Otsu is a regal city where you can discover local art and culture, enjoy unique cuisine and visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Japan. The city is set on the shores of Lake Biwa and combines a beautiful waterfront setting with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Things to do in Ōtsu
Discover centuries of Buddhist history at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hieizan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important monasteries in Japan and dotted with hundreds of temples, halls and pagodas. Some of the oldest date back to the 16th century. Scenic trails wind through the forest and connect different areas of the monastery. Visit in autumn to see the forest explode in a sea of red, yellow and gold.
Rent a kayak and enjoy a paddle on Lake Biwa. The lake is especially beautiful in the morning when the water is calm and glassy. Sightseeing boats are a family-friendly option and depart from Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park. The park stretches along the Lake Biwa waterfront and is dotted with pastel-pink cherry blossom trees.
Japanese art and culture are alive and flourishing in Otsu. You’ll see Otsu-e paintings sold across the city. The style developed in the Edo period and features simple yet bold brushstrokes on lightweight paper – the drawings make perfect souvenirs.
Try specialty dishes from the Shiga Prefecture, including melt-in-your-mouth Omi Beef. The black cattle are raised exclusively in the Shiga Prefecture and drink pristine mountain spring water. You’ll see plenty of Lake Biwa seafood on menus, including eel, clams and silver carp. Funa-zushi, a type of fermented sushi, will tantalise your palate with a rich “umami” flavour.
Getting around Ōtsu
Otsu is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Express trains run between Kyoto and Otsu in under 10 minutes, while other services take around 30 minutes. Osaka International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.