[Ogoto Onsen Yumotokan] About 20 minutes from Kyoto! A long-established inn where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Biwa and hot springs

About 1200 years ago, during the Heian period, the Tendai sect was founded by Dengyo Daishi Saicho.

Ogoto Onsen, located on the west shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is said to have first been discovered as a hot spring. It is said to have been opened to soothe the fatigue of the craftsmen who were engaged in the construction of Mount Hiei, the head temple of the Tendai sect.

Today, it is loved by local residents and tourists alike through its inns, hotels, and bathing facilities.

Among them, Yumotokan is said to be the first inn in Ogoto Onsen. Yumotokan was founded in 1929 and is a long-established inn that stands out not only for its hot springs, but also for its surrounding natural environment, interior design, and cuisine. Why not spend a relaxing time at Yumotokan, surrounded by the lush nature of Ogoto Onsen?

• Table of Contents
• Ogoto Onsen and the traditions of Yumotokan, boasting a 1200-year history
• Enjoy the ultimate bathing experience at four different hot springs
• Luxurious Kyoto-style banquet cuisine including Omi beef
• 20 minutes by train from Kyoto! Perfect location for sightseeing
• summary

Ogoto Onsen and the traditions of Yumotokan, boasting a 1200-year history

Ogoto Onsen dates back about 1,200 years ago, in the early Heian period, when the founder of the Tendai sect, Saicho, opened the hot springs to soothe the fatigue of the monks and craftsmen who were working on the construction of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. Since then, it has been popular for many years as a so-called "beauty skin bath" that leaves your skin feeling smooth after bathing, and has been visited by people for hot spring therapy and health purposes.

Yumotokan was founded in 1929. The hotel is a historic building that combines modern comforts with Japanese-style guest rooms and four different hot springs.

Even now, 97 years after our founding, we continue to welcome our guests with the same warm hospitality and carefully preserve the atmosphere of our hotel.

Yumotokan Official Website

Enjoy the ultimate bathing experience at four different hot springs

One of the attractions of Yumotokan is the variety of hot springs it offers. There are four hot springs with different themes, each offering a different experience.

Furthermore, these hot springs are not just a place to relax, but are also popular as great spots to enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons.

The open-air bath on the top floor, "Gekkoro no Yu"

Located on the 11th floor, the top floor of Yumotokan, "Gekkoro no Yu" is an open-air bath with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa. The view of Lake Biwa from here is spectacular, and on clear days the sunlight reflecting off the lake's surface is beautiful, and the view of the setting sun is just like a painting.

You will be able to refresh both your body and mind as you bathe and enjoy the changing of the seasons.

"Yugen Stroll" that makes you feel like you're in the forest

"Yugen Shoyo" is an open-air bath that blends into the forest, allowing you to enjoy a bath as if you were in nature. This hot spring is also proud of the fact that you can enjoy different scenery each season, such as fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter.

We also have a reclining bath and mist sauna available, so please relax and enjoy the changing seasons.

The two large baths with different views, "Lake View Bath" and "Mountain View Bath"

"Lake View Bath" overlooks Lake Biwa, while "Mountain View Bath" overlooks Mount Hiei. Both baths are hot springs where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a calm atmosphere while feeling one with the natural scenery. Both offer a different kind of relaxation than an open-air bath.

Luxurious Kyoto-style banquet cuisine including Omi beef

At Yumotokan, we are particular about the meals we serve, as we want our guests to have a fulfilling stay.

In particular, in order to ensure that you enjoy a luxurious mealtime, we offer meals prepared with the utmost skill by Chef Yumotokan, including Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and certified Omi beef kaiseki cuisine made with Omi beef, a brand of beef known for its high quality.

Enjoy the luxurious taste of Omi beef

Omi beef is one of the three major wagyu beef varieties in Japan, and is characterized by its finely textured meat and sweet fat. At Yumotokan, we serve this Omi beef in a variety of ways, including shabu-shabu and steak.

The tender and flavorful Omi beef is highly acclaimed for its unforgettable taste.

Kyoto-style Kaiseki course meal using seasonal ingredients

Our kaiseki cuisine uses plenty of seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy dishes that make the most of local ingredients from Shiga and Kyoto, such as cherry sea bream in spring and crab in winter.

The beautiful dishes, each carefully crafted by our head chef, are sure to be a feast for the eyes as well.

20 minutes by train from Kyoto! Perfect location for sightseeing

Another appeal of Yumotokan is its easy accessibility. From JR Kyoto Station, it takes 20 minutes to Ogoto Onsen Station on the Kosei Line, and then a 5-minute shuttle bus ride will take you there. (Please contact us when you arrive at Ogoto Onsen Station.) Even though it is located close to the city, you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Biwa and the Hira mountain range, which are rich in nature.

A tourist spot where you can feel nature and history

In the area surrounding Yumotokan, there are many tourist attractions where you can experience nature and history, including the head temple of the Tendai sect, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, and hiking spots along the shores of Lake Biwa.

In particular, Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is an important temple for learning about the history of Japanese Buddhism. Many people visit the temple to take time to reflect on themselves, with a dignified atmosphere.

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, Sakamoto Honcho 4220

In addition, around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy refreshing activities such as cycling, boating, and fishing.

Omihachiman and Hikone Castle are also within sightseeing distance.

Furthermore, Yumotokan is close to historical sites such as Omihachiman and the national treasure Hikone Castle, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in Shiga Prefecture. We also recommend combining your stay at Yumotokan with a trip to Kyoto.

Hikone Castle

1-1 Kinkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 522-0061

This castle ranks among one the most famous in Japan. The castle tower dates back to the Edo Period and is a designated national treasure. In fact, there are only five castle towers designated as national treasures. Hikone Castle was built over a period of roughly 20 years. While glistening in the moonlight, the castle is an enchanting site and sightseeing destination around Lake Biwa.

summary

Yumotokan boasts four different hot springs, including an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and an open-air bath in the forest, and is a long-established inn that is particularly highly regarded within Ogoto Onsen, which has a history of 1,200 years.

In addition to the hot springs, the hotel offers Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, including Omi beef, one of Japan's three great wagyu beef varieties, and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station. It has many attractions that make it a great choice for family trips or as a way to treat yourself.

At Yumotokan, you can enjoy the rich nature and history, luxurious hot springs, delicious cuisine, and spend an elegant time relaxing both body and mind. We look forward to your visit.

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