Things to do in Otsu

Activities, attractions and tours

Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
Otsu
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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 164 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$153 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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

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

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 162 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$125 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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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 201 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$121 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 44 activities
Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$94 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Kyoto: Meet-and-Greet, Maiko Show and Experience

Kyoto: Meet-and-Greet, Maiko Show and Experience

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 77 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$62 per adult
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What to do in Otsu

Popular places to visit

Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan

Mount Hiei

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.

Mount Hiei
Otsu_BiwakoValleySkiResort_553248621532772473

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

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.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort
View of lake Biwa from the top of Mount Uchimi in Otsu city, Shiga prefecture, Japan

Biwako Valley

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Biwako Valley during your travels in Otsu. Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area.

Biwako Valley
Ishiyamadera Temple

Ishiyamadera Temple

After visiting Ishiyamadera Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Ishiyamadera Temple
Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal is just one of the places to see in Otsu, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the lakeside or discover the hot springs in this relaxing area.

Lake Biwa Canal
Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple

After visiting Enryakuji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Enryakuji Temple
Biwako Otsukan

Biwako Otsukan

Enjoy an outing to Biwako Otsukan during your stay in Otsu. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Biwako Otsukan
Kyu Chikurinin Garden

Kyu Chikurinin Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Kyu Chikurinin Garden, a lovely green space in Otsu. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kyu Chikurinin Garden
Ojigaoka Park

Ojigaoka Park

After visiting Ojigaoka Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Otsu. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.

Ojigaoka Park

Areas of Otsu

Beautiful Panorama landscape southern west side of lake Biwa (Biwako) and cityscape of Otsu-shi from a mountain top of Hieizan

Ogoto

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

Ogoto
Default Image

Katata

If you're spending some time in Katata, Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Katata
Shimo-sakamoto

Shimo-sakamoto

If you're spending some time in Shimo-sakamoto, Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Shimo-sakamoto

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Kyoto

Kyoto

Uji

Uji

Kusatsu Hot Springs. Gunma Prefecture, Japan

Kusatsu

Beautiful view of Lake Biwa in autumn

Moriyama

瀬戸内海を見晴らす　あじ竜王山公園から源平合戦由来の稲毛島、兜島、豊島ほか（香川県高松市庵治町 ）

Takashima

植物園、公園、屋内、温室、花壇、蓮、水蓮、蓮根、ロータス、蓮の花、レンコン、ロータス効果、蓮台、lotus、

Koka

Yasu
Photo by YOSHIFUMI OGISO (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Yasu

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.

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