Mount Hakodate

 

Enjoying the view of Lake Biwa from Mt. Hakodate is one of the must-sees in Takashima.

It is possible to comfortably climb to the observation garden on the summit with a gondola that takes about 8 minutes each way.

From the summit, you can overlook the northern half of Lake Biwa, which is a magnificent view, without any obstruction. This mountain is also famous as a scenic photo spot.

In winter, the mountain is operated as a ski resort, so the gondola to the summit is large and comfortable. As soon as you get on it at the foot of the mountain, you can see the surface of Lake Biwa behind you.

The north side of Lake Biwa, where Takashima is located, is also called "Lake Biwa on the back side". It is popular as a region full of nature away from the big city. The gondola may be crowded on weekends during the fall foliage season, but if you arrive around its opening at 9 o'clock, there will be almost no waiting time for the gondola even on Saturdays and Sundays. On weekdays, you can ride the gondola even more smoothly.

There is also a ski lift in the observation garden. You can use it, or you can easily walk up to reach the highest point of 674m.

The walking path is well maintained. In the spring and autumn seasons, seasonal flowers bloom all over the garden. If you walk slowly for about an hour on the path of 1.6 km, you will feel the refreshing air soothing your body as well as mind.

The trademark of this mountain is numerous Kochia. They turn green in spring and brownish in autumn. There are also restaurants and souvenir shop. Enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Biwa and the many flowers of Takashima on this mountain.

Access to Mt. Hakodate:

Get off at JR Omi-Imazu Station. Then, board the bus (about 30 minutes). The bus fare is 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children one way. There are two routes, a northbound route and a southbound route, both of which are the same distance to Mt. Hakodate.