According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan in June 2024 is expected to reach 3,135,600, an 8.9% increase compared to 2019, setting a new record for a single month. Kyoto, one of the most iconic tourist destinations, continues to be attractive. However, for frequent visitors to Japan from places like
Hong Kong, seeking new travel experiences rather than revisiting crowded spots becomes a trend. For example, Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture, just a 9-minute train ride from Kyoto, borders Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa.
Nestled against the shores of Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Otsu is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
It offers water activities and Omi beef delicacies, drawing increasing attention.
Otsu City, the prefectural capital of Shiga Prefecture, is highly accessible. Whether departing from Osaka or Kyoto, it's easy to reach by train or rental car. From Kyoto Station, it takes only 9 minutes by JR to get to Otsu Station, making it perfect for a day trip in the Kansai region. Staying in Otsu is also a great choice for those who wish to explore Kyoto and Osaka while enjoying a more peaceful and affordable experience away from the hustle and bustle.
Things To Do in Otsu City, Shiga Japan
Visit the Enryakuji Temple in Mount Hiei
Mount Hiei's Enryakuji Temple is regarded as the mother mountain of Japan Buddhism, producing high priests of various sects of Japan Buddhism, as a temple that prays for peace and tranquility in the world, and as a dojo for learning and training for the development of national treasures of human resources.
Located on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures and is also a scenic spot where you can see Lake Biwa, the highest lake in Japan, which is called "Tendai Yakushi's Pond" to the east, and the cityscape of the ancient capital of Kyoto to the west.
In such a beautiful natural environment, 1,200 years of history and tradition have been highly evaluated around the world, and in 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Mt. Hiei is also equipped with cables and driveways, so you can easily get familiar with it not only by visiting the temples but also by taking nature walks and exploring historical sites.
How to Get There:
• From Kyoto Station, take the Mt. Hiei Drive Bus (jointly operated by Keihan Bus and Kyoto Bus). Travel time is about 65~70 minutes to Enryakuji Bus Center.
• If driving by private car, from Kyto City take Mt. Hiei Driveway Tanoya Gate (toll fees may apply).
• Parking in the driveway is free of charge.
• From the summit of Mt. Hiei to Enryakuji Temple, we recommend using the Mt. Hiei shuttle bus because it is a mountain road.
• Please use it to move between the East Tower, West Tower, and Yokogawa areas.
Admission Fees:
* East Tower, West Tower, Yokogawa Common Ticket – 1,000 yen for adult ticket / 600 yen for High School Students / 300 yen for primary students
* National Treasure Hall (Treasure Hall) Admission Fee - 500-yen for adult ticket / 300-yen for High School Students / 100-yen for primary students
Visit the Omi Jingu Shrine
Emperor Tenji, the founder of Otsu-Kyo, is enshrined as a deity here at Omi Jingu Shrine.
The shrine was constructed on the site of Otsu-Kyo in 1940 to commemorate 2,600 years since the reign of Japan’s first emperor.
Surrounded by a vast forest, the shrine grounds are filled with a solemn atmosphere, with their two-storied gate painted in vermillion, the Main Hall with its Omi-style architecture, and more.
Emperor Tenji was known as the founder of the clock because he was the first person in Japan to make a water clock, and a clock museum with water clocks and sundials has since been established within the shrine grounds.
Omi Jingu Shrine is also famous for the national karuta (card game) championships, and the shrine is said to be connected to the creation of the game.
Traditional horseback archery is performed at the shrine annually on the first Sunday in June.
How to Get There:
• Accessby train - 20 min walk from JR Otsu-Kyo Station, or 10 min walk from Keihan Omi Jingu-mae Station
• Access by private car - 10 min from Meishin Expressway Kyoto-Higashi Interchange
• Parking - 150 cars, several large vehicles. Paid parking only from the night of December 31st to January 5th (Cars 500 yen)
Admission Fee:
• Clock Museum Entrance Fee - 300 yen
• Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays except when Mondays are National Holidays
Diverse Water Activities and Scenic Beauty of Lake Biwa
Speaking of Otsu City, you must talk about Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa. Besides its beautiful scenery, it's an excellent spot for water activities. At the "
BSC Watersports Centre" at Horai Beach on the west side of Lake Biwa, you can experience canoeing with full guidance from instructors, ensuring that even beginners can enjoy the 360-degree view of Lake Biwa safely.
For those interested in trying the increasingly popular standup paddleboarding (SUP), head to "Water Walk Shiga" at
Biwako Rakuen Hotel Izutsu Lakeside Beach, 20 min walk from JR Karasaki Station. Paddling while standing on the board is not only thrilling but also offers views of the "Hichihon-Yanagi Torii Gate of Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine." The clear water of Lake Biwa avoids the sticky feeling of seawater, making it a perfect summer spot, though do remember to apply ample sunscreen.
Take the cruise at Lake Biwa
Setting out on a famous Michigan Cruise is the best way to experience first-hand “Mother Lake”. Guests may ride for the whole loop or get on at one of the intermediate ports.
You can enjoy incredible views of the Hira and Hiei Mountains, as well as an incredible 360-degree panorama. Book your tickets at
https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/ for other Lake Biwa experiences.
It’s also an interesting sight to see the city of Otsu from out on Lake Biwa!
Visit the Garden Museum Hiei
This garden museum was installed by a French designer, who used the works of French Impressionist painters as inspiration.
Over the park’s 1.7 hectares, you’ll find gardens based on the hilly lands of Southern France, curved bridges over lily ponds, rose gardens, and ceramics adorned with recreations of Impressionist paintings by the likes of Monet and Renoir.
