Popular Tours & Experiences in Otsu

For a one-day trip to Otsu and Lake Biwa, it's recommended to combine cultural heritage sites with natural scenery. In the morning, visit the World Cultural Heritage site, Mii-dera Temple, to experience its solemn atmosphere and historical depth, and climb to a high point for a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. After lunch, head to the Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) to admire the water conservancy engineering and seasonal flowers. In the afternoon, take a Lake Biwa cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water, or visit Omi Jingu Shrine for a taste of traditional Japanese culture. If time permits, consider renting a bicycle by the lake and leisurely cycling along the lakeside paths for a relaxing time.

Otsu offers a diverse range of accommodation options, primarily divided into the areas around JR Otsu Station and the Lake Biwa lakeside. The area around Otsu Station is convenient for transportation, making it easy to travel to Kyoto or other attractions, with shops and restaurants nearby. Lakeside accommodations mainly consist of hotels with lake views and hot spring inns, allowing travelers to easily enjoy the sunrise and sunset over Lake Biwa and embrace a resort atmosphere. For a quieter lodging experience, charming guesthouses in the towns around Lake Biwa offer a deeper immersion into local life. When choosing accommodation, it's advisable to consider your itinerary and personal preferences.

For family and parent-child travel, Otsu has advantages over Kyoto in certain aspects. Otsu is home to Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, offering abundant natural exploration and outdoor activities such as lakeside parks, water activity experiences, or the Lake Biwa Museum, suitable for children of all ages. Compared to Kyoto's temple and historical site itineraries, Otsu has more open spaces and relatively fewer crowds, making it more suitable for children to play freely. Many hotels also offer family-friendly facilities. If you wish to experience Japanese culture while catering to your children's activity needs, Otsu would be a good choice, allowing your family to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.

The Otsu Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival is usually held in early August each year and is a major summer event in the Kansai region. As it attracts a large number of people, advance transportation planning is recommended. The best way is to take the JR or Keihan train to Otsu Station, Zeze Station, or Hamaotsu Station, and then walk to the viewing area. Roads around the venue will be closed to traffic on the day of the event, so driving is strongly discouraged. Please allow ample time when using public transportation and pay attention to the last train schedule. You can book package tours through KKday for Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation, alleviating language communication concerns.

The most recommended way to travel from Kansai International Airport to Otsu is by train. You can take the JR Special Rapid train 'Haruka' to Kyoto Station, which takes approximately 75-80 minutes. After arriving at Kyoto Station, transfer to the JR Biwako Line (Tokaido Main Line) for about two stops, which takes about 10 minutes to reach Otsu Station. The total travel time, including transfers, is about 90 to 100 minutes. Another option is to take an airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station, and then transfer to the JR Biwako Line. The bus journey takes about 90 minutes, plus another 10 minutes by train. Both methods are quite convenient, and you can choose based on your preference.

Otsu boasts rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Must-visit classic attractions include the World Cultural Heritage site 'Mii-dera Temple', with its magnificent architecture and serene gardens that will captivate you. 'Ishiyama-dera Temple' is known for its rich literary background and autumn foliage. Additionally, 'Omi Jingu Shrine' is an unmissable power spot. For unique local experiences, you can take a 'Lake Biwa Cruise' to admire the picturesque scenery, or try 'Biwaichi' (Lake Biwa Cycling Route) to feel the breeze. If you're interested in handicrafts, you can participate in local traditional craft workshops or savor fresh fish dishes unique to Lake Biwa to deeply experience Otsu's charm.

The Lake Biwa Cycling Route, also known as 'Biwaichi', is a famous cycling path in Japan, with a total length of about 200 kilometers. If time is limited, it's recommended to experience parts of the route. For example, cycling from Otsu Port along the lakeside allows you to enjoy lake views and nearby parks. The Okubiwako Cycling Road on the northern lake is scenic and more challenging. Bicycle rental services are available in many places around Lake Biwa. You can find rental points near JR Otsu Station or around Hamaotsu Port on the lakeside. Some areas also offer one-way rental services, making it convenient for travelers planning rides of different lengths. It's advisable to confirm the location and operating hours of rental points in advance.

When in Otsu, you must not miss trying the local specialty foods. The most famous is 'Omi Beef', known for its tender texture and rich marbling, making it delicious in sukiyaki, teppanyaki, or steak. Being close to Lake Biwa, lake fish dishes are also a highlight. For example, 'Funazushi' is a historic local dish made from fermented crucian carp, with a unique flavor. Additionally, there are dishes like 'Kanroni of small ayu' (sweet-simmered small sweetfish) made from fish caught in Lake Biwa. For desserts, local Wagashi (Japanese sweets) or Western-style cakes made with Shiga Prefecture's specialty ingredients are great as souvenirs or after-meal treats.

After your trip to Otsu, there are many specialty souvenirs worth taking home to share with friends and family. The most representative are 'Omi Beef related products', such as Omi Beef curry packs, meat miso, or beef jerky, allowing you to bring the deliciousness home. Lake Biwa is Japan's largest lake, so 'fish products' related to the lake are also good choices, such as simmered fish roe or various sweet-simmered lake fish. Furthermore, Shiga Prefecture's 'sake' is quite renowned; you can choose special brews from local breweries. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for locally produced 'Wagashi' or Western-style cakes. There are also some cultural and craft products themed around Lake Biwa that make for great keepsakes.

Otsu offers many attractions and activities suitable for families with children. First, 'Lake Biwa Children's Land' by the lakeside is a comprehensive park combining nature and play facilities, where children can run and play on vast lawns. Another recommendation is the 'Lake Biwa Museum', which uses interactive exhibits to educate children about the ecology and history of Lake Biwa. You can also take a 'Lake Biwa Sightseeing Boat'; some boats have special designs or offer family experience programs. Additionally, when the season permits, participating in agricultural experiences like 'strawberry picking' or 'blueberry picking' is a great way for children to connect with nature. There are also many parks and beaches along the lake, perfect for strolling or picnicking.