AboutAbout Otsu
The Historic Lake Capital Otsu
Otsu is a nature rich city located southwest of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and is surrounded by the lush greenery of Mount Hiei and Mount Hira.
With a history spanning over 1,350 years since being designated the capital of Japan, the city is home to numerous cultural heritage sites that continue to captivate visitors.
Today, Otsu thrives as the most populous city in Shiga prefecture, offering excellent access to Kyoto and Osaka, as well as a scenic and comfortable living environment.
Otsu, the Lakeside City of Lake Biwa
We look forward to welcoming you to the city where urban life, nature, and history coexist in harmony.
Four Seasons of Otsu
Visitors to Otsu can admire cherry blossoms at historic temples and shrines in the spring, enjoy marine sports on Lake Biwa in the summer, take in the breathtaking fall colors in autumn, and experience skiing at Biwako Valley in the winter.
For MICE events, we provide seasonal experiences all year-round, ensuring a memorable stay during every season.
Food Culture of Otsu
Experience the exquisite cuisine of “Omi” in Otsu, including Omi beef, one of Japan’s three great cuts of wagyu, known for its delicate marbling and exceptional tenderness, and Biwa trout, often referred to as the “jewel of Lake Biwa.” Be sure to savor the flavors of Otsu as part of your post-convention experience.
Find restaurants where you enjoy Otsu’s food culture by clicking the link below.
Access to Otsu
Otsu is only 2 stations and 9 minutes by train from JR Kyoto Station and 40 minutes from JR Osaka Station, making it easily accessible from major cities in the Kansai region.
By car, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the city from the center of Kyoto.
It is also accessible in approximately 90 minutes from Kansai International Airport and 70 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, making Otsu a easy to reach destination for those coming from outside the Kansai region or from overseas.
Climate of Otsu
Otsu has an inland climate and is classified as a humid subtropical climate, which is common in Japan.
It has four distinct seasons, with extremely hot summers and cold winters, during which the northern areas experience snowfall. However, due to the proximity of the lake, both daily and annual temperature fluctuations are relatively small.
Average, daily maximum, and daily minimum temperatures in Otsu (2023)
| Month | Average Temperature | Maximum Daily Temperature | Minimum Daily Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.3℃ / 39.4℉ | 8.4℃ / 47.1℉ | 0.8℃ / 33.4℉ |
| February | 5.0℃ / 41.0℉ | 9.2℃ / 48.6℉ | 1.2℃ / 34.2℉ |
| March | 10.7℃ / 51.3℉ | 17.4℃ / 63.3℉ | 5.0℃ / 41.0℉ |
| April | 14.3℃ / 57.7℉ | 20.1℃ / 68.2℉ | 9.0℃ / 48.2℉ |
| May | 18.8℃ / 65.8℉ | 24.7℃ / 76.5℉ | 13.9℃ / 57.0℉ |
| June | 22.7℃ / 72.9℉ | 27.3℃ / 81.1℉ | 18.9℃ / 66.0℉ |
| July | 28.1℃ / 82.6℉ | 33.8℃ / 92.8℉ | 24.1℃ / 75.4℉ |
| August | 29.0℃ / 84.2℉ | 34.7℃ / 94.5℉ | 25.3℃ / 77.5℉ |
| September | 26.5℃ / 79.7℉ | 31.9℃ / 89.4℉ | 22.7℃ / 72.9℉ |
| October | 17.2℃ / 63.0℉ | 22.8℃ / 73.0℉ | 13.1℃ / 55.6℉ |
| November | 12.4℃ / 54.3℉ | 17.4℃ / 63.3℉ | 8.0℃ / 46.4℉ |
| December | 7.4℃ / 45.3℉ | 12.1℃ / 53.8℉ | 3.3℃ / 37.9℉ |
