HOTEL KOU Otsu Hyakucho

I have stayed at Hotels across the whole country, but this stay was truly memorable.What impressed me first was the hospitality of the staff. It wasn’t a formal, scripted service—each person conveyed a genuine warmth that made it clear they truly love this town and this Accommodation, and I felt comfortable throughout my stay.For dinner, we went to a restaurant called “Nao,” which the Hotel recommended, and it was absolutely the right choice. It wasn’t aimed at tourists; it let us experience local charm, and it allowed us to enjoy not only our stay but also the city of Otsu itself. I think this is a unique value that comes from a Hotel that treasures its connection with the community.In the past, I also stayed with a large group at Matsumoto Jujo, another property in the Jiyujin Hotels group (I organized that trip). Matsumoto Jujo was highly satisfying as well, but personally, HOTEL Ko Otsu Hyakucho left an even stronger impression.The reason is the space and hospitality created by making use of traditional townhouses designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Rather than simply staying at a Hotel, it felt like living in the town for a while. While preserving the character of these historic buildings, comfort is fully ensured, creating a distinctive sense of calm. It offered an appeal you can’t get from large-scale Hotels or luxury Ryokan.If you’re looking not for flashy services or extravagant Facility features but to enjoy local culture, streetscapes, and encounters with people, I highly recommend this Accommodation. It was one of those rare Hotels where staying there becomes part of the purpose of your trip.

The coffee and snacks in the lounge were very relaxing and enjoyable. What I especially loved was the machiya walking tour the next day. The guide explained everything about the machiya in great detail and also introduced some long-established local shops. It really made me appreciate how rich and fascinating Otsu is. I’m truly grateful, and I would love to come back for the Otsu Festival in October as well. I’d like to thank our guide personally—I wish I had asked for a business card. Thank you very much.