Minshuku Maikoya

A great spot for swimming and a BBQ on weekdays, when it’s less crowded.

The shuttle to the station and the small hot spring facility was useful, and they provided a toothbrush, a washcloth, and a small towel. Cups were available too, though they were shared. A few snacks were sold in the dining hall. There was one vending machine outside, but the prices were a little high, and the cheaper option was out of stock. This is a place to consider if keeping costs down matters to you. I stayed in a Japanese-style room, where the tatami was badly worn and seemed to have been patched with duct tape or something similar. In the Western-style rooms, you need to leave your slippers outside. The shared bathroom was messy, and the shoe locker smelled. Noise was another issue. Sounds from the hallway carried straight into the room, and even though a sign asked guests to go to bed by 10 pm, people camping by the lake could be heard making loud noises late into the night. Depending on the season and timing, earplugs would be reassuring.

Beautiful Lake Biwa is right across from the inn, and Hiratopia Hot Springs is only about a five-minute drive away. They also offer transportation for guests arriving by train. The sukiyaki dinner was surprisingly extravagant, and breakfast was generous too, with salmon, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), simmered vegetables, seaweed, miso soup, and rice. It was amazing. ☺️

I was in the Kansai region for business and stayed here. There’s a nice Showa-era feel to the place. Just keep in mind there was no hairdryer and the only amenities were toothbrushes, so anyone who cares about those details may be better off at a regular business hotel.