Things to do in Otsu

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Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
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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 167 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,000 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 162 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,704 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 201 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,000 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,109 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Kyoto: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Geisha

Kyoto: Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot & Geisha

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 97 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥16,000 per adult
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What to do in Otsu

Stay near popular Otsu attractions

Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan (Mt. Hiei), Shiga, Japan.

Mount Hiei

4.2/5 (47 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.
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Where to stay in Otsu

Find the best Otsu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otsu
Learn more about Otsu
Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan (Mt. Hiei), Shiga, Japan.

Ogoto

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

Photo by shikabane taro
Open Photo by shikabane taro

Shimo-sakamoto

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

Katata

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

Popular day trips from Otsu

Kyoto

Kyoto

A pagoda-style tower with a stepped design, surrounded by gravel, trees, and a red bridge.

Uji

Kusatsu Hot Springs. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

Kusatsu

A traditional wooden pavilion on a pier extending into a calm body of water, with a clear blue sky above.

Moriyama

近江八幡　八幡堀の風景

Omihachiman

瀬戸内海を見晴らす　あじ竜王山公園から源平合戦由来の稲毛島、兜島、豊島ほか（香川県高松市庵治町 ）

Takashima

植物園、公園、屋内、温室、花壇、蓮、水蓮、蓮根、ロータス、蓮の花、レンコン、ロータス効果、蓮台、lotus、

Koka

Ritto
Photo by YOSHIFUMI OGISO (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

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.

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