Sengoku Ōtsu: A Course Visiting Sites Linked to Akechi Mitsuhide and Sengoku Warlords | Itineraries

A Sengoku-Era Stage: Explore Ōtsu City, Shiga Prefecture

This course lets you fully enjoy the appeal of Ōtsu, where many sites connected to warlords of the Sengoku and Azuchi–Momoyama periods remain. Be sure to check out highlights you can experience only "now," such as special openings and special temple viewings.

Tips for getting around

Travel by private car or rental car. For Mount Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple, we recommend using the Sakamoto Cable.

Route

Day 1

View Cultural Properties Donated by Yodo-dono
Enjoy the "Toyotomi Hidenaga Sengoku Gozen" in the Spirit of a Warlord
Experience Remains Linked to Akechi Mitsuhide and Toyotomi Hideyoshi at Saikyō-ji Temple
Take the Sakamoto Cable to Mount Hiei
Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple
Also Check the "Sengoku Ōtsu: A Historical Stage" Special Website

Day 1

10:00

① View Cultural Properties Donated by Yodo-dono

The Momoyama period was when Toyotomi Hideyoshi achieved national unification. At Ishiyama-dera Temple, a major renovation was carried out to repair and rebuild halls that had been destroyed by fire in war, funded by donations from Chacha (Yodo-dono), the eldest of the three Azai sisters. You can see the Main Hall, the East Great Gate, the Sutra Repository, and more, all strongly reflecting the distinctive character of the Momoyama period.

Ishiyamadera Temple

Location: 1-chōme-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga 520-0861, Japan

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Business Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: None
Price: 600 yen (500 yen for groups of more than 30 people)
Parking Lot: Space for 140 cars and limited spaces for large vehicles (w/a surcharge)

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About 5 minutes by car

11:30

② Enjoy the "Toyotomi Hidenaga Sengoku Gozen" in the Spirit of a Warlord

The "Toyotomi Hidenaga Sengoku Gozen," made with ingredients associated with the people and the Sengoku-era backdrop in which Toyotomi Hidenaga and Hideyoshi strove for success, is a menu that lets you enjoy Matsukiya’s signature Ōmi beef dishes along with episodes inspired by the culture of the time. Please savor it in the spirit of a Sengoku warlord.

Ōmi Beef Specialty Restaurant: Restaurant Matsukiya (Main Store)

Location: 14-17 Karahashi-cho, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0851

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Reservations Inquiries: 077-534-2901
URL: Official website
Business Hours: • Lunch (weekdays) / 11:30–14:00 (last seating) Closes at 15:00
• Lunch (weekends) / 11:00–14:00 (last seating) Closes at 15:00
• Dinner / 17:00–20:00 (last seating) Closes at 21:30
Closed: December 31, January 1, and maintenance days

About 30 minutes by car

13:00

③ Experience Remains Linked to Akechi Mitsuhide and Toyotomi Hideyoshi at Saikyō-ji Temple

Saikyō-ji Temple, founded by Prince Shōtoku, is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect and is also known as the Akechi clan’s family temple. Although it suffered damage in Oda Nobunaga’s burning of Mount Hiei, Akechi Mitsuhide worked to restore it. The Main Hall is built entirely of zelkova wood. (Important Cultural Property) There are many highlights, including sliding-door paintings by the Kanō school.
In spring (April 25 (Sat)–May 10 (Sun), 2026) and autumn (November 7 (Sat)–December 6 (Sun), 2026), the "Guest Hall" relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle—associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi—will be opened to the public for the first time as a special exhibition. In addition, to coincide with the spring opening of the Guest Hall, the original of the only surviving portrait of the Sengoku warlord Akechi Mitsuhide (owned by Hontoku-ji Temple) will be displayed.

Saikyō-ji Temple

Location: 5-13-1 Sakamoto, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0113

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Business Hours: 9:00–16:30
Admission: Adults: ¥500 (¥450 for groups of 20 or more)
URL: Official website

About 5 minutes by car to Sakamoto Cable Station

14:00

④ Take the Sakamoto Cable to Mount Hiei

Opened in 1927, the "Sakamoto Cable" is Japan’s longest funicular, stretching 2,025 m and connecting the foot of the mountain to Cable Enryakuji Station in 11 minutes. From the large windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. There are also many photogenic spots, including modern station buildings that evoke Taishō-era romance and are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.

Sakamoto Cable

Location: Japan, 〒520-0116 Shiga, Otsu, Sakamotohonmachi, ４２４４ Cable Sakamoto Station

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Closed: None
Price: Roundtrip 1,620 yen
(Group discounts available depending on the number of persons)
Parking Lot: Space for several standard cars
Business Hours: 8:00–17:30 (hours may vary by season)

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About 11 minutes up on the Sakamoto Cable, then about 10 minutes on foot

14:30

⑤ Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple

After Oda Nobunaga’s burning of Mount Hiei, the Konpon Chūdō (National Treasure) of Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple was restored with donations and patronage from the Toyotomi and Tokugawa families. Since FY2016, a major renovation has been underway over approximately 15 years. During the construction period, you can climb to the height of the Konpon Chūdō roof from the specially installed "Study Stage" and observe the roof re-thatching work. The Study Stage is scheduled to be open until the end of November 2026, making this a rare view that will never be seen again after the renovation is complete.

Due to the major renovation project, you will not be able to enter the interior of the Konpon Chūdō for about two years from January 6, 2026 to January 2028. However, at Manpai-dō Hall in the Tōdō area, the "Yakushi Nyorai" statue (the attendant image before the principal icon of the Konpon Chūdō) and the "Undying Dharma Lamp" will be specially enshrined.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to view them up close.

Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple

Location: 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0116

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Business Hours: Tōdō area
9:00–16:00

Saitō and Yokawa areas
Dec–Feb: 9:30–16:00
Mar–Nov: 9:00–16:00
Admission: Adults: ¥1,000 (¥800 for groups of 20 or more) *Common ticket for all three areas
URL: Official website

and more!/

⑥ Also Check the "Sengoku Ōtsu: A Historical Stage" Special Website

Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu—the three great warlords—each used Ōtsu as a strategic base, and three castles were built: Sakamoto Castle, Ōtsu Castle, and Zeze Castle.
If you are traveling to sites linked to "Sengoku Ōtsu" that shaped the course of national unification, be sure to check the special website as well.