Otsu City is the largest city in Shiga Prefecture in the southwest of the prefecture. Otsu City has served as the capital of Japan for a brief period before Kyoto became the capital and was known as “Otsu-kyo”. Located right next to the former capital of Japan, Kyoto, Otsu is blessed with both nature and history – along with the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa [Biwako], as well as the “mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism”, Mt. Hiei [Hieizan]. Otsu is also home to Omi Jingu [Shrine] paying homage to Emperor Tenji, the one who designated Otsu the capital city in the year 667. Omi Jingu is renowned as a sacred place for “Karuta” [Japanese playing cards].

by Train

-From JR Tokyo Station and JR Nagoya Station:
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and disembark at JR Kyoto Station.
Transfer to JR Biwako Line and disembark at JR Otsu Station.

-From JR Shin-Osaka Station and JR Kyoto Station:
Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line and disembark at JR Otsu Station.

by Bus

-Take the Keihan Bus or Omi Bus / Kokoku Bus for public transportation within and around Otsu City.

Points of Interest

Otsu City is home to numerous historical sites, starting with Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism; Ishiyamadera Temple, where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have conceived the concept of writing the "Genji Monogatari" ["The Tale of Genji"], the oldest novel of the world); and Oumi Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Tenji. Also, at the altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level, the panoramic view of the magnificent Lake Biwa is seen at "The Biwako Terrace". The city of Otsu is closely located about 10-minute train ride from Kyoto.

Enryakuji Temple / 比叡山延暦寺 (Shiga)

• Otsu
• Shiga
• Arts and Crafts
• Temples & Shrines
• World Heritage
• Historical Sites

Hieizan Enryakuji is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan, and its vast temple area stretches out across Mt. Hiei. The temple is said to have been founded in 785, at the end of the ...

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Biwako [Lake Biwa] / 琵琶湖 (Shiga)

• Otsu
• Shiga
• Cultural Experience
• Beautiful Places
• Beaches & Coast

The pride of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa, is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is also the oldest lake in the country with a history dating back as far as four million years, and is one of the ...

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