4-Star Hotels in Nagahama

Good: small but comfortable room. Polite and helpful front desk. If you are going to Chikubushima island, the ferry terminal is just in front of the main entrance to the hotel. Minor gripes: air-conditioning/heating is centralized, so if it is too hot or cold for you there is nothing you can do. Hotel uses a physical key that you need to deposit with the front desk whenever you head out.

Lakeside, Friendly staff, quick to accommodate and answer questions. Free snacks Access shuttle!

This hot spring hotel is right on the shore of Lake Biwa, off the beaten path a bit, and just right if you are ok trying new things, being the odd one out on occasion, and maybe using a translation app to figure out what is going on. I have some severe food allergies and they were so very kind to me, and I ate some of the most delicious and new to me food I have ever eaten. It was harder for my less adventurous child to adapt, but they too made a lot of effort to try new things, and found new food they now like! The hot spring is authentic and wonderful, an experience that my whole family enjoyed, as do many Japanese families who come in multi-generational groups, or as young families or couples to relax here for a few days. This felt like an authentic experience with very kind hosts, excellent food and a beautiful setting. If you happen to make it to the city castle, museum, or sporting events it’s a bonus- and there is a free shuttle to and from the two nearest train stations but you have to e-mail them in advance by at least two days before arrival.