The Lake Biwa Canal – A Meiji-Era Waterway Adorned with Cherry Blossoms and Bricks 【Highlights】 ・The Otsu Lock and the East Entrance of the First Tunnel, where preserved brickwork and stonework reveal Meiji-era engineering design. ・Cherry trees lining both banks…

Central

The Seta River is the only river that flows out of Lake Biwa. The Seta River weir was constructed in 1905 in response to a disastrous 1986 flood in an effort to control the water levels of Lake Biwa, as…

Southern

The city of Otsu’s name means “large port,” and the port here played an important role in relaying goods to the capital in Kyoto even during the Heian Period (794-1185). Otsu Castle was built under the administration of warlord Toyotomi…

Central

Otsu Branch Temple is a branch of the Shin Buddhist Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and was constructed during the early Edo period by the priest Kyonyo, who was famous for his do-or-die resistance against Nobunaga Oda at Ishiyama Hongan-ji. The main…

Central

Includes many parks that can be enjoyed as a family or with groups of friends. What about coming for a flower-viewing party, or a picnic? Camping facilities are also available.

Northern