Overview
At Sugatani Onsen, you step into a ryokan with deep roots in Japan’s Sengoku period. The hot spring sits in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, near the historic Odani Castle area, and the water is said to have soothed Azai Nagamasa, his wife Oichi, and their warriors after battle. Today, you come here for source-flowing iron-rich water, local food from the Kohoku and Lake Biwa region, and a quiet stay surrounded by seasonal nature.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies and fresh green scenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy views in winter. This is a good choice when you want history, hot springs, and a slower countryside rhythm in one stay.
Accommodation
You can choose mainly Japanese-style rooms, with options ranging from a simple 12-tatami room to a larger two-room Japanese room, Japanese-Western special rooms, semi-open-air bath rooms, barrier-free rooms, and pet-friendly rooms. The standard Japanese room includes a wide sitting area and entry space, while the two-room Japanese room can be separated with sliding doors, making it useful when you want more space.
For a more private bathing feel, book the Japanese-style room with two beds and a semi-open-air bath. This room has a roofed bath area with a lattice door, so you can feel the breeze while you bathe. The bath in this room does not use hot spring water; it uses herbal bath water from Mt. Ibuki.
The Japanese-Western special rooms add low beds for easier rest. One twin-bed room includes an 8-tatami Japanese area, handrails at the entrance, and a massage chair. Another special room has a double bed with a 4.5-tatami Japanese area and step-free access from the lobby to the second-floor room.
Every room includes free Wi-Fi, TV, phone, kettle, refrigerator, hair dryer, slippers, safe, yukata, towels, toothbrush set, brush, tea set, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and soap.
If you travel with a pet, you can book a dedicated pet room. Dogs and cats can stay, including large dogs. Pet rooms include a 12-tatami Japanese room and semi-open-air bath room options. Pet equipment includes a cage, pet sheets, bucket, towels, lint roller, and pet wet wipes. Some pet plans also offer benefits such as a welcome dog treat, pet stay fee benefits, and one drink at dinner.
Dining
Dinner focuses on local flavor. You can enjoy ingredients from Shiga’s Kohoku region, Lake Biwa, local farms, and Omi Beef. The main dinner choices include kaiseki meals such as Chacha no Hana and Oichi no Mai, Omi Beef sukiyaki, Omi Beef shabu-shabu, and seasonal hot pots such as duck hot pot and boar hot pot.
You can also add special Omi Beef dishes, including A5-rank Omi Beef sirloin steak cooked on a ceramic plate, Omi Beef roast beef nigiri sushi, stewed Omi Beef hamburger steak, and Omi Beef udon.
Breakfast keeps the same local approach. You can start your morning with a Japanese set meal that may include warm tofu, grilled fish, dashimaki rolled omelet, and small local side dishes. The warm tofu is known for its rich soybean flavor and smooth texture.
Onsen and Wellness
The hot spring is the heart of Sugatani Onsen. The inn has two spring sources, with the main source described as a hydro-carbonate iron spring. The water rises clear, then turns reddish brown when the iron meets the air.
You can bathe in indoor and open-air baths for both men and women. The shared bathing hours are 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Cleaning takes place late at night and after the morning bathing time.
The spring water is associated with relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, stomach and intestinal issues, fatigue, and atopic dermatitis. As with any hot spring, treat these as traditional bathing benefits rather than medical treatment.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you cannot use the shared public baths. You should use the bath in your room instead. Please also note that rooms with semi-open-air baths do not use hot spring water; they use herbal bath water.
Facilities
Sugatani Onsen offers more than hot springs and meals. You can use the free Wi-Fi in your room and throughout the inn. There’s a spacious parking lot with room for up to 40 cars and a few large vehicles. No reservation is needed for parking.
Rooms for pets come with basic equipment like bedding, and you can ask the front desk about any special arrangements.
Activities
The area around Sugatani Onsen is full of historical and natural sites. You can visit the ruins of Odani Castle or explore the Nagahama Castle History Museum. Wander through Kurokabe Square or take in the view at Lake Yogo and Mt. Ibuki. During each season, you can also enjoy local events like the Nagahama Plum Bonsai Exhibition or the glowing lights of “HIKARIUM2025.”
Take your time exploring the walking trails, watch the fireflies in summer, or stroll through the autumn leaves. The ryokan’s location makes it easy to enjoy each season to the fullest.
Additional Features
- Free parking, no reservation required
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the inn
- Rooms for travelers with pets
- Seasonal event updates posted online
- Reservation assistance by phone from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Easy access by car or train
