A Photogenic Summer in Ōtsu: Night Drive Course | Itineraries

Summer nights in Ōtsu are all about the “Night Pilgrimage.”

This is a driving course that takes you around photogenic evening spots.

Enjoy light-up events that illuminate shrines and temples,
as well as breathtaking night-view spots!

Route

Day 1

A Vivid Vermilion Gate! Ōmi Jingū Light-Up, Where History That Marks Time Shines
Dinner at Nakamura Shokudō
4,000 Wind Chimes Lead You In: A Gentle World of Sound and Light! Saikyō-ji Temple Light-Up
Jewel-Like Lights Reflected on the Water: Night Views of the Lake Biwa Bridge
Lake Biwa Ōtsu Summer Night Pilgrimage: An Evening Tour of Prayers and Cool Breezes, Guided by Light

Day 1

19:00

① A Vivid Vermilion Gate! Ōmi Jingū Light-Up, Where History That Marks Time Shines

Ōmi Jingū enshrines Emperor Tenji, who is said to have been the first in Japan to announce the time using a rokoku (water clock).
The “Ōmi Jingū Summer Light-Up” will be held mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from July 18 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun), 2026.
In addition to illuminating the two-story gate, the shrine will be bathed in fantastical light through projection displays themed around “time,” and lighting effects that make use of the precincts’ water clock, sundial, and fire clock.
Experience Ōmi Jingū, a special place that enshrines the “God of Time,” where a “time” story passed down for some 1,350 years resonates with modern light displays.

Ōmi Jingū Summer Light-Up

Location: 1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu City, Shiga 520-0015

View on Google Maps
Period: July 18 (Sat)–August 23 (Sun), 2026
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the period, plus Friday, August 14
Lighting hours: 19:00–21:00
Admission Fees: Adults (high school students and older): ¥600
Elementary & junior high students: ¥300
Preschool children: Free
(all prices include tax)

Approx. 3 minutes by car

19:30

② Dinner at Nakamura Shokudō

Nakamura Shokudō is a beloved local eatery that has been operating for about 50 years near Ōmi Jingū. On days when the Ōmi Jingū Light-Up is held, it offers special evening hours—perfect for dinner.

Nakamura Shokudō

Location: 1-12-9 Ōjigaoka, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0025

View on Google Maps
Business Hours: On light-up event days from July 18 (Sat) to August 23 (Sun), open 17:00–20:00 as a special schedule
*Excluding Sun, 7/19
*Regular hours: 11:30–15:30
Parking: None (please contact the restaurant)
Instagram: Nakamura Shokudō Instagram

Approx. 10 minutes by car

20:30

③ 4,000 Wind Chimes Lead You In: A Gentle World of Sound and Light! Saikyō-ji Temple Light-Up

At Saikyō-ji Temple, associated with Akechi Mitsuhide, colorful wind chimes decorate the grounds every summer. At night, the temple is illuminated, letting you experience a paradise-like world woven from soothing tones and light.

Saikyō-ji Temple: Evening Cool-Down Summer Light-Up

Location: View on Google Maps
Period: July 25 (Sat)–September 6 (Sun), 2026: Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun/public holidays during the period, plus Mon, August 10
Lighting hours: 19:00–21:30 (last admission 21:00)
Admission Fees: Adults ¥600
Elementary junior high students ¥300
URL: Official Website

Approx. 20 minutes by car

④ Jewel-Like Lights Reflected on the Water: Night Views of the Lake Biwa Bridge

The Lake Biwa Bridge forms a beautiful arch spanning 1,400 m. At night, the road lighting reflects on the lake surface, creating a fantastical view. It is a popular scenic stop to visit during a drive.

Biwako Ohashi Bridge

Location: 2539 Imahamachō, Moriyama, Shiga 524-0101, Japan

View on Google Maps
Business Hours: Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: 150 yen/Standard car (120 yen with ETC)

View Details

and more!/

⑤ Lake Biwa Ōtsu Summer Night Pilgrimage: An Evening Tour of Prayers and Cool Breezes, Guided by Light

Featuring shrine and temple light-ups, festivals, fireworks, night markets, and more, “Lake Biwa Ōtsu Summer Night Pilgrimage (Yomōde)” introduces Ōtsu’s unique ways to enjoy summer nights.
For event information not covered in this course, please check the Night Pilgrimage website.