Top 10 Things To Do In Otsu, Shiga, Japan

1. Ward off evil in Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine

The Land of the Rising Sun is known for its rich cultural heritage and its multitude of shrines and temples. The city of Otsu is also home to these sacred places of worship. One of them is Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine, located in Sakamoto. This beautiful landmark is the main shrine of the Sanno Festival. Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine is believed to be home to Ancient Tokyo’s guardian deity of the Tendai sect. Although this place is stunning all-year-round, it is even lovelier during the autumn season when the colors of nature are at their brightest. Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine is a go-to for tourists who wish to ward off evil in their lives.

Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine

Address: 5 Chome-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga 520-0113, Japan

Website: Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 150 JPY (1.4 USD) – 300 JPY (2.9 USD)

2. Have a picnic at Nagisa Park

Aside from remarkable sacred Shinto and temples, Otsu is also home to breathtaking natural parks, and one of them is Nagisa Park. It is a picture-perfect waterfront park that offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa. It is open 24 hours every day, and locals and tourists love going for a relaxing walk on this side of the city or spending the afternoon having a picnic. Others set up camp as this place is free for all. Aside from the views of the sea, the enchanting Maidenhair Tree, which is at its prettiest in autumn, is another reason people come to this beautiful public park.

Nagisa Park

Address: 2-40 Hamamachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0041, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Go sightseeing in Enryakuji

Reconnect with nature while admiring the architecture at Enryakuji. Enryakuji is a beautiful Mahayana Buddhist temple that nestles in n Mount Hiei in Ōtsu. It offers picturesque views of the city of Kyoto from above. This temple was built to the ground in 788, during the era of Heian. This temple is a reflection of the country’s history and culture as it represents the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism to the country. Within the boundaries of the property, there is the Great Lecture Hall, Hall of Initiation, a bell tower, East Pagoda, Yokokawa Main Hall, and other structures.

Enryakuji

Address: 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116, Japan

Website: Enryakuji

Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 300 JPY (2.9 USD) - 1,500 JPY (14.4 USD)

4. Fill your stomach at Hira-sansou

Strolling through the beautiful city of Otsu and visiting numerous temples can drain your energy. Replenish your stamina by dining in the superb Hira-sansou. This excellent traditional Japanese restaurant is located in Katsuragawabomuracho, and it is open six days a week - closed on Tuesdays. Surrounded by lush nature with scenic views, this dining spot is something that you should not miss while on vacation in Otsu. It has stunning interiors with glass windows that show the outside sceneries. Be sure to try Hira-sansou’s Ayu Nare Sushi, Sansho Ayu’s, and Hanayama pepper pot for an unforgettable dining experience.

Hira-sansou

Address: 94 Katsuragawabomuracho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0475, Japan

Website: Hira-sansou

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 11pm (closed on Tue)

5. Say a prayer at Ōmi-jingū Shrine

Constructed in 1940, Ōmi-jingū Shrine is one of the many shrines in Otsu. It was built in honor of the 38th emperor Tenji during the Showa Period. It was once an imperial shrine that was ranked first and deemed more unique than other shrines. It nests in Jingucho, near Ōmijingūmae Statio, which makes it easy to locate. Set in a peaceful estate by the foot of the mountain, Ōmi-jingū Shrine will enchant you with its ornate architecture and its peaceful zen atmosphere. After saying a few words of prayer, be sure to purchase some karuta cards for souvenirs.

Ōmi-jingū Shrine

Address: 1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0015, Japan

Website: Ōmi-jingū Shrine

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 3:30am (closed on Mon)

Price: 300 JPY (2.9 USD)

6. Pay homage to Japanese history at Ishiyama-dera Temple

Also known as the “Stony Mountain Temple,” Ishiyama-dera Temple has been around since 747 and played a huge role in Japanese history. Here, you’ll find many National Treasures and religious art since it’s a temple built to honor Kanzeon Bosatsu, the goddess of compassion and mercy. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to see the secret Buddha that is only open to the public every 33 years.

Ishiyama-dera Temple

Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga 520-0861, Japan

Website: Ishiyama-dera Temple

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 500 JPY (4.8 USD)

7. Capture photos at Takebe Shrine

Takebe Shrine is another sacred place of worship that you should see when you visit Shiga Prefecture. Locals fondly call it Takebe-jinja. During the rule of Emperor Keiko, this shrine was built right after his son, Yamato died. During the early Heian period, this shrine was the symbol of royalty. It showcases beautifully landscaped estate with man-made lakes and remarkable ornate architecture. There’s also an orange-colored pathway that tourists love to take pictures in. Takebe Shrine was one of the most-visited shrines in the region but it lost its popularity during the Sengoku period. In present times, this beautiful shrine holds annual celebrations, such as Gokokusai or Gokoku no matsuri, Funayiki no matsuri, and Chinkwa-sai

Takebe Shrine

Address: 1 Chome-16-1 Jinryo, Otsu, Shiga 520-2132, Japan

Website: Takebe Shrine

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

8. Go shopping at Oh!Me Otsu Terrace

After visiting all the important landmarks in Otsu, you might want to treat yourself to an exciting shopping spree and food trip. If you like the idea, head over Oh!Me Otsu Terrace in Uchidehama. This bustling shopping district carries everything, from local businesses to international brands. Indulge in different products and services, from grocery goods to excellent restaurants. It also has a bookstore, an arcade center, a cinema, tech shops, and food courts. Plus, be sure to check out the lovely wall art at the south side wall of Oh!Me Otsu Terrace as it is an Instagram-worthy mural.

Oh!Me Otsu Terrace

Address: 14-30 Uchidehama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0806, Japan

Website: Oh!Me Otsu Terrace

9. Visit the legendary Ukimido

Also known as the “Floating Temple Hall,” Ukimido is a picturesque Buddhist temple on Lake Biwa that showcases a dramatic waterscape. Although the structure was built during the Heian period, it has undergone several renovations in the year 1952 and another in 1982. Nesting by the gate of Ukimido is a stone monument with an engraved haiku. Inside, you’ll find some of the 1,000 Amida Buddha figures that were built after a monk discovered a bright light from Lake Biwa.

Ukimido

Address: 1 Chome-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu, Shiga 520-0242, Japan

Website: Ukimido

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 300 JPY (2.9 USD)

10. Find your inner peace at Tachiki-Kannon An’yō-ji

Whether you are someone who follows the teachings of Buddhism or just a tourist who likes sightseeing, you will surely love to visit Tachiki-Kannon An’yō-ji - also known as “Tachiki Kannon Temple.“ It is a vibrant temple in Otsu that nestles just across the street from the Tachiki Kannon-mae bus stop. The whole estate is dominated by mature trees that create a beautiful and peaceful surrounding to a series of worship areas. Plus, it has marvelous views of the Seta River. You will also be charmed by the structure of a monk riding a deer in Tachiki-Kannon An’yō-ji. The temple also has a souvenir shop and an on-site traditional Japanese cafe.

Tachiki-Kannon An’yō-ji

Address: 1231 Okuyama, Nango-cho, Ishiyama, Otsu City, Shiga

Website: Tachiki-Kannon An’yō-ji

Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)

Have a memorable holiday in Otsu

Otsu is a breathtaking port city that enchants tourists with its stunning natural wonders, fascinating places of worship, excellent dining spots, and rich cultural heritage. If you have never been to this side of the Land of the Rising Sun, plan an adventure ahead of time and curate an exciting travel itinerary based on this helpful list of top things to do in Otsu, Shiga, Japan.