Hostels in Ōtsu

Book a private room or dorm bed for the cheapest price in Ōtsu

Compare Ōtsu hostel deals across hundreds of providers, all in one place

Look out for hostels with free cancellation, breakfast, local tours and more

Trusted Ōtsu hostel providers

See all hostels in Ōtsu

Filter by:

Amenities

Parking Spa Pool Kitchen Fitness centre Room service Wi-Fi Pets allowed

Best for

Couples Family Solo travellers Business trips

Accommodation Type

Apartment Resort Guest house Holiday rentals

View by

Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.

Top rated by travellers	Youth Hostel WANIHAMA-Lakeside Biwa, $92
Cheapest bed found	Youth Hostel WANIHAMA-Lakeside Biwa, $92

Why choose a hostel in Ōtsu?

It’s budget-friendly

Hostels in Ōtsu are a fraction of the price of hotels – as little as $92 ‌per night. Why not save on accommodation, so you can spend more on the things in Ōtsu that really matter — like delicious food and sightseeing? Most hostels have kitchens and laundry rooms too, so you can cook meals and wash clothes for yourself just like you do at home.

It’s flexible

In some of the larger hostels in Ōtsu you can book one night at very short notice, or decide to extend via the hostel’s reception desk if you’ve fallen in love with Ōtsu. It’s not uncommon for some backpackers to live in hostels for months.

You’ll make friends

Solo travellers opt for cheap hostels in Ōtsu so they can make friends to party or explore with. Spend an hour or two in a dorm room, hostel bar, or common area. You’ll get the kind of tips and advice you’d never find in a private apartment or hotel. There could also even be pub crawls, communal dinners and special organised events!

You’ll immerse yourself in Ōtsu

You’re never going to find out where to get the cheapest beer in town if you’re sat on your own in your hotel room. Hostels give you the chance to exchange tips and advice about Ōtsu with other travellers. Some hostels in Ōtsu even offer free guide books and walking tours, and the staff are more forthright with local tips, too.

You can kick back

Hostels are relaxed places, and often feel much more comfortable than hotels. You can kick back on the sofa all day with new friends and cook and eat your own meals communally. A true home away from home!

Why choose a hostel in Ōtsu?

Ōtsu rewards travellers who want something quieter than the major tourist hubs nearby. Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, sits right at the city's edge and shapes daily life here. The ancient temple Miidera, also known as Onjō-ji, has stood in Ōtsu for centuries and remains one of the city's most visited landmarks. Hostels in Ōtsu give you a practical, affordable base for exploring all of it.

Hostels here suit solo travellers and those on a budget, but private rooms make them a solid choice for couples too. Shared dorms cost significantly less than hotel rooms, and you get communal spaces that private rentals simply don't offer. Those social areas are where local tips get exchanged and travel plans take shape. Hotels charge more for less connection, and private rentals rarely include that kind of built-in community.

How to find the best hostel deals in Ōtsu

Our search engine is a genius at tracking down flight deals. The good news? It's just as talented at tracking down bargains on hostels. These tips will help you spend less on your next stay.

Book in advance

Planning ahead can make a real difference when booking budget hostels in Ōtsu. You'll typically get a wider selection and a better chance of cheaper rates, especially when demand is higher.

…or bag a last-minute Ōtsu hostel deal.

Last-minute booking can be hit or miss, but it can pay off. Some places cut their rates ahead of check-in to attract bookings, especially when it's quieter.

Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates

Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible with your dates. Try different months or seasons, or book during the week instead of weekends to keep costs down.

Where to base yourself in Ōtsu

For travellers exploring the best hostels in Ōtsu, the area around Ōtsu Station is a good starting point. JR trains connect you to Kyoto in roughly 10 minutes. The waterfront along Lake Biwa's southern edge is close, and Miidera temple is nearby. A handful of casual restaurants around the station keep meal costs down. Further south, the Ishiyamadera area moves at a slower pace. The Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line runs through here, giving you a straightforward ride back into central Ōtsu. Ishiyama-dera temple sits at the end of the line, set beside the Seta River. It's a good spot if you prefer somewhere quieter and don't mind a short commute into town. Where you stay comes down to how you like to move through a city.

Best hostels in Ōtsu

Hostel ratings on Skyscanner come from real traveller reviews, covering areas like cleanliness and service to overall experience and facilities. Whether you're keeping travel costs to a minimum or want something a little more comfortable, these scores help you compare options and find a place that works for you.

Best all-rounder hostels

SHIN Kyoto has attracted its fair share of positive reviews. From its cleanliness and location to its service, this stay delivers on what matters most.

Hostel Niniroom is another option worth checking out. It scores high ratings for its service, cleanliness and location.

Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness

If a clean and comfortable hostel is a priority, SHIN Kyoto delivers. Guests give it top marks for cleanliness, with amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Well-presented rooms and tidy shared areas also come as standard at Ryokan Hostel Gion. Along with good ratings for cleanliness, it offers a laundry and a lift.

Hostels with the best customer service

When it comes to customer service, SHIN Kyoto is one of the highest-rated hostels in Ōtsu. This stay comes with heating and a lounge.

Hostel Niniroom is also known for its customer service, with travellers mentioning the staff for going above and beyond. Heating and a bar are a couple of the amenities here.

Centrally located hostels

Location is where SHIN Kyoto really earns its reputation, according to the guests who've been there. You'll have everything you need, including security services and air conditioning.

Or check out Rinn Hostel Miyagawacho. This well-located stay features Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Finding cheap hotels in Ōtsu: FAQs

When is it cheapest to book a hostel in Ōtsu?

According to our pricing calendar data, you can bag the cheapest bed in June.

Do I have to be a backpacker to stay in a hostel?

No! Hostels are a great option for anyone looking for a budget stay. These days, hostels in Ōtsu are full of digital nomads and holidaymakers of all ages.

Can adults stay in hostels?

Yes. Party hostels and youth hostels with 20-person dorms do still exist in most cities, but so do ultra-modern boutique hostels with plenty of private rooms, cosy bars, and even swimming pools. These kinds of hostels are popular with solo travellers over 30.

How safe are hostels in Ōtsu?

Since you’ll be surrounded by other likeminded travellers, hostels are always the safest (and most sociable!) places to stay in Ōtsu. You’ll meet new friends to go out with, share tips and advice on how to get around and find out if there are any unsafe places to avoid.

Most major Ōtsu hostels even have female-only dorms. And if you’re worried about your belongings, don’t be — you can lock them away in a padlocked locker or safe while you’re out exploring.

Are hostels in Ōtsu cheaper than hotels and other accommodation?

Yes! Hostels in Ōtsu generally tend to be the most budget-friendly option in Ōtsu. Not only can you bag a bed for as little as $92 per night, you can cook your own food in the hostel kitchen.