Things to do in Otsu

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

€31
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto

Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto

€14
per adult
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto
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

€68
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

€79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya & Miyama Day Tour

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

€46
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

€44
per adult
Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji & Arashiyama & Kinkakuji Day Tour
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

€107
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

€19
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

€20
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience
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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 181 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €108 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 441 activities
Kyoto: Gion Chopsticks Making Class with Engraving Option

Kyoto: Gion Chopsticks Making Class with Engraving Option

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 824 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €12 and current price is €6 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 398 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €86 and current price is €77 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 81 activities
Japan: Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Japan: Katsuo-ji, Atago Nenbutsu-ji & Arashiyama Hiking Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
Price is €52 per traveller
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Shows & concerts

See all 52 activities
Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 195 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €91 per adult
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What to do in Otsu

Stay near popular Otsu attractions

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 during your trip to 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 for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal cityscape with mountains in the background.

Ogoto

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

Chuo

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

Ogaya

Ogaya might not have many top sights, but Aeon Mall Kusatsu and Yabasekihan Island Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kyomachi

While Kyomachi isn't home to many top sights, Otsu Port and Biwako Hall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Nionohama

While visiting Nionohama, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park.

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.