Enjoy All of the Treasures of Shiga on this Tour
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With a history of over 1,300 years, Otsu in Shiga Prefecture is an ancient city. Overlooking Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, it is also a water city, as well as a religious city dotted with numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. In addition to a variety of attractions, its accessibility is hard to beat, located just a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto. These characteristics ensure that the city is sure to generate interest from tourists in the future. Participants on this tour will explore all the key tourist spots in efficient fashion, making the rounds in just one day. Join this trip and get a taste of the delights that can only be found in Otsu.
Photos
Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei
This canal was constructed over 100 years ago so that water from Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, would flow through Kyoto. Stones and bricks were combined according to the latest technology of the time. The view of the canal overlaid against the natural environment has today become emblematic of Lake Biwa.
Mii-dera Temple is one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhism, on par with the World Heritage Site Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji Temple. Having overcome numerous hardships, it is sometimes called the Temple of the Phoenix. Appropriately adorned and with a fitting atmosphere for a place of worship, it has also served as a set for many movies. Savor the beautiful views of the temple grounds and take some nice photographs.
At the foot of Mt. Hiei is the town of Sakamoto, a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where you can admire the many spots the government has recognized for their historical and cultural significance. Not only that, but you can savor the sights of the shifting four seasons from a beautiful garden in the chisen kaiyu-shiki style and the flavors of local delicacies like Hiei yuba tofu, lake fish, and locally grown vegetables.
It is also a nationally designated site known for its appealing Japanese garden, including a clear stream and borrowed landscape. Having wavy mounds, five-story stone pagodas and other structures are also characteristics of the garden. Take in the enjoyable sights of a garden that is richly varied.
Sakamoto Cable is a cable car route established in 1924. The distance of the route is 2,025 m, the longest operating distance out of all currently operating cars in Japan. The spectacular view of Lake Biwa opens up before you as you ascend the mountain.
Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji is at an elevation of 848 m and borders all areas of Hiei-Zan. It is also the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Since its founding, it has produced numerous famous monks and played a central role in Buddhism in Japan. In 1994, Enryaku-Ji was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as a “Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto.” It is still a representative temple in Japanese Buddhism today.
Information
- Minimum Number of Passengers
- 1 person
- Maximum Capacity
- 6 people
- Participation Restrictions
- Nothing in particular (those able to move along stairs and the mountain path on their own)
- Meeting and Exchange Areas
-
JR Otsu Station North Gate
1-3 Kasuga-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture - Open Period
- Year-round
- Closed Period
- April 1, 2025–October 31, 2025
- Meeting Times and Business Hours
- 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Tour Schedule
- JR Otsu Station ... Lake Biwa Canal ... Mii-dera Temple === Fuyoen Main Building ... Former Chikurin-in Temple ... Sakamoto Cable === Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji Temple === Keihan Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station/(=== train ... walking)
- Required Time
- 420 minutes
- Provision of Meals
- Meals are provided
- Open to meal requests
- None
- Universal accessibility
- None
- Parking
- Yes (paid)
- Business name
- Biwako Otsu Tourism Association 077-528-2772 info@otsu.or.jp
- Notes
- - If the weather is poor on the day of the event, the route, including the method of transportation and stops, may change. - The tour ends at a different location than it starts. - If you would like to change the final destination (dismissal point), consult with your guide. - There will be a lot of walking, so please wear clothing and shoes that are easy for you to walk in.
This basic information is current at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Map
Nearby Spots
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
210 m
Mt. Hiei Hiking
460 m
Saikyo-ji Temple
1.24 km
