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 Perfect Tour: 1day bus tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

P6,885
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

P2,098
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

P4,577
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour

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

P2,975
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Day Tour
Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

P1,335
per adult
Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

P7,290
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour

Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour

P4,883
per adult
Half Day Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour
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Most popular experiences in Otsu

Tours & day trips

See all 963 activities
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 174 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 7,423 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 384 activities
Kyoto: Gion Chopsticks Making Class with Engraving Option

Kyoto: Gion Chopsticks Making Class with Engraving Option

Activity duration is 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 824 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 391 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 256 activities
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 382 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,860 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 65 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 P 3,586 per traveler
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Shows & concerts

See all 40 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 150 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,251 per adult
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What to do in Otsu

Stay near popular Otsu attractions

A cable car moving over a mountainous landscape with a view of a valley and a body of water.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

8.4/10 (66 reviews)
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.
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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.

Kinugawa

While visiting Kinugawa, 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.