Things to do in Otsu

Top Things to Do in Otsu

Things to Do in Otsu


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Top Attractions in Otsu

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Audree
    Canada26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. The Enryaku hotel was, traditional Japanese style, very clean and comfortable- staff was very pleasant and helpful. The food breakfast and dinner was included and extraordinary! Beautiful views of the lake and distant mountains, some days we could see My Fuji in the distance. The Japanese baths were clean and hot. 7am we walked to the main temple to participate in the morning ceremonies. We hiked the mountain and visited the ancient temples, some original and hundreds of years old- learning the story of Zen Buddhism and how it came to be on this sacred mountain.Lots of local pilgrims making offerings and praying- so peaceful
    Written 14 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hadhy T
    Jakarta, Indonesia35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice view to see Biwako Lake from the summit. You can Ice Skating too. Take a train from Kyoto station and see a good sight along the trip.
    Written 29 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Otsu is only a short train ride from Kyoto and located at the shore of famous Lake Biwa. There were no foreign tourist and I spend a peaceful few hours at the temple complex. A great place to visit if you want to escape bustling Kyoto and still see a fascinating temple with a rich history.
    Written 29 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claudio
    Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France93 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved this temple complex. The garden at the bottom of the hill is beautiful, with ponds and streams and moss. Up the hill it is airy and dotted with interesting buildings.
    Written 8 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mayuminisioka
    Paris, France27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This sweet spot will serve you Japanese delicious sweet, lunch restraint , bakery, scenic seasonal flower garden with great hospitality! Also English speaking staff is available. I tried making Japanese sweet following kind staff’s guidance. If you make reservation, you can also try it. Please enjoy the amiable atmosphere and memorable delicious food! I recommend this spot for foreign visitors with confidence 😘
    Written 15 February 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erik T
    Rusutsu-mura, Japan265 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I didn't plan to visit this place but I walked along it and I had some spare time to spend. It was on the 5th day of my Kyoto trip so I got a bit bored by the temples and shrines but overall, it was not a bad decision to see this. The 300yen entrance fee is reasonable, same good quality buildings as everywhere and its well surrounded by nature.
    Written 27 March 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pasherry
    United States1,025 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We happened upon this paddle boat cruise so decided to take it. Being from the US, the idea of cruising on a paddle boat named Michigan would be novel. The cruise took 80 minutes, cost 2780 yen. We spent the time exploring the boat and taking pictures of the mountains, lake and Otsu City. The interior of the ship is beautiful, there is a cafe/bar and an area for reserved lunch or dinner. Our cruise did not offer a meal. You can sit inside or on the deck. The crew was lively; a live show was hilarious with the performers singing in English to Japanese senior citizens. We joined right in! It would be nice to do a dinner cruise to see the fireworks on Lake Biwa. Maybe next time.
    Written 1 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Philippe W
    Mendoza, Argentina105 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ukimi-do temple is a floating shrine on lake Biwa. Coupled with other sites along lake Biwa it can be incorporated into a day trip from Kyoto. I took the train to Katata station, Shiga, then walked about 20 minutes using my GPS. I got there just in time for sunset and got some nice shots from the beaches on both sides of the shrine.
    Written 7 January 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Japan20142015
    Melbourne, Australia84 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a narrow section of road near a wide river that flows from lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto lies a formidable task for the unprepared traveller. you start directly from the road and climb the steps to Tachiki-Kannon Temple. 800 steps and they are mostly steep, there are lots of stops on the way with small shrines and magnificent stone lanterns.

    We went for 2 reasons, firstly the temple was celebrating 1,200 years, the other was my son had climbed the steps unassisted when he was 1.5 years old, and I had to do the same, a big task for a 1.5 year old, I am very proud.

    At the top you can climb more steps and ring the large cast bell, or you can have a free cup of ocha, or rub the bald head of the statue and make a request. not to mention the views.

    So if your in Shiga Prefecture, try your legs out.
    Written 19 April 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Morago22b
    Mazo, Spain112 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The way to get here is to climb up the hill in pavement and stairs. It was indeed an enjoyable view and important cultural asset of Enryakuji Temple.

    On its side towards east, it mentioned you are now allowed to enter for whatever that means.
    Written 6 March 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LYLE Y
    33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Cherry Blossoms are quite beautiful even during the day time...you have to catch the spring blossoming season just right but it is worth the trouble
    Written 9 September 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kyoto T
    16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Few people know but otsu Kyo was a capital very short period.

    Recently because of manga / TV movie ,
    Japanese card game what we called" karuta" is getting popular among youth.

    Now youth have interested in manga / film ..
    But also some come to visit .

    That's shrine was old and quiet but now they are alive.
    Written 1 November 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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