The capitol of Japan was originally moved from Nara’s Asuka to Otsu by Emperor Tenji in 667. Following his death in 672 however, a succession dispute arose leading to the event now known as the “Jinshin revolt,” which turned the…

Central

The old residence of the educator and thinker Sugiura Jugo. The rustic building was constructed in the Mid-Meiji Period (1868-1912) and is surrounded by an earthen wall.

Central

This line connects steep slopes, sharp curves, and on-street tracks over a course of a total of 21.6 km…. Rising to meet Japan’s highest railway standards, guests are promised a safe and comfortable ride on Keihan Railways (Otsu Line). The…

Central

The upper stream of the Ado River stretches both north and south of the west side of the Hira mountain range, forming the scenic, rich in nature Katsuragawa Valley. The Katsuragawa Valley was formerly a segment of the Saba Kaido…

Northern

The Biwako Ohashi Bridge spans 1,400 meters over Lake Biwa, making it the longest bridge on the lake. It is a pedestrian friendly bridge that enables walkers and cyclists to have a magnificent view of Lake Biwa and the Hira…

North central

The Sagawa Art Museum was opened on the shores of Lake Biwa, surrounded by nature and looking out on the Hiei and Hira mountains, as part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Sagawa Express Co., Ltd.…

Northern

Ono Takamura Shrine’s main shrine resides with the grounds of Ono Shrine. The enshrined deity is the Heian period (794-1185) poet (of tanka poems) and government official, Ono Takamura (802-852). The main shrine is said to have been constructed around…

Northern

Shinodzu Shrine resides along the path of the former Tokaido road in Zeze. While the exact date the shrine was constructed is unknown, the discovery of a construction sign inscribed with the year 1456 suggests that the shrine originates from…

Central

Susanoo no Mikoto is the enshrined deity of Tenno Shrine. According to the shrine’s legend, it was founded in 966 (the 3rd year of the Koho era) after the ceremonial transferring of the deity “Gozu Tenno” from Yasaka Shrine in…

Northern

The first grave mound was constructed in the second half of the fourth century, making it the city’s oldest burial ground, and has an overall length of 60 meters. It is speculated to have been the grave of the regional…

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

The Hira Mountain chain’s highest mountain is Mt. Bunagatake, with Mt. Hiradake and Mt. Uchimi also making up part of the chain. Biwako Valley’s adventure course and resort is on Mt. Horai, which is another one of the mountains of…

Northern