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Offered languages
- English
Explore the rich history and culture of Otsu on this engaging three-hour walking tour. Guided by a knowledgeable local, uncover Otsu's transformation from a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway to a spiritual center by Lake Biwa. Visit the Otsu Hyakucho-kan to feel the pulse of commerce and hospitality, savor the unique funazushi delicacy at Sakamotoya, and admire the unique Otsu-e art. The highlight is Miidera Temple, where ancient paths and sacred sites tell stories of devotion and culture.
- Three-hour guided walking tour through Otsu's historic sites
- Discover local delicacies like funazushi and unique Otsu-e art
- Visit the revered Miidera Temple and its expansive grounds
- Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet in front of the Otsu Police Station Otsu Ekimae Koban. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.
The tour concludes near the center of Otsu, with easy access to railway stations such as Hama-Otsu Station.
Itinerary
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1
The Otsu Hyakucho-kan introduces the history of Otsu as a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway during the Edo period. Here, you can learn how “one hundred districts” once thrived with inns, teahouses, and shops serving travelers between Kyoto and Edo. The museum’s displays and atmosphere recreate the lively spirit of the town, making it the perfect place to begin exploring Otsu’s role as a center of commerce and hospitality.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Sakamotoya is the birthplace of funazushi, a unique fermented fish dish made with freshwater fish from Lake Biwa. This delicacy, one of Japan’s oldest forms of sushi, reflects the ingenuity of local food culture and the deep connection between the lake and the people of Otsu. Visiting Sakamotoya allows travelers to discover not only the story of funazushi but also the traditions of the “Lake Country” that have shaped life around Biwa for centuries.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The Otsu-e shop preserves the last living tradition of Otsu-e, a form of folk art that originated in Otsu during the Edo period. Initially sold as Buddhist charms to travelers, these paintings evolved into humorous, satirical, and playful works often described as Japan’s “hidden pop art.” With their simple yet expressive lines, Otsu-e captured the imagination of people on the road. A visit here offers the rare chance to see this endangered art form and even bring home a piece of living history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Miidera, officially known as Onjo-ji Temple, is one of Japan’s great Buddhist temples and a spiritual landmark of Otsu. Its vast grounds include the Moon-Viewing Stage, the Hall of One Hundred Kannon, and the legendary “Evening Bell of Miidera,” celebrated in Japanese poetry and art. Walking through its temple halls, stone bridges, and sacred springs, visitors experience both the grandeur of its architecture and the depth of its faith traditions. Miidera embodies Otsu’s role as a religious city where history, devotion, and culture converge.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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