Overview
LOCAL CULTURE WALK
Walk with a local guide to see the
Phantom Water Castle, Otsu Castle.
Otsu Castle was built around 1586 near the current Hamaotsu area by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Just before the Battle of Sekigahara, it became the stage for the “Battle of Otsu Castle,” where Kyogoku Takatsugu of the Eastern Army held the castle and stalled the Western Army.
Today, the castle structures themselves no longer exist. However, traces such as the inner bailey site, moat ruins, and stone walls are still scattered throughout the city center. On this tour, you will walk approximately 4.5 km with a local guide who knows Otsu’s history well, deciphering the form of Otsu Castle from the modern cityscape. Trace the history of Otsu as it transformed from a castle town into a post town on the Tokaido Road.
LOCAL STORY
Visualize the castle over the modern town through the guide’s storytelling.
Most of the buildings of Otsu Castle have been lost, and there are limited places today that are clearly recognizable as “castle ruins.” That is why a local guide’s narration is the main highlight of this course. By listening to explanations about the locations of the inner bailey and moats, traces of stone walls, and the relationship with Lake Biwa, the image of the former water castle will emerge within the everyday city streets.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS
Walk with a Local Guide | Discover the former form of Otsu Castle by deciphering the site locations and traces remaining in town.
Phantom Water Castle, Otsu Castle | Walk around the Hamaotsu area and trace the castle grounds from the inner bailey and moat sites.
Stone Walls in the City | Visit the tangible remains of Otsu Castle left in the modern city center.
From Castle Town to Otsu-juku | Trace the city’s subsequent development through the Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Exhibition Hall and the old Tokaido Road.
Otsu Specialties and Souvenirs | Includes Miidera Chikara-mochi with tea, an “Otsu Castle” card, and an “Otsu-juku” stamp.
Walking Distance: Approx. 4.5 km | A thorough walking tour of approximately 2 hours 45 minutes with a local guide.
WALKING MAP
Route: Walking the Traces of Otsu Castle
Basic Information
- Tour Dates
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Every Tuesday to Sunday
*Excluding Mondays, New Year holidays, and specific days (festivals/events) - Time
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9:30 AM – 12:15 PM
1:30 PM – 4:15 PM
[Duration: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes] - Meeting Point
- Capacity
-
Capacity: 10 people (Minimum: 2 people)
- Price
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3,300 yen (for 2 or more participants) / 5,500 yen (for 1 participant)
Includes: Commemorative gift, food and drink, guide expenses, etc.
*The minimum number of participants for this tour is 2. If you wish to proceed with only 1 person, please apply using the single-person rate. If other participants join and the group reaches 2 or more, the price difference will be refunded.
Itinerary
Otsu Station Tourist Information Center / Meet and depart with local guide → Inuzuka no Keyaki (Zelkova Tree) → Chikatsu-ji Temple / View of the old castle town from Mt. Nagara → Hokkoku Kaido Road → Hokkoku Bridge / Former outer moat site → Kawaguchi Park / Former middle moat site → Miidera Chikara-mochi Honke / Break with Miidera Chikara-mochi and tea → “Otsu Castle Site” Monument / Former Honmaru site → “Otsu Castle Stone Wall” Monument / Former outer moat site → Outer Moat Stone Wall Ruins → Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Exhibition Hall / Visit → Old Tokaido Road → Tenson Shrine / Restored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during castle construction → JR Otsu Station / Dismissal
Additional Details
TRACES OF OTSU CASTLE
Trace the remains of Otsu Castle hidden in the city with a local guide
LOCAL GUIDE EXPERIENCE
Walking with a guide brings the invisible castle to life.
Otsu Castle was decommissioned, and its structure can no longer be seen today. However, traces of the castle—such as the locations of the inner bailey and moats, stone walls, and the elevation changes of the land—remain in the current city center. By walking with a local guide’s commentary, you can visualize the “Water Castle” that once stood on the shores of Lake Biwa over the modern cityscape.
Tracing the outer moat of Otsu Castle from Hokkoku Bridge
The area around Hokkoku Bridge, which spans the Lake Biwa Canal, was once part of Otsu Castle’s outer moat. Using current roads, waterways, and topography as clues, your guide will help you decipher the original scale of the castle grounds.
Memories of the castle remaining at the middle moat site
The area around Kawaguchi Park, now a popular public space, was once where the middle moat of Otsu Castle ran. By overlaying historical castle maps with the current terrain, we will imagine the lost form of Otsu Castle.
A break with Otsu’s famous Miidera Chikara-mochi
While exploring the castle ruins, enjoy the local specialty “Miidera Chikara-mochi” with tea. Take a moment to relax during your walk and enjoy the flavors of a long-established shop that has been loved in Otsu for generations.
Tea and Miidera Chikara-mochi Included
The Honmaru site of Otsu Castle overlooking Lake Biwa
The area around the current Otsu Port is where the Honmaru (inner bailey) of Otsu Castle is said to have been located. Standing on the lakeshore while listening to the guide, you will see the unique layout of a “Water Castle” that used Lake Biwa for natural defense and water transport.
Stone walls of Otsu Castle remaining in the city
Near the Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, a portion of the stone wall used for the outer moat of Otsu Castle remains. With most of the castle structures lost, these are precious traces that allow you to truly feel the Otsu Castle of the past.
From Castle Town to Tokaido Post Town
After the decommissioning of Otsu Castle, Otsu developed as a post town on the Tokaido Road and a center of commerce. At the Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, we trace the city’s history from a castle town to the “Otsu Hyakucho” (Otsu Hundred Towns), while experiencing the festival culture passed down by the townspeople.
Tenson Shrine: Linked to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Otsu Castle
Walk along the old Tokaido Road to Tenson Shrine. This shrine is said to have been restored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the construction of Otsu Castle. The final part of the tour explores the city’s history, connecting the era of Otsu Castle to its time as a post town.
TOUR GIFT
Two Souvenirs: Otsu Castle and Otsu-juku
Tour participants will receive an “Otsu Castle” Castle Card and an “Otsu-juku” Goshukuba-in (Post Station Stamp). Take home the history of Otsu as it transitioned from a castle town to a post town as a memento of your trip.
INFORMATION
Please review before joining
About the Guide
A local guide well-versed in the history of Otsu and the traces of Otsu Castle will lead you from start to finish.
About the Walk
This is a walking tour covering approximately 4.5 km. As it includes slopes and areas with elevation changes, please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Free Luggage Storage
Luggage for tour participants can be stored for free at the Otsu Station Tourist Information Center. Please ask at the counter before departure.
About the Itinerary
The itinerary or stops may be partially changed due to facility closures or other circumstances.
In Case of Rain
The tour will proceed in the rain. Please bring your own rain gear. However, the tour may be canceled if it is determined that safe operation is difficult due to severe weather.
Information for the day
We do not mail travel documents or the final itinerary for this tour. Please check the day-of information (final itinerary) under “Reservation Details” in your booking confirmation email.
Tour Operator
Registered Travel Agency with the Governor of Shiga Prefecture: No. 2-243
Full Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA)
Biwako Otsu Tourism Association
Civic Cultural Center 2F, 2-3 Goryo-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
