PlanningExcursions
Visit Lake Biwa and Mii-dera Temple
Start at: Otsu Port
Take in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Biwa.
Enjoy drinks and snacks at Otsu Port’s “Bird Cafe,” where Shiga Prefecture and Otsu City themed souvenirs can also be purchased.
Michigan Cruise (60 Minutes)
Relax and enjoy a peaceful journey on a popular boat at Lake Biwa, taking in the gently flow of time and the beautiful scenery.
Arrive Back at Otsu Port
Mii-dera Temple
Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Mii-dera Temple, which are lined with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The temple’s Kangetsu Butai (“Moon-Viewing Stage” in English) also offers a panoramic view of Otsu and the magnificent scenery of Lake Biwa. A volunteer sightseeing guide can be arranged through the Biwako Otsu Tourist Association.
Lunch
Have lunch at Restaurant Fugetsu, located in front of the Niomon Gate of Mii-dera Temple.
End at: JR Otsu Station
Explore Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple and the Sakamoto Area Plan
Start at: JR Otsu Station
Former Chikurin-in Temple
The Former Chikurin-in Temple is one of the retreats (known as “satobo” in Japanese) for monks of Enryaku-ji Temple. The garden view from the main building is renowned for its beauty, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sakamoto Cable Car
Take Japan’s longest cable car, at 2,025 meters, to the summit of Mount Hiei. Along the way you can admire stunning views of the mountain and Lake Biwa.
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and is located on Mount Hiei at an elevation of 884 meters, with its grounds covering the entire mountain. The temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many important cultural properties, including the Konpon Chudo Hall, which houses the temple’s “eternal flame.”
Lunch at Enryaku-ji Kaikan
Try the vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks within the temple grounds at Enryaku-ji Kaikan.
Calligraphy Experience (90 Minutes)
Take part in a calligraphy experience at the Enryaku-ji Kaikan, where you can immerse yourself in a quiet moment of self-reflection.
Departure from Enryakuji Kaikan
End at: JR Otsu Station
Experience the Beautiful Scenery and Activities of Lake Biwa Plan
Start at: JR Otsu Station
Kayaking Experience at BSC Water Sports Center (60 Minutes)
A kayaking experience on Lake Biwa that even beginners can enjoy.
Biwako Valley Base Station
Take the Biwako Valley Ropeway to the 1,100-meter-high summit.
Lunch
Have lunch at Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA, where you can savor delicious grilled dishes in a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Biwako Terrace
Relax on wooden deck sofas and chairs while taking in expansive panoramic views of Lake Biwa below.
Zipline Experience (2 Hours)
Soar through the forest on a thrilling zipline adventure, taking in gorgeous views of Lake Biwa along the way.
Descend the Mountain by Ropeway
End at: JR Otsu Station
Outdoor Adventures
Biwako Valley (Biwako Terrace)
Located on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Biwako Valley is one of Shiga Prefecture’s top tourist destinations. Easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka, visitors can take a fully glass-enclosed ropeway car offering spectacular views as it ascends to the resort area at the summit.
At the top of the mountain you will find Biwako Terrace and several observation decks, where you can enjoy dining while taking in the stunning lake views and the open, refreshing atmosphere. On clear days, you can see far into the distance, making it a popular spot on social media. Each season also brings its own unique charm, with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, lush green mountains in summer, vibrant autumn leaves in fall, and a snowy landscape in winter.
There are many activities available, with experiences like the “Zipline Adventure” and a “Real Puzzle-Solving Game” available during the green season in summer, and the area transforms into a lively ski resort which attracts skiers and sightseers alike during the winter.
- Contact
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TEL：077-592-1155
MAIL：info@biwako-valley.com
Biwako Kisen (Michigan Cruise)
The Michigan, Lake Biwa’s most iconic sightseeing cruise ship, offers passengers a unique opportunity to experience the vast charm of the lake up close.
