Things To Do
in Ōtsu
Ōtsu is a historic city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, known for its beautiful views of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. The city is home to many historical sites such as Ōmi Jingu Shrine and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Ōtsu also offers a variety of cultural experiences, including tea ceremonies and traditional crafts.
Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ōtsu while exploring its traditional architecture and natural surroundings.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a refreshing walk along the shores of Lake Biwa. Enjoy the scenic views and fresh air while sipping on a local coffee.
Take a boat cruise to get a unique perspective of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. Afterward, visit the Omi Shrine nearby for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture.
Head back to Otsu city and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Try some local cuisine while watching the sunset over the lake.
Visit the famous Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. Take a peaceful morning hike through the temple grounds and breathe in the serene atmosphere.
After lunch, explore the nearby Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, known for its beautiful wildlife and hiking trails. Spend some time wandering the wooded paths to absorb the tranquility.
Return to Otsu and dine at a traditional izakaya. Sample various small plates and unwind with a refreshing drink.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful scenic views of Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and temples.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports.
- Proximity to Kyoto, making it convenient for day trips.
- A relaxed atmosphere compared to larger cities.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Public transportation may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- Fewer job opportunities in certain industries compared to metropolitan areas.
- Hot and humid summers may be uncomfortable for some residents.
- Occasional traffic congestion, especially during tourist seasons.
Best Activities in Ōtsu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy outdoor activities like ropeway experience, skiing, and snowboarding during winter, or the leisurely chair lift ride and walking trails during other seasons.
Offers various water sports activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, as well as cycling along the scenic shores.
Experience the beauty of nature while taking a leisurely hike to this historic temple, which offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ōtsu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ōtsu
Visit one of these nice places.
Mount Hiei offers stunning views of Ōtsu and Lake Biwa, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
Ishiyama-dera, a famous temple, provides scenic views of the surrounding area and Lake Biwa for great photo opportunities.
This bridge offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding landscape, a perfect spot for capturing beautiful photos.
Food in Ōtsu
Ōtsu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty of Lake Biwa, funazushi is fermented crucian carp sushi. It has a strong, unique flavor and can be found in local restaurants and markets.
Must-Try!
Regarded as one of Japan's top three wagyu beef varieties, Omi beef is tender and marbled, best enjoyed in yakiniku or sukiyaki style at various restaurants in Ōtsu.
With a history dating back to the Edo period, Otsu noodles are a local favorite. Savor them in a hot broth topped with green onions and bamboo shoots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visitors can explore stalls offering fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade crafts. Must-try street foods include takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled skewers).
This bustling harbor is an ideal spot for savoring fresh seafood delicacies like grilled ayu fish and koi-garei (lake smelt) tempura served by local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ōtsu, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, such as bowing when greeting or showing gratitude.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments in Ōtsu as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
When dining in Ōtsu, it is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisosama deshita' after finishing to show appreciation for the meal and the host's hospitality.
Safety
Tipping in Ōtsu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Ōtsu. It is generally not expected or required to tip for services such as dining, taxi rides, or hotel stays.
In Ōtsu, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit and debit cards are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses and local shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. Expect to see beautiful pink and white blooms throughout the city.
Ideal time for outdoor activities and events. Expect warm weather and lush green landscapes.
Great for experiencing vibrant fall foliage. Expect to see colorful leaves and enjoy pleasant weather.
Good time to visit for traditional winter festivals and snow activities. Expect cold weather and snowy scenery.
Ōtsu at Night
Hiking in Ōtsu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mt. Hiei is known for its beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Biwa. It features a mix of lush forests and historical temples along the way.
The Koto Mountains offer a variety of hiking routes with scenic landscapes and panoramic views. It's a great spot for both beginner and experienced hikers.
This trail leads hikers from the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple through picturesque surroundings, including charming old streets and forested paths.
This trail provides a relaxing hike from the Ogoto Onsen area along the shores of Lake Biwa, offering beautiful lakeside views and opportunities to experience local hot springs.
Located a bit further from Ōtsu, Kusatsu Shirane features volcanic landscapes and unique geological formations, along with scenic trails for adventurous hikers.
Aiports
How to reach Ōtsu by plane.
Located approximately 70 km from Ōtsu, Kansai International Airport serves as a major international gateway to Japan, with numerous international and domestic flights.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, it is situated about 55 km from Ōtsu and primarily handles domestic flights but has some international connections.
Approximately 80 km from Ōtsu, Kobe Airport serves the Kobe and Kansai region with a mix of domestic and limited international services.
Located around 150 km from Ōtsu, it is an international airport serving the Nagoya area and offers various international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Ōtsu, making up the majority of the population with a rich cultural heritage.
A significant minority group that has historical roots in the region, often involved in various businesses and cultural exchanges.
Another important demographic group, contributing to the local economy and cultural diversity.
Includes individuals from various countries, contributing to the multicultural nature of the city.
This category includes various smaller groups of expatriates and migrants from around the world.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, including Ōtsu, with a deep cultural significance and a strong following at both amateur and professional levels.
Soccer has gained considerable popularity in Ōtsu, particularly with the growth of local clubs and the national league, encouraging many youth to participate.
Basketball is widely played and enjoyed in Ōtsu, with local schools and community teams participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Tennis is a popular recreational sport in Ōtsu, with many parks and clubs offering facilities for both casual and competitive players.
Various forms of martial arts are practiced in Ōtsu, including Judo and Karate, which are not only popular sports but also part of the local tradition and culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōtsu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Ōtsu offer vegetarian-friendly options, such as vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and fresh salads. It's also advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
While vegan options may be limited in some eateries, establishments like Hanaoto and Cafe de Paris cater to vegan diets by crafting innovative plant-based dishes using local ingredients.
Travelers with gluten restrictions can find suitable choices at Kaiza and other restaurants that explicitly offer gluten-free menus, featuring rice-based dishes and gluten-free substitutes.