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Biwako Ryokusuitei

3.5 star property
Lakefront ryokan with free local area shuttle and spa services
your current months are February, 2025 and March, 2025.
February 2025
March 2025

Photo gallery for Biwako Ryokusuitei

Deep-tissue massages, Thai massages, facials, reflexology
Property amenity
Koyu Premier Suite with Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking | Bathroom
Koyu Elegant Suite with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking
Free toiletries, hair dryer, slippers, electronic bidet

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
The price is NZ$373
includes taxes & fees
27 Feb - 28 Feb

Explore the area

Map
6-1-6 Ogoto, Otsu, Shiga-ken, 520-0101
  • Ogoto Onsen
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Ukimido
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Hiei-zan & Enryaku-ji
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Fuga Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Cypress Bath - Non-Smoking

Free toiletries, hair dryer, slippers, electronic bidet

Fuga Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Cypress Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Toilet with electronic bidet
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Koyu Elegant Suite with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Koyu Elegant Suite with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Koyu Elegant Suite with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Separate bath and shower
Toilet with electronic bidet
  • 54 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Single Beds and 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Triple Room with Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Triple Room with Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Triple Room with Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
  • 50 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Yuuga Japanese Style Room with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Yuuga Japanese Style Room with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Yuuga Japanese Style Room with Semi-Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Manyo Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Manyo Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Manyo Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
  • 80 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 7
  • 7 Single Futons

View all photos for Ao No Syou Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking

Ao No Syou Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking

Ao No Syou Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Toilet with electronic bidet
Private bathroom
  • 22 sq m
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking | Bathroom

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 50 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Yuuga Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Semi-Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Free toiletries, hair dryer, slippers, electronic bidet

Yuuga Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Semi-Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Single Beds OR 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Fuga Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Fuga Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking | View from room

Fuga Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Single Beds OR 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Koyu Premier Suite with Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Koyu Premier Suite with Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Koyu Premier Suite with Open-Air Private Natural Hot Spring - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Separate bath and shower
Toilet with electronic bidet
  • 72 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Single Beds

View all photos for AO No SYOU Deluxe Twin Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

AO No SYOU Deluxe Twin Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

AO No SYOU Deluxe Twin Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Separate bath and shower
  • 32 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Free toiletries, hair dryer, slippers, electronic bidet

Biwa No Kaze Japanese-Western Style Room with Private Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • 50 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Large Single Beds OR 3 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Twin Room with Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Twin Room with Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Bath - Non-Smoking

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • 50 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Twin Room, Bathtub, Partial Lake View (Tsukiyomi Japanese Twin Room)

Standard Twin Room, Bathtub, Partial Lake View (Tsukiyomi Japanese Twin Room)

Standard Twin Room, Bathtub, Partial Lake View (Tsukiyomi Japanese Twin Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Toilet with electronic bidet
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Partial lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Large Single Beds and 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa no Kaze Japanese style 3 beds with open-a

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Biwa no Kaze Japanese style 3 beds with open-a

  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Beds

View all photos for Huuga Japanese Western Style Room With Open Air Bath

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Huuga Japanese Western Style Room With Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 4
  • 3 Single Futons and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Ao No Syou Deluxe Twin Room with Open Air Bath Non smoking

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Ao No Syou Deluxe Twin Room with Open Air Bath Non smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Twin Room, Bathtub, Partial Lake View (Tsukiyomi Japanese Twin Room)

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Standard Twin Room, Bathtub, Partial Lake View (Tsukiyomi Japanese Twin Room)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Huuga Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

View from property

Huuga Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Yuuga Japanese Style Room With Open Air Bath

Dining

Yuuga Japanese Style Room With Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Western Style Room with Open Air Bath

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Western Style Room with Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Single Beds and 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

Dining

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Futons

View all photos for Biwa No Kaze Japanese Western Style Room with TV in Open Air Bath

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Biwa No Kaze Japanese Western Style Room with TV in Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Ao No Syou Standard Twin Room Non smoking

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Ao No Syou Standard Twin Room Non smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Manyo Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Manyo Japanese Style Room with Open Air Bath

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Futons

View all photos for Luxury Quadruple Room

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Luxury Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Futons and 2 Single Beds

Comfort Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 2 Single Futons

View all photos for Deluxe Family Room

Dining

Deluxe Family Room

  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single Futons and 2 Single Beds

