Time zone
GMT +09:00
No time difference
Currency
Japanese Yen
1USD = 157.60JPY
Official languages
Japanese
Best time to visit
MAR - MAY
Cherry blossoms and mild weather enhance lakeside visits.
Recommended trip duration
1 days
Top things to do in Otsu
Biwako Valley Ropeway Round-way Ticket in Shiga
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From
US$ 28.55
US$ 31.75
Klook's choice
Osaka's 4 Major Attractions: Lake Biwa & La Collina Day Trip
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 37.19
Shiga: Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine and Observation Deck / Kyoto Arashiyama Sanzen-in Temple and Omihachiman One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
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English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 52.05
Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine, La Collina Omihachiman & Mangetsu-ji Ukimido One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)
English guided
Free cancellation
US$ 52.85
Fall deal
[Shiga In-depth Tour] Miho Museum, Old Bamboo Forest Garden or Hieisan Shrine, Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine Water Torii Gate (Roundtrip from Osaka / Kyoto)
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English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 67.45
Fall deal
Klook's choice
Osaka Biwako & Sanzen-in Full-Day Cultural Tour
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English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 52.05
Shiga: Lake Biwa Shirahige Shrine & Miho Museum & Former Chikurin-in Temple Day Trip | Departing from Osaka/Kyoto
English guided
Free cancellation
US$ 50.79
Klook's choice
Biwako Valley Ski Tour from Osaka
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 39.59
Fall deal
Lake Biwa Secret Scenery Pilgrimage Day Trip丨Shirazu Shrine, Observation Deck/Sanzen-in Temple, Floating Temple, La Collina
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 47.25
Kansai Private Chartered Car Custom Day Tour: Osaka & Kyoto & Nara & Kobe & Awaji Island & Amanohashidate & Lake Biwa (Departing from Osaka)
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
Private group
Free cancellation
US$ 304.59
Biwako Valley Ski & Snow Play Day Tour From Osaka
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 42.90
Fall deal
Klook's choice
Lake Biwa Scenic Day Trip: Valley Observation Deck & Shirahige Shrine Water Torii Gate (Departing from Kansai)
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English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 53.95
Hotels in Otsu
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
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From
US$ 84.54
20 off
Biwako Grand Hotel
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From
US$ 161.71
US$ 163.34
Yumotokan
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From
US$ 201.88
20 off
Biwako Ryokusuitei
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From
US$ 255.22
20 off
Ogoto Onsen Yunoyado Komolebi
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From
US$ 157.13
20 off
Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Ryokan
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From
US$ 202.43
US$ 207.16
Biwako Hotel
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From
US$ 126.49
20 off
Apa Hotel Biwako Seta Ekimae
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From
US$ 52.85
20 off
Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast
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From
US$ 90.89
US$ 91.74
Smile Hotel Otsu Seta
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From
US$ 32.66
20 off
Biwako Hanakaido
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From
US$ 303.97
20 off
Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu
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From
US$ 54.03
US$ 54.57
Reviews of Otsu activities
Klook User
2026-08-29 11:07:55
Effy was amazing same with the bus driver. Every pitstop was amazing. I was nervous about the height going up on the gondola but up the top was so worth it. Everything was great sight seeing along the way also, wish I could upload more pics.
클룩 고객
2026-09-06 00:51:41
Here's an honest and straightforward review of three major attractions in Shiga Prefecture: Shirahige Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and La Collina Omihachiman.
1. Shirahige Shrine
Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I left feeling a bit disappointed. The torii gate in the water is located across the road, making it dangerous to cross and difficult to appreciate properly from a distance. The shrine itself doesn't offer much to see, so it's best suited as a quick stop.
2. Biwako Terrace
This was definitely the highlight of my trip. The panoramic view of Lake Biwa from the terrace cafe was truly spectacular, and I was most satisfied with being able to relax amidst the expansive scenery.
3. La Collina Omihachiman
It was so crowded that it was hard to leisurely soak in the unique atmosphere. The signature dessert, the confectionery, also tends to be a hit or miss in terms of taste. However, the grass-roofed buildings and the garden views were beautiful, making it an excellent spot for taking photos.
Klook 用戶
2026-08-05 02:24:45
I was very fortunate to have Abu as my tour guide this time; he was truly exceptional. In addition to providing detailed explanations of the attractions along the way, he also shared a lot of Japanese culture and historical background, making the entire trip very enriching. He took great care of every group of guests, and even as a solo traveler like myself, I never felt overlooked, which was very reassuring.
During the trip, a small incident occurred: a vending machine in a tourist area took my money when I tried to buy water. At the time, we were in a hurry to catch a cable car, so Abu quickly decided not to delay the itinerary and told me he would accompany me to the service center to handle it later.
Due to the language barrier, when I explained my situation to the service staff, they didn't fully understand at first and asked for clarification multiple times. Fortunately, Abu was there to help translate and explain. Although the back-and-forth communication took some time, we eventually managed to get a refund.
