The region that surrounds Lake Biwa is a dream come true for those who are looking for exciting new experiences. There is a large amount of varied landscape to explore, and there are a few train stations in the neighborhood that can take you to Kyoto, Shiga, and other places farther afield. The accessibility of some of nature’s most wondrous creations, known as onsens or hot springs, is one of the most impressive features of this area. Let’s have a look at some of the most comfortable and convenient spots to spend the night. After a fun-filled day, you’ll need a restful night’s sleep, which is why you should check out one of the best hotels near Lake Biwa and Otsu, Japan.
Read on to find out about the best hotels to stay in near Lake Biwa and Otsu, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location near a lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 06, 2026.
1. Kinkaku
Kinkaku is one of the places to stay near Lake Biwa, which is a ryokan featuring absolutely everything. Some of the important elements include free WiFi, private parking, and beautiful gardens. Of course, it doesn’t stop there. Each room comes with air conditioning, an oven, a microwave, a hot tub, and a desk. Select rooms feature a terrace while others offer mountain views.
Fire up your tea kettle first thing in the morning and get ready to go on exciting journeys through some of Japan’s most breathtaking scenery while you do so.
2. Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu (from USD 52)
If you want to stay somewhere in Japan that looks and feels like the West, you don’t have to look any further. Hotel Boston features western food in their restaurant, a cafe bar, karaoke facilities, and massage treatment facilities. Every accommodation features a flat-screen television, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, and an extensive supply of green tea.
You will be at a convenient location, only a minute’s walk away from JR Kusatsu Station, and the accommodations will provide all the comforts of home for you.
Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu
Address: Nishiojicho 1-27
10.53 km (6.6 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
3. Vessel Inn Shiga Moriyama Ekimae (from USD 62)
Everything you need for a comfortable stay is at Vessel Inn Shiga Moriyama Ekimae. Among other things, you can look forward to a continental breakfast every morning, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. Every room has its own private bathroom, in addition to a flat-screen television and a desk.
The distance to Kyoto is only 23 km (14 mi), which means that the welcoming personnel at the front desk will be more than delighted to assist you with making travel arrangements.
Vessel Inn Shigamoriyama Station
Address: Katsube 1-1-17
12.26 km (7.7 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
4. Reiah Hotel Otsu Ishiyama (from USD 35)
Reiah Hotel is another great pick because of its easy access to Ishiyama Station. These contemporary accommodations have televisions with flat screens, free WiFi, air conditioning, heating, refrigerators, and kettles for making tea. You may start your day off right by indulging in their breakfast buffet, which features a variety of regional and western dishes.
After a day filled with exciting new experiences and discoveries, you can unwind with a refreshing drink at the pub restaurant that they have. They will have something for everyone to eat there.
le Lac HOTEL Otsu Ishiyama
Address: Awazucho 9-21
10.91 km (6.8 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
5. Urban Hotel Minami Kusatsu (from USD 57)
Urban Hotel lives up to its name with its modern, sleek edges and contemporary style. Guest rooms feature LCD TVs, refrigerators, tea kettles, and complimentary toiletries. Their restaurant serves a delectable selection of regional specialties, and their breakfast buffet includes items typical of western cooking in order to accommodate all of the members of your group.
Just a minute’s walk away from the JR Minami Kusatsu Station, you can relax in the knowledge that all of Japan’s treasures are at your fingertips.
Urban Hotel Minami Kusatsu
Address: Minami Kusatsu 1-1-5
10.75 km (6.7 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
6. Yumoto Onsen Ohara Sansou (from USD 127)
Ohara Sansou features one of the area’s prettiest outdoor hot springs. They also offer a unique dining experience with hot-pot dinners and hot spring foot baths in their cafe. At night, you’ll enjoy traditional Japanese accommodations in their futon beds on tatami floors.
While bathroom and toilet facilities are shared, each room comes with its own flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Another unique touch, you might want to enjoy a pottery class or private hot spring bath during your time here.
Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou
Address: Sakyo-ku Ohara Kusao-cho 17
6.86 km (4.3 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
7. Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is still quite new and it’s only a four-minute walk away from the Karasuma Subway Station in the City Centre District. It’s 10.2 km (6.3 miles) from Otsu. You’ll find your room has an en-suite bathroom, stocked with a hairdryer and toiletries. Air conditioning, a TV, and a desk workspace are provided. For your security, the elevators require a card key, and there’s a safety deposit box. The rooms are not very large but they are comfortable, clean, and simply furnished.
Guests can book smoking or non-smoking rooms. There’s a cafe at the entrance which is great for breakfast. The Nishiki Market is a nearby attraction, as is the Nijo Castle and there are many restaurants in the area. The hotel should not be confused with the Hotel Unizo Kyoto, which is now closed.
Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Address: Simogyo-ku, Shijo-dori Nishinodoin Higashiiru Kakk
12.33 km (7.7 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
8. Biwako Hanakaido (from USD 280)
Biwako Hanakaido comes highly recommended, and with good reason. Their clean, crisp guestrooms come in two varieties. Japanese-style rooms feature tatami floors and traditional Japanese futon bedding while western-style rooms feature beds and a sofa. No matter your preference, each room in this Lake Biwa accommodation will offer air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and an attached bathroom.
Spend your days in their indoor/outdoor hot springs; luxuriate in any of Biwako Hanakaido’s three dining options, and soak up those spectacular views of Lake Biwa.
Biwako Hanakaido
Address: 1-3 1-Chome, Ogoto
3.37 km (2.1 mi) from Hiyoshi Taisha
Peace and tranquility written all over it
Otsu’s kind of perfect, isn’t it? Nestled beside Lake Biwa, peace and tranquility are written all over it. Equally wonderful, it’s a bit of a gateway to Japan with its access to Ishiyama, JR Minami Kusatsu, and Yamashina train stations. Kyoto and Shiga will be your easiest day trips. I hope you’ll take advantage of everything this region has to offer. It’s one of those vacations that’ll continue to inspire you, no matter where life takes you next.
Frequently asked questions about the best hotels near Lake Biwa and Otsu, Japan
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data