How to Access Ogoto Onsen at Lake Biwa｜Quick Hot Spring Getaway 20 Min from Kyoto & Osaka

• Table of Contents
• Ogoto Onsen: Perfect Day Trip Spot from Kyoto & Osaka 
• Access by Train from JR Kyoto Station and Osaka
• Access by Car | Expressway Route, Travel Time, and Parking Information
• Ogoto Onsen Accommodation｜Shuttle, Open-Air Baths & Family-Friendly

Ogoto Onsen: Perfect Day Trip Spot from Kyoto & Osaka 

Ogoto Onsen, on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is a hot spring resort easily reached from Kyoto and Osaka. The town is known for relaxing baths with scenic lake views, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city. Day trips are available, suitable for families, couples, and friends.

In this article, we will clearly explain the main ways to access Ogoto Onsen, such as by train, car, and bus, and also introduce recommended accommodations in the hot spring town.

Access by Train from JR Kyoto Station and Osaka

From Kyoto (Travel time: 20 minutes)

Take the JR Kosai from Kyoto Station to Ogoto Onsen Station.

If you take a train bound for Katata, Omi-Maiko, Imazu, Nagahara, or Tsuruga from JR Kyoto Station, you will arrive at Goto Onsen Station in about 20 minutes. It is the fifth station from Kyoto Station.

*The Kosai platform at JR Kyoto Station is platform 3, but please note that on rare occasions it may be platform 2.

From Osaka (Travel time: 50 minutes)

There are two ways to get there from Osaka: take the special rapid service train that goes directly to the Kosai(runs about once an hour), or transfer at Kyoto Station.

1. Take the special rapid service (bound for Tsuruga )

The Kosai Special Rapid Service departs once an hour from Osaka Station and reaches Mount Hiei Sakamoto Station, near Ogoto Onsen, in about 50 minutes without transfers. A shuttle service is available from the station if arranged with your accommodation.

2. Take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service and transfer to the Kosai at Kyoto Station

Take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station and transfer once at Kyoto Station to the Kosai Line local train. The journey takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can transfer at Yamashina Station, though wait times may be longer, suitable for those preferring a leisurely trip.

Immediately to the left of the ticket gate at Ogoto Onsen Station on the JR Kosai, there are mobile phones for contacting each inn for pick-up and drop-off. This is a particularly convenient service for guests from overseas or those with a lot of luggage.

Access by Car | Expressway Route, Travel Time, and Parking Information

From Kyoto (Travel time: 45 minutes)

If you are going to Ogoto Onsen by car from Kyoto City, head towards Ozu on National Route 1. From Yamashina, take the free Nishi-Otsu Bypass (National Route 161) and exit at Sakamoto Kita IC. Then take the Takashima - Ozu Road for about 45 minutes.

This route takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto City and allows you to enjoy the scenery along Lake Biwa.

From Osaka (Travel time: 60 minutes)

From Osaka City, take the Meishin Expressway from Toyonaka IC or Suita IC to Kyoto Higashi IC, and then take the Nishi-Otsu Bypass, just like from Kyoto, to reach Ogoto Onsen in about an hour.

Traffic congestion is likely to occur from the Tennozan Tunnel on the Meishin Expressway to the Kyoto Minami IC area (especially during morning and evening rush hours and on weekends), so it is recommended that you leave with plenty of time to spare, as the journey may take longer.

Parking Information

Many inns in Ogoto Onsen town have private parking lots that guests can use free of charge.

There are also public parking lots scattered around the hot spring town, but they may fill up on weekends and during peak tourist season, so it's best to check with your accommodation in advance.

Ogoto Onsen Accommodation｜Shuttle, Open-Air Baths & Family-Friendly

The area around Ogoto Onsen Station features historic inns and day-use baths. Many accommodations offer free shuttle service from the station, making it easy to reach the hot springs and enjoy Lake Biwa right after arrival. Ideal for families, couples, and groups.

Pick-up service available from nearby major stations! Ogoto Onsen "Yumotokan"

Yumotokan, a historic inn nearing its 100th anniversary, offers hot springs, local cuisine, and lakeside walks around Lake Biwa. The inn features four baths, including a luxurious lake-view bath, and some rooms have private open-air baths for a relaxing stay.

Yumotokan offers a shuttle service from major stations in the area.
Guests staying at the hotel can use the shuttle service free of charge between 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM, making it a convenient option for families or those with lots of luggage.

From Ogoto Onsen Station

Please call us (077-579-1111) and we will come to pick you up in about 5 minutes. Please wait at the shuttle bus stop (orange sign No. 4) at the Ogoto Onsen Station East Exit rotary.

From Mount Hiei Sakamoto Station

If you would like to be picked up, please let us know your arrival time in advance.

From Sakamoto Mount Hiei Station or Sakamoto Cable Sakamoto Station

We will come to pick you up at Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station, the terminus of the Keihan Railway Mount Hiei-Sakamoto Line, or Sakamoto Station on the Sakamoto Cable. It will take about 15 minutes, so please call us before boarding.
*If you are using a local train, please come to Ogoto Onsen Station.