Omimaiko Area (Lake Swimming / Children’s Kingdom)
Located on the western side of central Lake Biwa, this area is a little further from major sightseeing spots, but it more than makes up for it with a beautiful swimming beach right on the lake’s edge.
Unlike ocean swimming, lake swimming leaves no sticky saltwater residue and the water is calm with no waves — a perfect summer activity for families.
Here’s roughly how far the main attractions are by car:
Shiga Prefectural Biwako Children’s Kingdom: ~25 min Lake Biwa Museum: ~35 min Kyoto Station: ~50 min (by train, around 30 min is also possible) Hikone Castle: ~90 min ※ Going around the northern side takes roughly the same time.
In winter, ski resorts are also within easy reach of this area.
Shiga Prefectural Biwako Children’s Kingdom
We visited Children’s Kingdom during one of our stays. My eldest was only 18 months old at the time, but there were play structures for all ages — we ended up spending the entire day there!
In summer, there’s a splash pad area for water play. The whole site is mostly flat and easy to navigate with little ones.
One fun feature: walk through a pine forest and you can actually get right down to the shore of Lake Biwa!
Cha-chan
This is true of the Lake Biwa area in general — it’s rarely crowded. The kids can run freely without worrying about getting in anyone’s way, and the whole atmosphere just feels relaxed. That sense of space is honestly one of the biggest reasons we keep coming back.
Hotel Biwa Lake Otsuka
Access
Shuttle service available from Omimaiko Station.
Free parking for 35 cars, no reservation needed.
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
Three room types available: Western, Japanese (tatami), and Japanese-Western. Room size and layout vary by plan.
Baths
Large communal bath (ofuro): Radium mineral stone bath — water passed through mineral stones becomes softer, allowing you to soak comfortably at a gentle temperature. Private family bath: 2 rooms available.
Meals
Dinner: Three tiers — Standard, Light, and Premium. The Premium course features certified top-grade Omi beef (Omi-gyu), one of Japan’s top three premium wagyu brands. The Standard and Light options also include a full kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course) meal. Breakfast: Dishes made with plenty of local Shiga ingredients.
Indoor play area
Kids’ space on the 2nd floor of the main building — toys, a mini slide, and drawing activities. Strolling in the garden is also possible.
Loan items
Mini jinbei (children’s summer garment, 80cm+), diaper disposal bin, baby gate, outlet covers, step stool & potty training seat, children’s potty, formula kettle, humidifier/air purifier, and more.
Other
Coin laundry available.
Cha-chan
This hotel was renovated in 2024. We stayed here before the renovation, when my eldest was just 1 year old. I still remember how lovely it was to have the private family bath available without a reservation — we could just take our time as a family.
This hotel holds the “Welcome Baby” certification — a Japanese baby-friendly certification awarded to accommodations that meet strict standards for hosting families with infants and young children. So you can feel confident it’s a genuinely family-welcoming place!
The “Welcome Baby” certification is a Japanese baby-friendly certification system run by Mikihouse Child Research Institute. Hotels that score 70 or more out of 100 criteria — developed with input from mothers and childcare experts — receive the certification. It’s not mandatory for hotels to apply, so not having it doesn’t mean a hotel isn’t family-friendly. But if a hotel has it, you can be confident it’s fully welcoming to families with babies and young children.
The lobby features a fireplace and elegant sofas — a lovely spot to unwind. Bicycles are also available to borrow.
There are massage chairs too! The room we stayed in before the renovation had traditional shoji paper screens — I spent the whole time worrying the kids would tear through them! After the renovation, non-shoji Western and Japanese-Western rooms have been added, which is a welcome change!
On the morning we stayed, breakfast was served in a private room — though this may depend on availability.
The spacious tatami-floored room meant the kids could play freely on the floor in bare feet — a real lifesaver for families!
At dinner, a baby cot was offered at the dining table — such a thoughtful touch!
Highlights
Private Family Bath
There’s a private family bath (kashikiri buro) spacious enough for the whole family, and there’s no extra charge. Perfect for a relaxed, stress-free soak together.
Lake Swimming
The hotel sits right in front of a designated lake swimming beach. The freshwater is non-sticky, calm, and wave-free — a peaceful and gentle swim.
And being able to rinse off in the hotel bath right afterwards makes it even better! A great summer option.
Dad
Not all areas of Lake Biwa allow swimming — but this spot is well known for being particularly clear and beautiful.
