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Holiday houses in Otsu

Find and book unique accommodation on Airbnb

Quick stats about holiday rentals in Otsu

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 200 holiday rentals in Otsu

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Otsu holiday rentals start at $34 NZD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 8,110 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    100 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 10 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    90 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    180 of Otsu holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi and Pool across Otsu rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Otsu stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

  • Nearby attractions

    Otsu's top spots, include Daigo-ji Temple, Jakko-in Temple, and Otsu Station

Top-rated holiday rentals in Otsu

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Top Guest favourite
A clean and spacious living area features a comfortable, curved brown sofa and a low black coffee table. Natural light flows in through large windows, illuminating the green carpet. Adjacent, a cozy sleeping space is visible with shoji screens that allow for a serene atmosphere.
Home in Otsu
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

9 minutes from Kyoto Station / Parking for up to 10 people / Accommodation tax exemption / 4 bedrooms / 5 minutes on foot from the station / Children welcome / Large detached house / Barrier-free

Why not deepen your connection with your loved ones at a quiet, barrier-free accommodation in a single-family home selected from the top 1%? 5 mins walk to JR Otsu station. 10 minutes from Otsu Station to JR Kyoto Station, and about 40 minutes to JR Osaka Station. A 2-minute walk from Keihan Kamisaka Station, with excellent access to Kyoto Sanjo and the shores of Lake Biwa. Free parking available on site. The interior is clean, there are few steps, and there are many handrails, so you can feel at ease.Even 10 people can relax.Babies welcome😄 Access to Kyoto and Osaka is also convenient, and as a representative of Lake Biwa, there are historic buildings such as Hikone Castle, Lake Biwa Valley, marine sports, cycling, Ishiyama-dera Temple, and many other tourist resources such as autumn leaves, and you can feel the appearance of Japan in all seasons.❗️ I love this area. There are many restaurants, major coffee shops, convenience stores, and supermarkets around JR Otsu Station, making it convenient.😊 We have a lot of amenities, including towels and coffee.😊 As a business, I use English to convey the charm of Japan and abroad to parents and children throughout Japan, and develop children who can think of from a global perspective. We hope to be able to help you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Guest favourite
A cozy living area features a leather sofa paired with contrasting accent pillows. A wooden coffee table sits in the center, adorned with decorative dishes. Stylish armchairs provide additional seating, while a chandelier and wall decor complete the warm atmosphere.
Home in Otsu
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews

14min Kyoto ST lake side house 京瑠璃

Kyoryu is a completely private accommodation limited to one group per day, renovated from a traditional Japanese house. It can accommodate up to 4 people in a 2LDK (65 ㎡) with 2 Japanese-style rooms and a living and dining room. It is perfect for family vacations and stays with friends, with a bathroom and kitchen with the latest equipment. The facility is conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Karasaki Shrine, one of the eight scenic spots of Lake Biwa, and a 10-minute walk from JR Karasaki Station. Kyoto Station is about 15 minutes by train, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Kyoto. There are convenience stores and restaurants within walking distance, and you can enjoy local gourmet such as Omi beef yakiniku and Tsuruksi soba. It also has good access to Okuhoten Hot Spring, the largest hot spring facility in Kansai. Enjoy a special time in a space that combines Japanese elegance and the latest amenities, in a renovated Machiya Townhouse that is over 50 years old. Enjoy a peaceful stay in a private space limited to one group per day, while taking in the quiet environment and historic scenery of the ancient capital. Cancellation policy Cancellations and rescheduling are not eligible for a refund, so please make a reservation after confirming your schedule.

Guest favourite
An open living and dining area features a large window showcasing a view of the lake. A modern dining table is surrounded by comfortable chairs, and a chandelier adds subtle elegance. Seasonal decorations can be seen in the foreground, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.
Home in Otsu
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 66 reviews

Cozy Lake View House Near Kyoto / 家族に人気・無料駐車場

Welcome to a private modern Japanese space with panoramic views of Lake Biwa! This is a rare house along Lake Biwa, and you can rent the entire 2nd and 3rd floors. The location is also excellent, with Branches Otsukey, Starbucks, ramen shops, and MEGA Don Quijote within walking distance, making it the best place to stay for everyday convenience. Property Features: Private space: You can use the entire 2nd and 3rd floors of a 3-story building. The first floor is the owner's exclusive management area, but there is a separate entrance, so privacy is assured. 2nd floor: Spacious living and dining room with bathroom. There are bathrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. 3rd floor: There are 2 Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere that is different from the modern space on the 2nd floor. We offer futon bedding for an authentic Japanese experience. Other points: Relaxing environment: There is a main road in front of the house, so you can hear the sound of cars, but there are few houses around, so you can spend time with children without worrying. Convenient location: There are plenty of shopping and dining facilities nearby. Experience a relaxing stay in a Japanese space with a beautiful view of Lake Biwa.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Otsu
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

