Experience the great outdoors at Biwako Valley, Kansai's go-to summer escape
OTSU, Japan, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia Group regularly publishes travel research reports based on data from its own website and Hotels.com. The company has now released its summer 2026 travel trends report. According to the report, interest in domestic travel is growing this summer. Within Japan, Shiga Prefecture is drawing growing attention — it ranked 2nd in the hotel search growth rate by prefecture, right behind Tokyo in 1st place.
Shiga Prefecture is located just about 9 minutes by train from Kyoto — one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations — making it an easy day trip. The prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. In recent years, nature-based activities around Lake Biwa have become increasingly popular. Among the top draws is Biwako Valley, a mountain resort perched at 1,100 meters above sea level. Because it stays cool and comfortable even in summer, allowing visitors to enjoy a true highland resort experience, it has earned a strong reputation — not just among visitors from across Japan, but also among tourists from across Asia.
Located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Biwako Valley offers a roughly 5-minute ride on a fully glass-sided ropeway that takes you from the base to the summit. Once you step off at the summit station, you will be greeted by Lake Biwa — Japan's largest lake — spreading out before you from the spectacular observation area known as "Biwako Terrace." The panoramic scenery from up here is simply stunning, offering a panoramic vista of nearly the entire lake. From the summit station, you can also hop on a series of lifts for a sky-high ride all the way to "Café 360," the highest point at Biwako Valley, where a magnificent 360-degree view overlooking the Kansai region awaits.
One of the most popular activities at Biwako Valley is the "Zipline." Gliding down ropes strung through the forest on a pulley in one swift rush, the experience is loved by visitors of all ages for its thrill and exhilaration.
The Zipline is offered in a tour format, covering all 6 courses over approximately 2 hours, with an instructor guiding the way — perfect even for first-timers. New this year is the "One Flight Course," which lets you enjoy just the most popular course with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa below. It's a great option for those with limited time or anyone who just wants a taste of the experience.
Biwako Valley is also an excellent choice for families with children in summer. A particular favorite for families with young kids is "Summerland," a play area at the summit. The spacious lawn is filled with handmade wooden play equipment and open-play facilities, most of which are free to use. There's also the "Zekkei Swing" (Scenic View Swing), a photo-worthy spot where the blue of Lake Biwa and the sky fill the view right in front of you — popular with adults and children alike.
Beyond the spectacular views, Biwako Valley also offers a rich selection of "summit gourmet" — food and drinks you can only enjoy up here. The culinary offerings have become a draw for international visitors, with more and more people making the trip specifically for the food. The restaurant "HALUKA" inside "The Main" at the Biwako Terrace is a true mountain luxury dining experience. Their "Omi beef steak" — one of Japan's three great wagyu beefs, and a Shiga Prefecture specialty — is incredibly popular.
"The Main" also has two café stands. One of the popular items on offer is the "Omi Wagyu Curry Bread" — a Japanese-style curry bun enjoyed at the summit that has become a hit with international visitors. Also highly recommended are the "Terrace Soda (Blue Lemonade)" and "KOKU Soda (Peach Pulp and Tonic Water)," both featuring a vivid blue color that has earned praise as "photogenic food." The color, reminiscent of the blue of Lake Biwa itself, makes for a refreshing drink that's almost too pretty to not photograph.
Boysenberries, a fruit specialty of Shiga Prefecture, are a type of raspberry with an extremely short harvest window of just a few weeks each year, making them difficult to distribute widely — earning them the nickname the "phantom fruit." At Biwako Valley, you can find gelato made with these Boysenberries, as well as souvenirs. With Shiga Prefecture attracting more attention than ever, why not head up to the sky-high café at "Biwako Valley," take in the view of Japan's largest lake, and treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind sweet?
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This summer, domestic travel is in the spotlight -- and Shiga Prefecture is Japan's hottest destination!
Bali Strengthens Its Position as a Regenerative Tourism Destination Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
DENPASAR, Indonesia, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eco Tourism Bali, together with The Meru Sanur, the Wonderful Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Industry Forum (WI-STIF), and ACT! Project, in collaboration with Katadata and Katadata Green as official media partners, officially launched The Meru Eco Tourism Week 4th Edition at the Bali Beach Convention Center, Sanur, on May 30–31, 2026.
Carrying the theme "Tourism as a Force for Good: Regenerating Bali Together," the event serves as a collaborative platform that brings together tourism industry stakeholders, government representatives, academics, communities, media, and sustainable solution providers to collectively drive the transformation of Bali's tourism sector toward more responsible and regenerative practices.
In its fourth year, Eco Tourism Bali places a stronger emphasis on nature-positive tourism, an approach that goes beyond reducing negative impacts by actively contributing to environmental regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem sustainability.
The event also coincides with the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed annually on May 22, serving as an important reminder that the future of tourism is deeply connected to the health of nature and the environment.
Amid Bali's growing environmental challenges, including waste management issues, climate change, ecosystem pressures, and threats to local culture, The Meru Eco Tourism Week 4th Edition aims to demonstrate that tourism should not merely benefit from nature, culture, and local communities, but also take responsibility for protecting, restoring, and regenerating the ecosystems that form the foundation of the industry.
