Top Otsu Hotel Deals

Make the Most of Your Otsu Stay

Cultural heritage and lakeside serenity

Otsu sits along Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, offering a contemplative alternative to Kyoto's crowds. The city's skyline features Kenzo Tange's striking Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, while Mount Hiei rises behind it, crowned by Enryaku-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple complex that has shaped Japanese Buddhism for over 1,200 years. At Ishiyama-dera Temple, Murasaki Shikibu began writing The Tale of Genji—a literary pilgrimage that continues to draw discerning travelers. The waterfront promenade and Michigan paddle-wheeler cruises provide peaceful lake views.

Omi beef and onsen retreats

The culinary scene centers on Omi beef, one of Japan's premier wagyu brands, served at specialty restaurants like Matsukiya. Shimizu Japanese Restaurant on the Prince Hotel's 36th floor offers kaiseki cuisine with panoramic lake views. The Ogoto Onsen district, just 20 minutes from Kyoto, features high-alkaline hot springs and ryokans with private lakeside baths—ideal for unwinding after business meetings or temple visits. Traditional eel restaurants like Kaneyo provide authentic local flavors in historic settings.

Seamless access from Kyoto

The JR Biwako Line connects Otsu Station to Kyoto in 9 minutes and Osaka in 40 minutes, making it remarkably accessible for business travelers seeking quieter accommodations. Day trips to Hikone Castle or Omihachiman extend your exploration of the Lake Biwa region, while the city offers a gateway to both ancient pilgrimage routes and modern Kansai commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otsu

Can I use my miles on Delta Stays to book hotels in Otsu?

Yes, you can book your hotel stay in Otsu using your Delta miles, or a combination of miles and cash. When you log in to your Delta SkyMiles® account, you will also discover Member offers at select properties that could enhance your travel experience.

What is the benefit of booking my Otsu hotel directly on Delta Stays?

As a SkyMiles Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 you spend on completed hotel stays and vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays. You will also enjoy access to special Member offers at select properties, and have the flexibility to pay with miles, cash, or a combination of both. To ensure you earn miles when paying fully with cash, simply sign in to your SkyMiles account or enter your SkyMiles number at checkout. Please allow up to 8 weeks after completing a stay for miles to appear in the SkyMiles account provided. Please also note that if you use miles to pay for any portion of your stay, you will not earn miles on that reservation, including any amount paid with cash.

Is it possible to change or cancel my hotel booking made through Delta Stays?

Cancellation policies differ depending on the property you choose. Be sure to check the cancellation policy listed under the hotel’s details before booking. You will notice that refundable options are available for some rates, while others may be non-refundable. Any modifications or cancellations to your reservation may affect the number of miles you earn and receive in your account.

Can I use my Delta SkyMiles® American Express® Card to book?

As a Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, or Reserve American Express® Cardholder, you can earn additional miles along with valuable benefits, including an annual statement credit of up to $200 applicable toward prepaid accommodations booked through Delta Cars and Stays. Terms apply. To gain a full understanding of your card's complete benefits package, we recommend visiting the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Credit Cards page where detailed information about all your cardholder privileges is available for review.

Can I earn MQDs on Delta Stays hotel bookings?

Delta Stays occasionally offers valued promotions allowing SkyMiles Members to accumulate Medallion® Qualification Dollars when booking accommodations through their platform. We invite you to check the Delta Stays MQD Offer page regularly to view current MQD earning opportunities and examine the specific terms and conditions associated with these special offers.

Do I need to have a Delta SkyMiles account to book hotels on Delta Stays?

Delta Stays provides hotel booking services to all customers. However, registering as a SkyMiles Member enhances your experience by allowing you to earn miles and access Member pricing and promotions. SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta Cars and Stays purchases (excluding taxes and additional fees). Enrollment in the SkyMiles program comes at no cost. Register today by visiting the delta.com.

Can I book a vacation rental through Delta Stays?

Yes, Delta Stays extends beyond conventional hotel offerings to include a wide selection of vacation rentals for your travel accommodations. You can explore a variety of homes, condos, and distinctive accommodations powered by Vrbo on the Vacation Rentals page.

What hotels in Otsu have high ratings?

In Otsu, you’ll find 49 hotels to choose from when you book on Delta Stays. Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel has a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, and features a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool. Another top-rated ryokan is Yumotokan, where you can enjoy 4 indoor/outdoor hot springs and a full-service spa. Biwako Hotel has a rating of 9 and this hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool.

What's a good time of year to visit Otsu?

To experience Otsu during great weather, consider a visit in April when cherry blossoms bloom along Lake Biwa and temperatures are mild with mostly sunny skies. For off-peak prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during February when temperatures reach a cool 41°F with clear skies and significantly lower visitor numbers.

What hotels in Otsu are located near Biwako Valley Ski Resort?

Japan's fastest ropeway climbs Mt. Horai to floating terraces where infinity pools overlook Lake Biwa. Check wind forecasts before visiting, as strong gusts can close operations. One popular hotel is Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel which is a short drive away. Another hotel is Yumotokan and it is within a short drive.

What hotels in Otsu are near Ogoto Onsen?

This 1,200-year-old lakeside hot spring features pH 9.0 alkaline waters celebrated for leaving skin remarkably smooth. Many ryokans offer private open-air baths overlooking Lake Biwa. Popular hotels include Yumotokan which is steps away. Another top hotel is Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel and it is within a short drive.

What hotels in Otsu are located near Lake Biwa Canal?

This Meiji-era canal offers serene cherry blossom viewing through historic brick tunnels and lock gates. Spring boat cruises reveal engineering marvels away from Kyoto's busier spots. One popular hotel is Biwako Hotel which is an 11-minute walk. Another top hotel is The Westin Miyako Kyoto and it is within a short drive.

*Terms and conditions:

Mileage Offer:

SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window on the base hotel rate for a completed hotel stay. Base hotel rate is the cost of the hotel room, before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking or upon checkout. Taxes and fees, gratuities, room service other booking charges, or any bookings which are paid or reduced by miles, redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit. For clarity, if miles are used as a form of payment (whether for all or a portion of the booking), no portion of the booking will be eligible to earn miles under this offer. Except with respect to the Hertz Mileage offer (listed below), SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per eligible US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Cars on the base car rental rate for a completed car qualifying rental booking (“Qualifying Dollars”). A qualifying rental booking includes rentals at a participating location for one or more days at rates other than travel industry rates or discounts, wholesale of tour package rates or discounts, wholesale tour package rates, insurance/dealer replacement rates, corporate and government rates, group travel discounts, or rentals in conjunction with a frequent flyer car award, or other corporate agreements applicable to the respective car company. Calculation of the applicable standard mileage offer is listed below by car rental company. Qualifying Dollars include the base car rental rate, which is the cost of the car rental before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking. Taxes, fees, other incidental charges, or other booking charges or any bookings which are paid or reduced by redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit and are not included in the Qualifying Dollars.

This mileage offer does not apply to stays or car rentals booked through Delta Vacations or any cruises booked through Delta Cruises.

Standard mileage offer for car rentals booked at https://www.delta.com/Opens in a new window or https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window:

Hertz Reservations:

• General SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Silver Medallions earn 5 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Gold Medallions earn 6 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Platinum Medallions earn 7 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Diamond Medallions earn 8 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Dollar and Thrifty Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Payless and SIXT Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per Qualifying Dollar