Completed in July 2016, Biwako Terrace is an observation terrace with a cafe. Biwako Terrace was constructed at the summit of Biwako Valley where a variety of activities can be enjoyed all year round.

It takes about 40 minutes by car from the Kyoto Higashi IC of the Meishin Expressway and if you go by train, about 10 minutes by bus from the JR Kosai Line Shiga Station.

To get to the Biwako Terrace you must first take the ropeway at the foot of Biwako Valley.

It only takes about 5 minutes to reach the 1,100-meter summit. Moving at a speed of 12 meters per second it is the fastest ropeway in Japan! (Winter only. Between spring and autumn, the speed is reduced to allow for more leisurely sightseeing.)

The ropeway operates on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with cars departing approximately every 15 minutes. (Times are different during the ski season.)

It is 782 meters from the boarding station to the summit, so there is a temperature difference. The temperature at the summit is about 5 ~ 7 degrees lower than at the base, so you are advised to take a coat or other apparel to ward off the cold.

The cabins are enclosed in glass and offer a 360-degree view. As the car ascends, you are afforded a panoramic view of Lake Biwa.

The mountains on the opposite side of Lake Biwa are covered in forests which in spring sport cherry blossoms and in summer verdant greens...the views in each season are excellent.

I found the views from the ropeway to be most exhilarating, and the views from here are even more impressive. Most enjoyable!

When you arrive at the summit the temperature will be noticeably cooler. But the clear, cold air is quite exhilarating and with rising anticipation of viewing the broad scene below, I headed past the signboard pointing the way.

A magnificent view awaits you! Lake Biwa, the surrounding mountains, and the sky are a gradation of pale blues.

Proceeding forward I arrived at the wide-open terrace. The terrace has three levels, but in winter (December ~ March) only the Grand Terrace is open.

On a fine day you can see Abeno Harukas in Osaka to the west and in the east, Mount Hakusan, a sacred mountain in the Hokuriku region. The day I visited I was able to see the snowcapped Mount Hakusan.

This was the perfect place to take a panoramic photo. Can you see the outline of Lake Biwa?

From this terrace you can see about 80% of all of Lake Biwa. A visitor from Shiga Prefecture remarked, “So this is the actual shape of Lake Biwa!” He seemed quite surprised.

In winter Biwako Valley operates as a ski area and more than half of the visitors in winter come for skiing. Among employees, it seems that this place has been famous for being where you can secretly see a wonderful view.

Before there used to be only a small observation deck here, but because so many visitors said that they wished they could enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Biwa all year round it inspired the creation of the Biwako Terrace.

The concept for the interior of the cafe was “a mountain resort for adults” and the stylish furnishings along with the relaxed atmosphere have achieved that.

The views are not only magnificent from the decks outside but also from indoors as well. Electrical outlets near each of the tables is also a nice addition. They make it easier for those who wish to share their experiences on SNS. And that pleases many.

Only local ingredients are used in the dishes here.

Take for example the tea.

Did you know that Shiga Prefecture was the place where tea was first cultivated in Japan? About 1,200 years ago, Dengyodaishi Saicho brought tea back from Tang China and sowed it in this area which was called Omi at that time and that was the beginning of tea cultivation in Japan.

The sharp differences in temperature between day and night in the Omi region made it ideally suited for tea cultivation and the tea from this area is noted for its rich flavor. I recommend trying the Wakocha [Japanese black tea] made from fermented Omi tea.

Also very popular are the gelato made with Omi Wakocha and Omi brown rice tea!

The cups are filled to the top.

Why not visit and admire Lake Biwa from the sky with the coming of spring?

Biwako Terrace is so popular that there might be long lines waiting to get in depending on the time. It is especially crowded on weekdays when the weather is nice, so I recommend you try to visit during the morning hours. I’m sure that you would enjoy spending time here on a fine day.

* The menu, service, and hours mentioned were those at the time this report was made, and are subject to change.
Text by: Ishihara Ai