Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

A 38-Story High-Rise Resort on the South Shore of Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel is a 38-story high-rise hotel in Nionohama, on the south shore of Lake Biwa. Every room has a lake view, and the upper floors look out across the whole lake. It is about 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Otsu Station, and Otsu Station is only two stops and about 9 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR. You can sleep away from the crowds of Kyoto and use the hotel as a base for both Kyoto and Lake Biwa.

The Summer Pool Has a Separate 30 cm-Deep Children's Pool

In summer (July 18 to September 23 in 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), an outdoor swimming pool modeled on the shape of Lake Biwa is open, about 90 m long and up to about 23 m wide. A separate children's pool 30 cm deep makes it easy to let young children who cannot swim splash about.

Whether children who are not yet out of diapers may use the pool, and how swim diapers are handled, is not stated, so if you are planning your baby's first time in a pool we recommend confirming with the hotel in advance. Use of the pool is limited to staying guests and costs extra: 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children ages 4 to 12, per day. Choosing a stay plan that includes pool admission, or one bundled with the summer festival event, keeps it all in one booking. In September the pool opens only on selected days (in 2026: September 4-6, September 11-13, and September 18-23), so it is safest to check the dates.

Japanese Modern Rooms and Children's Pajamas

The Japanese Modern Rooms combine the warmth of Japanese design with a modern Western-style room, and the bedroom can be set up with up to 4 beds. That is enough for a family of four in a single room.

Co-sleeping is free for children ages 1 to under 6; adding a bed or meals costs extra. Children's pajamas come in two sizes, 110 cm and 130 cm. For adults, the Lake Floor provides nightwear, while the Sky Floor and above provide pajamas.

No Communal Bath, but Guest-Room Baths Have a Separate Washing Area

There is no communal bath or onsen at the hotel. Instead, guest-room bathrooms (except in the suites) have the washing area separate from the bathtub, so you can wash your child first and then let them soak — the same routine as at home, right in your room. Not having to wash a child inside a combined bath-and-toilet unit is a real relief at a hotel without a communal bath.

Kids' Menus at the Summer Lakeside Barbecue

In summer, a barbecue is held in the garden on the shore of Lake Biwa, where kids' menus for families are offered alongside set menus of Omi beef and seafood. Family events for the summer holidays are put together every year, including the Biwa-Puri Summer Festival, with food stalls lined up in the banquet hall, and dinner buffets.

Two Stops from Kyoto, Right on the Shore of Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is right in front of the hotel, and the boarding point for the Michigan sightseeing boat and Nagisa Park are both within walking distance. The hotel is about 10 minutes from the Otsu IC on the Meishin Expressway, and parking is available for about 500 cars at 500 yen per night. There is plenty more within driving range, including the Lake Biwa Museum, Mount Hiei and Omi Jingu Shrine.