Biwako Terrace, Otsu

Awesome view of the city and surrounding areas.. lots to do for adults and kids alike.

I need 100 stars for this place. This is a jewel that is largely forgotten by the majority of the tourists. Therefore, it's never incredibly crowded here. It also helps that it is a big area! Biwako Terrace is on top of Mount Hira in Otsu. It's just a 35 minute train ride away from Kyoto. You need to get off at Shiga station, after which you can take the shuttle bus to the cable car for 300 yen. The cable car to the top costs around 2000 yen. But it's worth it!! At the top you have an INCREDIBLE view over Shiga Prefecture. You need to see for yourself, it's indescribable. Only then you get to realise how HUGE lake Biwa is. You have beautiful views over the mountain ranges in the area, and in the late afternoon if the light is right you will be treated with a spectacular view! You don't have to bring food because there are restaurants at the top. In the winter, this is THE place to go snowboarding or skiing. In summer, you can go zipline (with the best zipline view in all of Asia), test your fear of heights at the highest fun forest in the world, or have fun with your kids at the playground. It also offers amazing hiking paths that are among the most beautiful of Japan. While you're in Otsu, be sure to also actually visit the lake. It is never crowded, no matter where you have a swim or do water activities because it's so big and people are spread out all over the lake. I recommend swimming at Wani, a quiet town with a beautiful atmosphere. While there, be sure to eat at Ramen Fuji: best ramen in Japan! I also recommend visiting Ōmi Hachiman, a historic town that hasn't changed since early history. Near there, there is a hotel / restaurant where you can eat the BEST beef in the world: Ōmi beef (much tastier and softer than Kobe beef).