Biwako Hakodateyama Advance admission tickets *Available for Purchase until 9:00 am on the Same Day
*Advance admission tickets can be purchased online up until 9:00am on the day of your visit.
* After the online sales end, please purchase at the local ticket counter on the day. There will be no admission restriction due to sold out tickets.
- At an altitude of 630m, this hill overlooking Lake Biwa is full of photogenic spots, such as the "Rainbow Curtain" made with Takashima Chijimi fabric, the "Wind Chime Yoshi Path," and the giant swing "BIWAKOSWING."
- Experience the longest zip line in Shiga Prefecture and an alpine adventure in the middle of nature.
- There are four observation decks in the park, and you can enjoy the view of Lake Biwa from the terraces equipped with comfortable chairs.
- The garden also has a wide selection of restaurants and souvenirs for sale. You can enjoy coffee or lunch while looking at the flower fields at the Hana Terrace Cafe, and LAMP, a parfait specialty shop that serves parfaits in lanterns, offers photogenic menus.
Package options
Attraction Tickets
| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
Product Info
Biwako Hakodateyama, located on Mt. Hakodate in the Kosei area of Shiga Prefecture, is one of the largest natural resort parks in the Kansai region, situated at an altitude of approximately 680m.
After an 8-minute gondola ride to the summit station, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa, seasonal scenery, and various amusements.
-Autumn Recommendations-
Known as a famous spot for kochia, it is a very popular destination in the Kansai region. The 8,000 kochia plants are expected to be at their peak from late September to mid-October!
-The Hill Overlooking Lake Biwa-
You can enjoy extraordinary scenery such as the 'Rainbow Curtain' woven from Takashima Chijimi fabric, the 'Wind Chime Reed Path' featuring 882 wind chimes, and the giant 'BIWAKO SWING'.
Observation decks are set up at four viewing points, allowing you to overlook Lake Biwa from terraces equipped with comfortable chairs.
Flower fields featuring petunias, salvias, sunflowers, begonias, and zinnias spread across the area, offering ever-changing seasonal displays.
Kochia is characterized by its fluffy, rounded appearance. Approximately 8,000 plants are grown on the hill, and you can enjoy them in light green during the summer and turning a vibrant crimson in the autumn.
The park also features restaurants and shops selling local specialties. The Flower Cafe offers coffee and light meals. Additionally, at the specialty Sundae shop LAMP, you can enjoy seasonal flavors using fresh fruits.
-Activities-
You can experience Shiga Prefecture's longest zip line, the Alps Adventure nature attraction set in the great outdoors, buggy adventures, and the rainbow slider.
What does the Biwako Hakodateyama ticket include?
Included | Experience |
|---|---|
Return gondola journey | Travel between the base station and mountain park |
Biwako View Lift | Reach elevated viewpoints, subject to boarding requirements |
Play Zone | Access the designated play area |
Ziplining, Alps Adventure, other separately charged activities, meals, and souvenirs are not included.
What can I see at Biwako Hakodateyama?
Highlight | What to expect |
|---|---|
Rainbow Curtain | Colorful panels made from local Takashima Chijimi fabric |
Wind Chime Path | A walkway decorated with wind chimes |
Lake Biwa viewpoints | Terraces overlooking the lake and surrounding landscape |
Seasonal gardens | Flower displays and kochia that change throughout the season |
Parfait specialty shop LAMP | Decorative parfaits served in lantern-style containers, purchased separately |
When is the best time to see the flowers and red kochia?
Late September to mid-October is the usual viewing period for red kochia. Actual color changes depend on weather and growing conditions.
Season | Typical garden highlights |
|---|---|
Spring | Violas, daisies and forget-me-nots |
Summer | Petunias, sunflowers and green kochia |
Autumn | Red kochia, salvias and celosias |
Check the latest garden updates before choosing your date if a particular display is the main reason for your visit.
How do I get to Biwako Hakodateyama?
From Kyoto: Take a JR Kosei Line service to Omi Imazu Station (近江今津駅). Selected Special Rapid services take approximately 50 minutes.
