Things To Do
in Ōtsu
Ōtsu is a lakeside city on the northern shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, blending ancient temples with serene water views. It serves as a gateway to the lake's natural beauty and historic sites like Ishiyama-dera. The city is well-connected to Kyoto and Osaka by rail, making day trips easy while staying away from big-city crowds.
Visitors are rewarded with traditional Omi cuisine, peaceful promenades, and a laid-back lakeside atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Enryaku-ji Temple, located on Mount Hiei. As you ascend, enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of Lake Biwa. Take time to explore the temple grounds, where ancient architecture and lush greenery create a peaceful retreat.
After lunch at a local café, stroll through the historic streets of the Ōtsu Old Town. Discover traditional wooden houses and small shops selling handmade crafts, giving you a taste of local culture. Make sure to stop by the Omi Jingu Shrine, where you can admire its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings.
As the sun sets, head to the shores of Lake Biwa for a relaxing evening walk. Enjoy the beautiful reflections of the city lights on the water while sampling street food from nearby vendors. Conclude your day with a cozy dinner at a local izakaya, where you can savor regional specialties.
Begin your morning with a refreshing bike ride along the scenic shores of Lake Biwa. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the gentle breeze as you pedal through picturesque landscapes and charming lakeside parks. Stop at the Biwako Valley for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
After biking, take a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Biwa, where you can relax and soak in the panoramic views. Listen to intriguing stories about the area's history and culture from your guide. Enjoy a picnic lunch on board or at one of the lakeside parks upon returning.
As dusk approaches, find a spot at one of the lakeside restaurants to enjoy dinner with a view. Sample local freshwater fish dishes, such as funazushi, a traditional fermented sushi. Wrap up your evening by watching the sunset over the lake, creating a perfect end to your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🧁Sweet snack or dessert | $2-5 |
| 🧾Museum or temple entry fee | $5-12 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short trip) | $10-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic lake setting and historic temples
- Convenient access to Kyoto and Osaka by rail
- Delicious regional cuisine and tranquil atmosphere
- Compact city with walkable areas
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Can be busy with tourists around temple sites
- Smaller-scale attractions; plan day trips for variety
- Weather can be humid in summer and chilly in winter
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか" - How much is this?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the bathroom?
- "英語を話せますか" - Do you speak English?
- "おすすめは何ですか" - What do you recommend?
- "写真を撮ってもいいですか" - May I take a photo?
- "助けてください" - Please help me
- "いただきます" - Let's eat / Thank you for the meal (before)
- "ごちそうさまでした" - Thank you for the meal (after)
Places to Visit in Ōtsu
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient temple complex on the lake's edge with tranquil gardens and a picturesque hillside setting.
Historic canal with brick bridges and boating; great for sunrise and early-morning reflections.
Scenic riverbank with stone bridges and gentle water views ideal for sunset photography.
Pier and boardwalk over Lake Biwa offering wide-angle lake and mountain silhouettes.
Cable car views of the lake and surrounding forests, especially dramatic in autumn light.
Food in Ōtsu
Ōtsu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional fermented sushi made with crucian carp from Lake Biwa; bold, sour, and iconic to Shiga.
Must-Try!
High-quality wagyu beef from Shiga, prepared as steak or sukiyaki; pair with local sake.
Buckwheat soba noodles from local producers, often served chilled with tsuyu or in warm broths.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls with grilled fish, skewers, and local snacks by the water.
Casual local bites and sweets along the riverfront; try mochi and matcha desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep noise to a minimum on trains and streets; avoid loud conversations in transit.
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples with interior spaces, and certain traditional accommodations.
Follow signs, don't touch artifacts unless allowed, and walk calmly around temple complexes.
Stand in line; avoid pushing; offer respect to elders and locals.
Safety
Tipping in Ōtsu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; some high-end spots may include service charge; a polite thank-you is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in larger shops and hotels; IC cards (Suica, ICOCA) are accepted on many trains and some stores; check before paying.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms along the lakefront bloom around late March to early April; pleasant temperatures and light crowds.
Hot and humid, with occasional rain; enjoy breezy lakefronts, early morning walks, and water activities.
Mild days and vibrant reds and golds in forested hills; ideal for hikes on Mt. Hiei and lake views.
Cool to cold with occasional snow on higher elevations; urban areas are comfortably kept warm and many attractions stay open.
Ōtsu at Night
Hiking in Ōtsu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails and temple precincts with panoramic views; accessible from Ōtsu via ropeway.
Gentle hillside paths around Ishiyama-dera offering water views and serene landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Ōtsu by plane.
Major international gateway near Osaka; about 70-90 minutes by train to Ōtsu depending on connections.
Osaka's domestic and international hub; quick rail connections to Ōtsu, good for domestic and regional travel.
Nagoya area airport; farther from Ōtsu but accessible by rail with transfer to JR lines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time families, retirees, and professionals who commute to nearby Kyoto/Osaka.
Shiga's schools and universities bring a steady student population; many students visit historic sites on weekends.
Domestic visitors from across Japan and international travelers seeking lakeside scenery and temple culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in schools and local leagues; many fans attend games in the region.
Juxtaposed with other sports; local teams and school fixtures are common.
Trail running and hiking around Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei are popular.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōtsu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options may rely on tofu, vegetables, and tempura; communicate clearly to chefs; many places will accommodate with vegetable tempura or kitsune soba.