20 minutes by train from Kyoto. Enjoy a luxurious stay at Yumotokan, a long-established inn overlooking Lake Biwa, where you can experience the four seasons.

• Table of Contents
• What is Ogoto Onsen? A historic hot spring for beautiful skin that springs up at the foot of Mount Hiei
• Spring | Mount Hiei with its beautiful green leaves: May
• Summer | Lake Biwa, where heat and coolness coexist: July
• Autumn | Running through the autumn leaves in the mountains: October~
• Winter | Enjoy a snow boat cruise and a lakeside slope: December~
• Enjoy the four seasons of Shiga and Lake Biwa from Yumotokan

What is Ogoto Onsen? A historic hot spring for beautiful skin that springs up at the foot of Mount Hiei

Just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, you will find Ogoto Onsen "Yumotokan," surrounded by the magnificent view of Lake Biwa and the warmth of the hot springs.

Located in Otsu City , Shiga Prefecture , this inn is located at the foot of Mount Hiei. Its history dates back to the Heian period, and it is known for its soft, skin-friendly water. From Yumotokan, you can see the majestic Lake Biwa, and you will forget the hustle and bustle of the city by being immersed in the tranquility of nature.

It is also easily accessible, about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Kosai. It is conveniently located so you can stop by between sightseeing, making it an ideal place for a short weekend trip.

Spring | Mount Hiei with its beautiful green leaves: May

Around the time Golden Week is over, the cherry blossoms that reached full bloom in late April are replaced by light-transmitting young leaves, ushering in the season of "Ao-momiji" (green maple leaves). The temples and pagodas of Enryaku-ji Temple are enveloped in a gradation of green, and the cool air of spring arrives.

Here we introduce some recommended spots that can only be experienced in May.

The Great Homa Ceremony at Hiei

After the Golden Week holidays, the "Hiei Great Goma" will be held at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei.

This ritual is performed by Daigyo Man Daiajari, who has completed the rigorous training known as the Sennichi Kaihogyo, and the solemn sight of him putting his wishes into the goma wood and burning it in purified fire resonates quietly in the depths of one's heart.

On the day, you will be able to apply for a prayer from five different types of prayer cards, and there will also be a prayer bead workshop where you can create your own prayer beads and have them offered to Daigyoman Daiajari.

Behind the Autumn Leaves｜Blue Autumn Leaves

Spring is the opposite season to autumn. The green leaves, known as "Ao-momiji," can only be seen during the season when new greenery is in full bloom, and are full of energy.

Green leaves refer to maples before they turn red, such as Japanese maples, Japanese maples, and Japanese sugar maples. For those who want to see them on foot, we recommend Buddhist temples such as Zensui-ji Temple and Mount Hiei ji Temple on Mount Hiei. For those who want to see them from the train window, take the Eizan Railway Kurama Line between Ichihara Station and Ichihara Station, and you'll see a continuous green tunnel for about 250 meters.

Summer | Lake Biwa, where heat and coolness coexist: July

The rainy season is coming to an end. The pleasant heat of SUP and kayaking is coming. The ripples on the water sparkle beautifully during the day, while at night a large fireworks display is held that brightens up the black lake surface. Shiga's summer, where heat and coolness blend together, quietly begins.

Watch from Yumotokan! Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival

The Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival, held every year on August 1st, is a seasonal event for local residents.

In particular, if you stay at the Hanare Hanare Karoi in Yumotokan on a high floor of the luxury floor, you can see the fireworks directly from the window of your room.

A short video of the Hanare Karoi Luxury Floor Suite "Akane"

The Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival will also be held.

Following the Ogoto Onsen Summer Fireworks Festival, the Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival will be held on August 8th. More than 10,000 fireworks will light up the surface of Lake Biwa and the sky. From Yumotokan, you can access the area around the venue by taking the Keihan Railway from Sakamoto Mount Hiei Station to Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. The impressive fireworks, which can be enjoyed while sitting on the lake shore, are a fitting highlight of any summer trip.

Opal: A popular Mizukami activity for active people

For those who think of summer as activity, we recommend Opal, a nature experience facility on the shores of Lake Biwa.

There are plenty of activities available that even beginners can enjoy, such as kayaking and SUP (stand up paddle).

You will receive thorough instruction from an instructor, and you will be provided with safety equipment such as life jackets. The sensation of gliding across the Mizukami and the sense of freedom you get from standing on the lake while feeling the breeze is a special experience you won't find anywhere else.

Autumn | Running through the autumn leaves in the mountains: October~

The autumn leaves season arrives when the heat subsides and the mornings and evenings become noticeably cooler. Autumn in Shiga will reach its climax when the Metasequoia trees stretching to the north of the lake turn into a caramel-colored tunnel. Here we will introduce you to some spots where you can make the most of the autumn leaves that can only be seen for a short period of time.

A drive through the autumn leaves of Metasequoia trees

You can stroll around with a camera in hand, or take a drive through the area. The Metasequoia Tree Line in Takashima City is becoming more and more popular every year as a classic photogenic autumn spot. The autumn foliage at this spot is truly spectacular, with about 500 trees lining both sides of the 2.4km straight road.

Glide through the Ozora on the Lake Biwa Zipline Adventure

On the Zip Line Adventure, you'll glide through the crimson-hued mountains and be captivated by the view of autumn leaves spreading out before your eyes.

The thrill and sense of freedom that you can't experience on the ground, as well as the spectacular views, will surely turn the experience itself into a special memory. At the top of the ropeway, we also recommend the Biwako Terrace, an observation deck where you can enjoy a panoramic view while feeling like you're in an aerial cafe.

Winter | Enjoy a snow boat cruise and a lakeside slope: December~

As the weather gets colder, the season arrives when Mine Hiei is covered in a blanket of snow. Lake Biwa turns into a deep blue mirror, and the cruise ship heading from Ozu to Nagahama becomes a special trip across the silvery world. At the same time, on the northern slopes, the blue of Lake Biwa peeks out beyond the snow, creating a spectacular view of the lake blending into the snowy fields. Here we will introduce some experiences that can only be enjoyed during the short winter.

Take a snow-viewing cruise into a fantastical world

The "Snow Viewing Boat Cruise" that runs from Ozu to Nagahama is a special winter-only service that allows you to enjoy the snowy world while gazing at the lakeshore and the distant Hira mountain range.

You can enjoy the view from the rooms, and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery without feeling the cold wind. It is a hidden gem of a winter trip where you can feel the strong seasonal feeling.

Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in northern Shiga

For those who want to enjoy some serious winter sports, we recommend Biwako Valley.

The snow quality is good even for the Kansai region, and there are a wide range of courses for beginners to advanced skiers. Rental equipment and schools are also plentiful, so you don't have to worry about coming empty-handed.

After some active fun, you can return to Yumotokan and relax in the hot springs, making for an ideal day.

Enjoy the four seasons of Shiga and Lake Biwa from Yumotokan

What do you think?

The skin-beautifying hot springs, the spectacular views of Lake Biwa, banquet cuisine incorporating local seasonal ingredients, and seasonal sightseeing experiences - all of these will make your travel memories deeper and richer.

There are not many places where you can experience the four seasons and be surrounded by nature to this extent. If you are looking to escape from your daily routine and find some truly relaxing time, be sure to make Yumotokan your base for your sightseeing plans.