From rooms with spectacular open-air baths to spacious rooms for families! Introducing the guest rooms at Ogoto Onsen "Yumotokan"
Yumotokan, a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto, is a hot spring inn with a spectacular view of Lake Biwa. You can enjoy a special time with rooms with open-air baths that are popular with couples and families, and kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. In this article, we will introduce the luxurious rooms at Yumotokan, which have just been completely renovated.
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Table of Contents
- Yumotokan, Located Along the Biwako (Biwa Lake)
- 1. Hanare Karoi| Guest rooms with spectacular views of Lake Biwa and open-air hot spring baths
- 2. Kotone | You can even dine in your room! Recommended for those who value privacy
- 3. Healing Room Shirakura | Limited to one room! Relax with music and aromatherapy
- 4. A wide range of other modern Japanese rooms to choose from
- How to get to Yumotokan
- Enjoy a trip to Shiga and Kyoto with Yumotokan as your base
Yumotokan, Located Along the Biwako (Biwa Lake)

Yumotokan , a long-established inn located in Ogoto Otsu City , Shiga Prefecture , is said to have been discovered by Dengyo Daishi Saicho approximately 1,200 years ago. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station, the inn is surrounded by abundant nature and tranquility. A free shuttle bus runs from the nearest station, Ogoto Onsen Station, to the inn, where you can enjoy four different hot springs and kaiseki cuisine.
It is also accessible from Mount Hiei Sakamoto Station and Keihan Railway Mount Hiei Station, making it an ideal itinerary to combine with sightseeing at Mount Hiei . Be sure to try spending some luxurious time at this hidden gem a little away from Kyoto , or as a base for sightseeing in Shiga Prefecture .
1. Hanare Karoi| Guest rooms with spectacular views of Lake Biwa and open-air hot spring baths

Hanare Karoi, a guest room with an open-air hot spring bath, was completely renovated in December 2024. It has evolved from the former Gesshintei to the Hanare Karoi Luxury Floor, offering an even more elevated accommodation experience. Recommended for those who want to relax in a luxurious space with an adult atmosphere.
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 Lake Biwa while soaking in the open-air bath, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious bath time like never before.

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.

2. Kotone | You can even dine in your room! 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 on the 5th and 6th floors all have their own open-air hot spring baths, and the family-friendly Dining Yamasakiraku offers a buffet with a selection of Japanese and Western dishes.
3. Healing Room Shirakura | Limited to one room! Relax with music and aromatherapy

The healing room is designed with careful attention to lighting, music, and aromatherapy. It is a soothing space that combines a calming Japanese atmosphere with comfort. The guest rooms are equipped with Simmons beds that will induce a deep sleep, and are equipped to ensure a good night's sleep.
4. A wide range of other modern Japanese rooms to choose from

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 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.
How to get to Yumotokan
Access by train
・From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosai to Ogoto Onsen Station (approximately 20 minutes)
・From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Kosai Limited Rapid to Mount Hiei Sakamoto Station (approximately 50 minutes).
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
・From Meishin Ritto IC via Lake Biwa(approximately 35 minutes)
・From Meishin Kyoto Higashi IC, take the Nishi-Otsu Bypass (Route 161 Bypass)
Enjoy a trip to Shiga and Kyoto with Yumotokan as your base

Yumotokan is a hot spring inn conveniently located just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, offering a tranquil and relaxing space overlooking Lake Biwa. Guests can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay, especially in the newly renovated Hanare Karoi and Kotone rooms, which feature open-air hot spring baths. If you're looking to combine sightseeing with relaxation, be sure to add Yumotokan to your itinerary.
Ogoto Onsen is said to have been opened about 1,200 years ago by Dengyo Daishi Saicho to reward the work of the craftsmen who built Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, a World Heritage Site. Among them, Yumotokan is a long-established inn with a history of 96 years. The secret to its popularity is its four different hot springs, including an open-air bath overlooking Lake Biwa from the 11th floor and an open-air bath that gives the illusion of being a hot spring in the forest, as well as its Kyoto-style kaiseki meals made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, including "certified Omi beef," one of Japan's three great wagyu beef brands. Although it is only 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, this inn allows you to feel the warmth of nature and Japan, such as Lake Biwa and the Hira mountain range.
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