Katata, where the width of the lake is the narrowest, once had an autonomous city that flourished through water transport and fishing rights. It is still the center of the northern part of Otsu. Around it are many highlights including Ukimi-do Hall, which seems to float above the lake, and Shozuiji Temple, where the Zen priest Ikkyu conducted religious austerities. Along Lake Biwa is Ogoto Onsen, which offers healing views of calm waters and is popular as a hot spring town near Osaka and Kyoto. A beautiful landscape of rice terraces lies in the on the mountain side of the Ogi area. The nature-rich Katsuragawa area, where the Sabakaido Road once carried merchandise from Fukui to Kyoto, is a popular spot for outdoor types.