Best Hotels with Lake Biwa Views: Where to Stay for Scenic Rooms and Onsen in Shiga

Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by Kay

When I was planning where to stay in Shiga Prefecture, I knew I wanted accommodation that had stunning views of Lake Biwa.

So in this article, I’ll share where I stayed overnight, as well as other hotels that have a fantastic view of Japan’s largest freshwater lake (which is also the third oldest in the world!).

Note that Lake Biwa is huge, with an area of about six hundred seventy square kilometres and a shoreline of about two hundred thirty-five kilometres. So when choosing hotels with views of Lake Biwa, the first thing to know is that “Lake Biwa view” can mean very different things depending on where you stay.

Some hotels are close to Kyoto and easy to use as a sightseeing base. Some are better for a relaxing ryokan and onsen stay. Others make more sense if you want to explore northern Shiga, cycle around the lake, or visit places like Hikone Castle.

In this article, I’ll share hotels with views of Lake Biwa and explain which ones might work best depending on your situation. I’ll also point out the pros and cons where I can, because not every hotel near Lake Biwa automatically gives you a lake view from your room. (I would hate for you to book a hotel near Lake Biwa expecting a lake view and then end up looking at a wall, parking lot, or mountain instead.)

Don’t have time to read the article? Here are my quick picks:

Where to Stay in Shiga for Lake Biwa Views

Otsu: Best for Easy Access from Kyoto and Osaka

Otsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, is the easiest and most convenient place to stay if you want Lake Biwa views but want to spend time in Kyoto and Osaka.

The train from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station takes only nine minutes, so this area works well if you want a lake-view hotel without being too far from Kyoto sightseeing. Osaka Station is also less than an hour away by train. (And you’ll probably save some money by staying here, too, since Kyoto and Osaka hotels can be pricey.)

The downside is that Otsu still feels like a city. I would not choose Otsu if your dream Lake Biwa trip is quiet, rural, and slow. It is convenient, but if you want a more relaxing ryokan stay, Ogoto Onsen may be a better fit.

Ogoto Onsen: Best for Ryokan and Hot Springs

Ogoto Onsen is the best area if you want hot springs, ryokan-style accommodation, and a slower stay near Lake Biwa.

It is north of central Otsu and still fairly close to Kyoto (about an hour away by train), but the experience feels more relaxed. This is where I would look first for private open-air baths, kaiseki meals, and a more traditional stay.

The main thing to know is that lake views vary by property and room type. Some ryokan have lake views from the rooms, some from the baths, and some only from specific premium rooms.

If the view matters, do not just book the cheapest room and hope for the best. Check the room name carefully and look for words like lake view, Biwako view, 琵琶湖ビュー, or 湖側.

Moriyama: Best for a Resort-Style Lake Biwa Stay

Moriyama works well if you want a resort-style stay and plan to focus more on Lake Biwa than Kyoto.

This area is a good fit if you’re traveling by car, cycling around the lake, or want a more spacious hotel stay. I would especially consider Moriyama if Lake Biwa itself is the main part of your trip.

I would skip Moriyama if most of your itinerary is in Kyoto. It is not as convenient as Otsu for Kyoto sightseeing, so I would not treat it as a simple Kyoto hotel alternative.

Nagahama: Best for Northern Lake Biwa

Nagahama is a good choice if you want to explore northern Lake Biwa.

It has a slower feel and works well for visiting places like Kurokabe Square, cafés, shops, and other northern Shiga sightseeing spots.

I would not choose Nagahama if your main goal is Kyoto sightseeing. I would choose it if you actually want to spend time around Lake Biwa and see more of Shiga.

We’ve stayed in this area before and loved how quiet and scenic it was. We also thought it was perfect for exploring Shiga as we could spend the first day exploring the west side of Lake Biwa, spend the night in Nagahama, and then spend our second day visiting the east side.

Hikone: Best for Hikone Castle and Historic Sightseeing

Hikone is a good choice if you want to combine Lake Biwa views with Hikone Castle.

It is on the eastern side of Lake Biwa and has more of a historic town feel. This area makes sense if you want a slower stay or are traveling around eastern and northern Shiga.

I don’t think most travelers need to stay overnight in Hikone just to visit the castle as it can easily be seen in half a day. But it can be worth it if you want to spend more time around Lake Biwa or include Hikone as part of a Shiga-focused trip.

Best Hotels with Views of Lake Biwa

Now that you have a better idea of the main Lake Biwa areas, here are the hotels I would recommend if you specifically want a Lake Biwa view.

