Location: Otsu
Top Hotels in Otsu
10 hotels in Otsu: Best hotel deals for 2023
Discover the best hotels in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Kinki including Biwako Hotel, Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, Hotel Tetra Otsu Kyoto, Yumotokan, Smile Hotel Otsu Seta, Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama, Yuzanso, Biwako Hanakaido, APA Hotel Biwako Seta-Ekimae, Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu.
Restaurants in Otsu
1. Biwako Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 502 reviews
Free your mind and body at Japan’s greatest lake. Motherly Lake Biwa’s rich water and embracing verdure have nurtured life and culture. As you entrust yourself to this blue vista and regain your true self, leave behind your routines, and absorb relaxation and peace inspired by the lake view.
Incredible View of Lake Biwa From Our Room
Reviewed By MattsumotosanOur room was somewhat updated but had a bit of a 1970's vibe. However, the view of Lake Biwa more than made up for it. Restaurant (teppanyaki) was good. The hotel website claims they speak Japanese and English but I was not able to find anyone who spoke even a word of English. Housekeeping staff was below average as our toilet had a mildew stain at the water line, proving that it had not been properly cleaned in weeks. Very large pool area. The bed was "extremely firm" (I'm being nice) which did not provide a good nights sleep. Lots to see and do there (in Otsu). I recommend visiting the Lake Biwa Museum if you're ever in this area.
2. Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 725 reviews
On the shores of Lake Biwa, in the heart of the Japanese archipelago, stands the 38-story Otsu Prince Hotel, one of the largest conference venues in Japan. Each guest room offers an unparalleled view of the lake and the surrounding hills. Since it is only 10 minutes from Kyoto Station, the hotel is also an ideal base for sightseeing in Shiga and Kyoto. With its convenient location, beautiful setting and attentive service, the Otsu Prince Hotel is the perfect choice for business meetings, as well as a relaxing vacation.
A superb hotel overlooking the largest lake in Japan
Reviewed By 202damienhThere is a courtesy bus from JR Otsu station so is convenient even if not driving. The staff all speak English and are more than willing to help you. The rooms are spacious especially the suites. The views are spectacular and you feel like you are flying looking out the large windows in each room. The swimming pool is well maintained with changing rooms and showers fully equipped with soap, shampoo and hair dryers. The breakfast buffet is excellent and being on the 37th. floor the views of the lake are wonderful. Otsu is also only 10 minutes by train to Kyoto JR station so very convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto city too.
3. Hotel Tetra Otsu Kyoto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 216 reviews
Parking: 8
Good alternative to Kyoto hotels
Reviewed By thelonious22The hotel is just at the exit of Otsu station (10 minutes from Kyoto Station) which actually made this place more convenient than staying in Kyoto proper. Doesn’t look like it has been renovated in a while but everything worked fine. Only complaint was the lack of electrical outlets as there was just one available with five other things sticking out of it. Staff were professional and super friendly.
4. Yumotokan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 284 reviews
After touring 4 tasteful hot springs such as the open-air bath "Gesshin-no-Yu" on the top floor with great view of Lake Biwa, and another open-air bath "Togen-Shoyo" presenting natural beauty, you will enjoy the relish of Ohmi Beef, one of three Japanese beef brands, or Kaseki in Kyoto style. "Hanare Karoi" where every room has an open-air bath.
Fantastic Ryokan style hotel!
Reviewed By TseYI stayed at Yumotokan during the Christmas holiday and it was a beautiful ryokan style hotel with multiple onsen facilities for the guests. Both breakfast and dinner were included in my bookings and the food was sensational! I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who plans to visit Lake Biwa!
5. Smile Hotel Otsu Seta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 81 reviews
Parking: 15
Good inexpensive location with friendly helpful staff
Reviewed By barrowmrbMy wife and could not get an expensive hotel in the Kyoto area due to the upcoming Japan Golden Week holidays. I went through website Japanican and found this hotel in Seta, about 20 minutes by JR Rail outside Kyoto. If you have JR Japan rail pass the travel to Kyoto is free.The hotel is very close to the station, maybe 2 minutes casual walk. The hotel is nice, clean, has good buffet breakfast. Very respectful and helpful staff. The spoken English is O.K. but if you go slow with Japanese language, you find that they to know English and can accommodate your request. The room we got was clean, laundromat for washing, safe location, fixtures worked and tv did to although there was no English stations.Of course,,You are in Japan !!. Very nice little town and wonderful people are there too !!!! Also, you are very near other cultural sites outside Kyoto and next to Lake Biwa, the largest fresh water lake in Japan. Enjoy!!!
6. Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama
Overall Ratings
4 based on 162 reviews
Finding an ideal family-friendly hotel in Otsu does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama, a nice option for travelers like you. Guest rooms offer amenities such as air conditioning and a refrigerator, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the hotel. Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama features a 24 hour front desk, a concierge, and baggage storage, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts free breakfast. If you are driving to Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama, parking is available. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Horin-in Temple (1.3 mi) and Ishiyamadera Temple (1.3 mi), guests of Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama can easily experience some of Otsu's most well known attractions. During your visit, be sure to check out a popular Otsu unagi & dojo restaurant such as Chikasada, which is a short distance from Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama. If you’re looking for something to do, Takebe Taisha Shrine (0.8 mi), Setano Karahashi (0.6 mi), and Zezejoseki Park (1.2 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama. Reiah Hotel Ohtsu Ishiyama puts the best of Otsu at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
A Quiet Place
Reviewed By sanwajourneysI like staying at this hotel because it was very quiet and very near to the train station. I also can get meal easily there. The room was also using a carpet. But maybe because this is an old hotel so the interior was also old and not perfectly clean (it doesn't mean that it was not clean). As for breakfast I can not give any comment because I didn't taste it due to I left very early in the morning to catch my morning flight and only stayed for one night that day.