3 stations, 13 minutes from Kyoto Station. A unique inn where you can enjoy jazz and travel like a local

Kyoto Life Zone, Japan's Freshwater Lakefront Quiet Town for Sightseeing and Music 🎼! It is in a convenient location just 3 stops away from Kyoto Station (about 13 minutes by train), but it is not crowded, so you can avoid the crowds and have a quiet stay.Easy access to major tourist attractions in Osaka, Kyoto, and Shiga (Fushimi Inari 35 mins / Uji 45 mins / Gion 40 mins / Osaka 46 mins, etc.).Enrakuji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, Omi Jingu Shrine, and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine are also nearby, and you can enjoy Japanese cultural heritage such as Karasaki Shrine and Sakamoto Castle Ruins, which are within walking distance, while strolling along the lake shore. The adjoining jazz bar and live space is equipped with a great sound system and a stage.Currently, we hold jazz live performances roughly once a month (on weekend afternoons), and the jazz bar is only open on weekend evenings (for about 3 hours from 6 pm to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays), so please be aware of the noise from the music playing in the bar during those times.For weekend bookings, live music is free, and one drink is free during jazz bar hours. There are also drug stores and delicious restaurants near the inn, so it's convenient for shopping and eating.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Otsu
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews

Direct access to Kyoto Station in 9 minutes | Direct access to Shin-Osaka and Kobe | Entire modern building | Near the station | Accommodates up to 11 people | Ideal base for sightseeing in Kansai | Close to Lake Biwa

A fully renovated private rental accommodation in 2026. You can stay as if you were living in a calm space. It can accommodate up to 11 people, but we also have a baby cot available. The capacity of 11 people is for families with children or families who share beds. There are two toilets and two bathrooms. For groups of adults only, up to 7-8 people can stay comfortably. The nearest station, Otsu Station, is a 6-minute walk away. It has great access, with a direct train to Kyoto Station in 9 minutes, a direct train to Shin-Osaka Station in about 34 minutes, and a direct train to Kobe in about 60 minutes!️ There is also a one-stop transfer via Kyoto Station from Tokyo Station and Kansai Airport. There are restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, and tourist information centers around the station. The convenience store is a 4-minute walk from the accommodation, and the supermarket is a 6-minute walk. The area is not crowded, and you can enjoy a quiet stay ☺️ Fully equipped kitchen. It is a calm space with a Japanese style, with a projector installed in the living room. After sightseeing, please relax on the shores of Lake Biwa.

Guest favourite
Home in Otsu
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 17 reviews

Japanese Garden/Old Private House/Japanese House/Kyoto/Shiga/Lake Biwa/Free Parking for 2 Vehicles/Up to 6 People/Experience Traditional Japanese Living

■ Rent an entire traditional Japanese house with a view of a Japanese garden designed by a famous Kyoto gardener, where you can enjoy the changing seasons.  Please forget the noise of the city and spend a moment immersed in the quiet. ■ Located on high ground with good ventilation, you will feel about 5°C cooler than in central Kyoto. ■ There is also an artificial turf garden, and pets are allowed to stay, so please use it for trips with your dog. ■ Families with children are also very welcome.We also provide children's tableware, aprons, and cribs.Please let us know if you are using a crib. ■ We have four single futons and one double futon, so a maximum of six people can stay. ■ There are two parking spaces.Parking is available right in front of the inn, so you can use it free of charge even if you come with two cars. ■ Please relax with your family and friends in a traditional Japanese kominka house.This is a traditional Japanese house, so you may notice some sand falling from the walls or a bit of creaking. However, I hope you can appreciate the beauty of old Japanese architecture and culture.