From Osaka: Take a service toward Omi Imazu via Kyoto, changing trains where required.
At Omi Imazu Station, board the Kokoku Bus from stop 2 for Hakodateyama (箱館山). The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Walk to the nearby gondola base station, then ride approximately eight minutes to the summit.
Drivers should park at the gondola base station. Direct entry to the mountain park by car or on foot is not permitted.
Check the return bus timetable before ascending, especially if attending an evening event.
What are the opening hours of Biwako Hakodateyama?
The 2026 green season runs from April 25 to November 15, excluding scheduled maintenance closures.
Operating day | Park hours | Last gondola ascent | Last gondola descent |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular day | 9 AM to 5 PM | 4:30 PM | 5 PM |
Designated night gondola day | 9 AM to 9 PM | 7:30 PM | 9 PM |
Night operations take place only on selected dates. Cafés, activities, and the Biwako View Lift have separate operating hours.
How do I use my KKday ticket to enter Biwako Hakodateyama?
Present your booking QR code at the Biwako Hakodateyama Gondola Station on your selected date, within operating hours. Follow staff instructions for admission and boarding.
Keep the voucher accessible on your phone until you reach the entrance.
Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
Yes. You can buy online tickets in advance until 9 AM Japan time on the visit date. After online sales close, purchase tickets at the venue's ticket counter during operating hours.
Can young children ride the Biwako View Lift?
Children measuring 95 cm or less cannot ride. Children in second grade or below must travel with an accompanying person of junior high school age or older.
Baby carriers are not permitted on this lift. These restrictions apply to the sightseeing chairlift, which is separate from the gondola.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rain, strong winds, or other adverse conditions may suspend individual activities or gondola services. If the gondola stops operating, the mountain park may close.
Check the venue's latest operating notice before traveling. For a closure affecting your booking, follow the specific cancellation or refund instructions issued by the operator and KKday.
Can I cancel my booking?
You can cancel unused bookings free of charge at least 2 days before the selected date.
Cancellations made 1 day before incur a 30% fee.
Same-day cancellations or changes are not permitted.
Deadlines follow Japan local time.
Is Biwako Hakodateyama the same as Biwako Valley?
No. Biwako Hakodateyama is in Takashima, while Biwako Valley is a separate resort in Otsu. They have different stations, transport routes, and tickets.
Can I use this ticket for skiing?
No. This is a green-season admission ticket. Winter skiing requires the appropriate seasonal ticket and equipment.
Green Season
Swing on a giant swing towards Lake Biwa
Rainbow curtains made from Takashima Chijimi, a fabric with over 200 years of history
A cool breeze blows. View from 630m above sea level.
Enjoy the crimson red leaves of kochia in autumn.
Purchase Notice
[Biwako View Lift]
- Children under 95 cm in height are not permitted to ride.
- Children in the second grade of elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian (middle school age or older).
- This product cannot be used with a baby carrier.
- This service is not available to pregnant women.
- Pets are not permitted in bags or carriers. Pet carriers are available for rent at the boarding area. Medium and large dogs are not permitted. Please check the size restrictions on site.
[Play Zone]
- Pets are not allowed in the park. However, they are permitted if kept in a cage and behaved appropriately.
- Park admission is subject to gondola operating hours. (Up: 9:00-16:30 / Down: 9:00-17:00) *On night gondola days, the last down time will vary depending on the day.
- Operating times may be changed or cancelled due to weather conditions or other factors.
- To enter Hakodateyama, you will need to use the connecting gondola.
- Please note that the facilities and flower gardens may change depending on the season, so please check our website before you go.
- Opening dates and hours may change due to weather conditions or other factors.
- There may be temporary service suspensions due to gondola maintenance.
- We may suspend operations if the weather is bad all day and it is deemed difficult for customers to enjoy the experience.
- If the train service is suspended, all facilities at the mountaintop will also be closed. Please be sure to check our website before visiting.
- Please note that refunds will not be issued even if the night gondola service is suspended.
