Things to do in Otsu

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Lake Biwa Canal featuring a river or creek
Biwako Otsukan showing heritage elements
Otsu which includes food
Lake Biwa showing a garden
Otsu which includes signage

Otsu Attractions

Do you live for fine dining or shopping? Or perhaps you just prefer to make your way around a new travel destination like a local. When visiting Otsu, it doesn't matter which category you fall in — this significant city offers all the sights and experiences you could hope for.

Explore the sights of Otsu with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {676 fun activities in Otsu fun activities in Otsu}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular activities in Otsu

Tours & day trips

See all 548 activities
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 133 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $129 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 232 activities
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $490 per traveler*
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 119 activities
Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritsuruya, Nishiki

Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritsuruya, Nishiki

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $52 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 42 activities
Cycling in Kyoto

Cycling in Kyoto

Activity duration is 4 hours
Price is $10 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 16 activities
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience in a Kyoto Cultural Asset

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $123 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Otsu

Number of things to do
676
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Otsu

Free Things to Do in Otsu

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's a cinch to have fun in Otsu without surrendering a cent.

Lake Biwa Canal - Simply being beside the water will leave you feeling calm and relaxed.

Ukimido - Get in touch with your spiritual side or just get lost in the tranquil atmosphere at this holy place.

Manohama Beach - Keep your eyes peeled for exotic shells and other little treasures washed up along the foreshore here.

Ojigaoka Park - Refresh your body, mind and soul by spending time with Mother Nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Otsu? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Otsu

Enryakuji Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Enryakuji Temple

Experience the peacefulness and architectural beauty of this 8th-century monastic complex, which spreads across the forested summit of Mount Hiei.

Enryakuji Temple
Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal

Stroll along the cherry blossom-lined banks of a set of canals constructed in the Meiji period to connect Lake Biwa with Kyoto via a series of mountain tunnels.

Lake Biwa Canal
Ishiyamadera Temple

Ishiyamadera Temple

Find out about the history of Otsu with a stop at Ishiyamadera Temple. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Ishiyamadera Temple
Biwako Otsukan showing heritage elements

Biwako Otsukan

Wander through the rooms of Shiga’s first international tourist hotel, browse exhibitions, explore an English garden and enjoy French cuisine at this lakeside spot.

Biwako Otsukan
Mii-dera

Mii-dera

You can find out about the history of Otsu with a trip to Mii-dera. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Mii-dera
Kyu Chikurinin Garden showing a park

Kyu Chikurinin Garden

Relax amid the serenity of the garden of a one-time monks’ residence. Sip cups of matcha tea while gazing through the windows of a serene tearoom.

Kyu Chikurinin Garden
Ishiyama-dera

Ishiyama-dera

Built upon a stone outcrop rare to Japan, this 8th-century temple is a revered pilgrimage site filled with national treasures and flower-covered courtyards.

Ishiyama-dera

Mount Hiei

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Mount Hiei in Otsu. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Mount Hiei

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

Ski, snowboard, zipline, relax overlooking an infinity channel or simply enjoy views of mist, mountains and lake at this popular resort near Kyoto and Osaka.

Biwako Valley Ski Resort

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Otsu

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Ogoto

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Ogoto, Lake Biwa and Ogoto Onsen are top sights worth seeing.

Ogoto
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Katata

While visiting Katata, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park.

Katata
大津
Photo by shikabane taro (CC BY)

Shimo-sakamoto

While visiting Shimo-sakamoto, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park.

Shimo-sakamoto
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Otsu

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Kyoto

Uji

Uji

Photo by Yasmin

Kusatsu

Moriyama

Moriyama

Photo by fukufuku_n

Omihachiman

Takashima

Takashima

Photo by Hsiao Cheng Wang

Koka

Photo "Ritto" by 椙元舟 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by 椙元舟 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Ritto

Frequently asked questions

Is Otsu worth visiting?
Otsu offers a unique blend of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Otsu?
Biwako Valley Ski Resort and Ogoto Onsen are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Otsu while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Otsu?
The top tourist attraction in Otsu is Biwako Valley Ski Resort, so be sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Otsu?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as Mount Hiei, Ogoto Onsen and Sagawa Art Museum. The average stay in Otsu is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your vacation, Kyoto isn't far away.
Is Otsu a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Otsu is a great place to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Ogoto Onsen and Sagawa Art Museum. Then take a stroll through Ogoto, located 0.4 miles from the center, and Katata, which is about 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Otsu with kids?
Planning what to do in Otsu with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Otsu for adults?
Roadside Station Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza and Kusatsujuku Honjin are just a couple of the things to do in Otsu. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Otsu?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Otsu. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Manohama Beach is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.