From Open-Air Bath Rooms to Family-Friendly Suites! Guest Room Guide to Ogoto Onsen Yumotokan

When deciding on a ryokan, a good location and a clean space are essential. For example, having options to suit your stay style, such as a room with an open-air bath where couples can relax in peace, or a spacious room where families can have fun, will make your trip even more satisfying.

In this article, we will introduce the charms of Yumotokan, a hot spring inn overlooking Lake Biwa, as well as the newly renovated guest rooms and dining areas of Hanare Karoi and Kotone.

Yumotokan, Located Along the Biwako (Biwa Lake)

Yumotokan, located in Ogoto Onsen, which is said to have been discovered by Dengyo Daishi Saicho about 1,200 years ago, is a long-established inn located in Ogoto Onsen in Otsu City , Shiga Prefecture . It is conveniently located about 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station, yet is surrounded by abundant nature and tranquility. A free shuttle bus is also available from the nearest station, Ogoto Onsen Station, to the inn, and you can get there in about 5 minutes after making a phone call.

It is also accessible from "Mount Hiei Sakamoto Station" and Keihan Railway "Sakamoto Mount Hiei Station", making it an ideal combination for a trip to Mount Hiei. With a good balance between accessibility and environment, Yumotokan is the perfect inn for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

The Room Type Variations 

Renovated in December 2024! "Hanare Karoi" rooms with open-air hot spring baths

Hanare Karoi is a guest room with an open-air hot spring bath that was completely renovated in December 2024. It has evolved from the previous Gesshin-tei to the Hanare Karoi Luxury Floor, providing a more luxurious accommodation experience.

Learn more about Hanare Karoi

The biggest attraction of this floor is the spectacular view of Lake Biwa. In particular, from the rooms on the 8th to 10th floors, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake while soaking in the open-air bath, providing an unprecedented luxury bathing experience.

Furthermore, on the standard floors from the 5th to 7th floors, there are spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people, making them ideal for families. All rooms are equipped with Simmons beds to ensure a comfortable sleep.

For meals, you can enjoy a monthly changing banquet menu using Omi beef and seasonal ingredients at the traditional Japanese restaurant "Shogetsu" on the third floor. The food is prepared in a dedicated open kitchen, so you can enjoy it at the perfect time.

Kotone is recommended for those who value privacy.

Kotone, a guest room with an open-air hot spring bath that was renovated in 2022, has three suites on the 7th floor and rooms for couples and families on the 5th and 6th floors.

In the suite room on the 7th floor, you can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the dining kitchen provided in the room, eliminating the hassle of getting ready. In a private space, you can enjoy Kyoto-style kaiseki, the most popular certified Omi beef kaiseki, and limited-time kaiseki. *Application is required at the time of reservation.

The rooms for couples and families, located on the 5th and 6th floors, all have their own open-air hot spring baths, and Dining Yamasakira, which is open to families, serves a buffet with both Japanese and Western dishes.

The other rooms are also full of charm! A comfortable Japanese-Western style space

In addition to Hanare Karoi and Kotone, Yumotokan offers a variety of room styles to choose from. It is popular for being able to choose the perfect space for your trip and budget.

For example, the hotel offers rooms based on a modern Japanese concept, including Japanese-Western style rooms with twin beds in a Japanese-style room, and rooms with double beds.

In particular, "Saraku" is a healing room that focuses on lighting, music, and aromatherapy. It is a soothing space that combines a calming Japanese atmosphere with comfort. Simmons beds have been installed here, and the facilities are in place to help you get a good night's sleep.

In addition, the hotel is designed to meet a wide range of needs, with three limited semi-suites and a traditional 10-tatami room, making Yumotokan an inn that can cater to people of all ages and travel styles.

Different Hot Spring Types 

Tsukishin no Yu

"Gesshin no Yu" is an open-air bath on the Mogami with a spectacular view, where you can have Lake Biwa Biwa all to yourself. With nothing blocking the view, you can enjoy the view of Omi from the bathtub, and it is a place where you can relax and feel the changing of the seasons.

*The outdoor bath "Gekkokoro no Yu" is alternated between men and women on a daily basis. (The roles of men and women are reversed with the outdoor bath "Yugenshoyo")

*There is only an open-air bath, no indoor bath. You can also enjoy the open-air cypress bath and foot bath.

A stroll through the mysteries of hot springs

"Togen Shoyo" is an all-rounder bathing spot that offers bathing in a reclining bath, mist sauna, and other bathing experiences that will help you forget the fatigue of your travels. You will be surrounded by nature as far as the eye can see, and you will feel as if you are bathing in the forest while soaking in the bathtub.

