Otsu City

Shiga
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Otsu City, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, is a city where history and nature harmonize brilliantly, having once been Japan's capital (Otsu-kyo). Home to the World Heritage site "Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei," it has flourished since ancient times as a gateway to sacred sites. Located at the southern tip of Lake Biwa, it offers extensive lake-based entertainment, such as the massive "Biwako Flower Fountain" and cruises on the sightseeing boat Michigan. Despite its excellent location just 10 minutes by train from Kyoto, you can luxuriously enjoy quiet temple tours, hot springs, and lakeside strolls, making it ideal for travelers wanting to experience both deep Japanese history and a modern resort feeling.

Otsu City

Favorite

Cultural Experience in Otsu

Cultural Experience in Otsu

Otsu City

Gastronomy Experience in Otsu

Gastronomy Experience in Otsu

Otsu City

Gourmet Experience in Otsu

Gourmet Experience in Otsu

Otsu City

【滋賀県公式観光PR動画】シガリズム大津エリア

【滋賀県公式観光PR動画】シガリズム大津エリア

Biwako Visitors Bureau

＃ Enjoy Otsu ～大津に恋して、びわ湖に恋して。～

＃ Enjoy Otsu ～大津に恋して、びわ湖に恋して。～

Biwako Otsu Tourism Association

Hello Otsu （Otsu Tourism Promotional Video)

Hello Otsu （Otsu Tourism Promotional Video)

Biwako Otsu Tourism Association

Timeless Journey in Otsu

Timeless Journey in Otsu

Biwako Visitors Bureau

Otsu City

Address: Inside Civic Cultural Hall, 2-3 Goryo-cho, Otsu-shi, Shiga
Website: https://otsu.or.jp/
Operator: Biwako Otsu Tourism Association

Otsu City Spots List

Lake Biwa Canal
Lake Biwa Great Fireworks
Ogoto Onsen
Ogoto
Mt. Hiei
Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido
Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei
Ichiewado
Ishiyama-dera Temple
Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera)
BOAT RACE BIWAKO
Biwako Hall
Biwako Valley
Restaurant Matsukiya
Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal

The "Lake Biwa Canal" (Biwako Sosui) is a magnificent canal constructed during the Meiji era to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, serving as a symbol of Japan's modernization. The area around the intake in Otsu City features historic brick structures that harmonize beautifully with the surrounding nature, becoming a spectacular spot especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom along the canal. In recent years, the "Biwako Sosui Boat" sightseeing vessel has been in operation, allowing visitors to enjoy a historical cruise while leisurely descending the waterway, thinking of the passion of past engineers. It is a unique tourist...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks

The "Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival," held every August in Otsu City, is one of Japan's leading light festivals set against the backdrop of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The sight of approximately 10,000 fireworks being launched successively from the lake, vividly coloring the night sky and the water surface, is of overwhelming beauty. In particular, the "Underwater Star Mine" that spreads like a fan across the lake surface fascinates tourists worldwide as a dynamic performance unique to Lake Biwa. Watching fireworks while cooling off by the lakeside wearing "Yukata," a Japanese summer tradition, is an emotional event that one...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogoto Onsen

"Ogoto Onsen," located on the west bank of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, is a historic hot spring village opened by Saicho about 1,200 years ago. Situated in a sacred location at the foot of Mt. Hiei, its highly alkaline, soft water is highly rated by international travelers as "hot water for beautiful skin." Many ryokans offer open-air baths with panoramic views of Lake Biwa, and bathing while watching the sunrise over the lake is a blissful moment of deep physical and mental relaxation. Boasting excellent access just 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, it is chosen globally as a...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogoto

Located on the west bank of Lake Biwa, "Ogoto" is a hot spring area spreading at the foot of Mt. Hiei, boasting a history of approximately 1,200 years. The alkaline simple spring water, known as "hot water for beautiful skin," elegantly heals the fatigue of travel. Many ryokans feature open-air baths overlooking Lake Biwa, promising a blissful time as you gaze at the sunrise or the night moon over the lake. With good access to Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, it is also ideal as a base for pilgrimage. It is Shiga's premier hot spring resort area, filled with heartwarming...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Hiei

Located on the border of Shiga and Kyoto, "Mt. Hiei" is a sacred mountain of 848 meters that has been revered since ancient times as a sanctuary of Japanese Buddhism. The entire mountain is within the precincts of the World Heritage site "Enryakuji Temple," with solemn halls scattered within deep virgin forests. Using cable cars or ropeways, you can enjoy an overwhelming panoramic view of both Lake Biwa and Kyoto City, making it a place truly worthy of being called a paradise in the sky. With mystical natural energy felt through the cherry blossoms in spring, cool summer breezes, autumn...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido

Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido

"Ukimidō" at Mangetsu-ji Temple in Katata, Otsu City, is a Buddhist hall built jutting out into Lake Biwa, known worldwide as "The Descending Geese of Katata" from the Eight Views of Omi. Established in the Heian period to pray for safety on the lake, this hall appears mystical as if floating on the water and is extremely popular with international travelers as a photo spot. Walking the corridor surrounding the hall, you can overlook a vast panorama of Lake Biwa while directly feeling the breeze from the lake. The scenery woven by the pine tree avenues and historic architecture symbolizes...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei

Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei

"Enryakuji Temple," spreading across Mt. Hiei with Lake Biwa below, is a World Heritage site known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Established by Saicho, this sacred site features the Konpon Chudo hall where the "Inextinguishable Dharma Lamp" has burned for over 1,200 years without ever going out, along with over 100 temple buildings scattered across the vast mountain. Walking through the precincts surrounded by deep forests, one feels the dignified sacred air and the weight of long history, providing deep spiritual inspiration to visitors. From ascetic training experiences in the lodgings to the spectacular view of Lake Biwa...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ichiewado

"Ichiewadō" in Otsu City is an experiential cultural facility that conveys the charm of traditional Japanese Sukiya architecture and tea rooms to the present day. While gazing at the beautiful garden, you can touch on unique Japanese techniques such as the tea ceremony, traditional wagashi making, and even Kumiko woodwork. Thanks to careful guidance by skilled artisans and instructors, even first-time international travelers can learn the "Heart of Wa (Harmony)" with peace of mind. Setting itself apart from flashy tourism, it will be a special hideaway for sensitive travelers who want to leisurely savor Japanese spirituality and the depth of...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ishiyama-dera Temple

Ishiyama-dera Temple

"Ishiyama-dera Temple" in Otsu City is a famous temple known as the place where Murasaki Shikibu, a female writer of the Heian period, conceived the world's oldest long novel, "The Tale of Genji." The main hall and tahoto tower, built on a massive natural treasure Wollastonite rock, are designated as National Treasures, radiating mystical beauty where the bedrock and architecture merge. It's also famous as a "Temple of Flowers" where seasonal blossoms bloom, with the beauty of plums, cherries, and autumn leaves being exceptional. In the quiet environment overlooking the clear streams of the Seta River, it's a must-see for...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera)

Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera)

Located in Otsu City, "Onjo-ji (Mii-dera)" is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect with a history of over 1,200 years. Within its vast precincts, many Important Cultural Properties stand, including the National Treasure Main Hall, exuding a solemn atmosphere that seems to collect the essence of Japanese Buddhist architecture. The large bell known as "The Evening Bell of Mii" is counted as one of Japan's three famous bells, and its beautiful tone resonates deeply in people's hearts. Furthermore, you can overlook Lake Biwa and the city of Otsu from the high ground; especially during the cherry blossom and...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

BOAT RACE BIWAKO

BOAT RACE BIWAKO

Located at the southern tip of Lake Biwa, "BOAT RACE Biwako" is an entertainment facility where you can experience boat racing, a motor sport set on the magnificent lake surface. The impact of boats exceeding speeds of 80 km/h turning corners while splashing water is overwhelming, and even foreign tourists watching for the first time are struck by the sense of speed. In recent years, the facility has been modernized, allowing you to enjoy the races from comfortable seats along with the spectacular view of Lake Biwa. It is a hidden gem where you can spend an exciting time while...

Shiga
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Biwako Hall

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, "Biwako Hall" is a world-class arts theater known as a hub for opera and classical music in Japan. The building itself is beautiful, with large windows in the lobby offering a panoramic view of the vast lake, allowing for an elegant interlude. It hosts a wide range of programs from authentic opera to traditional arts and contemporary dance, showcasing the high level of Japanese cultural arts. Highly rated by music and architecture lovers, it is a luxurious space where you can enjoy both the beautiful lake view and superb arts.

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Biwako Valley

"Biwako Valley," spreading across a summit at an altitude of 1,100 meters, is one of Shiga's leading mountain resorts offering an overwhelming panoramic view of Lake Biwa. After an aerial walk on the ropeway, you'll find "Biwako Terrace," which feels as if it's floating in the sky, where you can enjoy a world of blue where the sky and lake melt together. With outdoor activities like ziplining in summer, autumn leaves, and a ski resort in winter, you can enjoy dynamic nature year-round. Especially, the panoramic view from the terrace is of Japan's finest beauty, making it a highlight of...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Restaurant Matsukiya

Restaurant Matsukiya

Located in Otsu City, "Matsukiya" is a historic restaurant founded in the Meiji era that spread the charm of "Omi Beef," one of Japan's three major wagyu brands, to the world. You can taste high-quality Omi beef, once appointed to the Imperial Household Agency, through traditional methods like sukiyaki, steak, and shabu-shabu. The meat, with its beautiful marbling, features a melting texture and rich aroma that will surely impress from the first bite. For gourmets wanting to luxuriously experience Japan's top-tier food culture (Wagyu) in a refined space with Japanese charm, this is an unmissable establishment.

Shiga
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Biwa

Boasting the largest area in Japan, "Lake Biwa" is the symbol of Shiga Prefecture and one of the world's few ancient lakes with a history of about 4 million years. Activities like cycling (Biwa-ichi), canoeing, and SUP are thriving along the shores, and leisure on the clear waters is extremely popular with international travelers. You can feel the dynamic power of nature with your whole body through the spectacular mountain views surrounding the lake, beautiful sunsets that change expression every season, and mystical islands floating in the lake. With historic temples and hot springs dotted around, it's a supreme area...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter