Grow Strong! “Otsu Journey” Course to Enjoy with Children

Day Trip Course(Approx. 6 hours)

Northern / North central / Central

Let us explore Otsu together with your children!

This “Otsu Journey” is a course to enjoy with your children, with heartfelt wishes for them to grow up healthy and strong while experiencing Lake Biwa’s great outdoors. It is a course for the whole family to create precious memories!

Tips for getting around

  • Traveling by car is recommended

Route

Day 1

9:00

① Take a stroll through hillsides of bright yellow daffodils

At Biwako Valley, which begins its Green Season operations from late April, you can enjoy Kansai’s largest display of daffodils—around 300,000 blooms—turning the hillsides yellow. The sweeping view of Lake Biwa from the hilltop, together with the vast landscape colored by daffodils, is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Biwako Valley/Biwako Terrace

Location

1547-1 Kido, Otsu, Shiga 520-0514, Japan

Business Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Parking Lot

Space for 1,700 cars

Approx. 25 minutes by car
11:00

② Pray for healthy growth while viewing Mano River carp streamers

Every year, many carp streamers (koinobori) are raised along the Mano River embankment, delighting visitors.
These colorful, distinctive carp streamers are handmade by local kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools, and various community groups in the Mano school district. The sight of countless carp streamers “swimming” in the spring sky is spectacular. As you watch them flutter energetically, let us wish for children’s healthy growth.

Mano River Embankment

Location

Mano River / Embankment, Mano 3-chome, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture (from Shinjuku Bridge to Araki Bridge on National Route 477)

Parking

None
Coin-operated parking is available nearby

Display period

April 25, 2026 (Sat) – May 15, 2026 (Fri)

Approx. 11 minutes by car
12:00

③ Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The Sacred Monkey (Masaru), so famous that Hiyoshi Taisha is often associated with “the monkeys,” is a divine messenger whose name is linked to wordplay meaning “evil be gone” and “to surpass,” making it a very auspicious presence. When you visit, be sure to try drawing a cute “Sacred Monkey fortune slip” as well. The pure waters of the Ōmiya River are soothing, and the spacious shrine grounds will leave you feeling refreshed and centered.

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Location

5-chōme-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga 520-0113, Japan

Business Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Closed

None

Price

300 yen (270 yen for groups of more than 30 people)

Parking Lot

Space for 50 cars

Approx. 20 minutes by car
12:00

④ Board the Michigan Cruise

The Michigan is a luxurious sightseeing boat that cruises around the southern basin of Lake Biwa.
The ship is lively and full of energy—children can enjoy the music and events without getting bored. We also recommend taking commemorative photos at the many photo spots.
You can see the large paddle wheel up close and take in the magnificent expanse of Lake Biwa as far as the eye can see.
In addition, various special programs are planned during the Golden Week holiday period. A Michigan Cruise the whole family can enjoy—be sure to check it out!

Michigan Cruise

Location

5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu City, Shiga 520-0047

Business Hours

■ Michigan 60 (60-minute course)
Departs Ōtsu Port: ① 9:40– ② 15:00–
■ Michigan 90 (90-minute course)
Departs Ōtsu Port: ① 11:00– ② 13:00–