Biwako Otsukan (Yanagasaki Lakeside Park)
Biwako Otsukan is the central facility in Yanagasaki Lakeside Park alongside Lake Biwa.
The Old Biwako Hotel that was constructed in 1934 was renovated to create a new cultural facility looking out over the lake, which was opened in 1994.
The building was designed by Ogata Shinichiro, famous for the Tokyo Kabuki Theater. It operated with the proud status of “Lake Country Guest House,” serving such guests as the Showa Emperor, Hellen Keller, John Wayne, and other celebrities.
Nowadays, the facility is used by many for its restaurant, café, and can even be rented out.
Visitors can also enjoy roses and many other flowers throughout the seasons in the English Garden around the Biwako Otsukan. The facility can accommodate wedding parties and other events.
| Address | 5-35 Yanagasaki, Otsu City |
|---|---|
| Access |
■By train Take a bus to "Yanagasaki" bus stop from either JR Otsu Station of Keihan Hama-Otsu Station and walk 3 min ■By car 10 min from Meishin Expressway Otsu Interchange |
| Parking | 170 cars, 9 large vehicles |
| Contact |
TEL: +81-77-511-4187 (Reception: 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.) |
| Business Hours | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Closed several times throughout the year: Facility will occasionally close, gardens will close during winter *Gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. from April to September |
| Price | Park Entry Fee: Adults 320 yen, Children 160 yen (For groups of 15 or more: Adults 250 yen, Children 120 yen) |
| URL | http://www.biwako-otsukan.jp/pdf/english.pdf |