Lake Biwa (Biwako), in Shiga Prefecture, is the largest lake in Japan.
The Eight Views of Lake Biwa, chosen by the residents of Shiga for their beauty, are among the best-known scenic spots in the area.
The area also offers lake activities and cycling, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad.
This guide introduces places offering a luxurious stay in Shiga Prefecture, mainly on the west side of the lake.
It focuses on accommodations near the Eight Views of Lake Biwa with convenient access to Shirahige Shrine and Metasequoia Avenue, making them especially suitable for those interested in scenic views.
The selection ranges from a hot spring ryokan with private dining options to glamping facilities with BBQ featuring local ingredients.
The accommodations were chosen mainly according to the following criteria.
Selection Criteria
・A Google rating of 4 or higher
・Relatively small in scale
・Near the Eight Views of Lake Biwa
・A luxurious stay in a private space
What Are the Eight Views of Lake Biwa?
Image sources: https://takashima-kanko.jp/spot/2018/06/post_169.html
https://imashiga.jp/blog
The Eight Views of Lake Biwa are eight scenic areas around the lake, chosen in a public contest among Shiga residents after Lake Biwa and its surroundings became Japan’s first quasi-national park in 1950.
The concept of “eight views” began in China as a way of appreciating scenery, with each view described by combining a place name with something seen there.
In Japan, the idea spread through works such as the Eight Views of Omi, famously depicted by the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige. Omi is the old name for what is now Shiga Prefecture.
The Eight Views of Lake Biwa offer natural beauty in every season and are especially impressive in the morning and evening, so staying nearby gives you time to enjoy them.
The following sections introduce recommended places to stay near the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
The list focuses on accommodations in the Takashima and Otsu areas of western Shiga, along with nearby sights.
Forest Villa Metasequoia: Local BBQ at a Luxury Villa with a Hot Spring
The Lake Biwa area has many scenic spots, and Metasequoia Avenue is especially well known.
Metasequoia trees line the road for about 2.4 km, and the view is beautiful in every season.
Forest Villa Metasequoia is close to Metasequoia Avenue and about 15 minutes by car from Morning Mist: The Rocky Shore of Kaizu-Osaki, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. Kaizu-Osaki is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring.
The property has six villas with hot springs, each with more than 300 square meters of private space, so you can enjoy the hot spring and meals in privacy.
Food: BBQ with Omi Specialties
The BBQ menu features Shiga ingredients such as Omi shrimp and milk-fed pork.
Kitchen equipment is also available, so you can make dishes such as ajillo, risotto, or seasoned rice.
Try Making Amenoio Gohan, a Local Dish of Shiga
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
Amenoio gohan is rice cooked with Biwa trout, a fish caught in Lake Biwa.
The name means “rain fish,” because the trout swim upriver to spawn when rain swells the rivers.
To make it, cook rice with pieces of Biwa trout, seasonings such as soy sauce and mirin, and ingredients such as carrot and mushrooms.
*Where to buy Biwa trout
・Heiwado Imazu MAP
・Michi-no-Eki Makino Ossaka Toge MAP
Hot Spring: A Completely Private Bath
The private hot spring is a mildly alkaline simple spring, according to the facility, and offers a relaxing way to unwind.
Nearby Sights
| Forest Villa Metasequoia Address: 485-1 Terakubo, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Phone: 050-3174-7257 Official website (Japanese): https://www.metasequoia-resort.com/ Six villas, up to five guests per villa Google rating: 4.6 |
Lakeside Terrace Biwako: Private Hot Springs and Activities
Lakeside Terrace Biwako is about 15 minutes by car from Cool Breeze: The White Shore of Omatsu-zaki, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
Nearby is Shirahige Shrine, known for its great torii gate standing in Lake Biwa, and in summer the area offers swimming, canoeing, and SUP.
Activities: Camp, Lake Activities, and Sauna
Lakeside Terrace Biwako is an inclusive-style accommodation where many activities are free.
In addition to SUP and kayaking, it offers experiences such as smoking food, blending spices, and campfires, making it especially suitable for those who want to enjoy their time at the property. Check the official website for the latest offerings.
Food: Omi Meat and Local Fish BBQ
The BBQ menu features Lake Biwa area ingredients such as Omi beef, Omi chicken, Biwa trout, and oysters.
It is an easy way to sample local specialties, even if you are not familiar with them.
Hot Spring: Private Baths with Lake Views
Each accommodation has a large natural hot spring bath with a view of Lake Biwa, so you can bathe in private whenever you like.
Toilets, kitchens, and amenities are provided, making it especially suitable for those new to outdoor stays and families with small children.
Nearby Sights
| Lakeside Terrace Biwako Address: 1533 Katsuno, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Phone: 050-3198-5847 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) Official website: https://en.biwako-glamping.com/ 18 accommodations, up to six guests each Google rating: 4.1 |
Dantokan Kikunoya: An Ogoto Onsen Ryokan with Omi Cuisine
Dantokan Kikunoya is located near Misty Rain: The Forests of Mt. Hiei, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
This hot spring ryokan is located in Ogoto Onsen, a well-known hot spring area in Shiga with a history of about 1,200 years.
