Ritto(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kōtō City, the top-rated hotel with scenic views is Kōtō Resort Hotel, nestled in the serene hills near Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa. This boutique property features Japanese-style rooms with private balconies overlooking lush gardens and seasonal landscapes. The on-site hot spring bath (onsen) offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, especially stunning during autumn foliage. Guests enjoy locally-sourced meals featuring Hokkaido beef and fresh lake fish. Complimentary shuttle service to Kōtō Station ensures easy access to nearby attractions like Mount Hiei's Enman-ji Temple and the Biwa Canal Trail, making it ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

The best area for a convenient yet peaceful stay in Kōtō City is the central district near Kōtō Station and Shiga Prefectural Museum. This zone combines easy access to public transit—just 40 minutes from Kyoto—with quiet residential streets and green spaces. It’s close to key attractions such as the Biwa Canal Trail and Enman-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, while offering cozy family-run guesthouses and small-scale hotels. Many accommodations here feature traditional tatami rooms and garden courtyards, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility without sacrificing convenience. Local cafés and markets add a warm, authentic touch to your visit.

Visitors to Kōtō City can enjoy unique cultural experiences such as visiting the Shiga Prefectural Museum to explore the history of Ōmi Province and traditional textile crafts. Participate in a Lake Biwa fishing tour, learning ancient techniques and tasting fresh crucian carp sushi. Explore Enman-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, where centuries-old Buddhist rituals still resonate in morning bell chants. Don’t miss the annual Kōtō Flower Festival, held in spring, which showcases folk dances, handmade crafts, and seasonal food stalls—offering an immersive look into rural Japanese life and community spirit.

Yes, Kōtō Green Hotel is a top choice for families visiting Kōtō City. This eco-friendly hotel features spacious family rooms, a children’s playroom, outdoor sand pits, and a petting zoo with rabbits and sheep. The hotel provides free shuttle buses to popular destinations like the Biwa Canal Trail and Nagahama Castle Ruins Park, making sightseeing stress-free. The on-site restaurant offers a dedicated kids’ menu using local ingredients such as fresh rice and farm-raised vegetables. With its welcoming staff and child-safe facilities, this hotel delivers a joyful, relaxed experience for parents and children alike.

Transportation in Kōtō City is highly convenient for tourists. The city is well-connected via Kōtō Station on the JR line, with direct trains to Kyoto (40 minutes), Osaka (90 minutes), and Nagoya (120 minutes). Local Kōtō City Tourist Bus runs regular routes along the Biwa Canal Trail and around Mount Hiei, covering major sights. Many attractions are wheelchair-accessible, and rental car services are available throughout Shiga Prefecture. For those preferring flexibility, renting a car allows easy exploration of hidden gems like Nagahama’s historic streets and Makino Botanical Garden, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Visitors to Kōtō City must try Ōmi Beef Burgers, Lake Biwa Crucian Carp Hot Pot, and seasonal aquatic plant dishes such as lotus root and water chestnuts. Head to Kōtō Market for authentic street food, including grilled crucian carp served with local soy sauce and pickled ginger. During harvest season, participate in a rice harvesting experience and enjoy freshly steamed rice paired with homegrown vegetables. Specialty restaurants like Yamato Sushi offer multi-course meals featuring mountain vegetable kaiseki, blending Zen philosophy with seasonal flavors—a true taste of regional heritage.

Absolutely, Kōtō City is perfect for a short getaway. Located just 40 minutes from Kyoto and under two hours from Osaka or Nagoya, it offers a quick escape from urban life. Key attractions like the Biwa Canal Trail, Enman-ji Temple, and Hikone Castle are within easy reach, allowing a full day of culture, nature, and history. Accommodations range from charming ryokan to modern boutique hotels, all offering a peaceful atmosphere. Evenings spent walking along the canal illuminated by lanterns create a poetic ambiance, making it ideal for travelers seeking a mindful retreat in nature.

Kōtō City boasts several natural attractions, most notably the Biwa Canal Trail, a historic irrigation system built during the Meiji era that now serves as a scenic biking and walking path through forests and farmland. Nearby, the hiking trails around Mount Hiei offer breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and seasonal blooms—cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant red leaves in autumn. Nagahama Castle Ruins Park and Otsu River Gorge are lesser-known but stunning spots for wildlife observation and photography. For panoramic vistas, visit Takadai Observatory, where clear days reveal distant peaks including Mount Ibuki and the shimmering expanse of Lake Biwa.

Photography enthusiasts will love Kōtō City's diverse landscapes. Capture the misty reflections on the Biwa Canal Trail at dawn, the vermilion torii gates of Enman-ji Temple framed by ancient cedars, and the silhouette of Nagahama Castle Ruins against golden hour skies. The Mount Hiei forest trail offers dramatic light through dense foliage, while Takadai Observatory provides sweeping panoramas of Lake Biwa and surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the bustling scenes at Kōtō Market’s early morning vendors—vibrant colors and candid moments perfect for documentary-style shots. Use a tripod and wide-angle lens to emphasize depth and serenity in these timeless moments.

While Kōtō City does not have natural hot springs, nearby Nagahama and Makino offer excellent onsen experiences. Visit Yumegi Onsen Villa in Nagahama, known for its soft, alkaline waters rich in minerals that soothe muscles and skin. Some premium lodges, like Hiei Mountain Retreat, feature open-air baths with mountain views—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. For a private, intimate experience, book a traditional ryokan package including dinner, breakfast, and a private bath. These options provide deep relaxation while staying within a 30-minute drive of Kōtō City.