Biwako Hotel (located in Hamacho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture; General Manager: Yoshikazu Maeda) is preparing a range of summer-specific experiences designed to make family travel special, positioning the hotel itself as a full resort destination for the season.
All guest rooms at the hotel face Lake Biwa, and the property offers a seasonal outdoor garden pool and a rooftop BBQ restaurant with lake views. This year, the hotel adds a series of child-focused activities — handheld fireworks, a quiz rally, an ennichi festival, and a uchiwa fan-making workshop — making children the stars of the stay. Daytime offerings include lakeside walks and pool activities, while evenings feature fireworks and a range of dining options, creating a summer stay packed with memories.
Lake Biwa Views from Every Room
Every guest room at Biwako Hotel overlooks Lake Biwa, offering panoramic views that shift from the glittering morning lake surface to sunset-painted mountains and illuminated fountain displays at night. Options include the superior floor "Natura," where beds are positioned to face the lake, and the premium luxury floor "Aqua," designed around a Lake Biwa blue color palette with a resort atmosphere.
Sample Stay Plan
- Rate: From ¥23,710 per person (based on 2 guests per room, excluding bathing tax)
- Room type: Superior floor "Natura"
- Dinner: Rooftop Outdoor BBQ "Hoshi" BBQ dinner
Summer Activities with Children at the Center
Handheld Fireworks by the Lake
Throughout August, elementary school-age children and younger staying at the hotel will receive complimentary handheld fireworks. A dedicated fireworks area is set up along the boardwalk overlooking Lake Biwa, where families can enjoy this quintessential summer tradition with a cool lake breeze.
- Period: Saturday, August 1 – Monday, August 31, 2026 (distribution only on August 6 due to the Biwako Grand Fireworks event)
- Hours: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Participation fee: Free
Quiz Rally Through the Hotel and Lakeside
Guests in elementary school and younger can pick up a quiz sheet and explore the hotel and lakeside areas to discover the charms of the property and Lake Biwa. Children who answer all the questions receive an ice cream treat.
- Period: Saturday, August 1 – Monday, August 31, 2026 (excluding August 6)
- Participation fee: Free
Ennichi Festival
A traditional Japanese summer festival experience featuring shooting galleries, ring toss, and yo-yo fishing. The event is open to all guests, not just children.
- Period: Saturday, August 8 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Participation: Elementary school-age children and younger receive 5 fun tickets. Additional tickets and tickets for adults are available for purchase at ¥1,000 per 5 tickets.
Uchiwa Fan-Making Workshop
A workshop open to staying guests where participants create their own original uchiwa fans. The finished fan makes a perfect souvenir from the trip and a creative summer project for kids.
- Dates: Saturday, August 8; Sunday, August 9; Tuesday, August 11 (national holiday); Saturday, August 15; Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Participation fee: ¥500 per session
Resort Amenities for All Guests
Outdoor Garden Pool
The outdoor pool is shaped after Lake Biwa, stretching up to 26 meters long and 20 meters wide. With both a shallow section (0.6 m) and a deeper section (1.2 m), it is suitable for families with young children. Guests can enjoy the feel of a lakeside resort right from the poolside. Free for staying guests.
- Period: Wednesday, July 1 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (excluding August 6)
Rooftop Outdoor BBQ "Hoshi"
Located approximately 45 meters above ground, this seasonal rooftop restaurant offers a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. The BBQ set plan includes meat, seafood, and a wide variety of free-flow beverages. The kids' menu features a hamburger set that children can finish grilling themselves at the table.
- Period: Wednesday, July 1 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (excluding August 6)
All prices include consumption tax and 15% service charge. Photos shown are for illustrative purposes.
