Things to do in Otsu

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Lake Biwa Canal featuring a river or creek
Biwako Otsukan showing heritage elements
Otsu which includes food
Lake Biwa showing a garden
Otsu which includes signage
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Most popular activities in Otsu

Tours & day trips

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Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 142 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,000 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Night (w/Kyoto Snack)

Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Night (w/Kyoto Snack)

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥18,260 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥12,000 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is ￥8,826 per traveler
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Shows & concerts

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Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,000 per adult
Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto TicketOpens in new tab

What to do in Otsu

Discover the most popular places to visit in Otsu

Enryakuji Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Enryakuji Temple

After visiting Enryakuji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Enryakuji Temple
Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Biwa Canal during your travels in Otsu. Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this relaxing area.

Lake Biwa Canal
Ishiyamadera Temple

Ishiyamadera Temple

After visiting Ishiyamadera Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Ishiyamadera Temple
Biwako Otsukan showing heritage elements

Biwako Otsukan

Enjoy an outing to Biwako Otsukan during your stay in Otsu. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Biwako Otsukan
Mii-dera

Mii-dera

You can find out about the history of Otsu with a trip to Mii-dera. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Mii-dera
Kyu Chikurinin Garden showing a park

Kyu Chikurinin Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Kyu Chikurinin Garden, a lovely green space in Otsu. Check out the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Kyu Chikurinin Garden
Ishiyama-dera

Ishiyama-dera

You can find out about the history of Otsu with a stop at Ishiyama-dera. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Ishiyama-dera

Mount Hiei

5/5(2 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Mount Hiei in Otsu. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Mount Hiei

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

5/5(2 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Otsu with a visit to Biwako Valley Ski Resort. Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this relaxing area.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Otsu

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Ogoto

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Ogoto, Lake Biwa and Ogoto Onsen are top sights worth seeing.

Ogoto
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Katata

While visiting Katata, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park.

Katata
大津
Photo by shikabane taro (CC BY)

Shimo-sakamoto

While visiting Shimo-sakamoto, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park.

Shimo-sakamoto

Popular day trips from Otsu

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Kyoto

Uji

Uji

Photo by Yasmin

Kusatsu

Moriyama

Moriyama

Photo by fukufuku_n

Omihachiman

Takashima

Takashima

Photo by Hsiao Cheng Wang

Koka

Photo "Ritto" by 椙元舟 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by 椙元舟 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Ritto

Frequently asked questions

Is Otsu worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are many interesting things to do in Otsu. Make sure to discover the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Otsu?
Biwako Valley Ski Resort and Ogoto Onsen are two good places to begin your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Otsu while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Otsu?
The top tourist attraction in Otsu is Mount Hiei, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Otsu?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Mount Hiei, Ogoto Onsen and Lake Biwa Museum with a three-day trip to Otsu. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Kyoto.
Is Otsu a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Otsu, like Ogoto Onsen and Lake Biwa Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometers from the city center of Otsu is Ogoto and Katata is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Otsu with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in Otsu with kids.

What to do in Otsu for adults?
Kusatsujuku Honjin and Roadside Station Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza are just a couple of the things to do in Otsu. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Otsu?
In Otsu, Manohama Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Otsu.