Biwako Valley is a great place to look out over Lake Biwa. From JR Shiga Station, you need to take a shuttle bus to the ropeway station. At 1,100 meters above ground level, it offers skiing in winter and is highly recommended as a summer getaway from the heat in Japan. The temperature at the top is instantly 4–6 degrees cooler, making it very comfortable. You can sit on the observation deck for free and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa, or pay to enter the observation café at the summit, which is heated when it's cold. After enjoying the lake views, you can also head farther into the mountains for the chairlift and art installations and recreational facilities. Most importantly, these are also free to use. Just be sure to check the times for the ropeway down and the shuttle bus. If they don't line up well, you may have a long wait, or you may need to walk or take a taxi back to the station.
Biwako Valley | Review by hdwf2002
Other Reviews by hdwf2002
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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Inside a 600,000 square meter area, there is a zoo, botanical garden, and an amusement park. The scale is so big that you cannot go around this zoo, botanical garden in one day. Especially in the zoo, there are 450 types of animals, many of them are quite popular like the Koala, a symbol of the zoo.
Nagoya's Higashiyama Zoo completely changed my impression of zoos. The animals are kept behind low fences in comfortable spaces, so visitors don't feel like their living areas are cramped. The grounds are also spacious and great for children to run around. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, but the most special are probably the polar bears. You can see them up close without traveling to the Arctic Circle, which is quite a sight. Besides visiting the zoo, you can also go boating on the lake and enjoy the retro amusement rides. It's highly recommended for families with children. Transportation is convenient, so if you're visiting Nagoya, you can plan a day trip here.
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Mt. Fuji
At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.
Mt. Fuji truly deserves its reputation as Japan’s sacred mountain. On my first visit, I was able to photograph it from all kinds of angles and could see it at any time. I was truly lucky all year long. Visibility is best from December to March. I recommend staying at least 3 days and 2 nights so you can see Mt. Fuji at different times of day and from different angles. A must-visit destination in your lifetime. Highly recommended!
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Togakushi Shrine
Amanoiwato mythology has been passed on here and this shrine with over 2000 years of history has been the training place in mountain worshipping since around AD 850. Hokosha Hall at the bottom of the mountain, Hinomikosha, Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha Halls consist of Togakushi.The whole Mt.Togakushi has been sanctified as a holy place, a power spot that attracts visitors.
Togakushi Shrine in Nagano is a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Visiting in winter lets you feel the atmosphere of nature even more, making it an unforgettable experience. In winter, I recommend walking from the Zuishinmon Gate at Okusha back to Chusha. Be mindful of the time, as bus service is limited. It's best to reserve round-trip seats in advance so you have a seat on the way back.
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