Guest favourite
Home in Otsu
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews

10 minutes from Kyoto Station | 5-minute walk from Zenjō Station | Ideal for families and groups | Entire building available for rent, including Japanese-style rooms | Accommodates up to 6 people

[Direct access to Kyoto Station in 3 stops, about 10 minutes | Private rental] 3 stops or 11 minutes to Kyoto Station, and about 45 minutes to Osaka Station. It is a 10-minute drive to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, and is conveniently located for sightseeing. Convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies are also within a 5-minute walk. Access from Tokyo and Kansai Airports is also good via the Shinkansen and Kyoto. You can spend time quietly and leisurely, as if you were living there A designer old Japanese house. You can enjoy a moment where you forget about everyday life in a calm, modern Japanese space. Equipped with high-speed WiFi, so you can also work during your stay. There is a dresser, which is a nice feature for women. You can have a comfortable stay in a wide range of situations, such as family, friends, or couples trips.

Superhost
The entrance area features a traditional wooden table surrounded by seating on tatami mats. Soft light filters through the shoji screens, creating a welcoming atmosphere. A large emblem is prominently displayed, contributing to the space's character and charm.
Hut in Otsu
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 183 reviews

Lake Biwa View Old Private House 30 minutes from Kyoto Station SUGIE

Sugie is a simple lodging (licensed as a hotel) in a spacious old house surrounded by the beautiful Lake Biwa Canal, a Meiji-era legacy, and is conveniently located 30 minutes from Kyoto Station and 35 minutes from Keihan Sanjo. My grandparents were wealthy merchants who used the above-mentioned Soso (inclined canal) to transport white sand, gravel, granite for gate pillars, etc. to the shrines and temples of Kyoto in wooden boats from the early Showa period. They built a torii gate and shrine in the garden of the house and worshiped Inari to prosper in business. There are many old and rare items such as a large water house (dish rack), a long brazier, and a lantern with a family crest.

Top Guest favourite
A green wooden gate is set in front of a stone wall, surrounded by flowering azaleas in shades of pink and white. The entrance is accessible via a short set of brick steps, providing an inviting touch to the landscape.
Home in Otsu
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 261 reviews

Azalea House on Mt. Hiei, Kyoto

Azalea House is on the slope of Mt. Hiei, a world-heritage. To get there, drive 20 min. from Kyoto-Higashi exit on Meishin. Or ride the bus 30 min. from downtown Kyoto or 20 min. from JR Otsukyo Sta. and get off before Hieidaira convenience store. The host will meet you there. Bus service drastically reduced since Covid-19. Free parking space. Easy access to both Kyoto and Lake Biwa. Rich in nature. Completely detached, full privacy, handy & cozy like home. Self-cooking is available.

Top Guest favourite
A serene room features large windows with a view of the Kamo river. Tatami mats cover the floor, complemented by a low wooden table and two cushions. Natural light fills the space, highlighting traditional wood paneling and shoji screens.
Townhouse in Shimogyo-ku
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviews

K's Villa Kamogawa - Excellent River View

K's Villa Kamogawa-an is an authentic Kyoto style wooden house located right beside the Kamo river only 3 mins walk from Shichijo station. Maximum 7 guests, Suitable for 2 - 5 guests Please ensure you select the correct number of guests when booking <Important> Please come to K's Villa Office (K's House Kyoto) to CHECK-IN before 20:30pm. ※Please do NOT go to K's Villa directly. ・If you arrive before 16:00, we can keep your luggage at K' s Villa Office(K's House Kyoto) anytime after 9:00am.

Top Guest favourite
Townhouse in Otsu
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 34 reviews

Max8guests Near Station / Kyoto /Biwako/Machiya

Enjoy a fully renovated 100-year-old traditional townhouse that combines historic charm with modern comfort. Keihan Kami-Sakaemachi Station is right in front of the property, providing easy access to Kyoto Sanjo and Lake Biwa. JR Otsu Station is an 8-minute walk away. Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara can be reached in about 9, 39, and 55 minutes by train. The peaceful surroundings are ideal for guests who want to stay like a local. From the second-floor window, you can watch trains pass by nearby.

Top Guest favourite
A tatami room with wooden beams features a low table at the center. Green floor cushions are placed around the table, and a round paper lamp hangs from the ceiling. A sliding door leads to a small balcony, allowing natural light to enter the space.
Townhouse in Otsu
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 57 reviews

Cozy Japanese Home | 11 min to Kyoto

Welcome to Hotori, a nostalgic Japanese grandma’s home. Experience everyday Japanese life in a warm, quiet traditional house. Local stay near Kyoto. Access: 11 minutes (3 stops) to JR Kyoto Station by train 20–30 minutes to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and Toji Temple 47 minutes to JR Osaka Station Station: 7-minute walk from JR Zeze Station Nearby (all within walking distance): Drugstore with groceries – 2 min Coin parking – 4 min Local bathhouse – 3 min Convenience store – 5 min

Popular amenities for Otsu holiday rentals

When is the best time to visit Otsu?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Avg. price$180 NZD$163 NZD$191 NZD$184 NZD$184 NZD$170 NZD$232 NZD$255 NZD$204 NZD$203 NZD$197 NZD$184 NZD
Avg. temp6°C7°C10°C15°C20°C24°C28°C30°C26°C20°C14°C9°C

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best places to stay in Otsu?

