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Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Otsu [2025]
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Lake Biwa
4.5
/5
44 reviews
6.2
Based on 277 reviews
46.4 km from downtown
Phone +81-77-5111530
Address: Lake Biwa, Shiga, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Otsu
Highlights:
Explore Shiga's famous spots
Mount Hiei's Enryakuji Temple nearby
57% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
this is one of the largest lakes in Japan and the scenery is very nice , the lakeside has cafe and for sightseeing you can take the cable car
The sea water was very clear and the weather was absolutely remarkable. It is better to drive or ride a bicycle in order to visit more places around the lake.
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Biwako Valley
4.6
/5
13 reviews
5.3
From AU$ 37.78
Based on 314 reviews
22 km from downtown
Phone +81 77-592-1155
Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu, Shiga 520-0514, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
360° view of Biwako Valley
Panoramic view of Kansai resort
Verified user reviews
Nice view at the moutain.. trip.com offer the cheapest ropeway ticket compare purchase on the spot
Lake Biwa Sky Observation Deck BIWAKO TERRACE. The Lake Biwa Valley is distributed between the towering Mount Umiti (1108 meters) and Mount Horai (1174 meters), overlooking the panoramic view of Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa Sky Observation Deck is a mountaintop observation deck at two of Kansai's favorite resorts for many years.
The Main Observation Deck is at the top of Mount Uchimi, while the Cafe360 Observation Deck is at the top of Mount Horai. From each unique observation deck, you can enjoy the majestic beauty of Japan's largest lake and relax leisurely. Spend an unforgettable time in a unique space.
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Kyu Chikurinin Garden
4.5
/5
6 reviews
4.5
Based on 54 reviews
6 km from downtown
Phone +81-77-5780955
Address: 5 Chome-2-13 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga 520-0113, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Zen gardens & monk retreat
Capture dreamy reflections photos
Verified user reviews
Rurikoin Temple is a good substitute, except that the transportation is not as convenient as Rurikoin Temple, the scenery is not worse than Rurikoin Temple, the courtyard is very quiet and you can take a walk. There were only 3 groups of guests in the morning! The most important thing is that the ticket is only 300, which is very cost-effective!
The garden is a "real landscape". I know this is very particular, the height arrangement of trees, the design direction of water flow, the location of rockery, etc. I can't see it. But sitting here, I can't hear the noise outside, and my mind is extremely peaceful! It's better than Liuliguangyuan!
No.
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Enryaku-ji Temple
4.5
/5
46 reviews
4.1
From AU$ 10.50
Based on 606 reviews
6 km from downtown
Phone +81 77-578-0001
Address: 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Unique architecture in three districts
Autumn foliage at Mount Hiei
Verified user reviews
Traveling independently in Japan, go to Mount Hiei from Kyoto and buy a train, cable car, bus and ticket package for 3,400 yen.
[Scenery] One of the world heritage sites listed by UNESCO. The green coverage rate is very high!
【Fun】A place for religious activities.
[Value for money] The fundamental nave of the national treasure is being renovated from 2016 to 2026. It's a bit of a pity.
The public transportation from Kyoto to Mount Hiei is relatively complicated. The bus goes directly to the top of the mountain. I chose a small train to go up and down. Take the Keihan Electric Railway to the terminal station Demachiyanagi, then transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway heading toward Yase-Hieizanguchi (Picture 2). Go to the terminal station and take the mountaineering train (Picture 3) to the halfway point of the mountain (Picture 4), and transfer Cable car to the top of the mountain (Picture 5). There is a garden on the top of the mountain. Without entering the garden, you can follow the mountain road next to the garden to the parking lot (Picture 6). There are buses back to Kyoto and shuttle buses to Enryakuji Temple. Enryaku-ji Temple is spread all over Mount Hiei. The main buildings are located at Yokokawa, West Tower, and East Tower (Nemoto Nakado). It takes most of the day to visit them all. Return to Japan's oldest Sakamoto train (Picture 11) to Sakamoto on the other side of the mountain, take a shuttle bus or walk 900 meters via Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine to Sakamoto Hiei Pass, and take the Seishandera Line (Picture 12) back to Kyoto .
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