Ōtsu City

Ōtsu City

Ōtsu City is the capital of Shiga Prefecture, Japan, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa. It serves as a key hub within the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, Chūkyō, and Hokuriku economic zones. Situated at the southern end of Japan’s renowned Lake Biwa, the city is an important transportation nexus for both land and water routes, strategically positioned near Kyoto, earning it the nickname “Little Osaka.”

Ōtsu is a city of stunning natural beauty, home not only to gorgeous landscapes but also numerous museums, tranquil parks, ancient shrines, historic temples, and hot springs. Noteworthy attractions include the Shiga Prefectural Museum of Lake Biwa Culture, Shiga Prefectural Modern Art Museum, Ōtsu City History Museum, Mitsuhashi Setsuko Art Museum, Kinoshita Art Museum, Ōtsu-e Art Museum, Tansho Art Museum, Ohmi Shrine Clock Museum, Ōtsu City Science Museum, Taga Local Historical Museum, and Taga Mineral Museum — all excellent places to learn about Shiga Prefecture and Ōtsu City. Hiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine among approximately 2,000 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines across Japan. Other must-visits include Ujiyamada Shrine, Ohmi Jingu, Ono Shrine, Ogura Shrine, Kayano Shrine, and Sakunado Shrine.

In addition, visitors can explore Enryaku-ji Temple, Enman-in Temple, Ishiyama-dera Temple, Shōbō-ji Temple, Chōan-ji Temple, Hongan-ji Temple, Yoshinori Temple, Saikei-ji Temple, Onsen of Oku, Sakamoto, and Otowa Mountain.

Ōtsu

Reason to visit: Capital city of Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Japan

Province/State: Shiga Prefecture

City: Ōtsu