You no longer need to stay overnight to enjoy a private sauna and a barbecue by Lake Biwa. IZA Omi-Maiko, a rental villa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, has launched limited-time day-use plans, available on weekdays only. It is run by “IZA SAUNA & RESORT”, a brand of villas with private saunas.
The plan answers requests from guests who want to enjoy IZA’s facilities alongside sightseeing. It should also make day trips from Osaka or Kyoto easier.
A private villa 2 minutes’ walk from Lake Biwa, limited to two groups a day
IZA Omi-Maiko is a private villa about a 2-minute walk from Lake Biwa. It has two buildings, “Nagi” and “Nami”, and takes only two groups a day. Each has a private sauna, a jacuzzi and BBQ equipment on its own terrace.
“Nagi” is recognizable by its A-frame roof and barrel sauna. “Nami” has a blue, boxy exterior and a car-type sauna. The two feel different, so compare them on their booking pages.
Two plans: “Full Enjoyment” or “Sauna”
There is a 4-hour “Full Enjoyment Plan” for taking your time with both BBQ and sauna, and a 2-hour “Sauna Plan” focused on the sauna.
- Full Enjoyment Plan: (1) 10:00–14:00 or (2) 16:00–20:00. ¥20,000 (tax included) for 4 hours. One flat price for up to 4 people; ¥3,000 (tax included) extra per person from the fifth
- Sauna Plan: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–15:00 / 16:00–18:00 / 19:00–21:00. ¥10,000 (tax included) for 2 hours. Up to 4 people
We like that there are late-afternoon slots, handy for after work.
BBQ and bonfire sets and rentals, at extra cost
BBQ food sets and a bonfire set are available, along with rentals such as swimwear and towels, so you can tailor the day to your group. Order a BBQ set and the BBQ grill is free to borrow.
The 2–3 serving set suits small groups, and the 5–6 serving set comes with a one-pound steak for a hearty meal. The operator plans to add more day-use facilities in turn.
Plan details
- Location: IZA Omi-Maiko (Otsu, Shiga Prefecture), about 2 minutes’ walk from Lake Biwa
- Availability: weekdays only, limited time
- Prices: Full Enjoyment Plan ¥20,000 (tax included) for 4 hours; Sauna Plan ¥10,000 (tax included) for 2 hours
- Options (tax included): BBQ grill ¥4,400; BBQ set (2–3 servings) ¥13,000; BBQ set (5–6 servings) ¥28,000; bonfire set ¥3,500; men’s swimwear ¥300; women’s swimwear ¥500; sauna poncho ¥800; bath towel ¥300; face towel ¥200
- Note: options cost extra. The BBQ grill is free with a BBQ set order
- Operator: LDK Project Co., Ltd. (IZA SAUNA & RESORT)
