Simply show your voucher at the ticket gate, but be aware that the network connection there is often weak, so you might encounter the awkward situation of having no signal at the entrance. However, Mount Hiei is quite large, and if you're only walking, you might only need to visit the East Tower and West Tower.
You can simply show your ticket at the ticket gate; the staff are familiar with using tickets and will make it easy for you. You can see Lake Biwa during the cable car's ascent and descent, and at the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. It's about a ten-minute walk to Enryaku-ji Temple, not too far.
We were blessed with fine weather and no wind all day, allowing us to ski on all the courses, and we thoroughly enjoyed spring skiing. We also enjoyed the view of Lake Biwa while drinking coffee at Cafe 365 at the top of the Horai slope. We also had a delicious hamburger steak omelet rice at Restaurant Bird Castle. We recommend going in before 11am as it is quieter there.👍
My family and I were really looking forward to this snow trip. Luckily, the weather was great that day. We could see the entire Lake Biwa from the top of the mountain. The light snowfall in the afternoon added to the highlights of the trip. What I liked the most was our tour guide, Huahua. She was very cheerful and enthusiastic, which greatly enhanced the trip!
This was a great trip. The snow made the attractions even more beautiful. Our tour guide, Xiao Liu, was friendly and responsible, fluent in both Chinese and English, and provided very detailed introductions to each attraction. The driver drove smoothly. I would consider taking this kind of day trip again in the future.
Anonymous User
Family
Otsu Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit
Data source:Meteostat Update date:2025-09
Otsu year round climate
Spring (March–May): Average 10.5–19.3°C, mild climate but with relatively high rainfall, especially frequent in April and May. Common activities: Flower viewing, Lake Biwa cruises. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirts.
Summer (June–August): Average 23.7–29.5°C, hot and humid with frequent rainfall, especially from June to August. Common activities: Swimming, water sports, visiting summer resorts. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, short sleeves, shorts, sun protection clothing.
Autumn (September–November): Average 19.1–27.1°C, comfortable and pleasant climate with gradually decreasing rainfall. Common activities: Hiking, autumn foliage viewing, outdoor excursions. Recommended clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, light jacket.
Winter (December–February): Average 5.1–7.2°C, cold and dry with low rainfall. Common activities: Skiing (requires travel to mountainous areas), onsen experience. Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves.
Otsu climatological average
Annual average temperature: approx. 17.2°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1656 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August
Otsu monthly average temperature and precipitation
Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
5.1°C
47.4
February
6.1°C
72.5
March
10.5°C
131.3
April
16.4°C
182.2
May
19.3°C
199.8
June
23.7°C
248.8
July
28.9°C
176
August
29.5°C
254.7
September
27.1°C
127.3
October
19.1°C
105.2
November
13.9°C
91.9
December
7.2°C
19.2
Otsu weather for the next seven days
3/19
Thursday
Heavy rain
12.7°C/6°C
3/20
Friday
Partly Cloudy
12.6°C/2.8°C
3/21
Saturday
Sunny
13.8°C/1.9°C
3/22
Sunday
Sunny
16.6°C/3°C
3/23
Monday
Patchy rain nearby
15.5°C/7.9°C
3/24
Tuesday
Sunny
12.1°C/5.3°C
3/25
Wednesday
Sunny
15.8°C/2.4°C
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