Not only is he a professional guide, but he also proactively assists and patiently handles unexpected situations for travelers, which I truly appreciate. I highly recommend Abu and hope to join another one of his tours in the future!
Hsieh *********
2026-08-26 14:08:37
The day before the one-day tour, we received an email from our tour guide, Sun Jiaxue (Yuki), detailing the itinerary, important notes, meeting point, and contact information.
Since there were about 20 people in our group, we traveled by large bus. At the start of the one-day tour and just before reaching our destination, our guide Yuki provided detailed explanations and important information. She also used Line to send reminders about the itinerary and pickup locations.
Itinerary Stop 1: Miho Museum - I.M. Pei's Utopia. Anyone studying architecture must experience the master's architectural design and its integration with the environment. Lunch was at our own expense; the rice balls and Miho tofu at the ticket center's restaurant are worth trying. (Photos 1-3)
Itinerary Stop 2: Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei - This is the head shrine for over 3,800 Hie, Hiyoshi, and Sanno shrines across Japan, known for monkeys serving as messengers of the gods. (Photo 4)
Itinerary Stop 3: Shirahige Shrine and Water Torii Gate on Lake Biwa - A legendary spot said to be closest to the gods. (Photos 5-6)
Many thanks to our tour guide Yuki and the driver for their excellent service on today's one-day tour. Our family of four had a truly enriching experience.
Klook客路用户
2026-04-07 09:51:14
Many thanks to our guide, Xiaoyu, who was incredibly helpful. The area around Lake Biwa is perfect for a leisurely exploration, and first-time visitors on a tour can hit the major attractions. Be sure to bring a thick jacket and enough cash before heading up to the top of Mount Biwa. The view from the summit is like a fairyland, but it's also very cold up there. Tourists accustomed to using Alipay everywhere in big cities for taxis and subways might be spoiled, but it's still a good idea to have some cash when visiting less-traveled spots. I exchanged money with our guide on the spot. Fortunately, Japan doesn't constantly demand exorbitant tips like in the US, nor does it pressure you into buying things excessively like in some other countries. It's very professional and well-regulated.
Klook客路用户
2026-03-24 10:12:58
The driver was excellent and drove very safely. From start to finish, the trip felt like being guided by a friend. He took care of my family and me meticulously. The car was clean, and the itinerary was comfortably and appropriately arranged. Five-star rating!
F ******
2026-06-12 06:07:46
We had a great time in Himeji and Kobe! The atmosphere was so peaceful… slow, calm, and serene.
Mr. Cao is a great driver! He is very approachable, friendly, and organized, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience! ✨
Klook User
2026-04-06 12:35:30
The Miho Museum is truly stunning. It's remarkable how much effort an organization can put into promoting and disseminating aesthetics, from collecting and displaying exhibits to constructing the museum itself. Visitors to this secluded mountain location will undoubtedly be awestruck and impressed by this architectural masterpiece that rose from nothing. The quaint Bamboo Forest Garden is charming and compact. According to the introduction, it was once a training dormitory for monks from Enryaku-ji Temple. Enjoying matcha while gazing at the garden is quite therapeutic and relaxing. Shirahige Shrine, especially on a clear day, offers beautiful photo opportunities, and its omamori (charms) are also lovely. After a full day of sightseeing, I actually felt incredibly relaxed and peaceful.
Tsui ******
2026-04-27 22:19:03
It was truly a delightful day trip. The large tour bus was clean and comfortable, and the driver handled it smoothly and steadily. Of course, the most important thing was meeting an excellent tour guide, Xiao Du. He could explain and communicate in three different languages, which was superb! He was gentle, meticulous, and very attentive. He even gave us a bonus (a recommendation for a hidden gem), which added even more color to an already rich itinerary. I'm incredibly grateful. Thumbs up, thumbs up, thumbs up!
Otsu at a glance
Quick facts about Otsu
General info
What to know before visiting Otsu
Overview of Otsu and what travellers book
Otsu is a lakeside destination where travellers mainly book attraction passes, tours and outdoor activities; historical sites and short cable-car rides also appear among popular choices. Demand on Klook has a clear yearly rhythm, with a strong peak in February and much lighter booking activity through the summer.
Best times to visit and how prices move
Klook booking data shows the busiest month is February, while July is the quietest month of the year. Prices follow a mixed pattern: past Klook prices were lowest in July and rose toward a priciest period around January, with a noticeable jump again in late autumn and winter. For lower prices and smaller crowds, plan a trip in July or the surrounding summer months; for peak-season atmosphere and the highest demand, aim for February or the winter months when activity and prices tend to be higher.
Tips for travellers
Most guests on Klook book roughly a week ahead, and many experiences remain available a couple of days before departure, so shorter, flexible trips work well. If you prefer certainty for popular dates in the peak months, consider booking a little earlier; otherwise, you can comfortably secure attraction passes, tours and outdoor activities within days of travel.
FAQs about Otsu
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