If you love amusement parks or have kids that do, you should definitely visit “Biwako Valley” in Shiga.
Biwako Valley many of attraction such as fastest ropeway in Japan, View of lake Biwa and zip-line.
Although Sky Walking and Zip-Line are required payment, there are also attractions that you can enjoy for free.
Let me introduce both free activities and paid activities of Biwako Valley in Shiga prefecture as an unknown tourist destination.
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Access to Lake Biwa(Biwako Valley)
It takes about 50 minutes from Kyoto Station in total by train and bus.
JR Kosei Line brings you to Shiga Station from Kyoto Station.
Please be careful, Tokaido Line goes the other way.
From Shiga Station to Biwako Valley, it takes about 10 mintutes.
After that, the fastest ropeway in Japan takes you 1,100m above sea level.
On the way to top of the mountain, you can have fun with views which change in each season.
Note that Biwako Valley is colder than town because it’s in 1,100m above sea level.
Usually temperature is lower about 5 to 7 degrees, so if you have, bring your thin coat.
Summer Season Activity
(Paid Activity)Sky Walking In Biwako Valley
If you want to be thrilled for travel to Japan, sky walking is recommendation.
Since sky walking is on 1,100m above sea level, thrill and views are fantastic.
Biwako Valley has 3 types of course, so both adults and children can enjoy it.
Business Hours and Charges
Sky walking is available from Spring to Autumn, but not available in winter season.
In 2019, for example, 4/27 to 11/10 is the available period.
Challenge course (Advanced & Intermediate)
･About 90 minutes in total including wearing equipment and play for about 70 minutes.
･In 60 minutes, guide announce to get ready to finish.
･You can try as much as you want until the time come.
･2600 yen
Child course
･About 50 minutes in total including wearing equipment and play for about 40 minutes.
･1600 yen
Note that making reservation is necessary in Japanese and application form has to be hand in before.
You can make reservation from here although it’s written in Japanese.
(Paid Activity)Zip-Line In Biwako Valley
There are 7 courses of zip-line.
So, 7 colors of views and 7 types of shouting would make you satisfied.
The longest course is 169m long and 25m high from the ground with view of Lake Biwa.
Business Hours and Charges
Zip-line is also available from Spring to Autumn, but not available in winter season same as sky walking.
For example, 2019/4/27 to 2019/11/10 is the available period.
･About 2 hours
･Capacity is 24 people for onece.
･3800 yen
Note that making reservation is necessary in Japanese and application form has to be hand in before.
You can make reservation from here although it’s written in Japanese.
(Paid Activity)Lawn Slider
Although Biwako Valley is famous for ski, you can try lawn slider riding on a sled instead.
Speed is unexpectedly fast.
Sliding from the top while cutting the wind, not only children but also adults can have fun.
Height can be selected from low, medium and high, so it is fun to start from low and gradually increase the height.
Staff don’t stay resident.
Parents should go along with your children to avoid to get injured.
Business Hours and Charges
In 2019, for example, 4/27 to 11/10 is the available period.
･1 hour
･500 yen
(Free Activity)Sasa-hira Play Ground, Koro-Koro Batting
What is getting a little bit famous in Shiga prefecture is Koro-koro batting!
You can try handmade batting machine.
It is a game with a simple rule, just roll a ball inside of a useless long pipe and hit a ball, but this is not possible.
When a ball that rolls in a pipe(3m) appears in front of you, you need to start swinging the bat, otherwise you will be delayed swinging.
You can’t hit a ball if you don’t have strong reflexes.
The story is just a glance, so please try batting.
You can enjoy Koro-koro batting by yourself.
First, put a bat on the batters box.
Secondly, roll a ball into a pipe next.
Lastly, dash to the batters box and hit a ball!
(Free Activity)Chiki Chiki Chicken Race
Competitive type activity is also available in Biwako Balley.
This activity is for test your courage called “Chicken Race” or “Dokyo-Damesi” in Japan.
2 of the trolley have wheels under the base.
Here is how test your courage.
First, hold the start line handle.
Secondly, launch the trolley with force with your arms.
Lastly, if you could stop the trolley on the sign of circle, you are the winner!
It’s a simple and clear race.
If the momentum is too strong, you will fall at the end of the course, and if the momentum is too weak, you can’t reach on the circle.
Let’s compete with your friends with the Chicken Race!
(Free Activity)Water Playing Area
Please don’t forget bringing your swimsuit and towel for summer Biwako Valley.
Water playing area is opened in every year in summer.
Set on the left side of ski lift, its size is powerful as much as lift.
Dive into water slider overlooking view of Biwako Lake.
This is what located nearby boarding area of ski lift, called “Basshan”.
As the water accumulates little by little, the large bucket gradually leans, and finally the water falls.
It is an unique item splashing water.
Children would be addicted on this thrill !
(Free Activity)Japan’s Most Beautiful Swing
If you get tired of playing, it is recommended to take a break on the swing.
Overlooking Lake Biwa 1,100m high from ground while swinging is one of the most spectacular swings in Japan.
Please enjoy the superb view where even children will surely get surprised!
Winter Season Activity
In winter season activity is also available.
Here is the basic information.
Biwako Valley Ski Resort Day Tour from Kyoto
Biwako Valley Ski Resort Day Tour from Osaka
Business Period:Saturday, December 21, , March 22
Ropeway operation hours:8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Last uphill 16:00 / Last downhill 17:00)
Lift operation hours:
8:30am – 4:30pm (set for each lift)
It is closed on days when skiing is not available.
Skiing
World-class man-made snowfall equipment that replenishes natural snowfall ensures abundant snowfall and snow quality.
It has 9 diverse courses with a variety of variations, including the popular woodland course and a hooray panoramic slope with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa.
In winter, the view of the silver world seen from Biwa Lake Terrace is breathtaking.
Snow Tubing
A powerful activity where you slide down the mountain on a special course.
Both children and adults can enjoy this activity.
Take Onsen After Enjoyed Activities
After enjoying winter sports, let’s warm up your body with an onsen.
Ogoto Onsen, located about 10 minutes by train from Shiga Station, the nearest station to Biwako Balai, is one of Shiga’s best-known hot springs.
The onsen was opened as far back as 1,200 years ago. At present, nine onsen inns offer elaborate baths.
Have A Break At Biwako Terrace After Activities
At Biwako Terrace, superb view of Lake Biwa is spreading.
There are also restaurants and cafe to take some rests.
After enjoyed activities in Biwako Valley, just let your mind soaked in the view.
Business hour and time
Biwako Terrace is open from spring to autumn.
For example, in 2019, 4/6 to 11/24 is opening, so please check when it is open.
Open 9:30～17:00
Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:00
Oepn 9:40 to 16:00(L.O.15：30)
Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:10
Oepn 10:00 to 16:00(L.O.16：00)
Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30
Oepn 10:00 to 16:15
Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30
Oepn 10:00 to 16:00(L.O.16：00)
Note : Sturday, Sunday, and during August it’s open from 9:30
Here is a map of Biwako Valley.
Biwako Valley’s Appeal Is Not Only Snow
We couldn’t introduce all of the attractions in Biwako Balley, but any of them make you feel like a kid again.
Also you can enjoy a superb view of Biwako Lake at the same time.
So, it is highly recommended for family travel.
Although Biwako balley is famous for winter season such as ski and snowboard, spring and summer is also season for activities.
Let’s get exited with you children or friend!
