Ogoto Onsen Biwako Ryokusuitei

Convenient access by train from Kyoto and then a minibus ride arranged by the hotel from Ogoto Onsen Station. Loved the private onsen at the balcony with the lake view and the dinner at the hotel. One of my favourite place was library where I could relax with a drink right after using the public onsen.

Our stay at Ogoto Onsen Biwako Ryokusuitei was absolutely wonderful. Traveling by rental car was a breeze, as the hotel is easy to locate and offers free on-site parking. Check-in was professional and smooth, setting the tone for the high level of service we experienced throughout our stay. A highlight of our arrival was the complimentary Happy Hour at the Aoi Terrace from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. With free-flow wine, beer, and seasonal juices while overlooking Lake Biwa was the perfect pre-dinner treat. For dinner, we indulged in an exquisite multi-course meal featuring fresh lobster sashimi. Since we are currently learning Japanese, we requested that our server speak to us in her native language. The serving lady was incredibly kind, taking the time to explain every dish in detail in Japanese, which we truly appreciated. It turned a delicious meal into a memorable cultural exchange. Our Japanese-style room was spacious and featured a private open-air onsen on the balcony. Soaking in the natural hot spring water while gazing out at the lake was pure bliss. The breakfast buffet was another standout—just the right size and packed with local Shiga ingredients. We particularly loved the unique tabletop grilling experience, where we could grill fresh seafood like assorted local fish and scallops right at our table. We enjoyed every minute of our stay and already plan to bring my parents here for a visit next time!

A nice luxury ryokan (but pricey). We had the Japanese style room with tatami, and slept on futons (which they came to set up to our room), it was amazingly good to sleep although I was worried how to get up with my back. Also there was a small hot bath in the room. The hotel offers yukatans which you can use during your stay. The onsen-spa with hot springs was nice. There is even a real "barrel"-sauna with a real Finnish stove, you can throw water to. The reception was so nice: we did not need to stand at the reception, we were directed to sit at lounge, offered a small sorbet, and the check-in was done there at the same. They had transport to/from Ogotoonsen station and that worked also very well, in a nice mini bus with soft seats. There was also a happy hour at the hotel terrace, free wine. The dinner was very beautiful, and they had also observed my daughters special diet "no fish or seafood" and made alternative beatiful food for her (unfortunately, as a teenager with disorders, she could yet not eat many of those, and we felt the waiter was a bit "pushy" to try to put the dishes in front of her again and again...) Only drawback is, the stay is not cheap, but nice experience for 1 night.