Ogoto Onsen

Located on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Ogoto Onsen is said to have a history of Approx. 1,200 years since it was opened by Saicho, the founder of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. It has long flourished as a temple town of Enryakuji and remains a popular hot spring destination thanks to its easy access, just Approx. 1 hour from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

This hot spring area offers a wide range of distinctive places to stay, including ryokan that welcome pets and hotels with popular annex buildings where every room has an open-air bath with a view. Taking advantage of its location at the foot of Mount Hiei, many accommodations boast scenic views, and quite a few let you enjoy lake views from open-air baths and guest rooms. The spring water is also a major draw and is known as water for beautiful skin, with highly alkaline water at pH 9.0 that leaves your skin feeling smooth. Another highlight of staying here is the food, including dishes made with local ingredients such as Omi beef.

It is an ideal base not only for sightseeing at nearby spots such as Mount Hiei, Ukimido, and Omihachiman, but also for leisure activities such as summer fun on Lake Biwa and skiing in winter. For local sightseeing information and bicycle rentals, head to the Ogoto Onsen Tourism Park. There is also a cafe, a local specialty shop, and a free footbath that can accommodate at least 20 people.