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

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

HK$590
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

HK$700
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

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

HK$402
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

HK$459
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

HK$941
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
View of the Kyoto Kimono Wearing Experience

Kimono Wearing Experience

HK$241
per traveller
Kimono Wearing Experience
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

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

HK$459
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Osaka: Lake Biwa, Moonlit Temple and Omi Highlights Day Trip

Osaka: Lake Biwa, Moonlit Temple and Omi Highlights Day Trip

HK$418
per adult
Osaka: Lake Biwa, Moonlit Temple and Omi Highlights Day Trip
Osaka Kyoto Kinkaku-ji Kiyomizu-dera Temple Sannenzaka and Uji

Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji

HK$388
per adult
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
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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 for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otsu
Learn more about Otsu
A coastal cityscape with mountains in the background.

Ogoto

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

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

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

Katata

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

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 Japanese onsen with clear turquoise water, wooden walkways, and a wooden bridge.

Kusatsu

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

Moriyama

A narrow waterway flanked by traditional wooden houses with stone walls and a boat in the distance.

Omihachiman

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

Takashima

A stone bridge over a pond with lotus flowers and greenery.

Koka

A river with people near the water, surrounded by cherry blossoms and a forested hillside.

Ujitawara

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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