Ōtsu

Japan

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

5:25 AM

Sunset

6:29 PM

About

Ōtsu, Japan is a beautiful city located at the southeastern coast of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is known for its scenic mountainous views and historical temples and shrines, including Ishiyama-dera, one of the oldest temples in Japan. The city also offers a variety of delicious local cuisine, such as Omi beef and Omi rice, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Miidera Temple

One of the oldest and most important temples in Japan, boasting an impressive five-story pagoda and beautiful gardens.
2. Lake Biwa

Japan’s largest freshwater lake, offering stunning views, fishing, and boat rides.
3. Enryaku-ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage site, located on Mount Hiei and one of Japan’s most significant monasteries.
4. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of scholarship and learning, with a history dating back over 2,000 years.
5. Omi-jingu Shrine

A prominent Shinto shrine built to honor Emperor Tenji, featuring striking architecture and beautiful gardens.
6. Ishiyama-dera Temple

A Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back over 1,200 years, and a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
7. Otsu City Museum of History

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Ōtsu, with artifacts from the region’s prehistoric, ancient, and medieval eras.
8. Otsu Castle

A reconstructed castle boasting stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
9. Shiga Prefectural Museum of Archaeology

A museum dedicated to the archaeology and prehistory of Shiga Prefecture, with interactive exhibits and artifacts on display.
10. Omi jofu Museum

A museum exploring the history and culture of traditional Omi jofu woven textiles, highly prized for their durability and natural beauty.
11. Okishima Island

Japan’s only inhabited lake island, with traditional homes and a serene atmosphere.
12. Biwako Valley

A ski resort offering stunning views of Lake Biwa, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
13. Nagisa Park

A waterfront park with beautiful scenery, picnic areas, and walking trails.
14. Biwako Ohashi Bridge

One of the longest bridges in the world, spanning over 4.5 kilometers across Lake Biwa.
15. Sagawa Art Museum

A private museum showcasing the works of renowned Japanese artists, with a focus on traditional Japanese art and ceramics.
16. Biwako Hall

A performance hall featuring concerts, theater productions, and other cultural events.
17. Biwako Canal

A historic canal system built in the early 20th century to transport goods between Lake Biwa and major cities in Japan, now a popular spot for boat tours.
18. Miho Museum

A museum showcasing the art and culture of ancient civilizations from around the world, housed in a stunning modern building designed by architect I.M. Pei.
19. Lake Biwa Museum

A museum dedicated to the ecology and history of Lake Biwa, with interactive exhibits and aquariums.
20. Hikone Castle

A well-preserved castle dating back to the 17th century, with a beautiful garden and views of Lake Biwa.
21. Keihanna Science City

A science and technology research park near Kyoto, featuring cutting-edge research facilities and museums.
22. Moriyama Fireworks Festival

A summer festival featuring a massive fireworks display over Lake Biwa, drawing crowds from all over Japan.
23. The Pearl Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and processing of pearls, with exhibits showcasing the unique beauty of Lake Biwa pearls.
24. Biwako Shuko no Uta Museum

A museum dedicated to the song “Biwako Shuko no Uta,” a popular Japanese folk song that praises the beauty of Lake Biwa.
25. Biwako Sosui Canal Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and construction of the Biwako Sosui Canal, with interactive exhibits and tours.
26. Otsu Matsuri

A lively summer festival featuring parades, traditional performances, and food stalls.
27. Hiyoshi-taisha Autumn Festival

A traditional festival featuring a procession of portable shrines and performances, held at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
28. Otsu Port

A historic port with scenic views of Lake Biwa, with boats and watercraft available for rental.
29. Omizo Fish Market

A bustling fish market selling fresh fish and seafood from Lake Biwa and the surrounding area.
30. Mount Hiei Cable Car

A cable car offering stunning views of Lake Biwa and Kyoto, with access to Enryaku-ji Temple and other attractions.