Otsu

Otsu Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Deals | Trip.com | August 2026

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What to do

Looking for things to do in Otsu? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Otsu, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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What to eat

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Otsu Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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[Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture] The paradise-themed illumination is back and better than ever this year (decorated with wind chimes...

西教寺

[Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture] The paradise-themed illumination is back and better than ever this year (decorated with wind chimes...

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

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Do you know this place?! Shiga Prefecture's number one tourist spot: Biwako Valley

びわ湖バレイ

Do you know this place?! Shiga Prefecture's number one tourist spot: Biwako Valley

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

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Shiga｜An INFP's Autumn Walk at Miidera Temple

Shiga｜An INFP's Autumn Walk at Miidera Temple

BBN. Nat 2893

BBN. Nat 2893

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[Shiga/Luxurious hot spring inn] The only special room with an open-air bath!! ✨️

滋賀

[Shiga/Luxurious hot spring inn] The only special room with an open-air bath!! ✨️

futaritabi

futaritabi

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I'll tell you what no one else will tell you! Complete guide to the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival ※Things to be aware of at Yumemigaoka Observatory🎇

花火祭り

I'll tell you what no one else will tell you! Complete guide to the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival ※Things to be aware of at Yumemigaoka Observatory🎇

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

ゆう関西トラベラー＆グルメ

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🇯🇵 Kyoto as a base: 7 trips without changing hotels

Kyoto is convenient not only as a standalone city. If you stay near Kyoto Station, you can leave in the morning for Lake Biwa, Nara, Osaka, or even Himeji, and return to the same hotel in the evening.

And here's the nice thing: some trips are so close that you don't even need a full day.

01 • Uji 🍵

For a matcha and a leisurely stroll

Byodo-in → Uji River → tea shops → matcha desserts.

It's about 17 minutes from Kyoto Station to JR Uji.

Format: half a day.
I would choose: when you want to take a break from the crowded Kyoto.

02 • OTSU 🌊

For Lake Biwa

The most underrated option: Otsu Station is only about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Add the Lake Biwa waterfront and Mii-dera. The temple area is about 20-30 minutes from Kyoto.

Format: half a day or a relaxing day.

03 • NARA 🦌

For temples and parks

Nara Park → Todai-ji → Kasuga Taisha → Naramachi.

From Kyoto Station, Kintetsu Nara is just over half an hour away.

Format: a full day.

04 • OSAKA 🌃

For food and evenings

Dotonbori, Namba, Umeda, markets and a completely different urban rhythm.

I wouldn't go here early in the morning. Osaka is especially beautiful in the afternoon and evening.

Quick pick:
matcha → Uji
lake → Otsu
temples + nature → Nara
eda + neon → Osaka

05 • KOBE ⚓️

Port + architecture + evening

Kitano → Sannomiya → Meriken Park → Harborland.

Kobe is easily accessible from Kyoto by train and works well as a standalone day trip.

Best time: afternoon → stay until the port is illuminated.

06 • HIMEJI 🏯

For one of Japan's most powerful castles

Main connection:

Himeji Castle → Koko-en Garden

The shinkansen from Kyoto takes about 45 minutes.

Format: All day.
If you like castles, I'd put Himeji above Kobe.

07 • OMI-HACHIMAN 🛶

For old, commercial Japan

Hachiman-bori Canal, old merchant houses, Himure Hachimangu, and quiet streets without the feeling of a big tourist center.

Kyoto Station is about 33 minutes by JR.

Format: a quiet day or half-day.

🗺 HOW I WOULD PACK IT

3 trips: Uji + Nara + Himeji
5 trips: add Otsu + Osaka
7 trips: Kobe + Omi-Hachiman

💡 But I wouldn't turn Kyoto into a place where you only sleep. It's worth setting aside at least a few full days for the city itself. Then the plan works perfectly: one hotel, morning in Kyoto, and seven completely different versions of Kansai around it.

