Mandarin Oriental Shiga is the top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Horii Zoo. It features family suites with animal-themed decor, indoor play zones, and daily children’s eco-activities like nature scavenger hunts. The hotel also provides free shuttle service to the zoo entrance and offers a private early-entry pass for guests, ensuring quiet morning visits to observe animal behaviors in natural settings.

Mandarin Oriental Shiga boasts eco-view rooms overlooking the zoo’s main wildlife enclosures, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic scenes of animals during feeding times. These rooms feature soundproof windows and smart climate control for comfort. Guests can also access the hotel’s skydeck lounge, where local organic dishes are served with views of the surrounding forested landscape, blending relaxation with immersive nature experiences.

Mandarin Oriental Shiga partners with Horii Zoo to offer an exclusive pre-opening entry package for guests, granting access at 6:30 AM before public hours. This includes complimentary rental of high-powered binoculars and photography tripods. The hotel arranges guided morning walks through quieter sections of the zoo, ideal for wildlife photography and peaceful observation. Reserve via the HopeGoo app for best availability.

Staying at Mandarin Oriental Shiga, guests can participate in the Shiga Heritage Nature Walk, led by local elders, exploring ancient villages, traditional bamboo weaving workshops, and farm-to-table dining using seasonal ingredients from nearby fields. Monthly events include "Starlight Animal Tales" under a tented observatory, where stories of real zoo residents are shared in a serene, storytelling atmosphere, fostering deep cultural connection.

Mandarin Oriental Shiga features a full-service forest-inspired spa with treatments using locally sourced herbs and rice bran extracts. The hotel’s rooftop Zen garden pool overlooks the zoo’s wooded area, offering tranquil views and a perfect spot to unwind. Each guest receives a personalized wellness plan based on their visit schedule, including guided meditation sessions and herbal tea pairing recommendations from the on-site botanical garden.

Mandarin Oriental Shiga stands out due to its seamless integration with Horii Zoo’s ecosystem, offering private pathways, early-access passes, and curated nature programs. Its eco-luxury design blends Japanese minimalism with sustainable materials, while the in-house naturalist guide service helps guests discover hidden trails and rare species sightings. All rooms include smart climate systems and noise-reduction glass, ensuring restful sleep after a full day of exploration. Book through HopeGoo for premium guest benefits.