7. Yuzanso
Overall Ratings
4 based on 212 reviews
Yuzanso is located at Shiga Prefecture, in the Ogoto area near the Japan’s largest lake called lake Biwa. We are about 20 minutes away by train from Kyoto Prefecture as well. You can enjoy a nice hot spring and good food after your visit at Kyoto. Out of the 109 rooms, 51 comes with private open-air hot spring bath in your room. Other than that, we have a public bath and an open-air bath for all of our guests.
Just 20 min from Kyoto Station
Reviewed By akikon281Ogoto HOT SPRING is the largest hot spring resort just 20min by green color pretty train from Kyoto Station. It is very popular as a hot spring with skin-enriching properties thanks to its high alkaline levels, which give your skin a smooth feel after bathing. Almost all hotels have their own transportaion buses b/w the Ogoto station and their accomodation. When you call the hotel after reaching the Ogoto station, they can pick you up at the station. It is free. I booked Yuzanso for 1 night staying to enjoy the hot spring. All staffs are very good hospitality.The breakfast is healthy. Very reasonable price, not expencive, but if you would like to enjoy Japanese hot spring to boost up your health, this hotel should be better than another hotels there. They have the restaurant (good)and bar(okay for beer not cocktail ) When you have some problems in the hotel, all staffs will help you to resolve them as soon as possible. The bed is a little bit small, but I like this hotel in Ogoto Hot Spring area. Ogoto Herb Garden is next door from Yuzanso. I enjoyed herb tea. It should be perfect healing staying. Recommend.
8. Biwako Hanakaido
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Biwako Hanakaido is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Otsu, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Nearby landmarks such as Saikyoji Temple (1.5 mi) and Ritsuin Temple (1.9 mi) make Biwako Hanakaido a great place to stay when visiting Otsu. Free internet access is offered to guests, and rooms at Biwako Hanakaido offer air conditioning and a refrigerator. During your stay, take advantage of some of the amenities offered, including a 24 hour front desk, baggage storage, and a gift shop. Guests of Biwako Hanakaido are also welcome to enjoy a sauna and an on-site restaurant. For travelers arriving by car, free parking is available. During your visit, be sure to check out one of Otsu's popular cafes such as Cotocotocotton, R Cafe at Marina, and Cafeteria Yui Kinokuniya, all a short distance from Biwako Hanakaido. If you’re looking for something to do, O'pal (0.8 mi) and Raigo-ji Temple (1.2 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Biwako Hanakaido. Enjoy your stay in Otsu!
Amazing kaiseki experience
Reviewed By anthonyw0802This is our first kaiseki dinner experience in onsen ryokan. We love the food setting and the service. The onsens are also beautiful especially the outdoors with bamboo trees surround, we tried all pools (indoor and outdoor) as well private onsen. The breakfast also good setting. After finish onsen, there is one space that we can overlook small nice garden and enjoy the peaceful with 8'C breeze in december. So relaxing ... We spent 97k yen for 4 adults including the kaiseki dinner (forgot to take shabu pict) and breakfast
9. APA Hotel Biwako Seta-Ekimae
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 50 reviews
2019年10月3日グランドオープン！全客室リニューアルをし、新しく生まれ変わりました！「新都市型ホテル」の標準仕様のお部屋にてごゆっくりとおくつろぎくださいませ。
O.K hotel, good location. Rooms are basic but fine.
Reviewed By Shlomi TO.K hotel, good location. Rooms are basic but fine. If you are visiting on public transportation, then the locating is good. Parking for your car is a 100 meters away from the hotel and it is 1,000 yen a day.
10. Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 84 reviews
Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Otsu, Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its budget friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu makes it easy to enjoy the best of Otsu. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and air conditioning, and you can stay connected during your stay as Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu offers guests free wifi. For guests with a vehicle, parking is available. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Nagara Shrine (0.3 mi) and Okuhiei Driveway (0.6 mi), guests of Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu can easily experience some of Otsu's most well known attractions. Otsu has plenty of Asian restaurants. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Ramen Hibari, Kaiunsoba, and Nagisaan, which are serving up some great dishes. There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular gardens such as Kyu Chikurinin Garden, Sunainosato, and Isomeshi's Garden. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or both, Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu is sure to make your visit to Otsu one worth remembering.
Good overflow alternative to staying in Kyoto
Reviewed By Steven GThis hotel's location is very much a compromise, two train stops from Kyoto, two train stops away from the (very interesting) hilltop temple complex of Hieizan, and not far from Otsu JR station or lake Biwa, while still not exactly convenient for travelling or offering any lake views at all. With hindsight, and considering the fact that Japanese cities (including Kyoto) are usually hectic, Otsu proved a refreshingly relaxed and calm base, and I would stay in this hotel again (which this time I only did because I couldn't find a room in Kyoto). The Toyoko Inn chain obviously enforces a very high level of brand consistency, when it comes to breakfast, however, they do seem to allow a limited range of local diversity, even within the same time of the year and the same area of Japan, so Toyoko's (Japanese style) breakfast is, unlike Toyoko's guestrooms, not always exactly the same. I found breakfast at this Toyoko slightly below the branch average, i.e. very good but one can get a fractionally better breakfast at other Toyoko's. The staff is very attentive and I appreciated having a window with a cityscape view, instead of a view of the solid wall of another building two meters away as it is often the case in Toyoko Inn branches.