🇯🇵 Kyoto as a base: 7 trips without changing hotels Kyoto is convenient not only as a standalone city. If you stay near Kyoto Station, you can leave in the morning for Lake Biwa, Nara, Osaka, or even Himeji, and return to the same hotel in the evening. And here's the nice thing: some trips are so close that you don't even need a full day. 01 • Uji 🍵 For a matcha and a leisurely stroll Byodo-in → Uji River → tea shops → matcha desserts. It's about 17 minutes from Kyoto Station to JR Uji. Format: half a day. I would choose: when you want to take a break from the crowded Kyoto. 02 • OTSU 🌊 For Lake Biwa The most underrated option: Otsu Station is only about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station. Add the Lake Biwa waterfront and Mii-dera. The temple area is about 20-30 minutes from Kyoto. Format: half a day or a relaxing day. 03 • NARA 🦌 For temples and parks Nara Park → Todai-ji → Kasuga Taisha → Naramachi. From Kyoto Station, Kintetsu Nara is just over half an hour away. Format: a full day. 04 • OSAKA 🌃 For food and evenings Dotonbori, Namba, Umeda, markets and a completely different urban rhythm. I wouldn't go here early in the morning. Osaka is especially beautiful in the afternoon and evening. Quick pick: matcha → Uji lake → Otsu temples + nature → Nara eda + neon → Osaka 05 • KOBE ⚓️ Port + architecture + evening Kitano → Sannomiya → Meriken Park → Harborland. Kobe is easily accessible from Kyoto by train and works well as a standalone day trip. Best time: afternoon → stay until the port is illuminated. 06 • HIMEJI 🏯 For one of Japan's most powerful castles Main connection: Himeji Castle → Koko-en Garden The shinkansen from Kyoto takes about 45 minutes. Format: All day. If you like castles, I'd put Himeji above Kobe. 07 • OMI-HACHIMAN 🛶 For old, commercial Japan Hachiman-bori Canal, old merchant houses, Himure Hachimangu, and quiet streets without the feeling of a big tourist center. Kyoto Station is about 33 minutes by JR. Format: a quiet day or half-day. 🗺 HOW I WOULD PACK IT 3 trips: Uji + Nara + Himeji 5 trips: add Otsu + Osaka 7 trips: Kobe + Omi-Hachiman 💡 But I wouldn't turn Kyoto into a place where you only sleep. It's worth setting aside at least a few full days for the city itself. Then the plan works perfectly: one hotel, morning in Kyoto, and seven completely different versions of Kansai around it.

Vitoriaa

Vitoriaa

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Otsu’s Lake Biwa Canal & Cherry Tree Promenade

slowtraveling

Otsu’s Lake Biwa Canal & Cherry Tree Promenade

oiio99

oiio99

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Shiga Prefecture: Lake Biwa & Mii-dera Temple.

滋賀

Shiga Prefecture: Lake Biwa & Mii-dera Temple.

NNIKO

NNIKO

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Popular Trip Moments

Otsu’s Lake Biwa Canal & Cherry Tree Promenade | Shiga Prefecture: Lake Biwa & Mii-dera Temple. | The moment I opened the curtains, I felt like I was already immersed in Lake Biwa.. | Mountaintop Cafe with a 360° View of Lake Biwa: Switzerland Vibes in Japan! | 4 Recommended Cities for the Best Fireworks in Japan. | Take a journey from Yase, Kyoto, via cable car and ropeway to the World Heritage site, Hieizan Enryakuji Temple. | A budget-friendly 2-day Japan itinerary for around 3,000 per person is here | Escape to Tokyo's Wabi-sabi Hidden Gems: A Century-Old Haiku Rendezvous at Fukutoku-zaka and Bashō-an. | [Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture] The paradise-themed illumination is back and better than ever this year (decorated with wind chimes... | [Shiga] Elegant Autumn Foliage at the Sacred Site of The Tale of Genji! Exploring Ishiyama-dera Temple in Omi. | TLDR | Biwako Onsen Ryokan | Biwako Ryokusui-tei ♨️ | Japan 2-day tour for about 3k per person, enjoy to the fullest | The Ultimate Guide to 2026 Japan Fireworks Festival Schedules. | 2026 Osaka & Kansai Fireworks Festivals Ultimate Guide. | minutes drive from Kyoto 🚄 Private bath in room ♨️ Lake Biwa Green Water Pavilion sincere review! The breathtakingly beautiful lake view is the soul 🌊🌅 | 2026 Japan Summer Fireworks Festival Complete Guide! All You Need in One Article | A Quick Guide to Japan's Top 10 Popular Fireworks Festivals. | A panoramic view of Lake Biwa | You must try Omi beef when traveling to Shiga Prefecture. | Afternoon sunlight filters through the leaves of the old banyan tree, scattering shards of golden light across the alleyway, where an old-school barber stand sits beneath, the barber's hand. | A historic temple associated with Murasaki Shikibu. | Strolling slowly along the rocky stream bank, the stones at my feet have been polished perfectly smooth by thousands of years of flowing water, their varying patterns looking as though they were hand-drawn by time itself. | 2026 Japan Fireworks Festival Awards: These 7 Shows Are Breathtaking! | This itinerary spans Minoh City in Osaka, Kyoto, and Otsu City in Shiga, moving from ancient temples and Japanese gardens to lakeside beauty, for total relaxation. | [Shiga Prefecture] A Spectacular View Floating on Lake Biwa! Ukimido Hall. | [Shiga Prefecture] Absolutely Delicious Omi Beef Hitsumabushi! | [Shiga Prefecture] It's No Wonder People Keep Coming Back! An Inn with Highly Satisfying Hot Springs and Food..

