2-Star Hotels in Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Ok. First of all leave your expectations at home expecting hotel level service. Once you've done that if you want a cheap but clean place to stay this is it. This is a seinenkan - a facility for youth and youth-related organizations to conduct independent study and recreational activities, many of which have basic accommodation facilities but higher grade facilities than youth hostels. They are located all over Japan. I stayed in a tatami mat room on a floor with shared toilet facilities. The ground floor has a large communal bath - obviously separate for male and females. They have lights out at 11 p.m. and guests must return by the same time. There is a very modern cafe onsite serving cheap breakfasts (see photos) but the cafe closes by 6 p.m. There is a convenience store 10 minutes walk away so I suggest you buy snacks and beverages en route from JR Ishiyama station. For dinner, there is a family restaurant - good value and okay food - about 6 minutes walk away. The seinenkan is located on a small island by a historic bridge. The views of the river inlet flowing into the main Lake Biwa is relaxing, lots of bird wildlife, and lots of rowers (the seinenkan is a water sports facility too). and the sunrise and sunset views are lovely. The staff are very kind. It cost me ¥5,500 for one night and I will stay there again if I have the opportunity.

The hotel is located right outside the Otsu Station ticket gates. Entering the property is through the attached bar and restaurant. Most of the nearby restaurants seem to close around 11pm. There are no cooking utensils, but you can bring your own food and drink in the common areas. There are also pots and water dispensers, so we were able to eat cup ramen inside the hotel.

Great option for visiting the Shirahige Shrine. The host offered a ride in the early morning after knowing we were planning to go, which was extremely kind of him. Room was very spacious and clean, with a nice view. Very close to the station and easy to find. The only thing I would note is that there was only one bath. We arrived around 830pm and planned to take the bath shortly, but by the time we settled and got downstairs (around 9pm), someone else was using it so we couldn't get in until after 930. It was a shame that we couldn't enjoy the hot bath as much as we wanted as we tried to hurry out for the next group since they were waiting after us but I'm not sure if they were able to use it as the bath closes at 10pm.

The first time I lived in the orthodox squatter house, I was pleasantly surprised. The house is very distinctive. The sister of the hotel will not communicate with the translator because of the text but has been communicating with the translator. The breakfast is delicious. Everyone must order breakfast in advance. There is also a vinyl dish machine in the living room. It is very nostalgic and sentimental. Otsu is really a very quiet town, and on the last day of 2024 I spent a very peaceful day here.

Staying at this hotel can be said to be the most correct and warm decision of my whole trip around the lake. The writing is a bit long, the focus is on the back, if you are not in a hurry, you can take a closer look at 😄 This is an authentic Japanese-style family hotel. The hotel is run by a kind couple, who seem to be half old. The hotel is located next to the Black Gate Market, quiet in the middle of noisy, very close to the market and Datong Temple ～ The internal environment of the hotel is unexpectedly good. The original appearance of the old squat house is retained outside. When I walked in, I found that the decoration was not old-fashioned, elegant and exquisite. It was a Japanese-style old hotel with a very good aesthetic. The toilet and bathroom decoration is also modern, the equipment is new, very shocking, well maintained, even more than many Japanese business hotels I have stayed in. There is a small courtyard outside the Japanese-style room where I live, and there is no cave. The breakfast at the hotel is also quite rich, with a wide variety, many are also local ingredients in Wuhu, the taste is also good, it is highly recommended ～ The point is here! The host and hostess of Sangu Hotel is super warm and courteous! After learning that I am a foreigner, I also take care of it! When I went to Changbin Wharf and Datong Temple, the owner took the initiative to lead the way. On the way, he also introduced the famous things of Changbin. The male owner's hair was a bit white but full of vitality. He must be very fond of the customs of Changbin. Before leaving, the two shopkeepers also sent me a set of postcards for the Changbin Lushan Festival. What a lovely couple of people 😄 I was traveling alone and chose this hotel by mistake. I never thought it was the biggest surprise of this trip. I stayed in Nagahama for a short time. It was a day and a night, and the sky was not beautiful, and it was mostly raining. But fortunately, I met the Sangu Hotel, and the memory of Nagabin is the warmth of spring rain. I wish the owner and his wife a healthy and healthy couple, and I will stay for a few more nights for Sangu Hotel if I pass by Changbin in the future.

We had a wonderful stay at this place. The staff was amazing and the place was super clean. We were on a bikepacking trip and they even allowed us to bring our bikes into the room, which was very convenient. The Nepalese chef deserves special mention for preparing amazing food for us. Overall, it was a truly amazing experience and we highly recommend this place to anyone looking for comfortable and enjoyable accommodation.

The cheapest hotel in this area. Therefore, there are many businessmen who use business trips. The building is old, but the cleaning was polite and the room, bed and public bath were clean and comfortable. For breakfast, you can choose some small bowls of side dishes and have rice, bread and miso soup. Enough amount. Thank you for being free. Water, coffee and tea are also available for free at any time. The staff are kind and will give you a pleasant response. I thought the service was good for the price.

Such a lovely hostel to stay. The owner is very friendly. If you’re looking for a place that offers nature and rest, only 10 minutes away from Kyoto station. This is your place

The owner was very kind and nice place. I am satisfied that I can eat a lot of fish caught in Lake Biwa such as cherry blossoms and rainbow cherry blossoms for evening breakfast. I also had delicious local sake. The futon was soft and I could sleep well. The water is common, but there is a feeling of cleanliness. Access is not a problem because you can walk within 10 minutes from the station, but there is no convenience store in the area, so it is recommended to buy it in advance.

Very pleasant guest house on Nakasendo Old Road. Very quiet town, quiet and practically no tourists. Still around beauty, mountains and lots of tracking places. From the railway station to the guest house on foot 10-15, trains go often, it is very convenient, it is easy to get to neighboring cities more, to visit Sekigahara or Lake Biva. In the house very clean, atmospheric, many nice details of the interior. The common bathroom and toilet rooms are perfectly clean, everything was very comfortable. Big kitchen, dining room and living room for recreation. Beautiful zoning. The room is small but comfortable, everything is thought up to tiny things. For the local night lamp separate thank you! There is also a small garden, bicycle rental and laundry (washing + dry 300 ). The master speaks perfectly English. We arrived a little earlier than the settlement time, but no one was there, left the luggage in the parish and left for a walk because they could not call the left room. in the evening they returned and found a note with email, wrote, preparing for a long time to wait, But the owner arrived instantly and our things were waiting for us in the room. He personally showed us the device at home and offered tea. Thank you for the great time you spent here