Biwako Otsukan (Yanagasaki Lakeside Park) – Lakeside Retro Architecture and Floral Gardens

【Highlights】
・The retro-modern building of the former Biwako Hotel, once known as the “Guest House of the Lake Country.”
・An open lakeside setting within Yanagasaki Lakeside Park, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa.
・The adjacent English Garden, filled with seasonal flowers and especially known for its magnificent rose collection.

【History and Culture】
Biwako Otsukan is the main facility of Yanagasaki Lakeside Park, located beside Lake Biwa. The building was originally the former Biwako Hotel, constructed in 1934.

After careful preservation and renovation, it reopened in 2002 as a cultural facility overlooking Lake Biwa. The building was designed by Shinichiro Okada, an architect known for works such as the Tokyo Kabuki-za.

The former Biwako Hotel was once so prestigious that it became known as the “Guest House of the Lake Country.” It welcomed many distinguished guests, including Emperor Showa, Helen Keller, and John Wayne.

Today, Biwako Otsukan is cherished as a lakeside cultural facility. While preserving the elegant atmosphere of its hotel era, it now serves as a restaurant, cafe, rental venue, and wedding facility.

【Nature and Park】
The adjacent English Garden offers a beautiful display of seasonal flowers, including an extensive rose collection. Covering approximately 5,900 square meters, the garden features around 3,000 rose bushes of about 300 varieties, making it one of the largest rose collections in the prefecture.

The colorful flowers set against the backdrop of Lake Biwa create one of the site’s most memorable views. Before or after strolling through the garden, visitors can relax at the restaurant or cafe inside Biwako Otsukan while enjoying the lakeside scenery.