Located in the southwest of Lake Biwa, this area sits right next to Sakamoto Hieizanguchi Station, the starting point for the Mt. Hiei cable car. If you’re traveling by train, you could even combine a visit to central Kyoto or the autumn foliage at Rurikouin, then head up Mt. Hiei before checking in. Here’s how far the main sights are:
Lake Biwa Museum: ~30 min Shiga Prefectural Biwako Children’s Kingdom: ~40 min Kyoto Station: ~40 min Hikone Castle: ~80 min
Mt. Hiei (Hieizan)
Accessible via Japan’s longest cable car from Sakamoto-guchi Station.
There’s a free car park next to the station, but spaces are limited. If it’s full, nearby coin parking is available.
Ride the cable car to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over Lake Biwa!
Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a historically significant complex of beautiful temples set within an ancient forest.
Stroller Info for Mt. Hiei
There are quite a few slopes and some gravel paths. Strollers can be taken on the cable car, but a baby carrier is recommended as some areas are difficult to navigate with a stroller.
Ogoto Onsen Biwako Ryokusuitei
Access
· Direct train from Kyoto Station to Ogoto Onsen Station: approx. 20 min. · Free shuttle bus from Ogoto Onsen Station (call upon arrival) · Free parking (100 spaces)
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
Japanese (tatami), Japanese-Western, and rooms with private open-air baths available.
Hot Spring
A venerable hot spring said to have a history of 1,200 years. The alkaline simple spring (tan’jun-sen) gives skin a smooth, silky feel, earning it the nickname “beauty spring”. Gentle enough for babies’ sensitive skin.
Meals
Options include private dining rooms and plans with in-room breakfast service.
Amenities for Rent
Baby bath items (baby bathtub, bath chair, baby soap), and depending on your plan, diapers and formula may be included. Nursing pillow and bed guard also available.
Cha-chan
This inn also holds the “Welcome Baby” certification, which means it’s been evaluated as particularly well-suited for families with babies and young children!
There’s no dedicated kids’ play room, but for toddlers who are on the move, there’s plenty of space to explore — the garden, terrace, courtyard, and a foot bath area outside all give little ones room to roam around the property.
Find Best Deals on Ogoto Onsen Biwako Ryokusuitei！
Situated on the eastern side of Lake Biwa Bridge, roughly in the middle of the lake’s eastern shore. There’s also a sizable shopping mall called Pieri Moriyama nearby. Here’s how far the main sights are:
Lake Biwa Museum: ~15 min Shiga Prefectural Biwako Children’s Kingdom: ~45 min Kyoto Station: ~50 min Hikone Castle: ~60 min
If you’re not staying overnight, the day-trip hot spring Moriyama Yumoto Mizushun inside Pieri Moriyama allows babies in diapers. Open until late evening, it’s a great place to freshen up if you’re passing through or arriving at night.
Lake Biwa Museum
A beautifully maintained museum with incredibly rich content. The aquarium section doesn’t have shows, but features large tanks positioned at child height, making it easy for little ones to get a great view. There’s always something new to discover.
Exhibits on ancient Lake Biwa include life-size models of prehistoric elephants and historical lake transport vessels — eye-catching for kids and genuinely fascinating for adults too.
There’s a full-scale recreation of Showa-era village life (multiple actual houses!), a forest ecology zone, and hands-on lab areas. A genuinely wonderful museum for all ages!
The on-site restaurant has lovely lake views. The menu includes kid-friendly options like udon alongside local specialties such as smelt tempura and Omi beef (wagyu) — everything we tried was delicious!
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
Access
Free parking for 172 cars.
Shuttle bus available from Katata Station (east exit).
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
Japanese, Western, and rooms with private hot spring baths (window-side or hot spring view options).
Hot Spring
Sourced from the nearby Misaki Hot Spring. A gentle, skin-friendly spring (simple alkaline spring) that absorbs easily and leaves skin smooth. Large communal bath available; some plans include an in-room hot spring bath.
Meals
Dinner: Options include a course menu featuring Omi beef (one of Japan’s top three premium wagyu brands) and Lake Biwa fish, a buffet, and premium Japanese cuisine. Breakfast: Buffet style, with dishes using locally sourced Shiga ingredients, plus generous spreads of fruit and cheese. Other: Afternoon tea, Japanese lunch, and private dining room options also available. Baby food isn’t prepared on-site but can be purchased at nearby Pieri Moriyama mall.
Indoor play area
Kids’ room on the 1st floor (10:00–20:00) with picture books and building blocks. Also: pool, gymnasium, and a planetarium (open from age 0).
