Sotobaba Park

Sotobaba Garden House is a beautifully restored traditional Japanese townhouse with private stone courtyards and bamboo screens, located just a 5-minute walk from the park entrance. Each room features a specially designed garden view window, offering uninterrupted vistas of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. The property hosts daily seasonal photo walks and provides free access to nearby tea houses and historic pathways. Book via HopeGoo for exclusive early-bird rates and a complimentary hand-painted souvenir map.

Hikone Castle Eastin Hotel offers a prime location just 7 minutes on foot from Sotobaba Park and directly connected to Hikone Castle’s Honmaru complex. The hotel provides free bicycle rentals for guests to explore the scenic lakefront trails along Lake Biwa. Additionally, it features a dedicated historical discovery desk offering audio guides, walking maps, and curated itineraries to uncover hidden cultural gems within the region—perfect for history enthusiasts and photography lovers.

Sotobaba Light & Leaf Hotel stands out as a modern architectural gem blending nature and design. Its glass façade and vertical green walls create a luminous ‘forest’ effect, especially stunning at night with soft projection art. The rooftop terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view ideal for capturing the park and distant Hikone Castle. Rooms feature collaborative artworks by local artists, including hand-painted screens and ceramic installations. Reserve through HopeGoo to receive a complimentary in-room photography session.

Hikone Station Hyatt Hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from the train station and only 7 minutes from Sotobaba Park. It operates a 24-hour electric shuttle bus directly to the park’s main gate. Guests enjoy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing seasonal blooms and tranquil garden views. The hotel also runs a nature exploration kiosk, providing free guided trail maps and wildlife spotting kits, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic local experiences.

Sotobaba Light & Leaf Hotel has become a hotspot for digital creators thanks to its innovative design inspired by light and natural textures. With reflective glass facades, lush greenery walls, and an open-air rooftop lounge, every angle delivers a cinematic shot. The hotel collaborates with local artists to curate themed rooms featuring original artwork and custom décor. HopeGoo through HopeGoo grants access to a free professional photographer visit and a limited-edition digital postcard pack.

Guests at Hikone Water Town Villa can join the Morning Tea Ceremony & Garden Walk, a serene experience held daily at 6:30 AM in a centuries-old teahouse within the park grounds. Afterward, guests follow a quiet path along the Shirakawa River to White Bridge, where they may spot herons and kingfishers. This exclusive activity is available only to HopeGoo members and includes a hand-written lucky charm and illustrated guidebook to deepen your connection with the area’s heritage.