Otsu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Otsu City, the top lakeside hotel is Lake Biwa Grand Hotel, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa from its spacious rooms. Located just steps from Otsu Port and Ishiyama-dera Temple, it blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese design. Guests enjoy access to an on-site hot spring bath, seasonal kaiseki dining featuring local fish like sweetfish and carp, and guided sunrise cruises on the lake. The hotel also partners with nearby cycling trails along the Biwa Lake Greenway, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility and authentic regional charm.

The Hamana District in Otsu City is perfect for families seeking a safe, scenic stay. It’s close to Lake Biwa, with child-friendly parks, playgrounds, and attractions like the Shiga Prefectural Natural Museum and Otsu Aquarium. Stay at Otsu Family Resort, which features indoor pools, a kids’ club, and hands-on workshops such as traditional tea ceremonies. With easy access via bus from Otsu Station, and low-density residential surroundings, this area offers peace, privacy, and educational fun—ideal for memorable family adventures.

Stay in Sakamoto, a scenic district in Otsu City, for convenient access to Enryaku-ji Temple. Just a 5-minute walk from the Sakamoto Cable Car Station, you can ride up the mountain with breathtaking views of Lake Biwa. Recommended accommodation: Sakamoto Mountain Lodge, a historic ryokan with wooden interiors, private gardens, and tea ceremony experiences. The lodge’s staff often share stories about the temple’s Zen heritage and architecture. Early morning hikes through forested trails lead to serene temple courtyards, while evening strolls along the lake offer unforgettable sunsets.

Visitors to Otsu City should not miss the Biwa Fishing Lantern Festival, held annually in August. This centuries-old tradition sees fishermen launch illuminated lanterns across Lake Biwa, symbolizing gratitude and safety. Guests can rent kimono, join a night boat procession, and enjoy live taiko drumming and folk songs. At the Otsu Local Culture Museum, try crafting Biwa dried fish jerky using fresh local catch like sweetfish and carp. These immersive experiences connect travelers deeply with the region’s heritage and daily life traditions.

For couples seeking romance, consider Lakeview Cottage, a secluded lakeside villa in Otsu City's eastern shore. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Biwa, private outdoor hot tubs, and curated amenities like handmade matcha desserts. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on your terrace while watching the sunset paint the water gold. Optional activities include a moonlit cruise on the lake or a violin concert aboard a traditional boat. The peaceful setting, combined with intimate services, makes this a dream destination for love-filled memories.

Start your day in Otsu City with Biwa Carp Rice Porridge and Shiga-style plum rice. Many hotels, like Otsu Go-shiki, serve this traditional combo: a rich, creamy porridge made from freshly caught carp, paired with crisp pickled plums and seasonal mountain vegetables. Some restaurants even offer “Lakeside Breakfast” service with views of the misty morning lake. Another favorite is black bean mochi soup, symbolizing longevity. These dishes reflect generations of fishing culture and respect for nature’s bounty—authentic tastes that tell a story with every bite.

Yes, Green Ridge Inn in Otsu City’s foothills of Mount Hiei is a hiker’s paradise. Located just 300 meters from multiple hiking trails leading to Enryaku-ji Temple and Hiei-ji Tower, the eco-conscious inn provides free rental gear, detailed maps, and nighttime stargazing sessions. Trails range from gentle forest paths to steep rocky climbs, passing ancient shrines and frozen streams in winter. After a long hike, unwind in the open-air onsen with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Biwa. Perfect for adventurers craving both challenge and serenity.

Biwa View Hotel in Otsu City provides complimentary shuttle buses to key sites including Ishiyama-dera Temple, Otsu Port, Mount Hiei Cable Car, and Nagahama Castle Ruins. Buses run every 30 minutes with multilingual audio guides. Guests also receive a 20% discount on tickets for Lake Biwa Sightseeing Cruises. For added convenience, the hotel rents bicycles for exploring the Biwa Lake Greenway. This seamless service enhances accessibility—especially for seniors or those with luggage—making sightseeing effortless and enjoyable.

Yes, Mirror Lake Pavilion in Otsu City is a unique photo-themed retreat designed for creatives. Its mirrored glass façade reflects the sky and Lake Biwa, creating surreal visuals especially at golden hour. Each room includes professional tripods, lighting kits, and access to a rooftop observatory with telescopes. The hotel hosts monthly "Sunrise Photography Workshops" led by renowned Japanese landscape photographers, teaching how to capture mist over the lake and light refraction effects. Ideal for capturing ethereal moments, this is a sanctuary for visual storytelling.

During winter, stay at Yukieki Villa, a mountain-side ryokan in Otsu City, for immersive seasonal experiences. The hotel features a heated "kotatsu garden" where guests relax while snow falls gently on the lake. Daily excursions include snowshoe hikes through pine forests to hidden shrines and frozen waterfalls. Dinner features Kamishima Hot Pot, a hearty stew made with local fish and wild greens. During the Otsu Snow Lantern Festival, the hotel arranges private tours through illuminated alleys, blending tradition and quiet beauty. A perfect escape into Japan’s snowy soul.