Biwako Valley (Biwako Terrace)
びわ湖バレイ（びわ湖テラス）
Biwako Valley is a mountain resort in Otsu, ski area in winter and viewpoint in the green season. A fully glass-walled ropeway takes visitors up to the summit area at about 1,100 m, where Biwako Terrace is located. "The Main" terrace spreads across the top of Mt. Uchimi, and Café 360 sits on Mt. Horai. From the terraces, visitors enjoy wide views of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
Green season: 9:00–17:00 (last ropeway up 16:00, last down 17:00).
- Closed
There are regular closure periods each year (for 2026, e.g. 24 November to late December). During closures all facilities, including the ropeway, parking and Biwako Terrace, are closed.
- Admission
One facility ticket covers the round-trip ropeway, unlimited lift rides and Biwako Terrace (including the Sky Bridge). Prices differ for web advance and counter purchase.
- Time needed
The ropeway ride takes 5 minutes.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- The top levels of the Grand Terrace and North Terrace viewing areas can be reached by wheelchair.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The summit is 5 to 7°C colder than the foot of the mountain, so bring a jacket.
- In winter the outdoor walkway to Biwako Terrace is covered with snow, so wear shoes with good grip.
- The ropeway takes about five minutes up to the top of Mt. Uchimi at 1,108 meters.
- Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
- Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Shiga and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Shiga
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:45
- Sunrise06:21
- Dhuhr11:42
- Asr14:37
- Maghrib16:59
- Isha18:25
Times are calculated for Otsu. Times may differ elsewhere in Shiga.
Places to pray near Biwako Valley (Biwako Terrace)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Biwako Valley (Biwako Terrace)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: go.biwako, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): biwako-valley.com