Biwako Valley Ropeway Bottom Station

The Biwako Valley Ropeway Bottom Station serves as the gateway to one of the Kansai region's premier mountain resort destinations, located in Shiga Prefecture on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. The ropeway system was established to provide access to the summit of Mount Horai and Mount Uchimi, transforming this mountainous area into a year-round recreational destination. The facility has evolved significantly since its inception, with modern upgrades ensuring both safety and comfort for the estimated hundreds of thousands of visitors who ride the ropeway annually.

The station's primary significance lies in its role as the access point to Biwako Valley, a mountain resort offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountain ranges. The ropeway ascends approximately 1,100 meters to the summit station at an elevation of 1,108 meters above sea level, covering a distance that makes it one of the longest ropeways in the region. During the ascent, passengers experience dramatic elevation changes and sweeping vistas across the lake, which stretches over 670 square kilometers and has been a cultural landmark in Japanese history for centuries.

Visitors to the bottom station can expect a streamlined boarding process for the ropeway gondolas, which typically accommodate multiple passengers per cabin. The station building houses ticketing facilities, rest areas, and information centers where staff provide guidance in Japanese and limited English. Once at the summit, guests can access various attractions depending on the season, including zip lines, terraced observation decks with lounge chairs, walking trails, and winter skiing facilities. The view from the top encompasses Lake Biwa's expanse and extends to the distant peaks of the Hira Mountain Range.

The bottom station is located in Kitakomatsu, Otsu City, accessible by car or public transportation. Visitors traveling by train should take the JR Kosei Line to Shiga Station, then board a shuttle bus or taxi for the approximately 10-kilometer journey to the ropeway station. Standard ropeway tickets cost around ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 for adults during peak seasons, with discounted rates for children and variations depending on seasonal activities.