From the deck, you can take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Hiei and Hira mountain ranges, as well as the ever-changing beauty of Lake Biwa across all four seasons. One of the highlights of the Michigan Cruise is also the chance to admire the cityscape of Otsu from the water, a perspective unique to this experience.
Onboard, you can enjoy seasonal menus and specialty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Shiga Prefecture. The lively Michigan Purser crew will also enhance the journey with sightseeing information and live musical performances, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.
In addition to full sightseeing cruises, shorter one-way rides between specific points are also available, allowing for a more flexible and casual experience.
- Contact
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Biwako Kisen Reservation Center (9:00-17:00)
TEL：077-524-5000
Mokubei Shipyard / Lake West Yacht Club (River Cruise)
Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Lake Biwa and Otsu with the “Shiga Cruise.”
Two cruise plans are available, starting with the “Seta River and Lake Biwa River Cruise,” which takes passengers aboard the historic paddle steamer “Ichiban-maru,” and offers a journey along the Seta River where you can admire iconic Shiga landmarks such as Ishiyama-dera Temple and the Seta Karahashi Bridge. Meanwhile, the “Lake Biwa Romance Cruise,” which takes place aboard the traditional “Yakata-bune Shiki” boat, provides stunning views of Ukimido, the Biwako Ohashi Bridge, and the Hira Mountains along the lake’s western shore. Both cruises allow you to experience the changing beauty of the four seasons while immersing yourself in the area’s incredible landscapes and cultural heritage.
Consultations on departure points and sailing routes are also available. Come and enjoy a truly special and luxurious experience unique to Lake Biwa and Otsu.
- Contact
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TEL：077-572-2114
MAIL：lwyc-hyper@deluxe.ocn.ne.jp
- Website
- https://lakewest.jp/
Biwaichi Bike (Cycling)
Biwaichi Bike is a cycling facility designed around the theme of “connecting Lake Biwa and bicycles.”
To ensure a comfortable cycling experience around Lake Biwa, including the famous Biwaichi cycling route, professional mechanics here carefully maintain and rent out various types of bicycles.
The lineup available for renting includes cross bikes and road bikes for serious cycling enthusiasts, as well as electric-assist bicycles (e-Bikes) that make riding enjoyable even on more challenging and hilly courses.
Arrangements for cycling guides and support cars are also available.
Additionally, information on sightseeing spots in Otsu and recommend cycling routes will be provided, allowing you to fully enjoy the many unique charms of Otsu.
- Contact
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MAIL：bicycle@oportable.jp
Lake Activities
BSC Water Sports Center (Kayaking, Yachting, SUP)
Located on Horaihama Beach in the Kosei region, surrounded by the waters of Lake Biwa and the lush greenery of the Hira Mountains, BSC Water Sports Center has been offering yachting, kayaking, and windsurfing schools since 1973.
To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be enjoyed at Lake Biwa, various water sports and hands-on events are offered. Whether you’re kayaking and gliding across the water, or trying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to experience the thrill of standing and paddling on the lake’s surface, beginners can learn the basics here in a safe and enjoyable environment.
- Contact
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BSC Water Sports Center
TEL：077-592-0127
MAIL：info@bsc-int.co.jp
- Website
- https://bsc-int.co.jp/
O’PAL (Kayaking, SUP, Cycling, Craft Experiences)
O’PAL is one of the largest facilities for water activities and nature experiences on Lake Biwa. With Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei as the stage, O’PAL offers a variety of hands-on programs that allow you to connect with nature through unique experiences on the water and in the surrounding mountains.
From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) that take full advantage of Lake Biwa’s natural beauty to cycling and craft workshops that explore the region’s nature, history, and culture, participants of all ages can enjoy these activities with the support of expert instructors and guides.
Stay active and immerse yourself in the natural and ever-changing seasonal scenery around Lake Biwa.
