Vista & View · Biwako Valley (Mt. Horai)
Biwako Terrace びわ湖テラス
Paid mountaintop terraces at about 1,100 m above Lake Biwa, reached by ropeway; wide views over the lake, with the Skybridge and cafe decks.
Hours9:00-17:00 (last up 16:00); November 9:00-16:30
ClosedGreen season 24 Apr-23 Nov 2026; closed 24 Nov to late Dec 2026 and on scheduled maintenance weeks
PriceAdult, ropeway round trip + lifts + terrace (counter): ¥5,000
Elementary (counter): ¥2,000
Child 3+ (counter): ¥1,000
Elementary (counter): ¥2,000
Child 3+ (counter): ¥1,000
Getting thereJR Shiga Station, then bus to the ropeway base (about 15 min)
Time neededHalf a day
Best timeClear mornings for Lake Biwa views
AddressBiwako Valley summit, 1547-1 Kido, Otsu, Shiga (ropeway base station address)
About
Biwako Terrace sits at the top of the Biwako Valley ropeway on Mt Horai, west of Lake Biwa. The Main terrace (Grand Terrace and North Terrace), Cafe 360 and the Skybridge are wooden decks built to frame the lake, with Okishima, Omi-Hachiman and the Suzuka range beyond. Admission is part of the ropeway ticket; prices vary by date and online purchase is cheaper.
Highlights
- Sweeping views over Lake Biwa from 1,100 m
- Grand Terrace deck and infinity-style water features
- Skybridge suspension bridge
- Seasonal flowers and cafes
Tips
- Buy web tickets in advance - cheaper and avoids queues
- Summer weekends get crowded; go early
- Bring layers; it is much cooler than lakeside
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10
Plan it in Tabitomo
Save Biwako Terrace to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.
Open in the app