You’ll find it easy to reach Otsu’s main attractions from JR Otsu Station by taking the Keihan Line from Biwako-Hamaotsu Station, just a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, the Keihan Bus and Omi Railway Bus are also convenient options. The Keihan Line takes you straight to highlights such as Ishiyamadera Temple, Mii-dera Temple, and Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station—the gateway to the Hieizan-Sakamoto area. This makes it easy to explore Otsu’s key attractions efficiently. Visit our access page for more details.

The Keihan Railway Otsu Line Kotokoto One-Day Pass (Adult 800 yen/ Child 400 yen) is the perfect option for exploring the famous sights and historic spots around Lake Biwa and Otsu. This pass provides unlimited rides on the entire Keihan Railway Otsu Line for a full day—offering excellent value and convenience. Skip the hassle of purchasing individual tickets and enjoy seamless travel throughout the city, from Ishiyamadera Temple, associated with Murasaki Shikibu, to the Sakamoto area, linked to Akechi Mitsuhide.
*Prices are subject to change. Please check the Keihan Railway website for the latest information.

You’ll find us about a 5-minute walk from Keihan Railway’s Biwako-Hamaotsu Station, heading towards Lake Biwa. From JR Otsu Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride.

With Lake Biwa at its edge and the Hira and Hiei mountains nearby, Otsu is a city where nature and history come together. You’ll find plenty to see and do, including:

– Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
– Ishiyamadera Temple (linked to Murasaki Shikibu)
– Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Temple) and Mii-dera Temple (famed in the Eight Views of Omi)
– Biwako Terrace (offering panoramic lake views)

For more details, visit our tourist spots page.

Otsu City may not have any standing castle keeps today, but the city is rich with historical sites connected to the Sengoku and Edo periods. Notable locations include:

– Sakamoto Castle (Sakamoto Castle Ruins Park), built by Akechi Mitsuhide
– Otsu Castle (Otsu Castle Ruins), associated with the Battle of Sekigahara
– Zeze Castle (Zeze Castle Ruins Park), a moated castle established by Tokugawa Ieyasu

Otsu City is famous for the Three Great Festivals of Otsu: the Sanno Festival (April), the Senkosai Festival (August), and the Otsu Festival (October). Each event transforms the city with lively parades, traditional performances, and enthusiastic crowds. In addition to these highlights, many other seasonal events take place along Lake Biwa and in scenic local spots. For more information, please visit our event page.

The festival is held annually in early August. For more information, please visit the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival Committee website.

The Lake Biwa Opening Ceremony is held every year in Otsu on Lake Biwa to welcome spring and start the lake tourism season. The event includes prayers for the safety of the lake, its visitors, and the environment. On the Michigan cruise ship, a one-day honorary captain and local officials pray for the safety of tourists and boats on the lake. The main event is when a 170cm, 6kg Golden Key is thrown into Lake Biwa. This tradition is believed to unlock spring for Shiga, known as the Land of Lakes. For dates and the latest information, please visit our event page.

Reservations for the spring season usually open in February, while fall season bookings start in August. For details and the latest updates, check the Lake Biwa Canal Cruise website.

You can buy same-day tickets for Lake Biwa cruises at boarding counters around the lake such as Otsu Port, or reserve your spot in advance on the cruise company’s official website. Since weekends, holidays, and busy tourist seasons can get crowded, it’s a good idea to book ahead—especially for popular cruises like the Michigan Cruise. For more details, check the Biwako Kisen Steamship or Lake West Yacht Club official website.

You can rent bicycles at the Otsu Station Tourist Information Center (JR Otsu Station) or from services like Biwaichi Bike at Otsu Port. For more information, check out our Bicycle Rental Facilities Guide.

When visiting Otsu, be sure to try local gourmet delights such as Omi beef, renowned as one of Japan’s top three wagyu brands, the plump and aromatic eel from Otsu, and unique Lake Biwa specialties like lake fish and tsukudani. For more information, please see our Gourmet & Souvenirs page.

You can find traditional crafts and local souvenirs at the Otsu Station Tourist Information Center (inside JR Otsu Station), roadside stations around the city like Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza, and at lake stations. For more details on souvenirs in Otsu, visit our Dining & Souvenirs page.

Otsu is known for its unique traditional crafts and souvenirs, such as Otsu-e folk paintings, Kumihimo braided cords, and Karahashi-yaki wares—all with roots going back to the Edo period. You’ll also find beautiful accessories made with Biwako pearls. For more information on what to buy, visit our Dining & Souvenirs page.

Otsu is home to many restaurants serving Omi Beef, one of Japan’s three major wagyu brands. You’ll find a wide range of options, from casual lunch spots where you can enjoy steak and hamburg, to renowned sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurants perfect for a special occasion. For more details, please visit our Dining & Souvenirs page.

Many hotels and ryokans along the shores of Lake Biwa—especially in the Ogoto Onsen area, near Otsu Port, and by the Seta River—offer beautiful views of the lake. Some also feature rooms with spectacular lake views or relaxing open-air baths. For more details, see our Hotels & Ryokan page.

Yes, there are hotels and ryokans in Otsu where you can stay with your dog or other pets. For specific options and details, check our Hotels & Ryokan page.

Otsu is home to Ogoto Onsen, the largest hot spring area in Shiga Prefecture, and is just a 20-minute drive from Kyoto. You’ll also find Nango Onsen in southern Otsu, along with several other options. For more details, check our Hotels & Ryokan page.

You can find tourist brochures at information centers throughout Otsu, like the Otsu Station Tourist Information Center (inside JR Otsu Station) and the Ishiyama Station Tourist Information Center (inside JR Ishiyama Station). For more details, check our Tourist Information Centers page or download brochures from our website.

Yes, there are knowledgeable volunteer guides from the Koto Otsu Tourism Volunteer Guide Club to show you around. For details and reservations, see our volunteer guide page. We also offer many other guided tours, so be sure to check our tours page for more information.