Yumotokan

For a stay costing over $200 a night, the facilities were disappointing. The hot spring pool was dirty, and there was no drinking water or cup in the room. Breakfast wasn’t offered, and at checkout there was no luggage storage service. We only stayed one day.

The location worked well, but the facilities felt very old, and the shower floors looked like they needed cleaning. I was also pretty upset that we couldn’t park, even though the website says parking is available for 500 yen before or after checkout. They said they couldn’t manage or access the car if its sensors went off, but apparently sensorless cars can park there. Not sure who has one of those. I won’t come back. There seem to be better places nearby.

We booked a room with a private onsen overlooking lake Biwa, and it was spacious and comfortably warm in late autumn. The staff were very helpful, and most spoke English, which was a nice bonus. The biggest highlights of our stay at Yumotokan were the Omi beef kaiseki dinners and breakfasts. We had a great time.

I loved the food, especially the dinner set. Every dish was delicious, and the tempura was the best I’ve ever had. The portions were big, and dinner came in a private dining room. It’s a clean, friendly family-run hotel, and the family were very thoughtful. There’s one indoor and one outdoor onsen for each gender, plus three private outdoor onsens. Our room had its own toilet and sink, while the shower room is shared and separated by gender. I loved everything here!