Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Otsu is typically around Otsu Station and along the shore of Lake Biwa, particularly near Biwako Hama-Otsu Station.

The area around Otsu Station is highly convenient for travellers. It's the city's main transport hub, with direct train connections to Kyoto and other major cities. This district offers a good selection of hotels, many of which provide views of Lake Biwa. You'll find various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, all within easy walking distance.

For those looking for a more scenic and relaxed experience, particularly couples, the area near Biwako Hama-Otsu Station is an excellent choice. This neighbourhood is right on the lake's edge, offering easy access to the Biwako Cruise boats and the Nagisa Park waterfront promenade. Many hotels here feature lake-facing rooms, allowing for beautiful views, especially at sunset.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Otsu that travellers recommend?

Accepted Answer

For highly recommended hotels in Otsu, consider the Yumotokan, Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, Biwako Hotel, Biwako Hanakaido, and Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Ryokan.

The 4-star Yumotokan, with an excellent 9.4 rating, is praised for its beautiful scenery and excellent food and service. Guests can enjoy spring water bathtubs, hot and mineral springs, and rooms with premium bedding and lake views. It is conveniently located just 0.2 km from Ogoto Onsen.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, rated 8.8. This hotel offers the convenience of an onsite golf course and shopping mall, along with premium bedding and lake views. It is well-situated for exploring local attractions such as Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park and Biwako Hall.

The 4-star Biwako Hotel, rated 9.0, is popular for its lovely rooms, good breakfast, and nice onsen. It features lake views, premium bedding, and a pool, making it a great choice for relaxation. The hotel is close to Biwako Flower Fountain and Biwako Hall.

Biwako Hanakaido, a 3.5-star ryokan with a 9.4 rating, is particularly noted for its incredible food, amazing breakfast, and spacious, clean rooms. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the private and public indoor and outdoor onsen facilities, including deep soaking bathtubs. Like Yumotokan, it is also just 0.2 km from Ogoto Onsen.

Finally, the 3.5-star Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Ryokan, rated 8.8, is celebrated for its amazing amenities and great breakfast. It offers lake views, deep soaking bathtubs, and various hot spring options, including public indoor and outdoor onsen. This ryokan is located 0.4 km from Ogoto Onsen.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

For families travelling to Otsu, excellent options include the Biwako Hotel, Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, and Yumotokan, all highly rated for their family-friendly amenities.

The 4-star Biwako Hotel, with a superb 9.0 rating, offers a fantastic experience for families. It provides a children's pool, free amenities for children per adult, and child-friendly window designs to ensure safety. Families will appreciate the free cribs and bed guards available. Convenience is key with free self-parking and complimentary train station pickup and drop-off services. Guests have complimented the good breakfast, nice onsen, and lovely rooms. It is also conveniently located near attractions such as Biwako Flower Fountain and Biwako Hall.

Another wonderful choice is the 4-star Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, rated 8.8. This hotel also features a children's pool, free cribs, bed guards, and sofa beds, making it very accommodating for families. For added convenience, there are gift shops, a grocery store, and even an onsite shopping mall. The hotel is close to Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park and Otsu City Science Museum. Guests have described the suites as beautiful.

For a unique family experience, consider Yumotokan, a 4-star ryokan with an exceptional 9.4 rating. This establishment provides children's slippers and highchairs. It is particularly known for its hot and mineral springs, with onsite hot springs, spring water bathtubs, and both indoor and outdoor ryokan onsen facilities. Situated very close to Ogoto Onsen, guests have praised the excellent food and service, beautiful scenery, and respectful staff.

Question 4

What are the best spa hotels in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

For excellent spa hotels in Otsu, consider the Yumotokan, Biwako Hanakaido, and Biwako Ryokusuitei.

The 4-star Yumotokan, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers a full-service spa with massage services and a variety of hot and mineral springs, including indoor and outdoor options. Guests particularly appreciate the beautiful scenery and excellent service. This hotel is conveniently located just 0.2 km from Ogoto Onsen.

Another superb choice is the 3.5-star Biwako Hanakaido, also rated 9.4. This hotel provides massage and aromatherapy treatments, along with private and public indoor and outdoor ryokan onsen, and on-site hot springs. Reviews frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, spacious and clean rooms, and incredible food, especially the amazing breakfast. It is also 0.2 km from Ogoto Onsen.

The Biwako Ryokusuitei, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, features a full-service spa offering treatments, massages, facials, reflexology, and deep tissue and Thai massages. Guests consistently praise the comfortable and clean rooms, excellent food, and very friendly staff. This hotel is situated 0.2 km from Ogoto Onsen.

Question 5

What hotels in Otsu offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Otsu that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu, Hotel Lotus Otsu - Adults Only, Biwako Grand Hotel, Hotel Atlantis Otsu - Adults Only, and Hotel Luna Otsu.

The 3-star Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu, with an 8.0 rating, provides free buffet and local breakfast. It is conveniently located near the Mitsuhashi Setsuko Commemorative Museum of Art and the Biwako Canal Memorial Hall.