Best Lake Biwa View Hotels in Otsu

Biwako Hotel

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, and easy Kyoto access
Pros: All rooms face Lake Biwa and the sunrise is spectacular; the rooms are spacious, good access to Kyoto, food is good, open-air bath is available 
Cons: It is a larger hotel and breakfast area can be crowded, can be pricey with meals

Biwako Hotel is one of the easiest hotels to recommend if a lake view is your priority.

The hotel is clearly built around the Lake Biwa view, and all rooms face the lake. It is also close enough to Kyoto to work well for travelers who want to visit both Kyoto and Shiga.

It also has a public onsen baths that overlook the lake, including an open-air bath. (Guests with tattoos unfortunately cannot enter the baths.)

This is the one I would look at first if I wanted a reliable lake-view stay without making the trip complicated. It works especially well if you want something convenient, comfortable, and very focused on the lake.

Check rates and availability for Biwako Hotel: Agoda / Booking.com

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

Best for: Families, panoramic views, and travelers who want an easy hotel stay
Pros: All rooms have Lake Biwa views and are spacious, free shuttle to Otsu Station, excellent restaurants that overlook the lake (reservations recommended), convenient 
Cons: Large hotel, so it might feel less personal, a little dated

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel is a popular hotel in Shiga, especially for families.

It is a large hotel with lake-view rooms and easy access to and from Kyoto. I would consider this one if you want to stay somewhere with good views, more room options, and convenience.

Before booking, check the room size and bed setup, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Check availability for the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel: Agoda / Booking.com

Hotel Piazza Biwako

Best for: A practical Otsu stay with lake-view room options, easy Kyoto access
Pros: Several room types are labeled lake view, public onsen 
Cons: Some rooms aren’t lake view, less fancy/resort-like than Biwako Hotel or Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

This is more of a practical stay than a luxury one, but it can work well if you want location and views without overcomplicating things. The rooms are spacious and there’s a public indoor onsen that overlooks the lake. The hotel is also only a 14-minute walk from Zeze Station, which can take you to Kyoto Station in 11 minutes by train.

Hotel Piazza Biwako is a fraction cheaper than the aforementioned hotels, so it’s a good option if you want to save a little while still having convenience and beautiful views.

Not all rooms are lake-view so make sure you check carefully before booking.

Check rates and availability for Hotel Piazza Biwako: Agoda 

Best Lake Biwa View Ryokan in Ogoto Onsen

Biwako Hanakaido

Best for: Those looking for a stunning ryokan stay close to Kyoto, families and older travelers,
Pros: Some rooms and open-air baths have Lake Biwa views, delicious dinner, comfortable rooms
Cons: Prices can rise quickly depending on the room and meal plan, not many facilities compared with a larger resort hotel, Lake Biwa is a little far

Biwako Hanakaido is a good option in Ogoto Onsen if you want a Lake Biwa stay at a ryokan as it has hot springs, meals, and a more relaxing experience than a regular hotel.

This is the kind of place I would stay if I wanted the trip to feel like a proper overnight stay with fantastic kaiseki meals, not just somewhere to sleep, which means arriving right at check-in (3 PM).

Make sure to check the room type, as not all rooms have a view of Lake Biwa, and the lake itself is a tad bit far from the hotel, so don’t expect close-up views. Notably, though, some rooms have an open-air bath that overlooks Lake Biwa. If you can’t manage to snag one of those rooms, there is a public bath here, too, with several onsen.

Check rates and availability for Biwako Hanakaido: Agoda / Booking.com

Ogoto Onsen Biwako Ryokusuitei

Best for: Rooms with open-air baths and Lake Biwa views, splurge stays, families
Pros: Some rooms and baths have lake views, kaiseki dinner and breakfast
Cons: A little out of the way, so you need a car or taxi; the view varies depending on the room

I personally think this is the best ryokan with Lake Biwa views in Ogoto Onsen, it is so unbelievably gorgeous and luxurious.

Biwako Ryokusuitei has some rooms with private open-air baths and Lake Biwa views, making this especially appealing for travelers who want a slower, more relaxing stay. The meal plans are also extravagant, and one of their many kaiseki dishes includes Shiga’s famous omi wagyu.

As it’s a ryokan, Biwako Ryokusuitei is also more of a place to truly relax and unwind than just a place to sleep, so the earlier you check in, the better.

If you want the private bath and lake view experience, make sure to book the right room as some don’t come with either.

Check rates and availability at Biwako Ryokusuitei: Agoda / Booking.com

Biwako Grand Hotel Kyo-Ohmi

Best for: Onsen baths overlooking Lake Biwa
Pros: Rooms overlook Lake Biwa
Cons: A little dated

Kyo-Ohmi is another good option if your ideal Lake Biwa stay involves soaking in a private open-air hot spring bath with lake views.

