As with all the trips to Japan so far, Japan = SNOW in the girls books! We were a little bit doubtful about having snow in Kyoto though, so I did a lot of research before finding the nearest location to go to for snow from Kyoto was the mountains surrounding Lake Biwa.
Getting there was actually quite simple, especially with Hyperdia, a website which we use constantly on ALL our trips to Japan. You key in the location, and it tells you “to the minute” information on how to get there – using Train, Bus or Walking!
After much research, we settled on Biwako-Valley. It’s about an hour’s train ride away from Kyoto central train station. We then took the ropeway up to the top of the mountain for the snow. Details are on the website link – click on English to make sense of it!
It was BLIZZARDING!! when we arrived from the Ropeway. This was the scene that greeted us… much to the delight of Snow crazy G!!
She couldn’t get enough of the snow…. this was really the best place for her! We decided that the next trip will probably be just a snowy destination and that’s it!
Good wholesome food as always at the ski slopes. I love the warm soups!
Super cold!! Thankfully I had my trusty felted scarf (which I’ve since bought another from the same Etsy seller!) and the down filled Columbia windbreaker.
It was a tiny tiny slope for the kids, but it was enough for them to enjoy their fix of snow and sledding.
The sun came out for a little bit and we managed to get some nice photos of them.
This is after a whole afternoon of going up and down this tiny slope! Love their rosy rosy cheeks!
One of the best things about Japan has got to be the snacks. And the girls – especially K – love buying different snacks to try out everyday!
Lastly, some research which we did for our trip – some of the places we managed to get to, some not. But I thought I’d compile them here for posterity!
Kyoto general information website – with events by the week
Interesting Craft / Antique Market , Temple Flea Market
Nice Cafe, Cafes and Restaurants in Kyoto,
Shiga Biwa Lake tourism website
ForTheRecord 
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