Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho, a Member of Design Hotels™ Kyoto
Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho is a small, design-focused property spread across seven restored 100-year-old machiya townhouses in Otsu, Shiga, one train stop from Kyoto Station. It offers a decentralized “town as hotel” experience with Scandinavian-inflected interiors and access to Lake Biwa.
Bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points. Award pricing varies by date and category, so we link straight to the official Marriott Bonvoy award chart for current rates rather than publishing a number that can go stale. Cash rates below are our own observed rack rates, not what the program charges in points.
“Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho is a small, design-focused property spread across seven restored 100-year-old machiya townhouses in Otsu, Shiga, one train stop from Kyoto Station. It offers a decentralized “town as hotel” experience with Scandinavian-inflected interiors and access to Lake Biwa.”
What makes Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho, a Member of Design Hotels™ worth the points.
The hotel comprises 13 rooms across historic buildings along the Old Tokaido Road in Otsu. Traditional Japanese elements such as tatami and courtyards are preserved alongside modern Scandinavian design touches in the reconstructed townhouses. Guests can choose whole-building rentals or individual rooms, with some featuring kitchens or kitchenettes. On-site dining centers on the Ohmiya restaurant, which serves breakfast including unagi chazuke, while the concept encourages meals at neighborhood eateries along the local shopping street. The property sits a 10-minute walk from Lake Biwa and a 7-minute walk from JR Otsu Station, placing it about nine minutes by train from Kyoto Station. As a Member of Design Hotels and part of Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and a lounge area within a serene residential setting that emphasizes local immersion over centralized hotel facilities.
When to go.
Kyoto is strongest in April and November because tourism guidance highlights cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in mid-to-late November, while climate sources describe these shoulder-season months as generally mild and drier than the rainy, humid summer period.
Kyoto enters the rainy season in June and early July, then has hot, humid summer weather through August and a higher typhoon-season risk in September, which can make travel less comfortable and more disruptive.
A few more timing notes.
- · No shuttle service is provided.
- · No pool or formal spa facilities are available.
- · Daily housekeeping is included with all non-smoking rooms.
Tours & activities in Kyoto.
Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House
Become truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture as you and your party members will enjoy the entire 300-year old historic property to yourselves. We serve organic matcha locally sourced from Kyoto, Uji in a traditional tea room. Enter into this space separate from the rush of life and truly experience the serenity of tea ceremony. Adorn an authentic silk wedding Kimono or wield a Samurai Katana to commemorate your visit to Kyoto! You are welcome to take photos during your visit. You can even bring the experience home with you as we offer a large array of Matcha Chawan (Matcha Tea Bowl) and authentic silk Kimono for purchase. An experience like no other being the only Samurai house in Kyoto with such offerings. We are able to offer this traditional space and still be very conveniently located only an 8 minute walk from Kyoto station, making this experience a seamless addition to your time in Kyoto.
5.0 ★ on Viator · 187 reviewsFrom $101
Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)
The Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience is designed to go to the heart of that "something deeper". While occupying 3 temples of the Nanzen-ji Monastery, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art. As you will undoubtly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are here, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience in Kyoto one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.
5.0 ★ on Viator · 131 reviewsFrom $380
Private car tour in Kyoto (up to 4)
Hi I'm Kosuke Let me show you around my home town. Feel free to contact me and let me know dates and places of your interest. Please book me two days at least if you really want to enjoy Kyoto! Thank you very much
5.0 ★ on Viator · 129 reviewsFrom $283
Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor
Myokaku-ji Temple, a historic main temple of the Nichiren sect once visited by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, provides the majestic setting where GOAT Trip offers a truly unique samurai experience. Within its majestic grounds, learn authentic samurai sword fighting directly from an active samurai actor. Practice real sword techniques and be filmed by a professional actor, becoming the star of your own period drama. Even if you’re a bit shy or don’t usually like being in the spotlight, this experience welcomes you with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history while acting out a scene from a movie. Create unforgettable memories in Kyoto with this one-of-a-kind samurai experience.
5.0 ★ on Viator · 126 reviewsFrom $125
Near Fushimiinari: Kyoto Home Cooking Class & Supermarket tour
Our cooking lessons are held in an authentic Japanese style house. You will experience the feeling of being invited over for lunch by a friend in Japanese culture. This is a great opportunity for all tourists coming to Japan. Our group lessons have a maximum of 6 people. Our instructors are all very friendly and want you to have a memorable time with us. Even if you came alone, you would have a great time. After finishing lunch, all the participants will go and explore a local supermarket with our instructors. Together we will help you find all the ingredients we used in the lesson. We will introduce you to some of basic Japanese seasonings and some great tips on preparing some Japanese dishes. You will get all the recipes of the dishes . You will be able to make some great Japanese dishes for your family back home. Note for Private Booking: For a private group of more than 5 people, simply book a standard group class and send us a message to request a private session.
5.0 ★ on Viator · 110 reviewsFrom $119
Kyoto Gion Walk with Local: Culture & Geisha World
This is not a typical walk through Gion. Instead of simply passing through Kyoto’s most famous district, this experience helps you understand what most visitors are actually looking at, but rarely notice. Led by a local guide who has lived in Japan for over ten years, this walk is shaped by daily life, storytelling, and a genuine passion for Kyoto’s culture. As we move through Gion at a relaxed pace, with time for photos and questions, you will gain a clear understanding of how the world of geisha truly functions, their arts, traditions, and the rules that shape their daily lives. Rather than focusing on chasing geisha sightings, this experience gives you the context to understand the atmosphere, the behavior, and the meaning behind what you see around you. Gion can be busy, but once you understand what you are looking at, the experience becomes completely different. By the end of the walk, you will not just have seen Gion, you will understand it.
5.0 ★ on Viator · 106 reviewsFrom $22
Tours and activities via Viator. Prices shown are live from Viator at page load. We may earn a commission if you book — hotel-booking commission policy unchanged.
What people ask about Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho, a Member of Design Hotels™.
- // editorial last reviewed 2026-06-30
- // award pricing: see official Marriott Bonvoy award chart
- // source: www.marriott.com
Cash rates are re-checked by hand; live award pricing comes straight from the program rather than a number we publish here — see methodology.