Otsu Apartments

When visiting Kyoto, we wanted to enjoy some time in an onsen resort so we decided to spend two nights in Ogoto Onsen. After checking the details in their website, we booked a ”Biwa no kaze”room with private onsen and view of Lake Biwako. And we were not disappointed. The room looks newly renovated, and is very spacious with two beds and sitting area plus a tatami room. They offer different dinner packages, and we have chosen crab with steak as the main dishes for the first night, and lobster with shabu-shabu the second night. The foods were of very high quality, tasted and looked very nice. The breakfast buffet was very good with a wide selection of different items. The ryokan is excellent in nearly all aspects. We would stay here again when we next visit Kyoto.

Stayed at Youzanso during late March 2023. It was during the cherry blossom season. We (family of four) had the room with the Lake Otsu view and private bath. The room was sufficient for 4 of us but I wouldn't call it spacious. However, the room and bathroom were clean. The room came with dinner and breakfast for 4 of us and costed about AUD800. The dinner and breakfast was quite good and would recommend to anyone considering the half board. It might get old if u were staying for few days but we were only there for one night. We toured Kyoto for the day and stayed here overnight then went back to kyoto for more sightseeing. It wasn't as convenient as if you stayed in Kyoto but the travel wasn't long or difficult. The property is bit dated and looks more like a hotel than a ryokan. The facilities are clean but also look dated as well. However, the public onsen is great, clean and the outdoor bath is a must. Took this photo of the external bath when no one was present and the ambiance was really something...

**Breathtaking Views** The hotel offers stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. My room featured panoramic vistas of the tranquil waters and surrounding mountains, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. **Comfortable Accommodations** The spacious accommodations blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. The cozy futon bedding ensured a restful night’s sleep, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. **Delicious Dining Options** Dining was a highlight, with a breakfast buffet that included a delightful mix of Japanese and Western dishes, emphasizing local ingredients. Fresh seafood and seasonal fruits made each meal enjoyable. **Excellent Location and Amenities** Located in Otsu, the hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the area. It offers free parking for guests and complimentary bike rentals, making it easy to explore the scenic lakeside paths and nearby attractions. The staff were incredibly helpful, providing recommendations for local sights, such as the historic Enryaku-ji Temple. Lake Biwa Hotel is a fantastic choice for a peaceful getaway. With stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and great amenities, I highly recommend it for a relaxing escape.

Came here with family during the Sakura season. It's easy to get to the onset hotel. After arriving at the Ogoto Onsen JR station, towards the south exit you will find a cell phone attached to a board with explanation how to use the phone to call one of the onsen hotels. After the call, their shuttle bus will then come and pick you up between 2pm to 6pm I think. The hotel staff in general are very welcoming. Our family scored a deal with their penthouse suite with private indoor and outdoor onsen. Four of us stayed in the suite and the price is only slightly more than four of us staying in 2 regular rooms. It also came with a beautiful fruit platter for you to enjoy. The suite is very spacious with 2 separate toilets. The bath area has 2 sinks, a shower stall as well as a japanese style bathing area connected to the 2 onsen baths (indoor one is a hinoki wood tub and the outdoor one is a stone one. The outdoor onsen does have a slight privacy issue as there are some residential buildings in a distance. While my mom was a bit too modest to use the outdoor one (which I am not and fully enjoyed it), she did take full advantage of the indoor private onsen. Of course the hotel also has a public onsen for the guests. In fact they have two. One in each towers. I used the one on the top floor in the morning and it was a bless seeing the sunrise while soaking in the hot onsen water. Our package also included both dinner and breakfast that were served at their private dining room. Both meals were done in kaiseki style. We were particularly impressed by their dinner. Not only was it cooked with high quality ingredients and with beautiful presentation, they did not skimp on the quantity as well. Often after eating dinner at other onsen hotel, I would not feel full and actually felt a bit hungry later at night, at Yumotokan the courses kept coming and I was completely stuffed at the end. In fact I did not finish the rice even though it was so yummy (cooked from scratch in front of us with a flamed mini-stove). All in all, a very satisfactory experience. I can recommend anyone who comes to Kyoto/Osaka and wants an excursion and experiences the traditional Japanese onsen.

