【Ogoto Onsen】Enjoy a genuine hot spring with a history of some 1,200 years

Enjoy Ogoto Onsen with its hot springs, meals, and sightseeing all in one place!

Established in 1929, the long-standing Yumotokan is one of the nine ryokan and hotels scattered throughout the area, each of which takes pride in using the natural hot spring water source. No matter which one you choose, you can enjoy a genuine hot spring experience, which is a significant benefit.

Furthermore, the surrounding area is characterized by numerous cultural properties with historical significance, such as the famous Hieizan Enryakuji Temple and Ishiyama Temple, which is well known for its connection to Murasaki Shikibu. It’s easy to understand why this area is a bustling sightseeing hub. Local specialties include duck and Omi beef dishes, with duck hot pot being a particularly exquisite gourmet dish that represents Lake Biwa in winter.

Is Ogoto Onsen’s origin related to the Nenbutsu Pond, where a giant serpent once lived?

Ogoto Onsen is a venerable hot spring with a history of some 1,200 years and is said to have been opened by Saicho. However, there is an interesting episode left behind.

In ancient times, it was said that there was a giant serpent with eight heads, and there was a pond in the valley where it made its nest. The pond was believed to cure illnesses, and villagers would throw coins into it while reciting nenbutsu prayers, leading it to be called Nenbutsu Pond. The pond’s groundwater was constantly gushing forth. Drinking it was said to cure even severe illnesses, and applying the mud from the bottom of the pond was said to heal skin diseases, demonstrating its exceptional efficacy.
In the early 1900s, it was discovered that the water was a radium-rich hot spring, and the development of the hot spring began. If the Nenbutsu Pond, where the giant serpent lived and villagers risked their lives to enter, was the beginning of Ogoto Onsen, it seems like it would be very rejuvenating for the body.

The spring is highly alkaline with a pH of 9.0, which is said to be good for neuralgia, muscle pain, cold sensitivity, and fatigue recovery. Another benefit is it makes the skin feel very smooth after bathing, which is particularly appreciated by women. The view from the hot spring is also worth seeing. As the inns of Ogoto Onsen are built along the foothills of Mount Hiei, you can enjoy views of Lake Biwa. With good hot water and a beautiful view, you have no choice but to enjoy this experience!

Enjoy the weekly morning market and seasonal festivals along with the hot spring

When visiting Ogoto Onsen, be sure to check out sightseeing spots to explore. First of all, there is the classic Lake Biwa! Although the sparkling view during the day is nice, you should also see it at night. There is a bridge called Biwako Ohashi connecting the eastern and western shores of Shiga Prefecture. It connects Katata in Otsu City, which is the closest point on the opposite shore of Lake Biwa, and Imahama-cho in Moriyama City. The bridge is illuminated at night, reflecting its light on the lake surface, creating a very moody atmosphere. Crossing the bridge or enjoying the view at its base is a lesser-known sightseeing spot.

If you happen to visit the hot spring on a Sunday, be sure to check out the morning market. It is held at Ogoto Onsen Park, about a 20-minute walk from Ogoto Onsen Station. It takes place every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to noon. The market mainly sells local vegetables, offering freshness that is hard to find in the city. This must-visit spot also has a souvenir shopping area and a footbath.

There are also seasonal limited events to enjoy throughout the year. In spring, one of the three major festivals of Lake Country, the Sanno Festival, takes place at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Sakamoto, Otsu City. This festival is held under blooming cherry blossoms over several days. Participants, carrying portable shrines, proceed at night through the town relying only on the light of torches and head toward the beach of Lake Biwa. It is a spectacular and colorful event.

Enjoying the spectacular view is a must! Find the perfect accommodation for yourself

One of the attractions of Ogoto Onsen is that you can enjoy the view of Lake Biwa no matter which inn you stay at. With so many inns offering breathtaking views, it can be challenging to choose.

Biwako Ryokusuitei is located on the west side of Lake Biwa Bay, with the lush Hiei Mountains as its backdrop. The design concept takes advantage of the natural blessings, creating a lakeside resort where gentle breezes blow. The atmosphere of private dining rooms and the relaxing dining restaurant are also appealing, and the meals, featuring the bounty of the mountains and sea and seasonal delicacies, are truly blissful. It is one of the inns with a spacious atmosphere, offering relaxation areas after bathing and rooms with a glamping theme for an outdoor feel.

All guest rooms at Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso, located on a hill in the Ogoto Onsen area, face the lake. There is a variety of rooms, including 10-tatami mat Japanese-style rooms and rooms with open-air baths overlooking Lake Biwa. The meals, which incorporate freshly picked, safe vegetables and fruits grown carefully in the inns own garden, are popular for their seasonal choices. You can enjoy a luxurious meal time while feeling the seasons. The inn also offers Omi Mukashibanashi Live Library to learn about Omi’s history and culture as well as a free swimming pool during summer for a fulfilling experience.

If you value private time, we recommend Ogotoso, which stands by the shore of Lake Biwa. This small inn only has 10 rooms, and you can enjoy your meals in private dining rooms. The carefully prepared, warm dishes, without any pre-made ingredients, are well-received. The women’s open-air bath features a Shigaraki ware bathtub, and the indoor bath has a tatami mat washing area, offering an unusual hot spring experience, where you can fully enjoy the Japanese atmosphere.

One of the secrets of its popularity is the overall reasonable prices. If you prefer a traditional, calming atmosphere, be sure to consider this option.