- Contact
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TEL：077-579-7111
Marina Club Rivre (Yacht Sailing & Boat Fishing)
Experience the natural beauty of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, aboard an original sailing yacht or fishing boat made in Otsu. Cruise across the water and enjoy the refreshing breeze as you take in stunning views of iconic sights like the floating Ukimido Temple and the ever-changing seasonal scenery of Mount Hiei from a whole new perspective.
After your activities on the lake, enjoy a BBQ featuring local specialties such as Omi beef (one of Japan’s top three wagyu beef brands), Omi free-range chicken, Omi rice, and fresh local vegetables.
- Contact
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TEL：077-573-5656
Fax：077-573-5685
MAIL：info@rivre.co.jp
- Website
- https://www.rivre.co.jp/wind/
Cultural Experiences
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple (Shakyo Calligraphy & Zen Meditation)
Revered as the “Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism,” Enryaku-ji Temple has played a vital role in Buddhist scholarship and training, producing many of Japan’s most influential monks. Dedicated to the promotion of world peace and spiritual harmony, the temple is a place of deep historical and cultural significance. Located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga, Enryaku-ji Temple offers scenic views of Lake Biwa to the east and the cityscape of Kyoto to the west. Throughout the year as well, various ceremonies and events are held which reflect the changing of the seasons.
At Enryaku-ji Kaikan, a lodging facility located within the temple grounds, visitors can participate in shakyo (sutra copying) calligraphy and zazen (seated zen meditation), immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere of Mount Hiei for a moment of self-reflection. Guests can also enjoy “shojin ryori,” which is a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal that has been cherished by monks since the Nara period (710-794).
- Contact
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TEL：077-579-4180（9：00～17：00）
- Website
- https://syukubo.jp/
Mii-dera Temple (Yamabushi Monk Training Experience)
Famous for its “Evening Bell of Mii,” which is one of the “Eight Views of Omi,” Mii-dera (also known as “Onjo-ji Temple”) is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism. The temple is home to several historic structures, such as the Kon-do Hall, Kannon-do, Shaka-do, and Toin, as well as many designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. In spring, over a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom across the temple grounds, creating a magical nighttime sakura display when illuminated.
Mii-dera, a sacred site for Shugendo (a traditional Japanese mountain ascetic practice), offers an immersive yamabushi monk training experience where participants can wear the traditional attire of mountain monks, including a suzukake robe, yui-gesa sash, and a tokin headpiece.
The experience takes place on an accessible mountain trail, with monks providing clear guidance along the way, making it a welcoming activity even for beginners.
- Contact
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MAIL：info@shiga-miidera.or.jp
Omi Jingu Shrine / Omi Kangakukan (Karuta Experience)
Omi Jingu Shrine was built on the site of the former Otsu Palace in honor of Emperor Tenji, who relocated the capital of Japan to Otsu in 667. The shrine is known as the “Holy Land of Karuta,” as the very first entry in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology of 100 poems (which are used in the traditional Japanese playing card game of Karuta) was by Emperor Tenji.
The Omi Kangakukan, which is located within the grounds of Omi Jingu, served as a key setting in the manga “Chihayafuru” and was also a filming location for the movie adaptation. The facility displays various items related to the series and competitive karuta, as well as hosts major tournaments including the Meijin & Queen Title Matches, which determine Japan’s top players, as well as the Japan High School Karuta Championship.
At the Omi Kangakukan, beginners can experience the world of competitive karuta using “kimari-ji” karuta cards. These cards display the crucial first syllables of each poem in hiragana, making the game more accessible for those unfamiliar with the Hyakunin Isshu.
- Contact
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Omi Kangakukan
TEL：077-524-3905
- Website
- http://tendizaidan.jp/
Ichiewado (Otsu-e Painting Experience)
Otsu-e, a style of folk painting that emerged in the early 17th century in the post town of Otsu-juku along the Tokaido road, became a popular local specialty. At the time, it was even said that “in the east, there was ukiyo-e, and in the west, there was Otsu-e.” With its charming and expressive style, Otsu-e remains a symbol of the town, appearing in various locations throughout the area.