Not all rooms come with a private bath. However, they do have a large public onsen overlooking Lake Biwa, as well as smaller ones nestled in Japanese gardens, so it’s not too big a deal if you can’t get a room with an onsen.

The main thing to watch is the booking details. Since Kyo-Ohmi is connected with Biwako Grand Hotel, make sure you’re booking the exact room and building you want.

Check rates and availability for Kyo-Ohmi: Agoda / Booking.com

Sato-yu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso

Best for: High-floor views of Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei
Pros: Some high-floor rooms have lake and mountain views, rooms are spacious, Halal meals, affordable 
Cons: Inconvenient location, dated

Yuzanso is worth considering if you want elevated views rather than being right at lake level, and although far from the lake, the view from the room is unreal.

Some high-floor rooms offer a birds-eye view of Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei, which could be lovely if you want a mix of lake and mountain scenery. There are also rooms with private open-air baths.

For families with kids, they have a small playroom with toys and books, as well as lots of amenities for those with babies and toddlers such as bath chairs, nursing pillows, and diaper genies.

I would compare this one if you want an Ogoto Onsen stay but prefer a wider scenic view instead of only being close to the water.

Again, room type matters here, so check carefully before booking.

Check rates and availability for Yuzanso: Agoda / Booking.com

Yumotokan

Best for: Onsen baths with Lake Biwa views
Pros: Public upper-floor open-air baths facing the city and Lake Biwa, some rooms are spacious and face Lake Biwa 
Cons: Not every room should be treated as a lake-view room, a bit dated

Yumotokan is best if you care more about onsen views than a guaranteed Lake Biwa view from your room.

The ryokan has public open-air baths with views over Lake Biwa, which makes it a good option for a hot spring-focused stay. There are also rooms with open-air baths.

I would choose this more for the bathing experience than for a guaranteed room view. If your priority is waking up to Lake Biwa from your room, check the room details carefully before booking.

Check rates and availability for Yumotokan: Agoda / Booking.com

Best Resort-Style Lake Biwa Hotels in Moriyama and Nagahama

Ryokan Beniayu

Best for: A quiet northern Lake Biwa ryokan stay, travelers who want a private in-room bath with a view
Pros: Beautiful Lake Biwa views, spacious Japanese-style rooms, private open-air/semi-open-air baths in rooms, excellent food, super friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere
Cons: It is farther north in a quiet and remote area, so it is not convenient for sightseeing (especially without a car, although they do have a shuttle bus), pricey

Ryokan Beniayu is a good option if you want a quieter, more traditional Lake Biwa stay rather than a large hotel in Otsu.

I fell in love with this ryokan when I found it online and basically went to Shiga for the first time just to stay here. Our room had the most wonderful lake views as we were right by the water and there was a private open-air bath as well as a massage chair in our room.

My daughter enjoyed bird-watching from our room, especially from the spotting scope. The food, which we enjoyed in our room, was also exceptional.

I would consider this one if you want the hotel itself to be the main part of the trip. It makes more sense for a slow Lake Biwa stay, a couple’s trip, or a relaxing ryokan night than for someone who mainly wants to use Shiga as a base for Kyoto sightseeing.

Just keep in mind that Ryokan Beniayu is in Nagahama, so it is much farther north than Otsu or Ogoto Onsen. I would not choose it if you want easy back-and-forth access to Kyoto, but I would compare it if you want a quieter stay near northern Lake Biwa. We found it perfect since we explored the west side of Lake Biwa, stayed at Ryokan Beniayu, and then visited the east side the next day.

Check rates and availability for Ryokan Beniayu: Agoda

Biwako Marriott Hotel

Best for: A resort-style stay on the southeast side of Lake Biwa
Pros: Several lake-view room types
Cons: A little dated; inconvenient without a car

Biwako Marriott Hotel is a good choice if you want a resort-style Lake Biwa stay.

It has several lake-view room types, including Japanese rooms and premium rooms with hot spring baths. This hotel makes the most sense if you’re focusing on Lake Biwa itself, traveling by car, or interested in cycling around the lake. This hotel also has its own planetarium!

See rates and availability for Biwako Marriott Hotel: Agoda / Booking.com

Best Lake Biwa Hotel in Hikone

BIWAFRONT HIKONE

Best for: Those who want Lake Biwa views and be close to Hikone Castle
Pros: Main hotel rooms are lake view, open-air baths, shuttle bus available, family-friendly
Cons: Good only for a night as it’s not exactly convenient if you don’t have a car, some rooms are dated

BIWAFRONT HIKONE is an excellent choice if you want to stay near Hikone. The view from the rooms are stunning, especially since some rooms have open-air baths.

