Best spot to view the enchanting scenery of the Biwa Lake (Biwako). It has a panoramic view of Japan's largest lake. The terrace is designed in harmony with the vibrant natural environment. The visitors can relax and enjoy the magnificent view. There is the main terrace, the north terrace with the terrace cafe and the mountain top bell. It is so nice and mesmerizing.
Definitely worth doing at least once. The gondola looks more intimidating then it actually is, however they pack alot of people in the ride. Probably better to do it warmer months unless your winter sporting.
My pictures are mid march
We arrived in awful weather and almost gave up on the cable car, convinced the mist would hide every bit of beauty. Thank goodness We waited half an hour, then the sky cleared out of nowhere, and in the end we got to enjoy some really beautiful views from the top. What a turnaround!
It’s freezing up on the mountain, don’t forget to pack something warm. :)
The view up there is absolutely gorgeous — but honestly, when it’s snowing, the visibility drops so much that you can barely see anything. Unless we’re actually going skiing, we might just skip it… the ropeway tickets aren’t exactly cheap either.
On the bright side, the ice cream was surprisingly delicious — especially the genmaicha one!! So good!!
Biwako Terrace offers a truly stunning view of Lake Biwa and is an excellent destination for families, especially those travelling with children. During my visit on 26 December 2025, the experience was made even more memorable by the heavy snowfall. The snow created a magical winter atmosphere and gave my kids the chance to play and enjoy snow, something they found incredibly exciting. The fun started right from the ropeway carriage ride up the mountain, where the surroundings gradually turned white, and continued all the way to the terrace and restaurant area.
The ropeway ride itself is a highlight, as it offers scenic views along the ascent and builds anticipation for what awaits at the top. Once at Biwako Terrace, the panoramic view of Lake Biwa covered in winter scenery is absolutely breathtaking. One thing to note is that if you want a window-side seat at the terrace restaurant, there is an additional charge of 500 yen per person. Personally, I felt this was rather expensive for seating alone.
The menu at the restaurant is relatively simple and not very extensive, but the food quality was surprisingly good. During my visit, I ordered all four main dishes available and found them quite tasty and satisfying. Overall, despite the slightly pricey seating fee, Biwako Terrace is highly recommended as a day trip destination for its views, winter experience, and family-friendly atmosphere.