Don’t forget to bring your sketchbook, or camera to capture the gorgeous beauty of the season.
How to Get There:
Using Public Transport:
* Transfer to the Eizan train at Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway, get off at Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station, and transfer to the cable and ropeway.
* Take a bus from JR Kyoto Station or Keihan Railway Sanjo Station or Demachiyanagi Station to the summit of Mt. Hiei.
* Walk from JR Hieiyama Sakamoto Station or Keihan Railway Sakamoto Hiei Yamaguchi Station, or take a bus to Sakamoto Cable, get off at Cable Enryakuji Station, and then walk or take a bus to "Mt. Hiei".
* From the JR Kyoto Line, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Keihan Railway, and from Demachiyanagi Station, take the Eizan Railway, cable, and ropeway.
Using a Private Car from Kyoto
* Continue along Shirakawa-dori or Gokei-dori and take Kitashirakawa Betsuto (intersection) to Yamanaka-etsu (Prefectural Road No. 30)
* From Tanoya Pass Gate to Mt. Hiei Driveway
Driving from Tokyo/Nagoya
* Get off the Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC
* From National Highway No. 1, go to Nishi-Otsu Bypass (National Highway 161)
* Get off the Omi Jingu ramp and go to Yamanaka-etsu (Prefectural Road 30)
* From Tanoya Pass Gate to Mt. Hiei Driveway
Driving from Osaka/Kobe:
* Get off the Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC
* From National Highway No. 1, go to Nishi-Otsu Bypass (National Highway 161)
* Get off the Omi Jingu ramp and go to Yamanaka-etsu (Prefectural Road 30)
* From Tanoya Pass Gate to Mt. Hiei Driveway
Admission fee:
• Adults (including Junior HS) – 1,200 yen
• Children (including primary school students) – 600 yen
• Opening Period: 20 April 2024 until 08 December 2024 from 10:00AM to 17:00PM
• Closed for the winter season: Starting 09 December 2024 until mid-April
Experience the Authentic Local Cuisine to Satisfy Discerning Taste Buds
Local cuisine is another charm of Otsu City. "Shosui" by Lake Biwa is famous for its ayu (sweetfish) dishes. The restaurant features a special grill for guests to cook ayu themselves and offers a DIY eel rice experience, where you can grill eel and apply secret sauce for a unique dish, ideal for DIY enthusiasts.
For authentic Omi beef, you can visit "
Omi Beef KANEKICHI," a 120-year-old establishment with elegant decor and private rooms with personalized service. Their sukiyaki uses A5-grade Omi beef, paired with soft tofu and vegetables, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience, that is absolutely top-notch.
Enjoy the deep-fried skewer courses, a specialty available at
Kushiage Zanmai Honobono including its famous “eight delicacies” of Lake Biwa such as Biwa trout sashimi, crucian carp funazushi, Honmoroko sushi, and deep-fried koayu skewers.
You may also check out the local craft beer brewery called
Omi Beer which uses local ingredients sourced from Shia Prefecture. Try their popular Kouji beer, while savoring beer-battered chicken at the café attached to the brewery while enjoying your freshly crafted beer.
For dessert lovers, don't miss "
Hiei Sankurou," an old wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop established in 1723, known for its "Yomogi Mochi" made with local Japanese mugwort. The shop also offers wagashi sets with matcha, making for a perfect afternoon tea combo.
Quality Accommodation with Lake Biwa Views
 |
Ogoto Hot Spring
|
Otsu City offers a variety of accommodation options at more affordable prices compared to Kyoto and Osaka, with most offering views of Lake Biwa. For a novel stay experience, try the luxurious Glamping facilities "AFUMI KITAKOMATSU," which opened in 2022, just ten steps from the lakeside beach. It offers dome tents and luxury villa suites, with evening campfire activities, combining the fun of camping with the comfort of upscale accommodation.
For a hotel experience, choose "Biwako Hotel." All rooms have lake views, and the hotel features a genuine open-air hot spring, allowing you to soak while enjoying the lake scenery. The on-site restaurants offer a variety of choices, including a Japanese restaurant serving Omi beef dishes and an Italian buffet restaurant.
For a more traditional Japanese experience, the "Yumotokan" in the 1,200-year-old Ogoto Hot Spring area is a good choice. Ogoto Hot Spring is famous for its "beauty hot spring" with seven different styles of hot spring baths. Walking around the inn in a yukata and experiencing the different baths can give you a full sense of traditional Japanese hospitality.
Experience Traditional Culture and Diverse Local Souvenirs
Besides food and accommodation, Otsu City has preserved much traditional culture. At "
Ichie Wado," you can experience the local folk art "Otsu-e," trying your hand at making the "talismanic clay bell" as a unique souvenir. Be sure to book in advance if you want to try.
For local souvenirs, the "NAKAMACHI Shopping Street" in the city center offers many traditional options. Long-standing shops such as the 174-year-old "Yaoyo" pickle shop and the popular fresh fruit sandwiches from "Maruni Fruit Shop" are must-buys.
Every October, the local "
Otsu Festival" is held, which is very exciting. A festival that strongly inherits the atmosphere of the Kyoto Gion Festival. All of the 13 hikiyama that are currently there were created in the Edo period, and each hikiyama is characterized by a karakuri doll on it. It is assembled one week before the festival and dismantled the day after the main festival.
Otsu City, with its scenery, history, culture, and food, is not inferior to Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe, and the transportation is quite convenient. It's no wonder it has become an emerging tourist hotspot. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or deeply explore traditional Japan, Otsu City offers unexpected rewards.
SIMILAR ARTICLES
Post a Comment