Open August 20, 2023
the Land of Lake Biwa
A Mirror of Blue
Reflecting the Setting Sun
Lake Biwa has always been the source of life for the people here in what was once known as the Land of Omi. Since ancient times, her waters have been thought to heal impurity and disease, and she also holds deep religious significance. Even today, those who live around her shores respect her and live in harmony under her mother-like nurturing power. This unique lake culture is one of Japan's rarer experiences.
BIWAFRONT HIKONE is located along Lake Biwa's eastern shore, with a panoramic view of her beauty and the Hira mountains beyond.
Guests can experience the lake's beautiful blue colors as they change expression, one moment deepest cobalt the next palest turquoise, and see how her surface reflects the crimson of the sky as the sun sets on the opposite shore. Every part of BIWAFRONT HIKONE gives guests the chance to discover a new facet of the lake.
Beauty & Magnificence
in a Panoramic Tapestry
Guests' first stop after arriving at BIWAFRONT HIKONE is Lake Lounge Ohmi located on the 10th floor.
Red automatic doors, reminiscent of the crimson samurai armor worn by the former lords of Hikone, lead to a breathtaking view of Lake Biwa from the windows of this top-floor lounge and reception area. The observation lounge is the base floor of the hotel with a wide variety of amenities including complimentary beverages, a library corner, and a well-curated boutique.
Guest Rooms
The Hotel
The 10-floor main building with a gable-shaped roof features a total of 38 guest rooms. All rooms offer a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and there are six room types to suit any travel style, with even standard-type moderate twin rooms boasting a 50m square terrace, as well as rooms with open-air baths at a maximum area of over 125m square, where the hot spring waters come directly from our on-site source.
The Villas
Our glamping area is located on our expansive grounds and features 12 villas with open-air terrace decks, living spaces, bedrooms, and outdoor hot spring baths with on-site source waters. The Takibi lounge serves as a symbol of the villas' charm, and guests can pass time sitting next to the flickering fire, or gazing up at the star-filled night sky while Lake Biwa quietly shimmers nearby.
Dog Friendly Villas
Of the 12 villas scattered throughout the glamping area, 9 are dog-friendly. A dog run has also been set up so that your furry family member can freely play and relax too.
Biwako Hot Spring
Isame no Yu
Communal Hotspring Bath
The Warming Waters,
The Setting Sun,
At One with the Lake
Since ancient times, hot springs have been a means of healing the body and maintaining good health. Our communal bath, decorated with reeds taken from the shores of Lake Biwa, uses waters from "Biwako Matsubara Onsen," a private hot spring source that comes from approximately 1500m under our premises. In addition to an open-air bath, our facilities boast an indoor bath equipped with jets and an auto-loyly sauna with cold plunge tub.
Catch the sun as it sinks below the mountains across the lake and slowly unwind from the cares of travel. Lake Biwa's grandeur will restore both body and mind.
LAKE RETREAT
MINAMO SPA
Gentle Ripples
on the Water's Surface
Our on-site relaxation salon features spa services that bring deep serenity to both body and mind. With the majestic scenery of Lake Biwa close at hand, our wide variety of spa options suit every body and need.
Dining TAN-ETSU
A Culinary Experience
to Delight the Palette
One of the most memorable parts of any trip is great food, and our offerings feature local Omi-based ingredients such as trout fish from Lake Biwa, Omi beef, Omi chicken and local vegetables, as well as fermented foods unique to Shiga, which is a region well-known for its fermentation-based dishes rooted in local culture.
Indulge in a variety of seasonal seafood delicacies from the Sea of Japan, and more, all prepared in a variety of ways.
Dinner is served with Japanese and Western flavor twists in our dining room, while in the open villa areas, guests can enjoy a hearty barbecue or shabu-shabu course around the fire. Our chefs prepare a variety of delicious and healthy meals that make the most of the bounty of Lake Biwa and Shiga's terroire.
Morning Buffet
Morning Buffet
With morning staples like sausage, bacon, and egg dishes on rotation, our breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of Japanese and Western items, including Japanese side dishes, fresh salad, cereal, breads, soup, and more. The dessert corner features hotel-made sweets, and a rich variety of both Japanese and Western offerings are also available at the café.
At the fresh cooking corner, chefs and pastry chefs will prepare dishes such as char-grilled dried fish and fluffy French toast right in front of guests' eyes. Feast to your heart's content in our bright, sunny dining room.
Facilities & Activities
Facing Lake Biwa, our 40000m sq. site includes the main hotel building, a glamping area, a hot spring bathhouse annex, a restaurant annex, a banquet annex, tennis courts, 3x3 basketball and futsal court, a kids' park, and various other activity areas for adults and young children alike.
The area known as Biwaichi surrounding our hotel is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and water sports such as SUP and kayaking that take advantage of the lake. Many sightseeing spots are also nearby, like Hikone Castle and its town that recreates the streets of the Edo period; Taga Taisha, the first major shrine in Omi Province that enshrines the parent deities of the Shinto goddess Amaterasu; and numerous other historical and cultural sites. We hope you will enjoy your stay in Omi, where your body will be revitalized and refreshed, and your spirit will be enriched as you explore the surrounding area and experience the history and culture of this unique region of Japan.
Photo Gallery
Access
12 min by car from Hikone IC, and 15min from Maibara IC. 10 min by car from Hikone and Maibara Stations (pick-up service available starting from Maibara Station).
