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Ōtsu: A Hidden Gem of Japan Worth Exploring
Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Ōtsu is a city that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere. From ancient temples and shrines to scenic parks and gardens, Ōtsu is a perfect blend of culture and nature, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and culture vultures alike. In this article, we’ll explore the city’s highlights, from its stunning scenery to the must-visit attractions, street food, hotels, Airbnb, and more.
Scenery of the City
Ōtsu boasts of picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of the lake, hills, and mountains. The city’s lush greenery and serene ambiance provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re strolling along the shores of the beach, hiking up the mountains, or enjoying a picnic in one of the parks, the city’s natural beauty is sure to captivate your soul.
What I Like Most
The peace and calmness of the city is what I love the most about Ōtsu. You can easily disconnect from your daily life and embrace the tranquility of the surroundings. The people are very friendly and welcoming, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local culture. The food is another highlight for me, as it’s fresh, delicious, and has a unique taste.
What I Dislike
One thing I dislike about Ōtsu is the high cost of living. Compared to other cities in Japan, the overall cost of living here is quite expensive. However, the experience of living in such a beautiful place is priceless.
Average Cost of Living in a Day
The average cost of living in Ōtsu per day is around $120 per person. This includes accommodation, food, transport, attraction fees, and miscellaneous expenses.
20 Points of Interest
1. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine – 1-1-1 Hiezan, Otsu 520-0057, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-522-1355 (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
2. Biwako Hall – 1-1-1 Biwako, Otsu 520-0046, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-524-5111 (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
3. Enryaku-ji Temple – 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu 520-0116, Shiga Prefecture (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
4. Lake Biwa – 520-0002, Shiga Prefecture (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
5. Otsu City Museum of History – 2-1-1 Nionohama, Otsu 520-0801, Shiga Prefecture (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
6. Miidera Temple – 246 Onjoji, Otsu 520-0033, Shiga Prefecture (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
7. Sagawa Art Museum – 7-5 Sakamoto-nakaokachō, Otsu 520-0116, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-578-0055 (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
8. Ishiyama-dera Temple – 1-1-1 Ishiyamacho, Otsu 520-0861, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-537-0047 (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
9. Biwako Hall of Science – 3-3-6 Seta, Otsu 520-2161, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-533-0100 (Yelp Rating: 4.5 / 5)
10. Otsu City Science Center – 2-1-2 Nionohama, Otsu 520-0801, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-523-1000 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
11. Otsu Castle – 1-1 Goryochō, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0012, Japan (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
12. Ogoto Onsen – Ōgoto, Ōtsu, Shiga, Japan (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
13. Todo-ji Temple – 2-2-20 Chiwakacho, Otsu 520-0013, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-522-2016 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
14. Otsu Port – 3-3-1 Nionohama, Otsu 520-0801, Shiga Prefecture (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
15. Lake Biwa Bridge – 1 1 Goryochō, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-0012, Japan (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
16. Mt. Hiei – Hieizan Sakyō-ku, Kyōto, 606-0801, Japan (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
17. Shiga Prefecture Museum of Modern Art – 1740-1 Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu 520-2122, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-543-2111 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
18. Otsu Eki Market – Omi-Jingu Station, Otsu 520-0011, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-524-5123 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
19. Otsu Port Market – 3-3-1 Nionohama, Otsu 520-0801, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-524-5566 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
20. Hiyoshi Dam – Hiyoshi, Otsu 520-0057, Shiga Prefecture, +81 77-536-3271 (Yelp Rating: 4 / 5)
Top 20 Popular Street Foods and Its Price
1. Yakitori – $1.5 to $3
2. Takoyaki – $3 to $6
3. Okonomiyaki – $6 to $15
4. Ramen – $6 to $12
5. Udon – $6 to $10
6. Soba – $8 to $12
7. Oden – $4 to $8
8. Taiyaki – $2 to $5
9. Dango – $1 to $3
10. Kushiage – $2 to $5
11. Karaage – $3 to $6
12. Nikuman – $2 to $4
13. Gyoza – $3 to $6
14. Grilled Fish – $8 to $15
15. Kakigoori – $2 to $5
16. Mochi – $1 to $3
17. Tempura – $3 to $8
18. Sushi – $6 to $15
19. Yakisoba – $6 to $12
20. Onigiri – $1 to $3
Top 10 Most Popular Hotels and Airbnb Lists with Details and Price
Hotels
1. Reiah Hotel Otsu Ishiyama – 1-1-1 Awazucho, Otsu 520-0022, Shiga Prefecture, From $70 per night, (Hotels.com Rating: 8.6 / 10)
2. Biwako Hotel – 8-15-1 Awazucho, Otsu 520-0052, Shiga Prefecture, From $140 per night, (Hotels.com Rating: 8.6 / 10)
3. Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel – 4-7-7 Nionohama, Otsu 520-0052, Shiga Prefecture, From $80 per night, (Hotels.com Rating: 8.2 / 10)
4. Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu – 109-1 Kusatsu, Kusatsu 525-0039, Shiga Prefecture, From $88 per night, (Hotels.com Rating: 8 / 10)
5. Yumotokan – Kido-cho 2-30, Otsu 520-0502, Shiga Prefecture, From $170 per night, (Hotels.com Rating: 8 / 10)
Airbnb
1. Luxurious Penthouse with a Lake View – From $80 per night, (Airbnb Rating: 5 / 5)
2. Beautiful Lakefront Home – From $120 per night, (Airbnb Rating: 5 / 5)
3. Traditional Japanese House with a Garden – From $150 per night, (Airbnb Rating: 5 / 5)
4. Cozy Apartment near Lake Biwa – From $50 per night, (Airbnb Rating: 4.8 / 5)
5. Designer Loft with a Lake View – From $80 per night, (Airbnb Rating: 4.7 / 5)
Top 5 Recommendations
1. Biwako Hotel – With its serene location, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking views of the lake, this hotel is perfect for those looking for a truly relaxing vacation.
2. Reiah Hotel Otsu Ishiyama – Combining modern comfort with traditional Japanese design, this hotel provides an authentic experience at an affordable price.
3. Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel – With its convenient location, high-end amenities, and friendly staff, this hotel is a great choice for both business and leisure travelers.
4. Luxurious Penthouse with a Lake View – This Airbnb listing offers a stunning view of Lake Biwa and a unique opportunity to experience the city’s beauty and tranquility in privacy.
5. Cozy Apartment near Lake Biwa – For those on a budget, this Airbnb listing provides a comfortable stay close to the lake and other attractions in the city.
Summary
With its spectacular scenery, rich culture, and serene atmosphere, Ōtsu is a hidden gem that’s well worth exploring. From ancient temples and shrines to scenic parks and gardens, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. The street food is delicious, the hotels are comfortable, and the people are friendly, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Ōtsu is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists from around the world.
Rating: 9/10
3 Days Itinerary
Day 1
1. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
2. Otsu City Museum of History
3. Sagawa Art Museum
4. Ogoto Onsen
5. Maeda Coffee
Day 2
1. Lake Biwa
2. Enryaku-ji Temple
3. Biwako Hall of Science
4. Seta Ohashi Bridge
5. Kaiyukan Aquarium
Day 3
1. Miidera Temple
2. Ishiyama-dera Temple
3. Shiga Prefecture Museum of Modern Art
4. Otsu Port Market
5. Ena Restaurant
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