Laundry
Coin laundry on the 1st floor. Hours: 6:00–24:00 (may vary by season).
Cha-chan
We stayed here recently. We spent most of our time relaxing in the room so didn’t end up using the kids’ facilities, but even on a rainy or cold day, there’s genuinely enough to keep everyone entertained without stepping outside.
I wrote a more detailed review in a separate post — have a look!
By public transport: Bus from JR Biwako Line Moriyama Station or JR Kosei Line Katata Station.
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
14 rooms total. All rooms have lake views and balconies with hammocks!
Baths
Each room has a spacious private bathroom. No large communal bath — enjoy a private bath in your own room.
Meals
All-inclusive.24-hour lounge access — enjoy beer, wine, snacks, and sweets any time of day or night. Dinner: Italian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Breakfast: Delivered to your room! Children’s plate available for both meals.
Facilities
Theater room: Large screen for movies or family photos — food and drinks allowed! (Reservation required) Library: Includes picture books. Rental bikes: Free for up to 3 hours per group. (Reservation recommended, but available on the day if space allows.) Stargazing: Times vary by season. On weekends and holidays, staff lead a guided “stargazing walk.”
Baby-friendly services
Loan items: baby cot, diaper disposal bin, and more. Baby food can be warmed and delivered to your room upon request!
Laundry
Nearest laundromat is at Pieri Moriyama, a 2–3 minute drive (7:00–23:00).
Cha-chan
With only 14 rooms and everything designed for private enjoyment, you don’t have to worry about noise or bothering other guests. The all-inclusive lounge with drinks and snacks is a huge perk — perfect for some grown-up time after the kids are asleep!
The rental bikes are a fun and unusual feature. Cycling along the lakeside or exploring the neighborhood is a lovely way to spend the morning.
Children’s toothbrushes, pajamas, and similar amenities are not provided by the hotel — please bring your own!
Home to the famous Hikone Castle — one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Here’s how far the main sights are:
Lake Biwa Museum: ~60 min Biwako Children’s Kingdom: ~90 min (same time going around either way) Kyoto Station: ~90 min (by expressway ~75 min, though congestion around Otsu is common depending on the time) Hikone Castle: Just minutes away!
This area is ideal for exploring Hikone Castle and the surrounding attractions! Check out my report from our family visit to Hikone Castle here:
From this area, Tsuruga is about 60 minutes by expressway, and Inuyama Castle — another of Japan’s National Treasure castles — is about 80 minutes away. A great base for exploring beyond Shiga as well.
Ao no Kotei BIWAFRONT HIKONE
Access
Free parking (164 spaces).
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
Hotel wing:All rooms have lake views. Even standard rooms are spacious at 50 sqm including the terrace. Japanese-Western rooms and rooms with private open-air baths also available. Villa wing: 12 rooms. Glamping-style. Deck terrace, living-bedroom layout, and private open-air hot spring bath in every room.
Hot Spring
Sourced from the on-site “Biwako Matsubara Onsen.” A sodium bicarbonate spring that softens the skin’s outer layer and deeply cleanses pores. Stunning views of Lake Biwa and the Hira mountain range. Sauna, cold plunge pool, and spa also available.
Meals
Hotel wing: Course meals (Japanese and Western) at “Dining Shunbo Tan’etsu.” Many semi-private table arrangements, making it comfortable for families with children. Villa wing: In-room dining. Options include BBQ, Omi beef (one of Japan’s top three premium wagyu brands) shabu-shabu, and seafood hot pot courses. Children’s lunch menu available in both wings. À la carte also available.
Facilities
Outdoor kids’ park:Lawn area, play equipment, and balance bikes available to borrow. Outdoor tennis and basketball courts: Balls and equipment available to borrow. Pool (summer only): Separate pools for young children and adults. Picture book corner:Raised tatami reading nook with picture books near the 1st floor lobby. Library: On the 10th floor — a quiet, adult reading space. Lounge: 10th floor. The hotel pastry chef’s welcome sweets are a guest favourite. Afternoon snacks and evening drinks also available.
Loan items
Baby cot, bed guard, waterproof mattress cover, baby bathtub, bath chair, step stool, potty training seat, diaper disposal bin, bottle sterilizer set, humidifier/air purifier, extension cord, various chargers, thermometer, nail clippers, and more.
Other
Coin laundry available on the 1st floor (2 machines).
Cha-chan
The hot spring has an area that’s 110cm deep — deep enough to stand in! When we visit deep baths with the kids, I have them sit on the steps at the edge, which works surprisingly well. They stay still and I can actually soak my shoulders properly!
