passing through a sea of clouds. You can also enjoy the fresh green of spring, autumn foliage, and a snow-covered wonderland in winter. On exceptionally clear days, you can even see as far as Osaka’s Abeno Harukas and the Southern Alps.

It’s Not Just the View! Enjoy Mountain Activities Too!

Biwako Valley offers a wide range of activities for both children and adults to enjoy!

In the expansive “Summerland” lawn area located between the two mountains, there are plenty of free spots to play, such as sledding with a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and a scenic swing. There’s also an interactive mystery-solving game called “Letters from Space,” where you can explore the mountaintop area while enjoying the spectacular natural surroundings.

For those seeking more thrills and excitement, we recommend the “Zipline Adventure” and “Skywalker.”

“Zipline Adventure” offers six exhilarating courses where you can soar through the forest on a pulley system, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Lake Biwa.

“Skywalker” is a high-flying adventure course featuring swinging bridges, log crossings, and more, all set 5 meters above the ground. It offers 33 challenges across three courses—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—so even beginners and children can enjoy it. It’s the perfect mountain activity for those looking to get their heart pumping!