Biwako Valley is a resort facility in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, that spreads out across the summits of Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai. After taking a ride in a glass-sided ropeway that begins at the foot of the mountain, visitors will find a variety of activities at the top.

On the peaks of both Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai, there are terraces from which visitors can enjoy an unbroken view of Lake Biwa; at the summit of Mt. Uchimi is The Biwako Terrace The Main, and on Mt. Horai is The Biwako Terrace Café 360. The Main has become the symbol of the resort. It consists of the Grand Terrace as well as the North Terrace, which offers a view of the northern part of the lake; there is also a café with food and drinks available, or visitors can enjoy the scenery while relaxing on sofas. A wooden deck shaped like an arch has been installed at Café 360, and, just as the name indicates, 360 degrees of scenery can be enjoyed here. Visitors can gaze out at a huge, unbroken view of not just Lake Biwa, but also the cityscapes of Kyoto and Osaka, the mountains on the Sea of Japan, and on sunny days, even as far as the Southern Alps.

There are also a number of activities at the summit that can be enjoyed while looking out at the beautiful landscape. For example, there is a thrilling zipline; the athletic Sky Walker at which participants can walk a course of logs, ropes, and swaying bridges set up five meters above the ground; and activities for small children such as summer sledding. In addition, the area becomes a fully-fledged ski resort in winter, where visitors can content themselves with snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

※During winter, the operations of Biwako Terrace are limited to the Grand Terrace and Terrace Café.

Photograph provided by Alpina BI Co.,Ltd.