Biwako Hotel, with its serene garden and rooftop terrace, is an inviting retreat near Otsu Port. Unwind in the sauna or take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool; enjoy Japanese cuisine at one of the 4 on-site restaurants and explore nearby Biwako Flower Fountain and Lake Biwa Canal.
Located in Otsu, Biwako Hotel is in the city center and on a lake. Biwako Flower Fountain and Mii-dera are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Biwa Canal and Mount Hiei. Otsu Port and Omi Shrine are two other places to visit that come recommended. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as boat tours. Visit our Otsu travel guide
2-40 Hama-Machi, Otsu, Shiga-ken, 520-0041
What's nearby
Biwako Hall
10 min walk - 0.9 km
Lake Biwa Canal
11 min walk - 1.0 km
Mii-dera
20 min walk - 1.7 km
Otsu Port
5 min walk - 0.4 km
Otsu City Museum of History
4 min drive - 2.3 km
Getting around
Biwako-Hamaotsu Station
9 min walk
Higashino Station
9 min drive
Itami Airport (ITM)
61 min drive
Restaurants
天 下ご麺 大津店
9 min walk
湖の駅 おいしや
6 min walk
モダン・ミール(近江牛グリルバー)
7 min walk
寿司おうみ
2 min walk
コーヒールーム 尊
10 min walk
About this property
Biwako Hotel
Upscale hotel near Lake Biwa Canal
Located close to Otsu Port and Biwako Flower Fountain, Biwako Hotel provides an indoor mineral hot spring (onsen), a rooftop terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. At the 4 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Japanese cuisine. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a hair salon.
You'll also find perks like:
A seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool
Free self parking
Buffet breakfast (surcharge), free train station pick-up, and bike rentals
Hot springs on site, an electric car charging station, and wedding services
Room features
All 175 rooms have comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to perks like free WiFi and safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
Toilets with electronic bidets, shower/tub combinations, and hair dryers
Heating, daily housekeeping, and desks
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Sakura Quality, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Free train station pick-up and drop-off shuttle from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Train station shuttle at scheduled times
Free self parking on site
Food and drink
Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: JPY 3,500 to 5,500 for adults and JPY 1,750 to 2,750 for children
4 restaurants
A bar/lounge
A coffee shop/cafe
Restaurants on site
HOSHI
OHMI
The Garden
Things to do
Bicycle rentals
Children's pool
Hot springs
Seasonal outdoor pool
Family friendly
Children's pool
Seasonal outdoor pool
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Gift shop/newsstand
Hair salon
Luggage storage
Vending machine
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Porter/bellhop
Proposal/romance packages
Tour and ticket assistance
Wedding services
Business services
Conference space
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
On a lake
Rooftop terrace
Spa
Hot springs
Public bath open from 2:00 PM - midnight
Public indoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
Public outdoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
Separate men/women areas in public bath
Yukata (Japanese robes)
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator
Thin carpet in room
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchairs on site
More
12 floors
Banquet hall
Built in 1998
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Shower/bathtub combination
Toilet with electronic bidet
Towels provided
Entertainment
TV
Food and drink
Free bottled water
More
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Desk
Heating (climate-controlled)
Iron/ironing board on request
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Meals are not included in the room rate for children ages 3 years and younger whose stay is included
Disposable personal items (toothbrush, razor, hair brush) are available on request in the lobby.
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
1 child per adult, up to the age of 3 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city: JPY 150.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 12 years of age.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately JPY 3500 to 5500 for adults, and JPY 1750 to 2750 for children
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
We should mention
The seasonal pool will be open from July to August
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
Parking height restrictions apply
Guests with tattoos will be required to follow specific instructions when using the onsite public bathing facilities; more details are available at check-in
Property is also known as
Biwako Hotel
Biwako Hotel Otsu
Biwako Otsu
Biwako
Biwako Hotel Otsu
Biwako Hotel Hotel
Biwako Hotel Hotel Otsu
Frequently asked questions
Does Biwako Hotel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Is Biwako Hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Biwako Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Biwako Hotel?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Biwako Hotel located?
Located in the heart of Otsu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Otsu Port and Biwako Flower Fountain. Lake Biwa Canal and Mii-dera are also within 1 mi (2 km). Biwako-Hamaotsu Station is 9 minutes by foot and Kamisakaemachi Station is 16 minutes.
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Reviews
Biwako Hotel Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Excellent shuttle bus transportation to and from the train station.
Lyle
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
David N
15 April 2025
Liked: Amenities
A wonderful break from sightseeing and a good home base to venture in Kyoto and Osaka
David N
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
8/10 Good
Bronwyn
15 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was spotless and had great views over the harbour. It was a pity there were no chairs to sit on the small balcony. Another chair in the room was needed. The hotel is close to train transport which is why we chose it. We dtayed 4 nights and ate once at the restaurant. The receprion staff were very kind to microwave supermarket meals we purchased.
We had a very nice, large, twin bedroom facing Lake Biwa. The room had a couch seating area and was still large enough for us to comfortably keep to big suitcases open in the room and easily get around. Breakfast service was good, with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes available. We also used the Club Lounge in the afternoons for tea and in the evenings for drinks and canapés. The staff were excellent, very friendly and professional. The hotel provides shuttle bus service to & from Otsu station plus there is a local tram line within a 5 min walk. The Lake Biwa cruise boat dock is within easy walking distance.
Excellent hotel with very attentive staff, although the dining options were quite expensive. Some vegan options would have been perfect! Beautiful views of Lake Biwa from our room, and loved the hotel shuttle bus to and from Otsu station. Thanks!
The carpet is dusty. Toilet has smell. The air ventilation is ni good.
The room view is good.
Breakfast is average. The eggs are watery. It should be cooked more.
The renovation was good enough, the staffs were very nice, the room had a nice view, and the Onsen was super clean and efficient. But I wonder what happened to the porter service. When we checked out, I could not find
anyone helped our luggages.
Excellent, easy-to-get to hotel with wonderful lake view; very good place to stay and access Kyoto/Uji etc.
The only slight criticism would be the swimming pool - access earlier in the day (from 7:00 am ? and maybe keeping it open later than 17:00) would be highly desirable !!
Hotel upgraded our room so the view was great!
Only thing I was disappointed was Onsen.
I was expecting a bigger hot tub and better Biwako view from Onsen.