Lake Biwa Hakodateyama Ski Day Trip in Shiga, Japan | Winter Limited・Skiing Experience | Departing from Osaka/Kyoto
- Hakodateyama Ski Resort: Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa from the summit, with a full range of slopes from beginner to advanced.
- Enjoy about 5 hours of fun! Whether you are a first-timer or a skiing enthusiast, you can freely arrange your time for skiing, snow play, and photography to fully enjoy the winter fun.
- Take the ropeway (at your own expense) to the Sky Terrace at the summit to capture the snowscape and Lake Biwa in one frame.
- Features a family-friendly snow play area where you can build snowmen and play in the snow even if you don't ski.
- No need to worry about transfers! With pickup and drop-off points in both Osaka and Kyoto, you can easily travel back and forth in a single day.
Package Options
Ski Activities
| Activity season | Winter |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
Sightseeing Tours
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Winter Ski Collection |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Located in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Hakodateyama Ski Resort boasts magnificent views of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. In winter, it is covered in silver and is famous for its diverse slope designs. Whether you are a skiing beginner, a family traveler, or a seasoned ski enthusiast, you can find your own fun here. The resort features multiple slopes ranging from beginner to advanced, equipped with complete ropeways and facilities, allowing you to easily enjoy the skiing experience. In addition to skiing, the resort also has a special Family Snow Play Area and Snow Activity Park, where you can build snowmen, have snowball fights, and enjoy snow drifting, making it perfect for families and couples. Ascend to the summit observation deck, 'Hakodateyama Sky Terrace,' to enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of Lake Biwa. On clear days, you can even see the Hira Mountains in the distance, where the snow and lake scenery weave a beautiful picture. It is not only a skiing paradise but also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of winter.
Depart leisurely from Osaka or Kyoto and head towards the silver snow country—Lake Biwa Hakodateyama. The itinerary map clearly displays information on meeting, departure, resort stay, and return, allowing you to easily manage your travel pace and fully enjoy the dreamy winter journey where Lake Biwa and snow-capped mountains intertwine.
Even beginners can ski easily, with multiple slopes for you to choose from.
Snow Drifting and Snow Activity Area (at your own expense)
Take the cable car to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Hakodate from the top.
In the parent-child snow play area, you can have endless fun making snowmen and having snowball fights.
The advanced ski slope overlooks Lake Biwa, offering both speed and beautiful views.
Convenient prop rental service saves you the trouble of bringing your own equipment.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】【Terms and Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga
Duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered Bus
Bus Company: Yes Map Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 10 people
Tour Leader: 1
Tour Guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: Japan Holiday Travel Co., Ltd. Osaka Head Office
Address: Inogate Osaka 15F, 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-2181
Travel Association: All Nippon Travel Agents Association (Osaka Branch) Regular Member, Zenryo (Osaka Travel Agency Association) Regular Member, JATA Associate Member
Reminders
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
Each person can carry one piece of luggage for free. Any excess can be paid on-site at 2,000 JPY/piece to the driver/guide. Please be sure to make a note when placing your order. If not notified in advance, the driver/guide has the right to refuse your boarding, and the tour fee will not be refunded.
Driver-guide service: 4-13 person small group; Driver + Guide service: 14-45 person bus group. The actual arrangement will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day. The driver-guide mainly focuses on driving, with explanation as a secondary task.
As this is a shared tour, if you are late at the meeting point or attraction, the supplier will not wait, and no refund will be provided.
Please be sure to confirm the meeting point before departure. We recommend that you arrive at the meeting point in advance to avoid missing the departure time. This is a shared tour, and to protect the rights of all passengers and ensure the smooth progress of the itinerary, we will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers; please understand. Once the meeting point is confirmed, please do not change it temporarily. If you are unable to board due to changing the meeting point for personal reasons, no refund will be provided.
Due to the long travel time, the actual arrival time will be affected by traffic, weather, and other factors. The above times are estimates only. Please avoid arranging other activities after the trip on the same day. We will not be responsible for any losses caused by delays; please understand.
This product may be adjusted based on weather and other factors. To ensure your safety, staff have the right to request that guests suspend outdoor activities and will communicate with you to make alternative arrangements. The actual situation on the day shall prevail.
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 reasons, etc.), the guide may reasonably adjust the order of activities based on the actual situation and with the consent of the guests, without reducing the attractions in the itinerary.
You may not leave the group early or drop out midway during the tour. If you choose to leave the group, the unfinished portion will be considered as a voluntary waiver, and no fees will be refunded. You will be responsible for any accidents that may occur after leaving the group; please understand.
