Ogoto Onsen, Hot spring resort near Lake Biwa, Japan
Ogoto Onsen is a hot spring resort on the shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The springs feed open-air and indoor baths in several guesthouses scattered along the coast with views of the water.
A Buddhist monk discovered the springs in the late 8th century on his return from Mount Hiei. The area developed into a bathing resort in the early 20th century when the railway line connected Kyoto with the coast.
Visitors wear light cotton robes between baths and walk through the gardens of their accommodation in them. Evening meals follow the multi-course kaiseki style and are served in rooms where guests sit on tatami mats.
Shuttle buses run from the train station to the lodgings and operate mostly every hour during the day. Many establishments allow day visitors to use the baths for a fee without booking an overnight stay.
The water temperature stays equally warm throughout the year and reaches around 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) at the source. Some lodgings have private outdoor baths built directly over the lake that remain open during the night.
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