Things to do in Otsu

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A lock system with water gates, a bridge, and a modern building with orange and white colors.
A traditional Japanese building with a symmetrical design, featuring two main towers and a central entrance.
A close-up of several small clay bowls with green vegetables and a cracked egg.
A tree in the center of a plaza surrounded by tall stone columns.
Three large containers with Japanese writing and green designs, placed outside a building with a wooden facade and a tiled entrance.

Things to do

Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

￥8,100
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour
Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour

Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour

￥7,860
per adult
Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

￥12,000
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental

Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental

￥4,400
per adult
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental
Wear a high-quality kimono, enjoy a tea ceremony experience in a small group, and hear fun travel stories from other travelers.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

￥12,000
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio

Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio

￥3,000
per adult
Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

￥8,754
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience

￥18,826
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

￥5,500
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
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What to do in Otsu

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A mountainous landscape with a lake, forested hills, and a clear blue sky.

Mount Hiei

8.4/10 (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
A coastal cityscape with mountains in the background.

Ogoto

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

Noka

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

A beach with clear water, a person in the water, and mountains in the background.
Photo by kajikawa
Open Photo by kajikawa

Minami-komatsu

If you're spending some time in Minami-komatsu, Lake Biwa and Omi Maiko Nakahama Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Osaka

While there might not be top attractions in Osaka, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mii-dera and Otsu Port.

Chuo

If you're spending some time in Chuo, Lake Biwa and Otsu Festival Hikiyama Exhibition Pavilion are top sights worth seeing.

Popular day trips from Otsu

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.

Kyoto

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

Uji

A traditional Japanese onsen with clear turquoise water, wooden walkways, and a wooden bridge.

Kusatsu

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

Moriyama

A narrow waterway flanked by traditional wooden houses with stone walls and a boat in the distance.

Omihachiman

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, green hills, and scattered islands.

Takashima

A stone bridge over a pond with lotus flowers and greenery.

Koka

A traditional Japanese torii gate in a forested area.
Photo by YOSHIFUMI OGISO (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

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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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