| Activity season | Winter |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Activity level | Beginner |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Winter Ski Collection |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
[Tour Conditions] [ Amount ]
Travel departure point and destination: Osaka and Shiga
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Meiko Trading Co., Ltd./Nissan Co., Ltd./Hakuba Transportation Co., Ltd./Japanese Transportation Co., Ltd./Japanese Travel Co., Ltd./Naniwa サロンバス Co., Ltd.レインボーウィング Co., Ltd. / サンスターライン Co., Ltd. 五大観光バス Co., Ltd. / Yongda International Co., Ltd. / Yoshizumi Co., Ltd. / Mitsuru Shoji Co., Ltd.
Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 10 people
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Torotron Osaka Headquarters
Address: 15th Floor, Inogate Osaka, 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
Travel Association Name: National Travel Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch) Regular Member; All Travel (Osaka Prefecture Travel Association) Regular Member; JATA is a cooperative member.
A minimum of 10 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Driver/guide service: Small group of 4-13 people; Driver + guide service: Bus tour of 14-45 people, subject to adjustment based on the number of participants on the day. The driver/guide's primary role is driving, with commentary as a secondary function.
Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hatch or equivalent; 18-22 seater: Minibus; 22 seats and above: Large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day of the tour.
Since the day trip is a shared ride service, if you are late at the meeting point or attraction, the supplier will not wait for you and no refund will be given.
Please confirm the meeting point before departure. We recommend arriving at the meeting point early to avoid missing the departure time. This is a shared ride trip; to ensure the rights of all passengers and the smooth running of the trip, we will depart on time. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by late arrivals. Once the meeting point is confirmed, please do not change it. If you are unable to board the vehicle due to a change of meeting point for personal reasons, no refund will be issued.
Due to the long travel distance, the actual arrival time may be affected by factors such as traffic and weather. The above times are only estimates. Please avoid scheduling other activities after the day's itinerary. Our company will not be liable for any losses caused by delays. Thank you for your understanding.
This product may be subject to adjustment based on weather and other factors. For your safety, staff have the right to ask guests to cease outdoor activities and will communicate with you to make alternative arrangements. The specific arrangements will depend on the actual situation on the day.
The transportation, sightseeing, and stay times involved in the itinerary are subject to the actual situation on the day. In case of special circumstances (such as traffic jams, weather conditions, etc.), the tour guide may reasonably adjust the order of sightseeing without reducing the number of attractions in the itinerary, based on the actual situation and with the consent of the guests.
During the trip, early departure from the group or leaving the group midway is not permitted. If you choose to leave the group midway, the uncompleted portion will be considered a voluntary abandonment, and no refund will be given. You will be solely responsible for any accidents that may occur after leaving the group; your understanding is appreciated.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. In the event of the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, the tour guide has the right to adjust and shorten the itinerary on-site, and no refund can be requested on this basis. Please understand that traffic congestion is possible due to the long travel distance. Our company is not responsible for any subsequent costs incurred due to delays caused by traffic jams.
If the Biwako Ropeway is out of service, the itinerary will be changed to a trip to Hakodate-yama Ski Resort.
We will try our best to arrange seating, but as this is a shared tour, seating is primarily allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any special requests, please let us know in the remarks, and we will do our best to arrange a suitable seat for you. The final arrangement will be subject to the coordination of the tour guide on the day. We hope to receive your understanding and patience, and thank you for your consideration.
Infants under three years old can participate for free, but must inform customer service in advance and complete the remarks. If not notified in advance, they may be refused boarding on-site due to vehicle capacity limitations. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. No seats will be assigned, and they must be held by a guardian throughout the journey.
This tour will be narrated in Chinese, English, or Japanese. If the booked traveler uses a language other than Chinese, English, or Japanese, we will try our best to coordinate a tour guide who speaks that language. If this is not possible, the tour guide will use a translation app to assist with communication and service. Thank you for your understanding.
This is a group tour, and you may be traveling with other travelers from different language regions. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
If you require luggage or personal ski equipment, please inform us in advance. Due to limited space in the vehicle and on-site, we cannot guarantee storage services.
Each person may bring one piece of luggage free of charge. Any additional luggage can be paid for on-site at 2,000 yen per piece to the driver/guide. Please be sure to include this in the booking notes. If you do not inform the driver/guide in advance, the driver/guide has the right to refuse you boarding, and the tour fee will not be refunded.
Hats and gloves are not available for rent at the ski resort; please bring your own.
Plan D is a random ski resort option. The actual name of the ski resort in the Kansai region, the meeting point and time, and the guide information will be notified via email before 9:00 PM the day before departure. Please check your email and spam folder. Thank you.
The supplier will inform you of the meeting point, time, and tour guide contact information via email before 9:00 PM Japan time the day before departure. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam/junk mail folder first. If you still haven't received it, please contact the supplier immediately. In the event of receiving multiple emails, the latest one will be considered the most accurate.
Yes, Biwako Valley is a popular ski resort in the Kansai region, offering both skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy a range of snow activities on its slopes. The resort provides various courses catering to different skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging runs for experienced enthusiasts. Additionally, there are often snow parks and play areas for families and non-skiers to enjoy.
Biwako Valley can get quite busy, especially on weekends and public holidays during peak ski season (typically December to March). For a less crowded experience, consider visiting on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning right after opening or later in the afternoon can also help avoid peak times at the ropeway and popular slopes, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Yes, Biwako Valley is well-suited for beginners. It features dedicated beginner slopes that are gentle and wide, providing a safe environment for learning. The resort also offers ski and snowboard schools with lessons available for those new to snow sports. Equipment rental services are readily available on-site, making it convenient for first-time visitors to get started.
From Osaka, a common way to reach Biwako Valley is by train to Shiga Station, followed by a local bus. Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the JR Kosei Line towards Tsuruga and alight at Shiga Station. From Shiga Station, shuttle buses typically operate to the Biwako Valley Ropeway station, offering a convenient connection to the resort.
Visitors can acquire Biwako Ropeway tickets directly at the valley station. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase tickets through reputable travel platforms like KKday, which offers convenience and ensures your tickets are ready upon arrival, saving time from queuing. A typical ropeway ticket usually includes a round-trip ride on the ropeway, granting access to the mountaintop area with its ski slopes, cafes, and observation decks.
Biwako Valley boasts a variety of ski trails to accommodate all skill levels. Beyond the gentle beginner slopes, there are intermediate runs for those looking to advance, and more challenging expert courses with steeper gradients and varied terrain. The resort also offers facilities such as ski lifts, rental shops for equipment, restaurants, and rest areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
From Biwako Valley's elevated position, especially from the mountaintop area accessible by ropeway, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. The scenic backdrop provides fantastic photo opportunities, with the expansive lake stretching out beneath snow-capped mountains. The Biwako Terrace offers prime viewing spots, often with infinity-style decks that enhance the visual experience.
A day trip to Biwako Valley offers more than just skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery from the Biwako Terrace, relax at mountain cafes, or explore snow play areas suitable for families. There are observation decks with spectacular views of Lake Biwa, and even snowshoeing trails for those who prefer a gentler snow experience. It's a comprehensive winter destination for diverse interests.