Things to do in Otsu

Activities, attractions and tours

Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
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Most popular experiences 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 162 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €102 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 133 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €84 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 €80 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 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €37 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Kyoto: Meet-and-Greet, Maiko Show and Experience

Kyoto: Meet-and-Greet, Maiko Show and Experience

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 75 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €47 per adult
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What to do in Otsu

Popular places to visit

Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan

Mount Hiei

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Mount Hiei during your trip to Otsu. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Mount Hiei
View of lake Biwa from the top of Mount Uchimi in Otsu city, Shiga prefecture, Japan

Biwako Valley

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Biwako Valley during your travels in Otsu. Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.

Biwako Valley
Otsu_BiwakoValleySkiResort_553248621532772473

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Otsu with a visit to Biwako Valley Ski Resort. Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort
Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal is just one of the places to see in Otsu, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this relaxing area.

Lake Biwa Canal
Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple

After visiting Enryakuji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Enryakuji Temple
Ishiyamadera Temple

Ishiyamadera Temple

After visiting Ishiyamadera Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Ishiyamadera Temple
Ishiyama-dera

Ishiyama-dera

You can find out about the history of Otsu with a trip to Ishiyama-dera. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Ishiyama-dera
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Biwako Hall

You can make plans for a show at Biwako Hall on your trip to Otsu. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Biwako Hall
Biwako Otsukan

Biwako Otsukan

Enjoy an outing to Biwako Otsukan during your stay in Otsu. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Biwako Otsukan

Areas of Otsu

Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan

Ogoto

While visiting Ogoto, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Ogoto Onsen.

Ogoto
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Katata

If you're spending some time in Katata, Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Katata
Shimo-sakamoto

Shimo-sakamoto

If you're spending some time in Shimo-sakamoto, Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Shimo-sakamoto

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Otsu is Ogoto and Katata is 2 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods 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.