Superior Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Futons and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Ao No Ayou Partial Lake View Standard Twin Room

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Ao No Ayou Partial Lake View Standard Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Room with Private Bathroom

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Family Room with Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Yuuga Japanese-style twin room with hot spring observation bath

Down duvets, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Yuuga Japanese-style twin room with hot spring observation bath

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Futons and 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

Indoor pool

Yumotokan

Spa
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, (633)
The price is NZ$522
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
14 Feb - 15 Feb
Yumotokan

About the area

Otsu

At Biwako Ryokusuitei you'll be 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from Saikyoji Temple and 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from Ukimido. Highlights at this ryokan include in-room free WiFi, free high-speed Internet and Smart TVs. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and Thai massages along with facials and reflexology. The ryokan's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and coffee/tea in a common area. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of a free area shuttle. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this 3.5-property class Otsu ryokan include Shozuiji Temple and Biwako Valley Ski Resort.

What's nearby

  • Ogoto Onsen - 2 min walk
  • Biwako Valley Ski Resort - 15 min drive
  • Enryakuji Temple - 19 min drive
  • Mount Hiei - 21 min drive
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Ogotoonsen station - 17 min walk
  • Osaka (KIX-Kansai Intl.) - 108 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪伊予製麺雄琴店 - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪麺屋聖〜kiyo〜 - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪ガールズファンタジー - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪プルプルネクステージ - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪フォーナイン - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Biwako Ryokusuitei

Lakefront ryokan with free local area shuttle and spa services
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the business-friendly Biwako Ryokusuitei. Free self parking is available.

This 3.5-star Otsu ryokan is smoke free.

  • 70 guestrooms or units
  • 6 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Karaoke
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Biwako Ryokusuitei offers 70 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary slippers. Beds feature down duvets. 50-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include toilets with an electronic bidet, complimentary toiletries, hairdryers and children's slippers. This Otsu ryokan provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, Thai massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including reflexology. Public bath/onsen services include an indoor public bath, an indoor mineral hot spring (onsen) and a yukata (Japanese robe). These services feature separate men's and women's areas. The ryokan bathing area is open 24 hours a day.

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Free area shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: JPY 2,200 for adults and JPY 2,200 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Kaiseki meal

Things to do

  • Karaoke
  • Library
  • Spa tub

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 24-hour public bath
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Indoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
  • Outdoor mineral hot springs (onsen)
  • Public indoor bath (no minerals)
  • Public outdoor bath (no minerals)
  • Reflexology
  • Separate men/women areas in public bath
  • Thai massages
  • 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.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Handrails in stairways (109 centimetre high)
  • Lift (89 centimetre wide door)
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter

Bathroom

  • Children's slippers
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 50-inch smart TV with digital channels

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Geta (wooden sandals)
  • Heating
  • Safe
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 7:30 PM
Minimum check-in age - 20

Check-out

Check-out before 10 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately JPY 2200 for adults and from JPY 2200 for children

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bath facility
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve access to the public bath facility. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for private bath/onsen. For reservations, contact the ryokan before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels etc). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
  • Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the on-site public bathing facilities.

Property is also known as

Biwako Ryokusuitei
Biwako Ryokusuitei Inn
Biwako Ryokusuitei Inn Otsu
Biwako Ryokusuitei Otsu
Biwako Ryokusuitei Otsu
Biwako Ryokusuitei Ryokan
Biwako Ryokusuitei Ryokan Otsu

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

Biwako Ryokusuitei offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

As of 31 Jan 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Biwako Ryokusuitei on 27 Feb 2025 start from NZ$372.88, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

Yep, Biwako Ryokusuitei has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like facials as well as deep-tissue massages.

Is Biwako Ryokusuitei family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a free local area shuttle, as well as children's slippers in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Biwako Ryokusuitei is a hit with families.

Does Biwako Ryokusuitei serve breakfast?

Yep, buffet brekkie is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

No, Biwako Ryokusuitei does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Biwako Ryokusuitei?

No, pets are not allowed.

