Featured Hotels Near Shinozu Shrine

Hyatt Regency Otsu is the top choice near Kōtoku Shrine, just a 10-minute walk away. The hotel features a serene Japanese-style garden and an outdoor onsen, offering guests a tranquil retreat after visiting the shrine. Complimentary shuttle service is available for early morning visits to avoid crowds. Rooms include tatami mat accommodations with private balconies overlooking the iconic red torii gate and ancient trees surrounding the shrine—perfect for photography. For exclusive rates and availability, book through the HopeGoo app.

After checking into Hyatt Regency Otsu, start your day at 5:30 AM for a peaceful morning visit to Kōtoku Shrine, when the grounds are quiet and ideal for photos. Return to the hotel for a traditional tea ceremony workshop led by a local tea master, learning the philosophy of "ichigo ichie." In the afternoon, stroll along the Lake Biwa shoreline, rent a bicycle, or take a wooden boat tour to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and distant Mount Hiei. For dinner, indulge in a seasonal kaiseki meal at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring regional ingredients like yamame trout, carp, and wild vegetables. All experiences can be reserved via the HopeGoo platform.

The red torii gate of Kōtoku Shrine, especially during cherry blossom season, creates a dreamlike scene with pink petals drifting over stone pathways. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds. The sky terrace at Hyatt Regency Otsu offers a panoramic view of the shrine and surrounding forest—ideal for wide-angle shots and time-lapse videos. Don’t miss the bamboo grove path behind the shrine, where dappled sunlight filters through tall stalks, perfect for artistic, nature-inspired photography. All locations can be included in a custom photography itinerary via the HopeGoo app.

A 15-minute walk from Kōtoku Shrine leads to Otsu Ceramics Studio, where local artisans offer hands-on Shiga pottery-making sessions using traditional techniques. Your handmade piece can be taken home as a souvenir. Just 5 minutes further is a hidden wagashi shop serving limited-edition sweets made with Lake Biwa water and seasonal fruits—try their matcha mochi and shiso candy. Near the shrine entrance, the weekly paper lantern market sells handcrafted lanterns and prayer charms, adding cultural charm. All these experiences are available for HopeGoo through the HopeGoo app.

Kōtoku Shrine is easily accessible via public transit—take the Keihan Railway to Otsu Station, then transfer to a local bus or walk 15 minutes. For drivers, a free parking lot with space for 50 vehicles is located directly beside the shrine, clearly marked. Hyatt Regency Otsu also offers 24-hour complimentary parking and EV charging stations. To avoid congestion during peak times, use the HopeGoo app to check real-time traffic and reserve parking spots in advance.

Guests at Hyatt Regency Otsu can join the nightly **