Hotel Hikone, Shiga dengan Spa

After a crowded Kyoto, I love the peaceful and tranquil environment of this beautiful onsen hotel-ryokan and charming castle town. Everything about the hotel speaks of relaxation and well-being. It's only a 7-8min walk away from Hikone Train Station but there is a hotel shuttle that leaves at 9, 10 and 11 am if you need a drop off. Pick up could probably be arranged too. The hotel offers a pretty outdoor terrace with Castle view, an on-site spa with massage, a library lounge with free drinks till 10pm, a foot reflex corner and a compact onsen with a silk bath (all with Castle view) and hot stone benches. I had the whole onsen to myself in the evening, so it was very relaxing. The staff are kind and lovely too, making an effort to explain all the services and amenities in English. The buffet breakfast was also one of the better ones I've seen in my trips to Japan. If you're visiting the Castle, the entrance road is right outside the hotel. The main castle road is about 5-10 min away but you will pass by a famous Japanese confectionery, Taneya and Club Harie. Their souvenirs are one that even the Japanese cherish. I would wish to come here again with my partner one day. Thank you for the wonderful stay.

Hikone is good for a day trip from Kyoto. But if you prefer to stay for a night, then this hotel is a reasonable option. I drove. Needed GPS to help me find its location because its signboard was not that obvious. But you’ll find it, anyway. I opted the half board option: dinner was good and breakfast OK. Typical of an onsen hotel: nice hot spring and a delicious dinner. Not an upmarket choice. But decent and served its purpose. I was happy. The public bath itself was a big small. I went there in the evening and morning. I was the only person around near 7:00 am. Enjoyed both the hot spring and its quietness.

Fantastic staff. Fantastic room. Fantastic views. Dinner and breakfast were outstanding. Private onsen in the room. The choice of food at breakfast was amazing. Check in is 3pm and they are strict on that. Arrived at 10am, and left our suitcases. In departure they processed the checkout in an instant.