    Stay near Lake Biwa for easy access to waterside paths and outdoor recreation, or explore traditional areas for historic charm and proximity to cultural sites. Family-friendly neighborhoods offer parks and markets.

  • What are the best things to do in Otsu with kids?

    Try lakeside parks for outdoor play, take boat rides on Lake Biwa, and visit interactive exhibits at local museums. Community playgrounds, seasonal festivals, and garden walks are also popular choices for families.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Otsu?

    Explore Lake Biwa, wander historic streets near shrines like Ishiyama-dera, and stroll gardens around Miidera Temple. Otsu frequently suggests lakeside picnics, visits to museums, and sampling local cuisine.

  • How is the weather in Otsu?

    Otsu has cool winters from 37–49°F (3–10°C), warming to 61–77°F (16–25°C) in spring, and reaching 78–93°F (26–34°C) during summer. Rainfall is higher from late spring through early autumn, so packing a light rain jacket is useful.

  • When is the best time to visit Otsu?

    Late spring and early autumn are often recommended for comfortable temperatures, blooming flowers, and seasonal events. Summer brings warmer weather, with outdoor activities and lakeside festivals.

  • What are the best places to visit in Otsu?

    Many visitors explore Lake Biwa, Miidera Temple, and Ishiyama-dera, known for their cultural significance. Seasonal festivals, garden strolls, and historic neighborhoods are also frequently suggested.

  • What are some hiking trails in Otsu?

    Otsu has hiking paths around Mount Hiei, forested routes near shrines like Ishiyama-dera, and lakeside trails along Lake Biwa. These areas mix moderate climbs with scenic views and access to temples.

  • What are some family activities we can do in Otsu?

    Families can explore Lake Biwa’s parks, visit local museums, and enjoy boat rides. The city has gardens, outdoor play areas, and cultural sites that often appeal to travelers of all ages.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas from Otsu?

    Day trips often include visits to Kyoto’s temples, exploring regional castles, or hiking Mount Hiei. Travelers also enjoy excursions to neighboring towns with historic streets and local craft markets.

  • Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in Otsu?

    Some accommodations in Otsu welcome pets, especially around Lake Biwa and residential neighborhoods. Parks and outdoor spaces make it easy for travelers with pets to enjoy lakeside walks.

  • What are some local tips for visiting Otsu?

    Carry cash for small shops and markets, and check local guides for boat schedules or festivals. Many travelers enjoy relaxing at tea houses or walking around lakeside parks in the early morning or evening.

  • What is Otsu known for?

    Otsu is known for its scenic waterfront along Lake Biwa, historic shrines, and traditional neighborhoods. Many visitors explore the area’s cultural landmarks, parks, and regional food markets.

  • What are the best hidden gems to explore in Otsu?

    Travelers often find tranquil spots in lesser-known gardens, traditional tea houses, and quiet lakeside neighborhoods. Historical temples tucked among residential streets also invite peaceful exploration.

  • What are the best foods to try in Otsu?

    Local specialties include ayu sweetfish from Lake Biwa, shiga-style soba, and traditional wagashi sweets. Many restaurants feature seasonal seafood, regional produce, and dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

  • What should I bring for a trip to Otsu?

    Bring comfortable walking shoes for lakeside paths and historic streets, a lightweight jacket for changing weather, and a reusable water bottle. Between June and September, pack for warmer temperatures and possible rain.

  • What is the nightlife in Otsu like?

    Otsu has a relaxed nightlife with izakaya taverns, casual cafés, and lakeside dining spots. You may also find live music events and community gatherings in popular neighborhoods around Lake Biwa.

  • What are the most popular events or festivals in Otsu?

    Otsu frequently suggests summer festivals near Lake Biwa, traditional processions in historic neighborhoods, and firework displays around seasonal holidays. The Otsu Matsuri is one of the city’s most popular annual celebrations.

  • Are there family friendly vacation rentals in Otsu?

    Many vacation rentals in Otsu accommodate families, especially near Lake Biwa and traditional neighborhoods. You can find places close to parks, cultural sites, and local markets.