Most Scenic Onsen Near Kyoto: Ogoto Hot Spring Yumotokan with Lake Biwa Views

• Table of Contents
• Escape to Ogoto Onsen: A Scenic Lakeside Retreat Near Kyoto  
• Experience the Ultimate Onsen Tour: 4 Main Baths & Private Hot Springs 
• Gesshin-no-Yu: Rooftop Open Air-Bath with Panoramic Lake Biwa Views 
• Togenshoyo: Immerse Yourself in the Colors of the Four Seasons 
• Kobo-no-Yu: Stunning Lake Biwa Views
• Sanbo-no-Yu: A Forest-View Onsen Surrounded by Seasonal Greenery 
• 2 Beginner Friendly Private Onsens
• Experience Authentic Japanese Hospitality at Yumotokan 

Escape to Ogoto Onsen: A Scenic Lakeside Retreat Near Kyoto  

Ogoto Onsen is a tranquil lakeside resort on the western shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. A perfect escape from Kyoto's crowds, it is exceptionally accessible: just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station and one hour from Osaka. Known as a "hidden gem" among onsen enthusiasts, it offers a peaceful environment surrounded by nature and Japan's largest lake.

Ogoto Hot Spring's Longest-Established Inn "Yumotokan"

Yumotokan is a long-established inn founded in 1929.

Located right next to Lake Biwa, you can enjoy the lake and mountain views from inside the hotel.

There are a total of 65 guest rooms. Kotone, located on the 5th to 7th floor of the South Wing, is a high-quality floor with an open-air bath in every room. Hanare Karoi is located on the 8th to 10th floor, and all rooms also have an open-air bath. You can enjoy a quieter and more special stay.

Next door to Yumotokan is Dog Villa Bettei Akakai, where you can stay with your dog, and it is popular with travelers with pets.

Find out more about Yumotokan

Experience the Ultimate Onsen Tour: 4 Main Baths & Private Hot Springs 

In Japan, the act of touring around multiple hot spring facilities in a hot spring resort is called "yu-meguri."

Yumotokan offers a diverse "on-site onsen trail" featuring four large public baths and two distinct private baths.

Each facility provides a completely different atmosphere: from rooftop open-air baths overlooking Lake Biwa to secluded springs tucked away in the mountain greenery. This variety allows guests to experience the essence of several different hot spring resorts without ever leaving the inn.

Silky Smooth Relaxation: The Skin-Nourishing Springs of Ogoto Onsen

Ogoto Onsen is a simple alkaline hot spring with a pH value of 9.0.

Ogoto Onsen is renowned for its high alkaline pH levels, significantly higher than typical hot springs. This unique mineral composition creates a silky, skin-smoothing effect that guests can feel immediately after bathing. These rejuvenating properties have earned the resort its nickname: the "Beauty Springs."

You can enjoy this water in all of Yumotokan's baths. The water is around 41 degrees Celsius, which is not too hot and is comfortable to bathe in.

A Welcoming Experience: Perfect for Your First Japanese Onsen 

The large public baths are rotated between men and women every day, so you can enjoy all the baths during your stay.

You can take a bath as many times as you like, whether it's in the quiet of the morning or at the end of the day.

Business hours are from 5am to 12am (excluding cleaning hours).

Each bath is equipped with bath towels, a hair dryer, facial cleanser, and skin care products.

There are also guides in English and illustrations explaining how to bathe in the facility, so even those experiencing a Japanese hot spring for the first time can use it with ease.

Gesshin-no-Yu: Rooftop Open Air-Bath with Panoramic Lake Biwa Views 

"Gesshin-no-Yu " is an open-air bath located on the Mogami of Yumotokan , the 11th floor.

With Lake Biwa stretching out before your eyes, you can enjoy the open and spacious scenery. There are two baths: a spacious stone bath and a covered bath.

Gesshin-no-Yu is best enjoyed at sunrise. Soak in the rooftop bath as the sky and Lake Biwa shift through dramatic morning colors—the inn’s most peaceful and scenic moment.

At night, the lights of the town of Ogoto Onsen, visible in the distance, gently soothe the soul.

The bath’s character transforms with the seasons and the time of day. Whether at dawn, noon, or night, every visit reveals a new and captivating perspective of the landscape.

Togenshoyo: Immerse Yourself in the Colors of the Four Seasons 

Surrounded by dense greenery, Togenshoyo provides a quiet, forest-bath experience. Its unique charm lies in its "hidden mountain retreat" atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

This impressive open-air bath is crafted from massive natural stones, offering a rugged, authentic feel. The expansive layout provides ample space to stretch out and unwind in the mineral-rich waters.

In autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow, and by the end of November, the open-air bath is illuminated by the changing colors of the trees.

At night, you can see the moon peeking through the trees. This bath gives you a taste of the Japanese hot spring atmosphere.

The changing rooms have high ceilings and impressive thick beams reminiscent of Japanese houses. There is also a sauna, which can be enjoyed in addition to the hot springs.

Kobo-no-Yu: Stunning Lake Biwa Views

Kobo-no-Yu on the 8th floor is a large public bath overlooking Lake Biwa, as its name suggests. It has an indoor large bath, an open-air bath, and a sauna. The high ceilings and spacious washing area make it a relaxing place to relax.

The open-air bath in particular is small but offers a wonderful view and a sense of openness.

The men's and women's baths alternate daily with the Sanbo-no-Yu on the same floor.

Sanbo-no-Yu: A Forest-View Onsen Surrounded by Seasonal Greenery 

"Sanbou no Yu" is a large bath facing the mountain side of Mount Hiei. Like "Kobou no Yu," it has an indoor large bath, an open-air bath, and a sauna.

The calming atmosphere surrounded by mountains makes this bath recommended for those who want to spend some quiet time. It's a bath where you can feel the nature of Shiga, which is different from the lake.

2 Beginner Friendly Private Onsens

"Stone Sound" Bath

Yumotokan has two types of private open-air baths. They are called "Kinoka" (Scent of Wood) and "Ishinone" (Sound of stone" Both have their own open-air baths.

Each private session is 50 minutes and can accommodate up to four adults. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made on the day of your stay, subject to availability.

Private baths are especially recommended for foreign tourists and guests with children who are not used to large public baths. You can relax in a private bath with your family, partner, or friends without worrying about others.

"Kinoka" bath

"Ishinone" is characterized by its unique design that makes you feel like you're in a cave, while "Kinoka" is a cypress bathtub where you can enjoy the gentle texture of wood.

Experience Authentic Japanese Hospitality at Yumotokan 

"Stone Sound" open-air bath

Hot springs are a classic Japanese travel experience, but they can often make foreign visitors unfamiliar with large public baths, or those traveling with children, feel uneasy.

In addition to four large public baths, Yumotokan has two private baths and rooms with open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs comfortably according to your mood and travel style that day.

This relaxing hot spring resort is close to Kyoto. Enjoy a relaxing time immersed in the natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the mountains, and the sky!

Make a reservation at Yumotokan now