Style. Converted traditional machiyas scattered throughout town, Japanese Nordic fusion Setting. Otsu, Southern end of Lake Biwa, only 20 minutes from Kyoto by car or two stations away Explore. Otsu is a quiet languid town with lots of interesting historical buildings. I was here a week before the ”Otsu Festival”, 1 of the three major festivals in the lake country and an important intangible folk cultural property designated by the country. 2 of the 13 Hikiyamas floats were being assembled near the Hotel’s reception (Ohmiya) & it was fun to listen to the kids practice their music for the festival. Hotel Koo also offers local tours for free and really encourages guests to eat out, shop etc. to revitalize Otsu. I quite enjoyed the walk and visit to the Mitsuhashi Setsuko Museum of Art, and just strolling Otsu. Rooms. I booked the entry level room which was 32 sq meter only. They have rooms/villas that are up to 100 square meter. My small but immaculate room had no closet but a clothing rack. No slippers either and only two tea bags were provided. I was happy with the bathtub but next time I’ll book a bigger room/villa @ the hotel. The day checking in I had trouble reaching the hotel by phone. Once there, staff were nice and helpful. Refreshing chestnut parfait at checkin and free sake provided in the evening. Food & drinks. Hotel booked Kasen for me, where I had a very satisfying hyperlocal meal. Prices. Value for money @ $174 Rating. 4/5

This time, there was a situation ... Indoor bath, pet (dog), room meal, nearby hot spring inn or hotel that can be reached in a short time by car ... ”Kikunoya” was a hit. All the staff (including signboard dog, taro taro) love dogs and pets! I felt the cozy atmosphere, the feeling, and I was very satisfied with the attentive service, delicious food, hot springs and rooms. I stayed in ”Kono” in the room, but it was barrier-free, very clean, large, and the height of the sofa and bed was low and appropriate so that it was safe even if the dog jumped. It was very comfortable. Of course, the facilities for cage and other pets are also complete. I'm really glad I chose ”Kikunoya”. I also want to come to Oja. Thank you.

It was a great stay at this ryokan! The hotel is able to arrange a car to fetch you from the JR station. You can call them using a dedicated phone at the station which is used to contact the different ryokans. The car arrived in 10mins or so. The ride to the ryokan was also less than 10mins. The hotel also fetched us to the station on the last day of our stay. The ryokan itself is homely and cozy. We were greeted by an english speaking staff who introduced us to the amenities of the ryokan. There was also a nice welcome tea and matcha chocolate. Our bags were brought to our room as well during this time. The room is spacious and cozy. The hotel prepared 2 welcome biscuits in the room which was a nice personal touch. The room has a nice living room and a great view of Lake Biwa. Recommend to catch the sunrise over the lake! There are 2 normal beds as well as futon beds (need to set up yourself). Both are comfortable. The hotel also prepared pretty yukata for both female and male guests which you can wear during the stay. There are 4 different designs for ladies, and one design for the guys. You can request for different size if the one in the room doesn’t fit you. There is also a full length mirror and a mini dressing area at the side of the living room. It was fun dressing up in the yukata! The toilet, basin, shower and hot tub areas are all separate. The toilet is a little small, but the basin and mirror area is very spacious. The shower area is quite small as well and the shower head is rather low so you need to hold the shower head if you wish to wash up while standing. There is a small stool given for you to sit down though. The hot tub area is semi-outdoor and you can see Lake Biwa. But it is quite small (only good for one person). It was too cold so we didn’t use the hot tub. Instead, we booked the private onsen for 50mins. The private onsen has a private toilet and dressing area which is equipped with hairdryer, body lotion etc. There is a water dispenser as well if you need to hydrate yourself. The onsen area has a washing area, and the hot tub area is spacious for 2 person. There are privacy screens around the onsen area but there is a small gap to let in cold air for ventilation. Wish there is a good view from the private onsen but it was still enjoyable! Dinner and breakfast was Kaiseki style, and the meals were one of the highlights for my husband and I. We really enjoyed the courses which are clean tasting yet wholesome, fresh and flavourful. It was such a sumptuous treat! The ryokan also has a souvenir shop if you wish to buy anything back. Overall, my husband and I really enjoyed the stay here and we agreed this was one of the main highlights of our 12 days trip in Japan. Highly recommend!

The hotel room is very spacious, all kinds of facilities are also very complete, the front desk staff are very warm and professional. The hotel is by the lake, there is a music festival during the stay, and I have a great time.