The main hotel building has lake-view rooms, and the location makes sense if you want to combine Lake Biwa with Hikone Castle and historic sightseeing. There are also villas that give you a camping vibe if you want to connect with nature.

If you have children, they’ll love playing in the outdoor Kids’ Park, and in summer, everyone can enjoy the outdoor pool that’s right next to Lake Biwa.

There is a basketball court and a tennis court here as well.

And if you have dogs? They have a dog-friendly villa, too!

This is not the hotel I would choose as a Kyoto alternative, but it works well if Hikone and eastern Shiga are part of your trip, and you want to spend some time relaxing at the hotel. There is a shuttle bus that runs from Maibara Station to the hotel.

Check rates and availability for Aonokotei BIWAFRONT HIKONE: Agoda / Booking.com

Important Tips for Booking Hotels with Lake Biwa Views

Check the Exact Room Type

A hotel can be near Lake Biwa without every room having a lake view. Some hotels have all lake-view rooms, while others only have lake views from certain rooms, higher floors, baths, or specific sides of the building.

If the view matters, don’t book the cheapest room and hope for the best. Look for room names or descriptions that clearly mention lake view, Biwako view, 琵琶湖ビュー, or 湖側.

Choose Your Area Based on Your Plans

Stay in Otsu for easy Kyoto access.

Stay in Ogoto Onsen for ryokan and hot springs.

Stay in Moriyama for a resort-style lake trip.

Stay in Nagahama or Hikone if you want to explore northern or eastern Shiga.

If you want to spend time really exploring Shiga, I suggest staying a night in each area and comparing.

Book Early for Weekends and Holidays

Lake Biwa is popular with domestic travelers, especially on weekends and holidays.

If you want a specific lake-view room, book earlier rather than waiting until the last minute.

FAQ About Hotels with Views of Lake Biwa

What is the best area to stay for Lake Biwa views?

Otsu is the easiest area for Lake Biwa views and quick access from Kyoto. Ogoto Onsen is better for ryokan and hot springs. Nagahama and Hikone are better for exploring northern or eastern Shiga.

Are hotels in Shiga cheaper than in Kyoto?

Hotels in Shiga can be cheaper than in Kyoto, especially around Otsu, but it depends on the season, hotel, and room type.

If Kyoto prices are high, Otsu is worth checking because you may be able to stay somewhere with a lake view while still being close to Kyoto by train.

Is Otsu a good place to stay instead of Kyoto?

Otsu can be a good place to stay instead of Kyoto if you want lake views and don’t mind taking the train into Kyoto for sightseeing.

Kyoto is still more convenient if most of your itinerary is in Kyoto city, but Otsu is a good option if you want somewhere quieter and closer to Lake Biwa.

Is Ogoto Onsen worth staying in?

Ogoto Onsen is worth staying in if you want hot springs, ryokan, and a slower Lake Biwa trip.

If you only need somewhere to sleep between Kyoto sightseeing days, Otsu is probably easier.

Can you see Lake Biwa from every hotel room?

No. Some hotels have lake views from every room, but many only offer lake views from certain rooms, floors, or baths.

Always check the exact room category before booking.

Which Lake Biwa hotels are best for families?

In my humble opinion, the best family-friendly options in this list are Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, Biwafront Hikone, and Biwako Marriott Hotel.

Biwako Hotel may also work well depending on your family’s needs and the room type.

Which Lake Biwa hotels are best for couples?

For couples, I would consider Biwako Hanakaido, Biwako Ryokusuitei, and Biwako Hotel.

Do you need a car to explore the area around Lake Biwa?

You do not need a car if you are staying in Otsu or Ogoto Onsen, especially if your hotel or ryokan offers shuttle service from the station.

We found that a car was really helpful for Moriyama, Nagahama, Hikone, and other areas around the lake, especially when it comes to flexibility.

Wrap-up: Choosing the Best Lake Biwa View Hotel in Shiga

If this is your first Lake Biwa stay, and you want the easiest option from Kyoto, I would start with Otsu. Biwako Hotel and Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel are the best hotels in the area and worth looking into.

If you want a more relaxing ryokan stay, look at Ogoto Onsen. For a more Lake Biwa-focused trip, Moriyama, Nagahama, and Hikone may be better than Otsu. These areas are not as convenient for Kyoto, but they work well if you actually want to spend time around the lake and see more of Shiga. We personally really loved staying a night at Ryokan Beniayu since it was in a great location when you’re exploring Lake Biwa and the surrounding area by car.

Lastly, make sure to check the exact room category before booking. Some hotels have lake views from every room, but many only offer them from certain rooms, floors, or baths.

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