The all-inclusive lounge is a real highlight — the pastry chef’s sweets and the wide range of drinks are something guests rave about. A wonderful way to end the day!
Otsu Area (Kyoto Day Trips / Lake Cruise / Fireworks)
Excellent access to Kyoto by both train and car, with the Otsu IC expressway entrance also nearby. This area is the departure point for lake cruises, and has plenty of shops and restaurants. Many hotels here offer rooms with views of the spectacular Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival, held each summer.
Lake Biwa Museum: ~20 min Shiga Prefectural Biwako Children’s Kingdom: ~50 min Kyoto Station: ~30 min Hikone Castle: ~60 min (by expressway; add 10–20 min on regular roads depending on traffic)
Lake Biwa Hotel
Access
· Free shuttle bus from JR Otsu Station (North Exit): approx. 5 min (8:05–21:35, every 20 min) · Direct pedestrian bridge (Skycross) from Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station — about 5 min on foot · Approx. 10 min from Meishin Expressway Otsu IC · Parking available with discounted rates for hotel guests
The pedestrian sky bridge (Skycross) connects directly from Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station — a fun little walk in itself!
Hotel Info & Highlights
Rooms
All rooms have lake views. Western room types (Natura, Aqua, Vista, etc.). The premium luxury “Aqua” floor includes club lounge access. Vista rooms (4 rooms only) have a bathtub with a lake view.
Baths
Natural hot spring large communal bath “Ruri Onsen — Ruri no Yu” on the 4th floor (outdoor bath and mist sauna available). In-room baths are standard unit style.
Meals
Dinner: Multiple restaurant options — Japanese, teppanyaki, and Italian, with some private dining available. Evening buffet by reservation (starting at 17:30 or 19:30). Breakfast: Japanese-Western buffet on the 37th floor.
Facilities
Outdoor pool (summer only). The hotel’s “Michigan Cruise” lake cruise departs from right in front of the hotel.
Loan items
Children’s yukata (121cm+ and 120cm- sizes), baby cot (up to age 2, free), bed guard (free). Advance reservation required.
Amenities
To reduce plastic waste, in-room plastic amenities are not provided — guests are asked to bring their own. Items are available at the lobby if needed, but children’s amenities are best brought from home.
Other
Hotel laundry service available. Nearest coin laundry is approx. 5 min by car.
Cha-chan
Lake Biwa Hotel has over 90 years of history. The guest rooms were renovated in 2017, and the club lounge and banquet spaces have been updated more recently too — so the interior feels very fresh and modern.
Every room has a terrace with a lake view, and the hot spring bath also looks out over the lake — it’s a wonderful way to soak in the scenery!
All rooms have panoramic views. JR Kosei Line and Keihan trains run nearby — some rooms overlook the tracks, making it a treat for train-loving kids!
Baths
No large communal bath. Upper-floor Sky Floor and suite rooms offer bath views of the scenery outside. Standard rooms have a regular unit-style bathroom.
Meals
36th–37th floor: Multiple lake-view dining options — Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Breakfast buffet on the 37th floor. 1st floor: Open-atrium lounge with cakes and light meals. Summer-only lakeside garden BBQ available. In-room dining: Available depending on the plan. Some restaurants also offer dedicated takeout menus.
Facilities
Outdoor pool (summer only): Includes a shallow children’s pool (30cm depth). Seasonal events: Kids’ job experience activities, stamp rallies, street food stalls, illuminations, and more.
Loan items
Children’s pajamas (100–130cm), diaper disposal bin, step stool, bottle washing machine. Picture books and toys available to borrow.
Other
Hotel laundry service available. Nearest coin laundry approx. 5 min by car.
Cha-chan
At 38 floors, this is the tallest building in Shiga Prefecture — the panoramic views of Lake Biwa from the upper floors are truly stunning.
There are plans that include tickets to the Kyoto Railway Museum, and the Michigan lake cruise departs from right in front of the hotel — a big hit for kids who love trains and boats!
Honestly, Lake Biwa used to just be a place I passed through on the way to somewhere else. But after visiting a friend there, I fell completely in love — the natural scenery, the wide open spaces, and how easy it is to reach so many different destinations from there.
Whether you’re looking for a baby’s first hot spring experience, active outdoor fun, or a genuinely luxurious stay, there’s a hotel here for every kind of family.
Hope this guide helps you find the perfect place!
Wishing you a wonderful trip full of happy memories!