The ryokan’s dogs, Maiko and Mametaro, welcome guests.
Food: Kaiseki with Omi Beef and Local Fish
Source: https://kikunoya.jp/
Dantokan Kikunoya offers a variety of meals. Omi Beef Zukushi is recommended for meat lovers, and Omi Hakkei for those who also want seafood.
Omi Beef Zukushi features Omi beef as sushi, steak, and hot pot, while Omi Hakkei features local ingredients such as Biwa trout, funazushi, deep-fried ayu sweetfish, and Omi beef hot pot.
Hot Spring: A Soak After Visiting Enryaku-ji Temple
The ryokan has a large public bath, open-air baths, and private open-air baths. For a private soak, consider a special room on the top floor with a semi-open-air bath.
A long soak is especially relaxing after experiencing the sacred atmosphere of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei.
Nearby Sights
| Dantokan Kikunoya Address: 6-1-29 Ogoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture Phone: 0120-19-1281 Official website (Japanese): https://kikunoya.jp/ 28 rooms, up to five guests per room Google rating: 4.3 |
Resoreat Takashima: Barrel Sauna and BBQ for Large Groups
Imazu Port offers regular sightseeing boats to Chikubu Island, the site of Deep Green: The Reflection of Chikubu Island, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
Near the port is Resoreat Takashima, which offers vacation rentals with private saunas and glamping.
Rooms: Villas for Large Groups and Glamping
Source: https://go2iza.com/takashima/
Source: https://go2iza.com/takashima/
The villa area has Sou and Hayate, which each accommodate up to 10 guests.
Bedding is provided on both the first and second floors, making them suitable for those who want separate sleeping areas.
Fuu and Rin in the glamping area are dome tents with a resort atmosphere.
Each has its own toilet and bath, making them suitable for those who want the outdoor feel of a tent with the convenience and comfort of a hotel.
Activities: Camping and Sauna for Groups
Source: https://go2iza.com/takashima/
Resoreat Takashima has a round barrel sauna, and the villas also have a jacuzzi and cold plunge, offering a way to experience totonou, the deeply refreshed and balanced state described by sauna enthusiasts.
Facilities for campfires and BBQ make it well suited to trips with friends and family.
Meals are not included, so you can grill Omi beef for a rich beef bowl or cook Tonchan, a seasoned chicken dish familiar in local homes.
What Is Tonchan?
Source: https://tonchan-no-torinaka.net/
Tonchan is a familiar home-style dish in Takashima City, Shiga. It was created by the previous owners of Torinaka, a chicken specialty shop, as a signature product.
Also known as ajitsuke kashiwa, the original version coats light chicken in a sweet and savory miso sauce, and soy sauce-based versions are also available.
It can be grilled as is, added to fried udon, or breaded to make a cutlet.
*Torinaka Main Store, the birthplace of Takashima Tonchan
Nearby Sights
| Resoreat Takashima Address: 38-7 Hamabun, Imazu-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Phone: 050-3529-6508 Official website (Japanese): https://go2iza.com/iza/rs-takashima/ Four accommodations, up to 10 guests each Google rating: 4.9 |
Okubiwako Shikitei: A Traditional Japanese House for Up to 16 Guests
Okubiwako Shikitei is a private vacation rental near Kaizu-Osaki, one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, accepting one group at a time of up to 16 guests.
This traditional Japanese house spans from the basement to the second floor, making it suitable for those who want to experience a traditional Japanese way of life or relax in Japanese-style rooms.
Rooms: Cooking in a Traditional Japanese Setting
Source: https://www.shikitei.info/
Source: https://www.shikitei.info/
The first-floor room has an irori hearth that evokes the way people once lived.
The hearth cannot be used, but it creates a pleasant place to sit and talk.
The large kitchen and dining area has cookware such as pots and pans, and paid options include a BBQ grill, hot plate, beer server, and nagashi somen (flowing noodles).
Friends and family can cook together and enjoy Omi specialties.
Bath: A Relaxing Hinoki Bath
Source: https://www.shikitei.info/
Source: https://www.shikitei.info/
The bathroom, which looks out on calm Lake Biwa, has a hinoki bath made with Japanese cypress and its relaxing aroma.
With two washrooms, it is also convenient for large groups.
Nearby Sights
| Okubiwako Shikitei Address: 448-1 Kaizu, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Phone: 050-3126-1916 Official website (Japanese): https://www.shikitei.info/ One building, up to 16 guests Google rating: 4.3 |
Summary
This guide introduced five places to stay near the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
All offer convenient access to the Eight Views and a chance to enjoy the beauty and calm of Lake Biwa, making them suitable for visiting scenic spots.
Many offer hot springs and meals in private spaces, so you can choose according to the occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday, family trip, or trip with friends.