*The outdoor bath "Yugenshoyo" is alternated between men and women on a daily basis. (The roles of men and women are reversed with the outdoor bath "Gekkokoro no Yu")

*Bath times are from 5:00am to midnight (cleaning from 10:30am to 12:30pm).

*There is only an open-air bath, no indoor bath.

There is also a completely private open-air bath

Yumotokan has two open-air baths that can be rented out for private use. One is "Kino Ka", where the warmth of wood and rocks gently envelops the body. There is also a bath called "Stone Sound", which emphasizes a private atmosphere.

If you want to feel the unique atmosphere of a hot spring while being soothed by the scent of wood, we recommend "Kino Ka." If you want a small, calm atmosphere, we recommend "Stone Sound," which features a stone atmosphere and modern design.

・The private open-air baths "Kinoka" and "Sekinooto" are available by reservation for 50 minutes at 7,000 yen per room.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots around Yumotokan

With easy access to Kyoto Station, Yumotokan is in a great location to easily enjoy the nature and history of Shiga Prefecture, as well as the culture of Kyoto. After soothing your body and mind in the hot springs, be sure to check out the surrounding tourist spots.

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei(Shiga)

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, Sakamoto Honcho 4220

Hiei Mount Hiei Temple, a registered World Heritage Site, is about 30 minutes by car from Yumotokan. Known as the head temple of the Tendai sect and with a history of over 1,200 years, this place is a sacred space surrounded by quiet Mori and majestic architecture. The journey there is also part of the fun, as you can use the ropeway or Sakamoto Cable Car.

Biwako Terrace (Shiga)

Located at the summit of Mt. Uchimiyama, 1,100 meters above sea level, Biwako Terrace offers a spectacular view overlooking Lake Biwa. In the green season, you can enjoy a cafe break while feeling the refreshing breeze, and in winter, it is also popular as a ski resort. About 40 minutes by car from Yumotokan, it is a spot where you can enjoy an extraordinary view.

Miidera Temple (Shiga)

Sonojoji Temple (Mii-dera Temple)

246 Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, 520-0036

Sonojoji Temple (Mii-dera) is a historic temple located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is also known as a famous cherry blossom spot. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted in the grounds, and in spring you will find a beautiful landscape surrounded by pale pink colours. In particular, the contrast between the golden hall, bell tower and cherry blossoms is charming, allowing you to enjoy a view that harmonizes history and nature. The best time to see cherry blossoms at Mii-dera is from early to mid-April each year. The lit up is done at night, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night in a fantastic atmosphere. One of the highlights is the combination of the "Mitsui no Ban Bell," which is one of Japan's three great bells, and the cherry blossoms. The grounds are spacious and relaxing, making them popular not only with tourists but also with locals. This is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly while feeling the history.

Miidera (Onjoji) in Otsu City is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect, with numerous cultural assets. The bell in the bell tower is one of the "Three Famous Bells of Japan," and its deep, clear tone resonates in the heart. It is about a 20-minute drive from Yumotokan.

Around Kyoto Station (Kyoto)

It's extremely convenient, taking just 20 minutes by train to Kyoto Station, so you can use Yumotokan as a base for sightseeing in Kyoto. Kyoto Tower, which is directly connected to the station, shopping at Isetan, eating your way through the Porta underground shopping mall, and historical sites such as Higashi are all within walking distance. It's also a great place to stop by before heading home.

Kyoto Tower

721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture...

Standing at the gateway to Kyoto, Kyoto Tower warmly welcomes locals and tourists. The slender white form is inspired by a lighthouse that illuminates the city of Kyoto.

How to Access the Facility 

Access by train

In addition to the above two stations, there is also the Keihan Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line "Sakamoto Mount Hiei Station". Or, you can use the shuttle bus to get to Sakamoto Cable "Sakamoto Station". Please call the inn (0120-4126-15) when you arrive.

*Pick-up time: 13:30-19:00

*Pick-up service for the day after accommodation will operate on a scheduled schedule.

Access by car

Enjoy a trip to Shiga and Kyoto with Yumotokan as your base

What did you think? Yumotokan is a hot spring inn that offers a tranquil and relaxing space overlooking Lake Biwa , conveniently located just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto . You can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay, especially in the newly renovated rooms with open-air hot spring baths at " Hanare Karoi" and "Kotone." If you want to combine sightseeing with relaxation, be sure to add Yumotokan to your travel plans.

Yumotokan Official Website