Hotel Lotus Otsu - Adults Only, a 3-star property rated 8.2, offers a free Japanese breakfast. This hotel is close to Lake Biwa and Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park.

The 3.5-star Biwako Grand Hotel, with an 8.4 rating, provides a free buffet breakfast and also offers a complimentary train station pickup and drop-off service. This hotel is situated near Lake Biwa and Ogoto Onsen.

The 3-star Hotel Atlantis Otsu - Adults Only, rated 7.6, includes a free Japanese breakfast. It is located close to Lake Biwa and Roka Sensuiso Kion-ji Temple.

Hotel Luna Otsu, with a 7.6 rating, also provides a free Japanese breakfast. This hotel is in proximity to Lake Biwa and Yabasekihan Island Park.

Question 6

What are the top boutique hotels in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

Hotel ab Shiga is a highly-rated boutique hotel in Otsu that offers a comfortable stay.

This hotel, with a 7.0 rating, provides complimentary toiletries and free wired and wireless internet access, ensuring a convenient and connected experience. Guests will appreciate the free self-parking and additional off-street parking options. While the hotel has a beach view, it also features an Art Deco property design, adding a distinctive touch to your accommodation.

Question 7

What are the best budget hotels in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

For budget hotels in Otsu, consider Hotel Lotus Otsu - Adults Only, Hotel Atlantis Otsu - Adults Only, Hotel Luna Otsu, Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu, and The Gran Resort Ohmimaiko.

The 3-star Hotel Lotus Otsu - Adults Only, with a rating of 8.2, offers complimentary Japanese breakfast and toiletries, along with free WiFi and self-parking. It is conveniently located near Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park and Yabasekihan Island Park, both just 1.4 km away.

Another option is the 3-star Hotel Atlantis Otsu - Adults Only, rated 7.6. This hotel also provides free self-parking, Japanese breakfast, toiletries, and WiFi. Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park is a mere 1.3 km away.

Hotel Luna Otsu, with a rating of 7.6, provides free toiletries, breakfast, self-parking, Japanese breakfast, and WiFi. It is located 1.3 km from Otsu Kogan Nagisa Park.

The 3-star Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu, rated 8.0, offers a complimentary buffet breakfast with local options, free WiFi, and accessible parking. Guests have particularly praised the breakfast. It is close to Mitsuhashi Setsuko Commemorative Museum of Art (0.5 km) and Biwako Canal Memorial Hall (0.6 km).

Finally, The Gran Resort Ohmimaiko, a 3-star hotel with an 8.4 rating, provides free toiletries, self-parking, and WiFi. It also offers complimentary train station pick-up and drop-off services, and features indoor public ryokan baths with hot and/or mineral springs.

Question 8

What are the most romantic hotels in Otsu for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic stay in Otsu, couples should consider the Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast or the Yumotokan.

The Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast, with an impressive 9.8 rating, offers a tranquil experience with mountain views and complimentary toiletries, along with free WiFi and air conditioning. Guests consistently describe the rooms as super quiet and immaculately clean. It is conveniently located near Lake Biwa Canal, just 0.2 km away, and Otsu Port, 0.6 km away.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Yumotokan, rated 9.4. This hotel boasts on-site hot and mineral springs, including indoor and outdoor options, as well as public outdoor and indoor ryokan onsen for a truly relaxing experience. It is very close to Ogoto Onsen, only 0.2 km away. Guests frequently praise the excellent food and service, the beautiful scenery, and the respectful staff.

Question 9

What are the best hotels in Otsu near Biwako Otsukan?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Otsu near Biwako Otsukan, consider the Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast and the Biwako Hotel.

The Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast, with an impressive 9.8 rating, is located 1.9 km from Biwako Otsukan. Guests frequently highlight its super quiet and immaculately clean rooms. It also offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, with some rooms featuring mountain views.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Biwako Hotel, rated 9.0, which is also 1.9 km from Biwako Otsukan. This hotel is very family-friendly, offering a children's pool, free cribs, and bed guards for children. Guests appreciate the good breakfast and lovely rooms, along with the convenience of free self-parking and complimentary train station pickup and drop-off services.

Question 10

When is the best time to go to Otsu?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Otsu is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months.

Spring in Otsu is particularly beautiful due to the cherry blossoms, which typically bloom from late March to early April. The mild weather is great for exploring Lake Biwa and its surroundings, with temperatures usually ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This period is ideal for couples looking for scenic boat trips on the lake or peaceful strolls through temples like Mii-dera.

Autumn offers similarly pleasant weather, with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, and the landscapes around Lake Biwa are stunning with vibrant autumn leaves. This season is excellent for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting historical sites like Hikone Castle, which is a short train ride away.

Question 11

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Otsu.

Question 12

How can I save on a hotel booking in Otsu with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ – Expedia’s free travel rewards programme – gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Otsu hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 13

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Otsu?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Otsu often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$38 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.6°F (3.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

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