A quiet hillside overlooking Lake Biwa , “Biwako Hakodateyama” is a popular Japanese resort that welcomes visitors with a variety of landscapes—from seasonal flower fields and a path lined with wind chimes to a ski resort in winter. A gondola ride takes you to the mountaintop, where sweeping views of Lake Biwa unfold and an extraordinary experience awaits.
This guide introduces access information, suggested length of stay, popular photo spots, and seasonal highlights of Biwako Hakodateyama. It is designed to be easy to follow, so even first-time visitors to Japan or solo travelers can enjoy it with confidence.
Find tips here to enrich your first trip to Shiga.
Contents
Biwako Hakodateyama Access Guide
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit: [weathernews ]
By Train
Kyoto Station
JR Kosei Line Rapid Service to “Omi-Imazu Station” (approx. 50 min)
Continue with the common route
Osaka Station
JR Kyoto Line Rapid Service to “Kyoto Station” (approx. 30 min)
Transfer to JR Kosei Line, ride to “Omi-Imazu Station” (approx. 50 min)
Continue with the common route
Nagoya Station
Tokaido Shinkansen to “Maibara Station” (approx. 35 min)
JR Hokuriku Main Line Rapid Service to “Omi-Imazu Station” (approx. 50 min)
Continue with the common route
Common Route
From “Omi-Imazu Station,” take the Kojaku Bus bound for Hakodateyama (approx. 20 min)
Get off at the Hakodateyama Gondola stop and ride the gondola to the mountaintop (approx. 8 min)
Total travel time: from Kyoto approx. 1 hr 30 min, from Osaka approx. 2 hrs, from Nagoya approx. 2 hrs
One Point Advice
Biwako Hakodateyama Hours & Admission
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last gondola up at 16:30)
Closed: varies by season (check official site)
Admission (includes gondola round-trip, Biwako View Lift, and Play Zone): Adults 2,600 yen, Children 1,300 yen, Pets 700 yen
Biwako Hakodateyama Official Website
Biwako Hakodateyama Highlights & Itinerary
Wind Chime Path｜Colorful Summer Chimes
Open in summer only, this path is adorned with hundreds of glass wind chimes that tinkle in the mountain breeze. The colorful sight and sound create a magical atmosphere, as if walking through a small Japanese summer music hall. Even first-time visitors to Japan can intuitively enjoy its charm. The late afternoon light adds beauty for photography, making it a favorite spot shared on social media.
Time required: 20–30 min
Admission: Free (gondola fare required)
Biwako-no-Mieru Oka｜Lake View Swing
This hilltop area is the signature spot of Hakodateyama. From here, you can take in a sweeping view of Lake Biwa , its shoreline, and the distant Hira Mountains. The large swing facing the lake is especially popular in Japan, offering a sensation like flying into the sky. Many visitors capture memorable photos here, making it one of Shiga’s most photogenic spots. The liberating feeling is unforgettable, even for solo travelers.
Time required: 30–40 min
Admission: Free (gondola fare required)
Winter Snow Park｜Family Snow Activities
In winter, Hakodateyama transforms into a popular Japanese snow park . Gentle slopes for beginners, sledding courses, and play areas provide fun for families and solo travelers alike. Rental gear is available, so you can enjoy the snow without bringing equipment. The snowy scenery right outside the gondola station is spectacular, offering a special winter experience.Hakodateyama Winter Snow Park Official Website
Time required: 2–3 hrs
Reference fee: Adults 4,500 yen, Children 3,100 yen (includes lift ticket + gondola, weekends/holidays)
Biwako Hakodateyama Nearby & Next-day Trips
Shirahige Shrine｜Lakeside Torii Gate
About 10 minutes by car from Hakodateyama, Shirahige Shrine is also accessible on foot with more time. Its large torii gate standing in the lake is often called the “Itsukushima of Lake Biwa,” glowing with the morning and evening light. Visitors pray for good fortune and long life here, and it is a meaningful stop to pair with Hakodateyama, where you can experience both natural beauty and spiritual culture.
Omi-Imazu｜Lakeside Town by Train
After descending by gondola, return via JR Kosei Line and explore Omi-Imazu . The lakeside town retains old merchant houses and local food traditions. You may come across funazushi (fermented sushi) or traditional sweets unique to the area. Though close to Kyoto and popular for day trips, it remains calm with fewer crowds. Combining this with Hakodateyama creates a balanced itinerary of nature and history.
Kurokabe Square｜Glass Art & Retro Streets
For the following day, Kurokabe Square in Nagahama (approx. 50 min by train) is recommended. The preserved Meiji-era buildings house glass workshops, cafés, and studios where you can try making original pieces. Evening illuminations sometimes enhance the nostalgic streetscape. After enjoying nature at Hakodateyama, spending the next day immersed in Japanese crafts and culture at Nagahama leaves a deep impression of Shiga.Kurokabe Square Official Website
Biwako Hakodateyama Travel Q&A
How long should I plan to stay?
2–3 hours for flower fields, viewpoints, and cafés; half a day or more if skiing in winter.
Is there anything to do in winter besides skiing?
Yes, you can enjoy the snowy views from the observation area and relax at the mountaintop café.
What are the seasonal highlights?
Flower fields and photo spots in spring/summer, autumn foliage, and skiing or snowy views in winter.
Is it safe for families or solo female travelers?
Yes. Play areas, rest facilities, and staff presence make it a safe environment.
What souvenirs are recommended?
Local sweets and specialties from Takashima City, available at on-site shops, make excellent mementos.
Biwako Hakodateyama Travel Summary
Biwako Hakodateyama offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and landscapes that change with each season. From flower fields and photogenic spots in spring and summer to crisp air and snowy scenery in autumn and winter, it always reveals a new side.
The gondola makes access easy, and cafés and walking paths are well arranged, so even first-time visitors to Japan can feel comfortable. As a place combining nature and activities, it is loved by many travelers.
Why not continue to nearby hot springs or explore historic townscapes along the lake to discover even more of Shiga’s charm?
