Your First Visit to Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel is a 38-story hotel on the shore of Lake Biwa in Nionohama, Otsu, and every guest room has a lake view. It offers banquet spaces of different sizes, including the Convention Hall “Omi” for exhibitions, international conferences and banquets, and the Prince Hall, which seats 600. A free shuttle bus runs from JR Otsu Station in about 10 minutes, and Otsu is just two stops (about 9 minutes) from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line, so you can also attend events while staying in Kyoto. With seven restaurants in the hotel, attendees can also eat without leaving the building.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Access to Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
JR Otsu Station is more than 2 km from the hotel, so plan on using the free shuttle bus rather than walking. All routes below pass through Kyoto Station or Otsu Station and end with the shuttle. Total travel times and fares vary by route and time of day, so please check a route planner such as NAVITIME or Google Maps for the latest details.
From Narita Airport
- Narita Express + Tokaido Shinkansen + JR Biwako Line + free shuttle bus: Narita Airport → Shinagawa Station → Kyoto Station (Tokaido Shinkansen) → JR Otsu Station (2 stops on the JR Biwako Line, approx. 9 min) → hotel free shuttle bus (approx. 10 min).
- Domestic LCC + Limited Express Haruka + JR Biwako Line + free shuttle bus: Narita Airport → Kansai Airport → Kyoto Station (Limited Express Haruka) → JR Otsu Station → hotel free shuttle bus.
From Haneda Airport
- Keikyu Line + Tokaido Shinkansen + JR Biwako Line + free shuttle bus: Haneda Airport → Shinagawa Station → Kyoto Station (Tokaido Shinkansen) → JR Otsu Station → hotel free shuttle bus.
- Domestic flight + Limited Express Haruka + JR Biwako Line + free shuttle bus: Haneda Airport → Kansai Airport → Kyoto Station (Limited Express Haruka) → JR Otsu Station → hotel free shuttle bus.
From Nearby Stations
- JR Otsu Station (JR Biwako Line): Approx. 10 min by the hotel’s free shuttle bus (per the official site). According to the official timetable, buses leave the hotel from 8:15 to 21:15 and leave Otsu Station from 8:30 to 21:00. Please check the latest timetable on the official website.
- JR Kyoto Station: Take the JR Biwako Line two stops (approx. 9 min) to Otsu Station, then transfer to the free shuttle bus.
Venue Information
- Name: Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
- Address: 4-7-7 Nionohama, Otsu, Shiga 520-8520
- Nearest Station: JR Otsu Station (JR Biwako Line), approx. 10 min by free shuttle bus (per the official site)
- Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/otsu/
- Inquiries: Please refer to the official website for the latest information
Recommended Hotels Near Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
Staying at Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel itself is the smoothest option. Every room has a lake view, and you do not need to plan around shuttle bus times. Few lodging options lie within 1 km of the hotel, so we recommend booking early once the event dates are set.
If the hotel is full, here is a nearby alternative.
Ayaha Lakeside Hotel
A lakeside hotel, suited to travelers looking for a mid-range option.
Recommended Restaurants Near Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
The hotel has seven restaurants on site, and there are more places to eat in the nearby Baba and Uchidehama areas. For dinner out, the area around the venue or the Hamaotsu-Nagara area are both options.
Fine Japanese Dining
Tempura Kappo Zeze Jin
A tempura kappo restaurant in Baba, Otsu. Prices are on the higher side, making it suited to business entertaining and special dinners. Closed on Wednesdays.
Casual Japanese Dining
Karakkaze
An izakaya-style Japanese restaurant in Uchidehama. Prices are mid-range, and it works for group get-togethers or a casual dinner. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (currently closed on Saturdays as well).
Western Dining
Trattoria Trentasei
An Italian restaurant in Shimanoseki, about 1.7 km from the venue. Prices are mid-range.
Asian Cuisine
Tan
A Chinese restaurant in Baba. Prices are mid-range.
Cafe
Cafe Sora
A cafe in a traditional Japanese house in Baba, good for a break before or after the event.
Bar
Butterfly Pea
A bar in Baba with mid-range prices, good for a drink after the event.
Tips Before You Visit
Check the Shuttle Bus Hours in Advance
According to the official timetable, the free shuttle between JR Otsu Station and the hotel runs from 8:15 to 21:15 from the hotel and from 8:30 to 21:00 from Otsu Station. If you expect to leave late after an all-day event or reception, check the last departure on the official website.
The Hotel Is Not Within Walking Distance
JR Otsu Station is more than 2 km from the hotel, so walking is not practical. Head to the shuttle bus stop when you arrive at the station.
Few Hotels and Restaurants Nearby
There are not many hotels or restaurants within 1 km of the hotel, and most lodging is clustered around Hamaotsu and Otsu Station (about 2-3 km from the venue). For dinner, choose between the hotel’s restaurants, the Baba and Uchidehama areas, or the Hamaotsu-Nagara area.
Dine Without Leaving the Hotel
The hotel has seven restaurants, including the Japanese restaurant “Shimizu” on the 36th floor and the sky lounge “Top of Otsu” on the 38th floor. On days when you do not want to plan around the shuttle bus, eating in the hotel is the efficient choice.
Check Parking on the Official Website
If you plan to drive, please check the number of parking spaces and the fees on the official website.
Leave Luggage at Kyoto Station
At the Prince Hotels Welcome Counter at the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit of JR Kyoto Station, you can leave your luggage and have it delivered to the hotel by evening. This helps if you plan to sightsee in Kyoto after arriving by Shinkansen.
Event Venues at Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel has banquet spaces for everything from exhibitions and international conferences to small dinners.
Convention Hall “Omi” (淡海)
A hall of nine rooms for exhibitions, international conferences and banquets. The nine rooms together cover 2,940 sq m.
Prince Hall
Seats 600, or holds 1,500 for a standing buffet.
Japanese-Style Banquet Room “Takasago” (高砂)
The largest of seven Japanese-style rooms named after chapters of The Tale of Genji, located on the first floor of the Convention Hall. Seats up to 80.
Top of Otsu Banquet Room
A banquet room on the 38th floor. Seats 60, or holds 80 standing.
| Venue | Area | Seated | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convention Hall “Omi” (9 rooms combined) | 2,940 sq m | See official website | See official website |
| Prince Hall | See official website | 600 | 1,500 (buffet style) |
| Japanese-style room “Takasago” | See official website | Up to 80 | See official website |
| Top of Otsu Banquet Room (38th floor) | See official website | 60 | 80 |
Please check the official website for the latest capacities and layouts.