6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Otsu City: Enjoy Lake Biwa to the Fullest!

Otsu City, located in the southwestern part of Shiga Prefecture, is famous for being home to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Otsu boasts many World Heritage Sites and cultural assets, such as Enryakuji Temple and Onjoji Temple, since it has rarely been affected by natural disasters. Thanks to its convenient location—just 10 minutes by train from central Kyoto—it has recently become a popular destination for tourists from overseas as well!

In this article, we will introduce six carefully selected popular sightseeing spots in Otsu City that you should definitely visit.

1. Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa boasts the largest area and water volume in Japan. Covering about one-sixth of Shiga Prefecture’s area, this vast lake is a well-known paradise for leisure enthusiasts. In addition to over ten different activities such as canoeing, windsurfing, flyboarding, banana boating, and stand-up paddleboarding, you can also enjoy cruising, fishing, and camping.

Since it doesn’t have rough waves like the sea, it’s perfect for water play with small children. Several auto campgrounds are located around Lake Biwa, and during summer, they are bustling with people enjoying lake camping. Lake Biwa is also highly regarded as the "world's best spot for bass fishing," so trying your hand at this popular activity is highly recommended.

While enjoying leisure activities is great, don’t forget to soak in the stunning scenery. Depending on the time of day, season, and direction you’re facing, Lake Biwa presents a completely different view. Especially at dusk, when the entire area is dyed in shades of pink, the sight is breathtaking. Though not limited to Otsu City, touring the "Eight Views of Lake Biwa" is also a wonderful experience.

2. Mount Hiei and Enryakuji Temple

Mount Hiei, which stretches along the border of Kyoto and Shiga, has long been revered as a sacred place. The entire mountain is considered the temple grounds of "Enryakuji Temple," although technically, there is no single temple by that name. Instead, the name refers collectively to the 150 halls and towers spread across three areas: Todo (East Pagoda), Saito (West Pagoda), and Yokawa.

Since attractions are scattered across the entire mountain, it takes more than half a day to tour Enryakuji Temple. Yokawa, in particular, is far from the other two areas and takes over an hour on foot. Shuttle buses run within Mount Hiei to connect these areas, but they only come about once every 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.

That said, Enryakuji Temple is Shiga Prefecture’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll want to explore it thoroughly. In Yokawa, you can also visit Ganzandaishido, known as the birthplace of the "omikuji" fortune slips. So, it’s highly recommended to plan your route and schedule carefully before visiting Enryakuji.

3. Biwako Valley

At Biwako Valley, you can enjoy skiing while overlooking Lake Biwa. Offering panoramic views from the summit of Mount Horai, which rises to an altitude of 1,174 meters, this "leisure facility in the sky" is a major attraction in Otsu City, beloved by couples and families alike. You can enjoy seasonal nature and a variety of activities here.

The most popular spot is the Biwako Terrace, which also has an attached café. The observation deck is set higher than the clouds, giving you an amazing sensation as if walking in the sky. The sight of the vast blue sky in front of you and Lake Biwa spreading below is truly refreshing for the soul.

While skiing in winter is great, visiting during the warmer seasons for the athletic courses, zip lines, and scenic lifts is also highly recommended. Be sure to try Japan's fastest ropeway, offering a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view!

4. Omi Jingu Shrine

The popular manga Chihayafuru, which was adapted into a movie in 2016, has made "Omi Jingu Shrine" a trendy spot among young people. Emperor Tenchi, who is enshrined here, composed the first poem of the famous Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, known today through competitive karuta. Because of this, Omi Jingu is well known as the "sacred place of karuta."

Although Omi Jingu was relatively recently established in 1940, there are plenty of highlights to see, including its bright red Romon Gate, the Clock Museum (Tokeikan), and monuments inscribed with poems by renowned historical poets. As you stroll through the shrine grounds, you’ll notice many clocks—this is because Emperor Tenchi was the first to introduce a clock system to Japan!

The grounds feature historical treasures like sundials, fire clocks, and a water clock known as rokoku, which are hard to find elsewhere nowadays. The Clock Museum also houses about 180 clocks collected from all over Japan. Whether you're a Chihayafuru fan or a clock enthusiast, Omi Jingu is a place you'll surely enjoy.

5. Michigan Cruise

Why not enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard the "Michigan," Lake Biwa's iconic sightseeing boat? Loved by people for over 35 years, the "Michigan" was named after Michigan State in the USA, home to Lake Michigan, because of the sister city relationship between Michigan and Shiga Prefecture, where Lake Biwa is located.

You can board the cruise from Otsu Port, Niono-hama Tourist Port, and Yanagasaki Lakeside Park Port. It’s also possible to take a partial trip between ports. The dining cruises primarily offer buffet meals, but there are also cafes and bars on board, making even a short cruise enjoyable.

From the sky deck on the top floor, you can take in the magnificent scenery of Lake Biwa. It's also a great idea to join a cruise during one of their seasonal events, like a stamp rally or Halloween party!

6. Ishiyama-dera Temple

"Ishiyama-dera Temple" is one of Otsu City's most famous spots for autumn foliage. It is especially renowned for its stunning illuminated views at night, earning it recognition as part of Japan’s Night View Heritage. Known as the place where Murasaki Shikibu conceived The Tale of Genji, Ishiyama-dera has long been a destination for writers and poets.

Not only does it appear in famous literary works like The Pillow Book, Sarashina Diary, and Kagero Diary, but the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho also visited frequently, leaving behind many works inspired by this temple. Within the grounds, you’ll find historic sites such as the "Genji no Ma" (Genji Room), where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have written parts of The Tale of Genji, and the "Basho-an" (Basho Hermitage), where Matsuo Basho once stayed.

Ishiyama-dera is also included in the "Eight Views of Omi," and the moon viewed from the Tsukimi-tei (Moon Viewing Pavilion) is considered truly exceptional. The reflection of the moon on the surface of Lake Biwa is also a sight not to be missed. At the end of September every year, the "Autumn Moon Festival" is held, where visitors can enjoy concerts and performances while gazing at the moon amidst beautifully illuminated temple grounds.

◎Summary

When people think of Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture, many immediately picture Lake Biwa. However, Otsu is also home to numerous historically significant sites. There are many places with deep cultural connections, so it might be fun to visit and explore them. With its convenient access from both Kyoto and Osaka, why not take a trip to Otsu City and experience it for yourself?