This regenerative approach is reflected across various aspects of tourism and hospitality, including:
- Business policies and governance
- Responsible hospitality operations
- Resource and waste management
- Biodiversity protection
- Sustainable sourcing practices
- Long-term commitments to environmental and community well-being
Looking ahead, nature-positive and regenerative tourism will no longer be viewed as added value, but rather as an emerging necessity and new standard for the global tourism and hospitality industry.
Over the course of two days, the event features a range of strategic programs, including:
- Press Conference with national and international media
- Panel Discussions, Presentations, and Fireside Chats featuring tourism and hospitality leaders, policymakers, sustainability practitioners, and environmental experts
- Eco Business Pitch sessions showcasing sustainable solution providers for the hospitality sector
- More than 40 exhibitors presenting innovative sustainability solutions for tourism and hospitality businesses
- The Eco Climate Badge Award 2025/2026, recognizing verified hotels and restaurants that have demonstrated excellence in sustainability and climate-friendly operations
- Cross-sector Networking Sessions designed to strengthen collaboration and accelerate implementation
The Meru Eco Tourism Week 4th Edition is also honored to welcome Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, alongside support from various national and international stakeholders committed to strengthening Bali's position as a leading regenerative tourism destination.
"We hope to see more tourism businesses embrace ESG principles and view sustainability as a long-term strategic investment. The government continues to implement concrete measures to promote sustainable tourism development across various destinations, including environmentally friendly infrastructure projects, destination revitalization programs, environmental restoration initiatives, and carrying-capacity assessments.
We believe this forum can strengthen collective awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism and encourage all stakeholders to play a more active role in building cross-sector collaboration."
— Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
"We highly appreciate Eco Tourism Bali's consistent commitment to organizing Eco Tourism Week every year. Within the Ministry's long-term and medium-term development plans, Indonesia has identified ten priority tourism destinations and three regenerative tourism destinations, one of which is Bali.
Strengthening sustainable tourism remains one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Tourism. Therefore, the government continues to develop policies, mechanisms, and support systems that encourage the practical implementation of sustainability across the tourism sector. We are confident that tourism businesses that adopt sustainability principles will increasingly become the preferred choice of global travelers."
— Rizki Handayani Mustafa, Deputy for Industry and Investment, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
"Tourism can no longer operate through extractive models. The industry must evolve into a positive force that actively contributes to protecting and regenerating nature and surrounding ecosystems."
— Rahmi Fajar Harini, Co-Founder, Eco Tourism Bali
"Sustainability is no longer an optional addition within the tourism industry. It has become a fundamental pillar in maintaining Bali's competitiveness and securing its future as a world-class destination."
— Suzy Hutomo, Co-Founder, Eco Tourism Bali
"Hosting The Meru Eco Tourism Week reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting and advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism in Bali. This commitment is reinforced through our continued collaboration with Eco Tourism Bali, a partner that shares our vision of a tourism industry that not only generates economic value, but also protects, restores, and enriches the natural environment, cultural heritage, and local communities that make Bali unique.
Located within The Sanur Special Economic Zone for Health & Wellness, this integrated tourism ecosystem demonstrates how innovative healthcare facilities, biodiversity, holistic wellness, community well-being, cultural preservation, and economic growth can coexist to create long-term value while supporting the future of Indonesia's tourism industry through sustainable and responsible development.
Through The Meru Eco Tourism Week, we believe this event can inspire meaningful ideas and accelerate collective action toward a more sustainable and regenerative future for Bali and Indonesia."
— Ed Brea, General Manager, The Meru Sanur
Through this platform, Eco Tourism Bali hopes that The Meru Eco Tourism Week 4th Edition will serve not only as a forum for discussion, but also as a catalyst for meaningful collaboration capable of delivering long-term solutions and impact for Bali's future.
United by a shared vision, Eco Tourism Bali and The Meru Sanur believe that Bali's future tourism success depends on growing alongside nature, rather than at its expense. Through collective action across industries, Bali can advance a tourism model that not only drives economic growth, but also preserves the environment, empowers local communities, and safeguards its rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
About The Meru Sanur:
Nestled along the tranquil coastline of Sanur, Bali, The Meru Sanur is an all-suite beachfront resort thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the lush tropical gardens, Indonesian traditions, and authentic Balinese culture. Complementing the experience, the resort offers diverse gastronomic journeys ranging from authentic Indonesian specialties to international cuisine, alongside wellness and spa offerings rooted in Balinese healing traditions and local wisdom. The resort also features a non-digital kids club, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two expansive swimming pools, and world-class wedding and event venues. As part of InJourney Hospitality's luxury collection, The Meru Sanur is seamlessly connected to the iconic Bali Beach Hotel The Heritage Collection, and Bali Beach Convention Center, all situated within 'The Sanur', Indonesia's first Special Economic Zone dedicated to health and wellness, making it one of the largest premier health and wellness destinations in South East Asia.
For more information, visit website www.themerusanur.com
About Eco Tourism Bali
Eco Tourism Bali is a platform committed to advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism practices in Bali through cross-sector collaboration, sustainability verification, capacity-building initiatives, and environmental and social programs such as the Eco Climate Badge and the Regenerative Bali Program.
For more information, visit website www.ecotourismbali.com
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The Meru Eco Tourism Week 4th Edition "Tourism as a Force for Good: Regenerating Bali Together"
