Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Ryokan

The staff were very helpful and lovely and the open air bath and view was gorgeous

Love that this ryokan had halal meal options! The entire place is gorgeous with a beautiful view of Lake Biwa. Easy to get to (they have a shuttle bus from the train station). If you have a private onsen, just know that the shower is also outside. No other options, unless you use the public bath.

This was an awesome semi traditional ryokan experience. I will drop me style room was exactly what we were looking for to break up other more western hotels stays. We booked breakfast but not dinner as we wanted to explore the local areas as well. Breakfast was a traditional Japanese breakfast and as I asked in advance for a vegetarian version they accommodated extremely well and we thoroughly enjoyed a hearty breakfast. While the property itself is a little rundown, the service was amazing, the room was spotless, and the private hot tub was an added luxury. They also had a shuttle bus to and from the station on command, which proved extremely helpful & professional. The one negative was that you had to pay an onsen tax on site at checkin separate to the bill already paid. I thought this was quite cheeky given that it’s an onsen hotel and that’s the whole point of coming… there is also no choice - whether you use it or not, you have to pay the tax (only small but principly we were a bit miffed). Also note that if you have tattoos, you can only use the public bath if you have tattoo coverings. I strongly suggest you purchase these from somewhere else instead of purchasing them at the gift centre as they only have one size and one colour.

The host was very kind and welcoming. The room was clean and comfortable.