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

Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour

P2,959
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

P5,691
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Picture 3 for Activity From Kyoto: Nara Guided Half Day Bus Tour

From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch

P4,553
per adult
From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

P4,553
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour

Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour

P4,553
per adult
Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

P3,556
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

P3,794
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental
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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 in 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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otsu
Learn more about Otsu
A coastal cityscape with mountains in the background.

Ogoto

If you're spending some time in Ogoto, Lake Biwa and Ogoto Onsen are top sights worth seeing.

A calm body of water with a dock extending into it, surrounded by greenery and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Photo by shikabane taro
Open Photo by shikabane taro

Shimo-sakamoto

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

Katata

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

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.

Kyoto

A pagoda-style tower with a stepped design, surrounded by gravel, trees, and a red bridge.

Uji

A traditional wooden pavilion on a pier extending into a calm body of water, with a clear blue sky above.

Moriyama

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, green hills, and scattered islands.

Takashima

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometers from the city center of Otsu is Ogoto and Katata is 2 kilometers 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 neighborhoods 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.