Things to do in Otsu

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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.

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 {1098 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.

Things to do

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

$92
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

$30
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto

Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto

$24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto
Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental

$62
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Kimono Rental mimosa Couple Plan Kimono Yukata Rental
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

$74
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

$59
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
See all activities in Otsu

Most popular activities in Otsu

Tours & day trips

See all 895 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 171 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $117 per adult
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 357 activities
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 162 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $120 per adult
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic ExperienceOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 235 activities
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 373 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $92 per adult
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya ShrineOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 94 activities
Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 724 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $28 per adult
Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji TempleOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 66 activities
Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $44 per adult
Kyoto's Coast: Amanohashidate & Ine Boat Houses 1-Day TourOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Otsu

Number of things to do
1098
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kyoto 1day 100% silk of traditional Kimono Rental Experience: $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!

 

 

Stay near popular Otsu attractions

A mountainous landscape with a lake, forested hills, and a clear blue sky.

Mount Hiei

8.4/10 (47 reviews)
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.
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Where to stay in Otsu

Find the best Otsu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otsu
Learn more about Otsu
A coastal cityscape with mountains in the background.

Ogoto

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

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

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

Katata

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

 

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

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 traditional Japanese torii gate in a forested area.
Photo by YOSHIFUMI OGISO (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

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.

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