Biwako Ryokusuitei Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 231 out of 399 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 114 out of 399 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 40 out of 399 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 399 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 399 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Honeymoon delight
We stayed two nights as part of our honeymoon trip to Japan. Loved everything about this place. From the Private Onsen in our room to the delightful restaurant service. We enjoyed wearing our Yukata around the building and taking in the beautiful views and enjoying the traditional breakfast. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for relaxing couple of days.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lemual, Las Vegas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and relaxing
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yu, San Francisco

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Biwako Ryokusuite was a great experience. Has beautiful public onsen and amazing food. The private bath faces the east with a great sunrise experience. Getting there is easy from Kyoto station, I transferred to a local train from the Shinkansen. The resort has a shuttle that will pick up your luggage if you are early or pick you up if you are on time for checkin. If you are early, I recommend walking from the station to the resort, beautiful temple on the way. Staff were extremely friendly, and most drinks and snacks are all inclusive. Highly recommend to get the Kaiseki dinner while you are there.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Noah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vincci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Callum

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
We stayed at Biwako Ryokusuitei for two nights, and it was one of the most disappointing onsen hotel experiences we've had in Japan. Having visited over a dozen times, we had high expectations, especially for the kaiseki dinner. Unfortunately, the food and service were big letdowns. The omi beef, which was heavily advertised, was a huge disappointment. The shabu shabu was overly fatty and oily, and the steak was a poor cut. Many dishes seemed pre-prepared due to the hotel’s size—sashimi was served frozen, hot dishes arrived cold, and the tempura was soggy. Breakfast was also subpar. The "grill your own fish/seafood" experience sounded fun, but the seafood didn’t taste fresh. We suspected that leftovers from breakfast were reused in the kaiseki dinner, leading to repetitive meals, which was very disappointing. Service, particularly during the first night’s dinner, was also problematic. Our server was clearly sick, coughing behind his mask throughout the meal, which made us uncomfortable. The meal felt rushed, and he even served rice with his thumb in the bowl, which was off-putting and unhygienic. Additionally, roadworks in front of the hotel created a noisy and dusty environment, making it hard to relax. While the views of Lake Biwa were beautiful, the food, rushed service, and disturbance from the roadworks ruined the experience. We would not recommend this place to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diem Trang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

MARK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simeon, Ashtead

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktoriia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynda

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely view from our room. We thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor bath. Buffet breakfast was amazing with a large variety of options. We stayed there for 2 nights and had two different kaiseki meals. We also loved how easy it was to get here from Kyoto station.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We didn't want to leave. Stayed for two nights and wished we had booked for longer. Amazing hospitality and amenities, we had a room with a private bath on the balcony. Kaiseki dinners were fabulous albeit slightly confusing with our minimal Japanese language skills, but the staff went out of their way to explain and help us have a great meal. Breakfasts were also good, and the shuttle bus to and from the train station was much appreciated.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Imogen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing facilities and the staff cannot do enough for you, plus the breakfast buffet is delicious.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome location, the dinner kaiseki set was delicious but a little bit expensive. It seems like a lot of locals were fishing at the lake right behind the hotel, so if you fish I'd recommend that you try
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Japanese hospitality at its best
From the moment of pickup at the Ogoto Onsen station and dropoff, the service was flawless! Check-in is completed while seated in the lobby (rather than standing in queue) and many of the staff speak multiple languages. While the venue is slightly older, it is beautifully maintained and spotless. The 24 component kaiseki dinner is delicious and cheap considering the variety, gorgeous presentation and flavors. N.B. The kaiseki menu is only available in Japanese and even though I'm bilingual, I had a hard time explaining it for my fellow travellers. Google translator was also perplexed... If you have food restrictions or allergies, kaiseki is NOT for you! The breakfast buffet has lots of variety but some may find the smell of fish quite strong since it's grilled at the table. The onsen was recently renovated and now has new dry barrel sauna with great views. Benefit: it's open 24 hours so I was able to enjoy a private experience multiple times throughout the stay (N.B. the barrel sauna closes at midnight). The staff go out of their way to ensure everyone's comfort even when dealing with cultural differences, language barriers, multiple (sometimes unreasonable) and demands from international (and local) guests. #impressed While there are pricier and more traditional ryokans in Japan, we had a fabulously relaxing time at the Biwako Ryokusuitei and wish we could of stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023