More Things To Do in Otsu

Shiga tour: Biwako Valley · Lake Biwa terrace + Shirahige Shrine, Omihachiman 1-day tour M | Lake Biwa Michigan Cruise Ticket (60 min/90 min option available) | Lake Biwa 1-day tour, hidden gem in the mountains by Lake Biwa, check in Shirahige Shrine floating torii | pure sightseeing group | A one-day trip to Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, Shirasu Shrine, and Omihachiman. | Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine + Biwako Valley cable car + Omihachiman 1-day tour | 1-day tour to lake biwa, bei lvming art journey, shirahige shrine and floating torii gate (pure sightseeing with no shopping) | [Guaranteed Departure] Nagoya Highlight Day Tour with Osu Street & Osu Kannon from Osaka | Private charter 1-day tour to Lake Biwa Shirahige in Japan with dedicated transfer | Customize your itinerary | Kansai Shiga Tour: MIHO MUSEUM + Old Chikurin-in + Shirahige Shrine, Enjoy the Scenic Views of Lake Biwa | Hieizan, Enryakuji & Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Guided Day Tour | 1-day tour to Nagoya Castle + Osu Shotengai shopping street + Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology from Osaka to Nagoya | [Guaranteed Departure] Autumn Shiga Hachiman-bori & Metasequoia Tour from Osaka | Japan SoftBank 4G/5G eSIM | TikTok & ChatGPT Available | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code | Global (77 Countries) 5G/4G eSIM | Supports Google Maps/TikTok/ChatGPT | Data Plan | 24-Hour Billing | 1–7 Days | QR code | Japan 5G eSIM | Supports Google Maps / ChatGPT | Daily/Total Data Plans | 24-Hour Billing | 1–30 Days | QR Code | Kyoto, Japan Arashiyama + Sanzen-in Temple + Bamboo Forest Trail Day Tour | Chopstick Making Class in Osaka | 1-day tour private charter in Osaka/Kyoto to Mount Yoshino + Yoshimizu Shrine + Nara Park. Customizable itinerary. | Osaka: Iconic Castle and Dotonbori Highlights Walking Tour | Night time/Trial slashing in Bushido with Samurai Sword real sharpneses near Osaka castle | Kyoto's ancient charm: A day trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara to feed the deer, with optional small group tours including hotel pick-up and drop-off. | 29 Japan's trending popular gourmet food - Kyoto Michelin-starred kaiseki cuisine at Honke Kuma | Kobe, Arima Onsen, Rokko Mt. Night View, Kitano Ijinkan Street Day Trip | [Popular experience IN Kyoto] Uji matcha + Japanese sake + inari sushi | Japan Sea Kyoto Amanohashidate + Ine Funaya Day Trip of Culture Experience | Optional includes cable car and boat tour | One-way Bus: Takayama to Kyoto via Shirakawago | [Sapporo Kanikan Kyoto] Delicious Crab Package - Choose One of Three Dining Vouchers | Hida beef restaurant bakuro ichidai Nagoya west - Hida beef BBQ package (choose one of three meal vouchers) | Kyoto two thousand-year-old temples, Fushimi Inari Taisha, one-day historical tour | Kyoto Kimono, Furisode, Yukata Rental Experience – Ookini Arashiyama Store