Mt. Hōrai (蓬莱山)

Mt. Horai (蓬莱山, 1174m) is a peak in the Hira Mountains of Shiga Prefecture. The summit commands a sweeping view of Lake Biwa. In the green season, the Biwako Valley Ropeway provides quick access to the ridgeline, while in winter the area operates as a snow resort. When the ropeway is closed, the mountain can be approached on foot from Bomura via the Gondola-guchi or Tanaka-taira routes.

The main approach is by Kojak Kotsu bus from Shiga Station (JR Kosei Line) to Biwako Valley-mae, then ropeway to the summit. Alternative approaches via Bomura are available from Demachiyanagi Station (Kyoto Bus, weekends only) or Katata Station (Kojak Kotsu, weekends only).

*Timetable last checked: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

1. Going: Shiga Sta. → Biwako Valley-mae

From Shiga Station on the JR Kosei Line, take the Kojak Kotsu Biwako Valley Line bus to Biwako Valley-mae. From there, ride the Biwako Valley Ropeway to the mountaintop station (Mt. Uchimi).

Operating period: Runs to match ropeway operating days (green season from mid-April, daily in summer, winter season from early December). Travel time: about 15 minutes (bus), about 5 minutes (ropeway).

Bus Timetable: Shiga Sta. → Biwako Valley-mae (Weekend/Holiday)

Bus Timetable: Shiga Sta. → Biwako Valley-mae (Weekday)

Reference: Navitime

2. Going: Demachiyanagi Sta. → Bomura

From Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, take the Kyoto Bus bound for Kutsuki Gakko-mae and get off at Bomura. This is a single one-way service running on weekends and holidays only during the season.

Operating period: March 16 – December 15 (weekends/holidays only). Fare: 1000 yen. Travel time: 56 minutes.

Bus Timetable: Demachiyanagi Sta. → Bomura (Weekend/Holiday)

Reference: Kyoto Bus

3. Going: Katata Sta. → Bomura

From Katata Station on the JR Kosei Line, take the Kojak Kotsu bus Katata-Kutsukawa Line (Route 51, bound for Hosokawa via Taira/Bomura) and get off at Bomura.

Operating period: Vernal Equinox Day – first Sunday of December (weekends/holidays only). Travel time: 38 minutes.

Bus Timetable: Katata Sta. → Bomura

Reference: Kojak Kotsu Timetable

4. Return: Biwako Valley-mae → Shiga Sta.

Take the Biwako Valley Ropeway down from the mountaintop to the base station, then board the Kojak Kotsu bus at Biwako Valley-mae bus stop to Shiga Station.

Operating period: April 26 – December 7, 2025 (winter schedule changes apply after this). Travel time: about 15 minutes.

Bus Timetable: Biwako Valley-mae → Shiga Sta. (Weekend/Holiday)

Bus Timetable: Biwako Valley-mae → Shiga Sta. (Weekday)

Reference: Kojak Kotsu Timetable