Popular Sightseeing Tours in Biwako Valley

The area around Lake Biwa Ski Resort (such as Biwako Valley Ski Resort or Hakodateyama Ski Resort) offers abundant tourist resources. You can visit the magnificent shores of Lake Biwa to enjoy the scenery, or explore the historic Shirahige Shrine to experience the unique beauty of its torii gate in the water. Additionally, the old streets and canal scenery of Omihachiman, along with the well-preserved Hikone Castle, are cultural sites worth visiting, perfect for combining with your skiing trip to plan an in-depth Kansai journey.

Lake Biwa Ski Resort offers diverse winter experiences, ensuring enjoyment even for non-skiers. For instance, Biwako Valley Ski Resort's 'Biwako Terrace' is an excellent viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa. Many ski resorts feature 'Snow Play Areas' designed for children and beginners, offering activities like sledding and snowman building. You can also take a cable car up the mountain to simply enjoy the majestic winter mountain scenery and savor local delicacies at the scenic restaurants, enjoying a leisurely time.

The ski resorts around Lake Biwa (like Biwako Valley or Hakodateyama) are generally more suitable for families seeking diverse experiences. These resorts not only have well-equipped beginner slopes and children's snow play areas but also integrate facilities like observation decks and specialty restaurants, allowing non-skiing family members to enjoy themselves. While Rokkosan Ski Resort is conveniently accessible, it is relatively smaller. The ski resorts in the Lake Biwa region offer more diverse options and broader activity spaces for families due to their richer facilities and integration with surrounding tourist attractions.

The best skiing season for Lake Biwa Ski Resort typically runs from late December to early March. During this period, snow conditions are stable and snow quality is good, making it an ideal time to enjoy skiing. January and February usually have the most abundant snowfall and the best resort conditions. It is recommended to check the latest snow reports on the official ski resort website to plan your trip and ensure you experience the best skiing. Planning in advance can also give you more time for bookings.

Getting to Lake Biwa Ski Resort from Kyoto is convenient. For Biwako Valley, you can take the JR Kosei Line train from Kyoto Station to Shiga Station, which takes about 40 minutes. Upon arrival at Shiga Station, a shuttle bus service to the ski resort's base station is usually available, taking about 10 minutes. If you're heading to Hakodateyama Ski Resort, you'll need to take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu Station and then transfer to a local bus. It is advisable to confirm the transportation and shuttle information provided by your chosen ski resort in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

For planning a sightseeing trip around Lake Biwa Ski Resort, it is recommended to combine skiing with surrounding attractions. For a day trip, you can enjoy skiing or admire the view from the observation deck in the morning, then take a stroll along the shores of Lake Biwa or visit Shirahige Shrine in the afternoon. For a multi-day trip, you could allocate one day for skiing and another for visiting historical and cultural sites like Hikone Castle and the Omihachiman water town. Staying at a hot spring hotel by Lake Biwa in the evening would be a great addition. This arrangement allows you to experience both winter sports and local culture, making your itinerary richer and more diverse.

The top cable car attraction around Lake Biwa Ski Resort is the 'Biwako Ropeway' at Biwako Valley. Taking this cable car to the summit leads you to the famous 'Biwako Terrace,' where you can admire the magnificent scenery of the lake and mountains intertwined. Regarding local delicacies, Shiga Prefecture is known for its abundant local ingredients. You can savor Shiga's specialty, 'Omi beef,' which is tender and melts in your mouth. Additionally, freshwater fish dishes from Lake Biwa and unique meals made with local produce are worth trying.

Lake Biwa Ski Resort offers a variety of ticket and equipment rental options to meet different visitor needs. For tickets, you can typically choose from lift passes, combined lift and resort entry tickets, or entry tickets specifically for snow play areas. Equipment rentals include essential sets like skis (or snowboards), boots, and poles. Some resorts also offer additional rentals such as helmets and ski apparel. It's recommended to choose the most suitable package based on your needs and skiing ability. If you wish to book a package including lift tickets and equipment, you can check on platforms like KKday for Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation, avoiding language barriers.

There are many family-friendly accommodation options near Lake Biwa Ski Resort. You might consider hotels by Lake Biwa; many offer spacious family rooms, children's play facilities, or indoor heated pools, allowing children to enjoy other activities besides skiing. Additionally, some resort hotels provide shuttle services to and from the ski resort for added convenience. Choosing accommodation near Otsu City or Hikone City offers relative ease of access, with better surrounding dining and sightseeing options, making family outings smoother.

Around Lake Biwa Ski Resort, there are many highly recommended hot spring hotels, perfect for completely relaxing after skiing. Among them, 'Ogoto Onsen' in Otsu City is a renowned hot spring area in the Lake Biwa region with a long history. Many hotels here offer open-air baths with scenic views of Lake Biwa, where you can soothe your muscles after skiing. Some hot spring hotels also serve exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) meals, allowing you to enjoy local specialties along with your hot spring experience, adding more Japanese flair to your trip.