Accommodation Experience at Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa
① The shuttle bus is located at the west exit of Nagahama Station. Take the escalator and look for the statue of Hideyoshi—it’s the right spot. The shuttle operates approximately five times daily during 9-11 AM and 3-5 PM. The shuttle driver is very friendly, and the front desk staff are patient and equipped with translation devices, making communication easy even if you don’t speak the language. Cleaning and maintenance staff are polite, contributing to an overall excellent service experience at the hotel, which is well-organized.
② The hotel specializes in spa relaxation, providing yukata robes for guests. The bathing area includes open-air hot springs and cold springs, with well-maintained cleanliness and spacious facilities. There are relaxing lounge chairs and seats, accompanied by soft music. Shoe and clothing lockers are modern and clean, and the floors are spotless. Guests can also enjoy complimentary amazake at scheduled times.
③ The lounge is open at specific times (currently 3-6 PM and 9-11 PM), offering snacks, cocktails, beer, Asahi, and non-alcoholic beverages. There are plenty of comfortable seats available.
④ Amenities include a microwave located next to the parking lot payment machine, hot and cold water dispensers, and a combined washer-dryer available for 600 yen per use (two hours). The shop, which opens in the evening, sells popular local souvenirs at prices comparable to outside stores. There’s also a table tennis room for guests to use.
⑤ Photos show the hotel’s exterior. From the rooftop of Nagahama History Museum, the hotel stands out as a landmark. In 2025, the Nagahama North Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival will take place over three days (September 17-19, known as the Nagahama Battle), with an additional event on October 17 (Yogo Battle). The hotel is within walking distance from Nagahama Station (a short stroll). Nearby attractions include Kurokabe Square, Kurokabe Glass Museum, and a supermarket (located on the first floor of the east exit). Around the hotel, you can visit Nagahama History Museum, Keiun-kan, Toyokuni Park, and more. It’s also about a ten-minute walk to Nagahama Port, where you can take a ferry to Chikubu Island, a designated National Historic Site and Scenic Spot. Round-trip ferry tickets from Nagahama Port currently cost around 3,600 yen, allowing for a one-and-a-half-hour stay on the island. There’s also a route departing from Nagahama Port to Chikubu Island and then to Imazu Port.