J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse

Peaceful away from city area and place. I chose the bed with the view of the lake, and I highly enjoyed my stay. The kitchen and showers were always clean, even with the amount of guests using it. I caught the train 4 stops away to the closest supermarket and stocked up for the week, but also went on walks from the hostel and got lunch out. They also have food and supplies at reception to buy if only staying a few nights. I rented a SUP from place across the road, even in low season and had a lot of fun!!! Things to do around the area when it's sunny, when it's raining it's nice to sit inside the hostel as well

Perfect escape from the summer heat in Japan. Hiking in the mountains, swimming in the lake, relaxing in the hot bath after a long day, meeting interesting people in the cozy common cafe-like room, hopping on a bike they offer to rent - all great. In winter apparently there's also a ski resort nearby. Would love to come back.

Caveat - I stayed off-peak and paid for a single room but was given a double tatami room, so I was very satisfied. The room was simple, very clean, and with access to a balcony so I could dry my swimwear. The hostel was very quiet at night. I appreciated that the shoji screens had blackout curtains behind them so I wasn't woken by the sun at 5 a.m.! The kitchen was probably the cleanest hostel kitchen I have ever seen! The staff seem to be constantly cleaning the whole place. The 12 p.m. check-out was great as I could relax in the morning. The shared bath was modern with shower gel and shampoo provided. The toilets were very clean although the sinks in the room did not have soap so I had to go across the corridor and wash my hands at other sinks which did have soap - a bit weird!

The place was well situated close to the beach, it was clean and quiet, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The bed berth in the shared room was spacious and good. The building had a nice balcony from which one could enjoy looking at the stars in the night. One could also rent a bike to explore the environment and near-by beaches, and there was a nice Hawaiian restaurant next door that served good breakfast. The bathroom and toilets were exceptional and new, I especially enjoyed the big bath (which I happened to have just for myself) - the white colour was very calming after the day's bustle.

This hostel has a lot going for it - great location with views of the lake, nice shared kitchen/dining room area, nice shared bath and showers (recently remodeled), and vending machines.