Arrival times for each itinerary may change due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds on the day. Due to the long travel time, please understand if there is traffic congestion. We will not be responsible for any subsequent costs caused by traffic delays.
We will try our best to accommodate seating requests, but as this is a shared tour, if you have special requirements, please let us know in the remarks, and we will do our best to arrange suitable seats for you. The final arrangement will be subject to the guide's arrangement on the day. We hope for your understanding and tolerance, thank you for your consideration.
Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seater: Minibus; Over 22 seats: Large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day.
Infants under 3 years old can participate for free, but you must notify customer service in advance and make a note. If not notified in advance, you may be refused boarding on-site due to vehicle capacity limits; please understand and cooperate. No seat will be provided, and the child must be held by a guardian throughout the trip.
This tour is conducted in Chinese, English, or Japanese. If travelers use a language other than these, we will try our best to coordinate a guide who can speak the corresponding language; if it is ultimately impossible to arrange, the guide will use a translation app to assist with communication and service; please understand and be aware, thank you.
This is a group tour; please understand and cooperate as you may be participating with travelers from different language regions.
The supplier will notify you of the meeting point, time, and guide contact information via email before 21:00 Japan time on the day before departure. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder first. If you still have not received it, please contact the supplier in time. If you receive multiple emails, the latest one received shall prevail.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. Does Hakodateyama Ski Resort offer natural snow or artificial snow?
Hakodateyama Ski Resort typically features a mix of natural snowfall and advanced snowmaking capabilities. This ensures consistent and reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season, providing an enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders. The resort's location near Lake Biwa often benefits from winter weather patterns bringing natural snow, supplemented by snowmaking for optimal coverage.
2. What types of ski slopes and activities are available at Hakodateyama Ski Resort?
Hakodateyama Ski Resort caters to all skill levels with a variety of slopes. It offers gentle, wide slopes perfect for beginners and children learning to ski, as well as more challenging runs for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking excitement. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy general snow play areas for casual fun, making it a comprehensive winter destination.
3. What views can visitors expect from the Sky Terrace Observation Deck at Hakodateyama Ski Resort?
From the Sky Terrace Observation Deck at Hakodateyama Ski Resort, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. The deck offers a stunning vista of Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa, framed by the beautiful winter scenery of the Hira Mountains. It provides an exclusive vantage point to appreciate the snowy landscape and serene lake simultaneously, making for memorable photo opportunities.
4. What is the most convenient way to travel from Osaka to Hakodateyama Ski Resort?
The most convenient way to travel from Osaka to Hakodateyama Ski Resort is by taking a direct bus service. Many day trip packages, such as those offered through KKday, provide comfortable round-trip bus transportation directly from Osaka. This eliminates the need for transfers and the hassle of planning public transport routes, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy a seamless journey directly to the resort.
5. Is Hakodateyama Ski Resort suitable for families with children or beginners?
Yes, Hakodateyama Ski Resort is highly suitable for families with children and beginners. The resort features dedicated beginner slopes that are gentle and safe for learning, along with designated snow play areas for children and those who prefer non-skiing snow activities. Its accessible facilities and range of activities make it an ideal choice for a fun and relaxing day trip for all ages and skill levels.
6. What essential gear or clothing should I bring for a day trip to Hakodateyama Ski Resort?
For a day trip to Hakodateyama Ski Resort, it's essential to wear waterproof and warm clothing, including a ski jacket, ski pants, waterproof gloves, and a warm hat. Layering is highly recommended to adapt to changing temperatures. Don't forget waterproof boots, sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from snow glare, and sunscreen. Ski equipment can typically be rented directly at the resort if you don't own your own.
7. When is the best time to visit Hakodateyama Ski Resort for optimal snow conditions?
The optimal time to visit Hakodateyama Ski Resort for the best snow conditions is generally from mid-January through late February. During this period, the resort typically receives abundant natural snowfall, and temperatures are consistently cold enough to maintain excellent snow quality across its slopes. Checking the resort's official snow reports closer to your travel date is always advisable for the most current information.
8. Are there any non-skiing activities or facilities available for visitors at Hakodateyama Ski Resort?
Yes, Hakodateyama Ski Resort offers several non-skiing options. Visitors can enjoy the dedicated snow play area, where they can build snowmen or simply enjoy the winter environment. The Sky Terrace Observation Deck provides stunning scenic views for those not skiing. The resort also typically has restaurants and cafes where visitors can warm up, enjoy meals, and relax, ensuring a full day of winter enjoyment for everyone.
