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Places in Otsu
Browse 14 photo-backed places to visit in Otsu.
Hikone Castle
Otsu, Japan
Perched gracefully on a hilltop, this designated National Treasure is one of Japan's rare surviving original castles dating back to 1622.
Genkyuen Garden
Otsu, Japan
Nestled at the base of Hikone Castle, this exquisite 17th-century landscape garden invites visitors to stroll around its scenic pond and admire views inspired by classic Chinese palace design.
Yume Kyobashi Castle Road
Otsu, Japan
Lined with Edo-period-inspired merchant facades, this atmospheric shopping street offers a delightful stroll just steps from Hikone Castle's outer moat.
Tsuruya Bakery
Otsu, Japan
Beloved since the 1960s, this nostalgic countryside bakery is famous for its iconic 'salad bread' filled with crunchy pickled radish and rich Kewpie mayonnaise.
Koka Ninja House
Otsu, Japan
Step inside a 300-year-old authentic ninja residence riddled with clever trapdoors, hidden escape routes, and defensive architectural tricks.
Koka Ninja Village
Otsu, Japan
Nestled in a tranquil forest, Koka Ninja Village offers an immersive glimpse into historical espionage with traditional ninja dwellings, trapdoor demonstrations, and interactive training grounds.
Obon
Otsu, Japan
Experience the warmth and reverence of Obon, a soul-stirring Japanese Buddhist festival where ancestral spirits are welcomed back with glowing lanterns and lively community dances.
Okishima Island
Otsu, Japan
Escape to Okishima Island, a tranquil, cat-filled fishing haven nestled in Lake Biwa and founded centuries ago by exiled samurai.
Mount Hiei
Otsu, Japan
Looming above Lake Biwa, Mount Hiei is a sacred peak steeped in deep spiritual heritage and home to the legendary marathon monks of Tendai Buddhism.
Enryaku-ji Temple
Otsu, Japan
Perched atop sacred Mount Hiei, this sprawling UNESCO-listed monastery offers serene forest trails, ancient hall architecture, and sweeping panoramic views over Kyoto.
Lake Biwa
Otsu, Japan
As Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa offers sweeping scenic vistas, historic lakeside shrines, and abundant outdoor recreation just northeast of Kyoto.
Mizu-no-Mori Water Botanical Garden
Otsu, Japan
Set on the southeastern shores of Lake Biwa, this serene botanical garden enchants visitors with its vibrant, world-renowned lotus displays and lush aquatic flora.
Miho Museum
Otsu, Japan
Hidden within the forested hills of Shigaraki, the Miho Museum is a breathtaking architectural wonder designed by I.M. Pei that seamlessly blends ancient art with dramatic natural landscapes.
Kongorin-ji Temple
Otsu, Japan
Escape the bustling tourist crowds at Kongorin-ji Temple, an ancient eighth-century Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the serene landscapes of Shiga Prefecture.
