Biwako Hotel - Lakeside Hotspring Resort

For the final hotel of my 2025 birthday week stay, I chose the Biwako Hotel, a place that embodies the essence of Shiga Prefecture with its stunning views of Lake Biwa. The hotel's name itself reflects its connection to the iconic lake. I managed to book a room at an unbelievable off-season price of 13,800 yen in early March. The reservation naturally included breakfast, and I subtly mentioned my birthday celebration in the notes section—a privilege I enjoy during my birthday week. I checked in after 8 PM and was pleasantly surprised to be upgraded from a Superior Double to a Deluxe Twin, two levels higher. 🙏 I was assigned a room on the 10th floor, the highest among the Deluxe rooms. On the table in the room, I found a birthday card and decorations waiting for me. Every room in the hotel features a balcony with views of Lake Biwa, which looks more like an ocean than a lake. I explored the rooftop terrace on the top floor, which is open until 9 PM. During the summer season, this area transforms into a beer garden, but in the winter, it serves as a scenic terrace for hotel guests. The terrace offers breathtaking views of Otsu City and Lake Biwa, making it a gem of a space. Back in my room, I relaxed while gazing at the lake. Conveniently, there are Lawson convenience stores within a 5-minute walk on both sides of the hotel. Although I initially booked a Superior Floor room on the 5th or 6th floor, I was upgraded to a Deluxe Floor room on the 10th floor, allowing me to enjoy a high-level lake view. The hotel's architecture resembles a cruise ship with its slightly curved design. The wind blowing over the lake creates sounds reminiscent of ocean waves. Simply being there and soaking in the view of Lake Biwa was a delight. Since the hotel features hot springs, I decided to visit them as well. Many locals were present, as the facility is open not only to hotel guests but also to day visitors. While the hot spring facilities aren't particularly luxurious, the view of Lake Biwa adds a relaxing touch. Interestingly, this hotel is owned by a railway company, as evidenced by the complimentary bottled water provided. I woke up at 6 AM but briefly fell back asleep, missing the exact moment of sunrise. However, as the day brightened, the view of Lake Biwa unfolded like a masterpiece, with snow-capped mountains complementing the scenery—a picturesque morning at Lake Biwa. Breakfast starts at 6:45 AM and features Shiga Prefecture's specialty, Omi beef, served as Omi beef curry and Omi beef sukiyaki. It was a moment of indulgence for my taste buds early in the morning. The omelet and sunny-side-up eggs made with eggs from Shiga's native chickens were also exceptional. Thank you.