Includes/Excludes
- Gondola round trip
- Lake Biwa View Lift
- PLAY ZONE
- Personal expenses
- Other expenses not mentioned above
- Zipline
- Alps Adventure
- meal
- souvenir
Redemption Location
Biwako Hakodateyama Gondola Station
Address Info: 〒520-1655 Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Imazu Town, HiokiHow to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your QR code on-site
Voucher Redemption Period
- The voucher must be redeemed on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Lake Biwa Hakodateyama
Address: 〒520-1655 Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Imazu Town, HiokiCancellation 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 30% 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.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to avoid crowds when visiting Biwako Hakodateyama?
To minimize crowds at Biwako Hakodateyama, consider visiting on weekdays, especially during the early morning. Peak seasons like autumn (late September to mid-October for kochia) and winter (ski season) tend to be busier. Visiting during the shoulder seasons or non-holiday periods can also provide a more relaxed experience. Arriving shortly after opening allows you to enjoy popular spots before larger groups arrive.
2. How can I travel to Biwako Hakodateyama from Osaka using public transportation?
From Osaka, take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu Station. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Omi-Imazu Station, a local bus service operates directly to the Hakodateyama Gondola station. Ensure to check the bus schedule in advance, especially during off-peak times or specific seasons, as frequencies may vary to plan your trip effectively.
3. What kind of snow conditions can visitors expect at Hakodateyama Ski Resort during winter?
Hakodateyama Ski Resort typically experiences natural snowfall in winter, creating a classic ski environment. While primarily relying on real snow, conditions can vary based on weather patterns. The resort aims to maintain optimal skiing and snowboarding experiences. Visitors can generally expect good quality snow throughout the season, which usually runs from late December to early March, suitable for various skill levels.
4. What activities or attractions at Biwako Hakodateyama offer the best views of Lake Biwa?
Biwako Hakodateyama, located at an altitude of about 680m, offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The four observation decks and terraces within the park are excellent spots, many equipped with comfortable chairs for relaxation. Additionally, the giant swing "BIWAKOSWING" provides a unique vantage point, allowing riders to experience breathtaking views of the lake while suspended over the picturesque landscape.
5. What is the procedure for purchasing advance admission tickets for Biwako Hakodateyama?
Advance admission tickets for Biwako Hakodateyama can be purchased online up until 9:00 am on the day of your visit. This offers convenience by securing your entry beforehand and streamlining the check-in process upon arrival. After the online sales window closes, tickets can be purchased directly at the local ticket counter on the day. There are no admission restrictions due to tickets being sold out. You can purchase these advance tickets through KKday, which offers a straightforward booking process for your convenience.
6. When is the optimal time to visit Biwako Hakodateyama to see the kochia fields?
The optimal time to visit Biwako Hakodateyama to witness the vibrant red kochia fields is typically from late September to mid-October. During this period, approximately 8,000 kochia trees transform into striking autumn colors, creating a picturesque landscape that is highly popular among visitors for its beauty and photogenic qualities, making it an ideal time for photography and leisurely strolls.
7. What unique photo opportunities and adventure activities are available at Biwako Hakodateyama?
Biwako Hakodateyama is rich in photogenic spots, including the colorful "Rainbow Curtain" made with Takashima Chijimi fabric, the serene "Wind Chime Yoshi Path," and the thrilling giant swing "BIWAKOSWING." For adventure seekers, the resort also boasts the longest zip line in Shiga Prefecture and offers an alpine adventure experience amidst nature, providing exciting activities for all ages and interests.
8. Are there dining facilities and souvenir shops available for visitors at Biwako Hakodateyama?
Yes, Biwako Hakodateyama offers a variety of dining options and souvenir shops for visitors. You can enjoy coffee or lunch with scenic views of the flower fields at the Hana Terrace Cafe. For a unique treat, LAMP, a parfait specialty shop, serves photogenic parfaits in lanterns. The souvenir shops provide a selection of local items and mementos to remember your visit, ensuring a complete visitor experience.