This hands-on painting experience takes place at the Ichiewado Seminar House, a venue that retains the atmosphere of a traditional Otsu-e workshop. Participants can choose between painting the face of an Oni ogre, often considered the main character of Otsu-e, on an unglazed clay bell or recreating the classic “Three Wise Monkeys” design on a shikishi drawing paper board. Even those who are not confident in their artistic abilities can enjoy this activity.
For a deeper dive into the history of Otsu-e, an optional “Historical Walk” program is also available before or after the painting session to learn about the cultural background that gave birth to this unique art form.
- Contact
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MAIL：info@ichiewado.com
TEL：077-532-2346
Kanou Shoujuan: Sunai no Sato (Tea Ceremony Experience)
Kanou Shoujuan, a traditional confectionery shop of the Omi region, operates Sunai no Sato, an approximately 208,000 square meter estate downstream from the Seta River. This estate was established to cultivate ingredients for their sweets and is home to the company’s main factory, a farm, a tea house, a restaurant serving kaiseki and other locally sourced dishes, a tea shop which offers traditional Japanese sweets, and a bakery cafe. Surrounded by a scenic countryside landscape reminiscent of Japan’s rural past, visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the changing seasons while enjoying meals and sweets made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
In the spacious and serene tea house, guests can participate in a tea ceremony experience, learning the proper etiquette for enjoying tea and traditional sweets. Even first-timers can join with ease, making it an enjoyable way to explore the refined world of Japanese tea ceremonies.
- Contact
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TEL：077-546-3131
- Website
- https://kanou.com/English/
Karahashi-yaki Pottery (Pottery Experience)
Karahashi-yaki is a unique pottery style characterized by its signature “Lake Biwa Blue” glaze, inspired by the reflection of Lake Biwa. Developed through extensive research, this technique is characterized by a motif of a bold yet endearing owl with closed eyes serving as the pottery’s iconic symbol.
Owls have long been cherished worldwide as symbols of wisdom, prosperity, and longevity, and here at Karahashi-yaki, artisans remain dedicated to crafting these striking blue owls.
Located near the Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge along the banks of the Seta River, the Karahashi-yaki Pottery workshop and store offers visitors the opportunity to experience pottery making firsthand. Not limited to just shaping plates and mugs, participants can also add dimension to their pottery creations by layering or attaching clay to create unique designs. In just a short time, you can craft a truly original piece that will make for a special souvenir from your visit to Otsu.
- Contact
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TEL：077-537-0543
MAIL：karahashiyaki@gmail.com
- Website
- http://www.karahashiyaki.co.jp/
Biwako Otsu Tourism Association (Otsu Festival Music Experience & Otsu Hyakucho Walking Tour)
The Otsu Festival, one of the “Three Great Otsu Festivals,” boasts a 400-year history and is designated as a Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. During the main festival each October, 13 hikiyama festival floats parade through the city, accompanied by traditional hayashi festival music and karakuri mechanical doll performances.
As the Otsu Festival Hikiyama Exhibition Hall, visitors can see a full-scale model of a hikiyama festival float up close, as well as videos showcasing the festival’s unique karakuri mechanisms and decorative curtains. Additionally, visitors can try playing “kane” hand cymbals and taiko drums used in the festival’s lively hayashi music.
After exploring the exhibition hall, take a stroll through Otsu’s historic shopping streets and have a traditional kaiseki meal featuring local ingredients such as Lake Biwa fish and Omi beef for lunch, served in a registered Tangible Cultural Property townhouse. A local guide will accompany you along the way, sharing insights into the rich history of the “Otsu Hyakucho,” a district that has thrived since the Edo period, and offering a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of Otsu.
- Contact
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Biwako Otsu Tourism Association
TEL：077-528-2772
MAIL：info@otsu.or.jp
- Website
- Biwako Otsu Travel Guide
