Otsu

Otsu City is located in Shiga Prefecture, on the shore of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and is only 9 minutes from Kyoto by JR train. Without Kyoto’s crowds, it is a hidden gem of a small city with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for wandering and clearing your mind. Here is an Otsu travel guide compiled for you:

Transportation Guide

• From Kyoto: Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station toward Yasu. The Special Rapid train reaches Otsu Station in just 2 stops and 9 minutes, with a fare of about 200 yen.
• From Osaka: Take the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Otsu Station.
• Getting Around the City: Central Otsu is not large, and you can walk or cycle between attractions. Bicycle rental shops can be found near the station, at about 1,800 yen/day. To head toward Mount Hiei, take the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line or a bus.

Recommended Itinerary

• Day 1: Lakeside Strolls and Ancient Temple Visits
  • Morning: Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station, then walk to Miidera Temple (Onjoji Temple). Visit the National Treasure Main Hall, try the distinctive “bell fortune slips,” and taste the temple’s specialty Benkei Chikara Mochi.

• Afternoon: Stroll along the streets to the shore of Lake Biwa, space out and watch the birds in the lakeside park, or check in at the adorable Pokémon manhole cover. In the evening, enjoy a stunning sunset by the lake.

• Evening: Head near Otsu Station to try authentic Omi Beef sukiyaki or stone-grilled beef, bringing a fulfilling day to a close.
• Day 2: The Foothills of Mount Hiei and a Hidden Garden
  • Morning: Take the Keihan train to Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station, then walk to Former Chikurin-in to admire its highly Zen-like Japanese garden. It is an excellent alternative to the popular Rurikoin Temple.

• Afternoon: Continue on foot or take a bus to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Visit Japan’s oldest stone bridge and the distinctive gassho-style torii gate, and soak in the shrine’s rustic atmosphere. Along the way, you can try handmade soba noodles with 300 years of history.

• Dusk: Return to the city center and browse the Heiwado supermarket, where you can buy Lake Biwa local limited-edition milk and souvenirs.

Must-Visit Attractions

Otsu’s sights are mostly centered on ancient temples, shrines, and lakeside scenery, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy quiet settings and cultural experiences.

• Miidera Temple: A Tendai-sect temple whose “Evening Bell at Miidera” is one of the Eight Views of Omi. From higher ground, you can overlook the full panorama of Lake Biwa, and the autumn tunnel of red leaves is especially breathtaking.
• Former Chikurin-in: A nationally designated scenic garden that makes full use of the terrain to arrange waterfalls and small hills. The moss is lush and moist, clear streams flow around it, and the scenery changes with the seasons. Admission is only 330 yen.
• Ishiyamadera Temple: Said to be where Murasaki Shikibu wrote *The Tale of Genji*. Its main hall is the oldest wooden building in Shiga, and you can worship the Eleven-Faced Kannon here. Along the approach, lanterns and towering trees complement one another beautifully.
• Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A National Treasure-level shrine founded 2,100 years ago. Within the grounds is Japan’s oldest stone bridge, and the sacred monkey charms and cartoon-style pamphlets are very cute.
• Biwako Valley: Ideal for spring, summer, and autumn trips. Take the three-section ropeway up the mountain, where broad meadows spread across the summit and you can overlook the entire Lake Biwa. The scenery resembles the Austrian Alps.

Food and Restaurant Recommendations

Otsu is not only the birthplace of Omi Beef, but also home to many delicious small eateries full of local everyday charm.

• Omi Beef Specialty Restaurant Kadoman: A century-old restaurant specializing in 5A-grade Omi Wagyu. The stone-grilled beef or sukiyaki set meals are recommended; the beef is tender, and dipping it in beaten egg gives it an amazing texture.
• Niku Shokudo Saigo ni Katsu: A popular local pork rice restaurant. The meat curry and nanban rice are recommended. The thick-cut pork cutlet is juicy, the curry is rich in flavor, and the average cost is around 1,200 yen per person.
• Nagisa Warms: A soothing café located in the lakeside park, with a stylish look and an excellent setting. Perfect for having a cup of coffee by the lake while gazing at the water and relaxing.
• Handmade Soba Tsuruki: Located on the way to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, this handmade soba shop has 300 years of history. The setting is quaint, and the flavors are light, fresh, and delicious.
• Totoya Ichi: A warm, old-fashioned family restaurant specializing in pufferfish cuisine. The pufferfish hot pot has firm, springy, refreshing meat and a fragrant broth,