- Ōtsu was briefly the capital of Japan during the 7th century under Emperor Tenji, serving as the seat of the Omi-Otsu Palace.
- The city functions as a primary water source for the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area, with Lake Biwa providing drinking water to approximately 15 million people.
- Because of its position on the Tokaido road, Ōtsu was historically one of the 53 stations of the Tokaido and a major transit hub for travelers moving between the capital and the eastern provinces.
- The city is home to a unique variety of endemic species found only in Lake Biwa, a lake estimated to be over four million years old.
- Traditional Omi beef, one of Japan's most prestigious wagyu brands, is historically associated with the cattle raised in the pastures surrounding the lake's basin.
About Ōtsu
Ōtsu serves as the capital of Shiga Prefecture and holds a historical identity as a former imperial capital and vital port on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. Visitors can experience the grandeur of Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on Mount Hiei, or explore the expansive grounds of Mii-dera Temple. The city offers unique lakefront perspectives through the Michigan Cruise, while Ishiyama-dera provides a significant cultural link to the writing of The Tale of Genji. Its proximity to the lake defines both its landscape and local history, bridging ancient religious heritage with waterborne commerce.
Highlights of Ōtsu
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This massive monastic complex on Mount Hiei is the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Temples
Famous for its collection of moon-viewing platforms, this temple is where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have begun writing The Tale of Genji.
Temples
This ancient temple complex features a large bell and offers a panoramic view over the southern reaches of Lake Biwa.
Places of interest
Board this paddle-wheel ship for a scenic tour of Lake Biwa to appreciate the scale of Japan's largest body of water.
Temples
Founded in the 7th century, this temple serves as the family memorial site for the powerful Ii clan of Hikone.
Venues
Located on the shore of Lake Biwa, this major performing arts venue is noted for its distinctive modern architectural design.
Top things to do in Ōtsu
The 544 highest-rated places in Ōtsu, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Enryaku-ji is the headquarters of the Tendai school of Buddhism, located atop Mount Hiei on the border of Otsu and Kyoto...
2
Temples
Sanzen-in Temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple located in the rural Ohara district of northern Kyoto, notable for its...
3
Temples
Daigo-ji is a sprawling Shingon Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the slopes of Mount D...
4
Temples
Ishiyama-dera is a Shingon Buddhist temple complex situated on the slopes of Mount Garan in Ōtsu, notable for its main h...
5
Temples
Rurikōin Temple is a Buddhist site in the Sakyō-ku district of Kyoto, famous for the reflection of its surrounding maple...
6
Temples
Mii-dera, officially known as Onjo-ji, serves as the head temple of the Tendai-jimon sect of Japanese Buddhism and is on...
7
Temples
Bishamondō Temple is a historic Tendai sect Buddhist temple founded in 703 by order of Emperor Monmu. The temple is situ...
8
Historical places
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is a 17th-century retreat built by Retired Emperor Gomizuno-o at the base of Mount Hiei. The es...
9
Places of interest
The Michigan Cruise is a Mississippi-style paddlewheel sightseeing boat operating on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwat...
10
Temples
Jakkō-in Temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple famously associated with Kenreimon-in, the last Empress of the Heike cl...
11
Temples
Saikyo-ji serves as the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect of Japanese Buddhism and is historically significant as t...
12
Temples
Hosen-in is a sub-temple of Shorin-in in the Ohara district of Kyoto, renowned for its 'blood ceiling' constructed from...
13
Venues
Biwako Hall is a premier performing arts complex located directly on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa in Otsu. It hou...
14
Parks
The Former Chikurin-in Temple is a historic site in the Sakamoto district of Otsu, formerly serving as a retreat for the...
15
Temples
Manshuin Temple is a Monzeki temple, historically associated with the imperial family, located in the foothills of north...
16
Temples
Zuishin-in Temple is a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple located in the Yamashina Ward of Kyoto, known for its deep associati...
17
Places of interest
Yumemigaoka Observation Deck is a designated scenic overlook situated along the Hieizan Driveway in the mountains of Ōts...
18
Museums
Nyan-nyan-ji is a feline-themed temple-museum located in the mountainous region of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. The facility is de...
19
Historical places
The Lake Biwa First Canal is a 19th-century hydraulic engineering marvel designed to transport water, freight, and passe...
20
Temples
Tanukidani-san Fudo-in is a Shingon-shu temple famously dedicated to the removal of bad luck and the curing of illness....
21
Museums
Garden Museum Hiei is a mountaintop botanical garden situated 840 meters above sea level on Mount Hiei, overlooking both...
22
Temples
Shaka-do, formally known as the Shakado Hall of the Saito precinct, is the oldest structure within the Enryaku-ji temple...
23
Temples
Yokawa Main Hall (Yokawa Chudo) is one of the three major sectors of the Enryaku-ji temple complex on Mount Hiei, specif...
24
Temples
The Todo (East Pagoda) area serves as the central hub of Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of the Tendai school of Buddhism o...
25
Temples
Sekizan Zenin Temple is a historic Tendai-sect Buddhist site founded in 888 AD as a protective guardian for the Enryaku-...
26
Temples
Iwama-san Shoho-ji, also known as Iwama-dera, is the 12th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route, located deep wi...
27
Natural attractions
Mount Hiei serves as the historical home to Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism, foun...
28
Temples
Kajū-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Yamashina, Kyoto, founded in 900 AD by Emperor Daigo. The temple is centered aro...
29
Places of interest
Seta no Karahashi Bridge is a historic crossing over the Seta River in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, serving as the primary ou...
30
Parks
The Biwako Ōtsukan English Garden is a landscape garden located on the western shore of Lake Biwa, specifically integrat...
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Ōtsu on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Ōtsu
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms or November for autumn foliage, as the mountain temples provide ideal viewing conditions.
2-3 days to balance the lakeside activities with visits to the significant temple complexes on the surrounding slopes.
The city is served by the JR Biwako Line and the Keihan Otsu Line, with local bus networks connecting to remote temple sites.
The area surrounding JR Otsu Station offers the most convenient transit access, while hotels near the Hamaotsu port provide direct lake views.
Mid-range; generally more affordable than neighboring Kyoto while offering similar historical density.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 544 curated attractions in and around Ōtsu, ranked by traveller ratings.
Enryaku-ji Temple is the highest-rated place to visit in Ōtsu right now.
The largest category is temples, with 297 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
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