If Kansai is your destination for travel in Japan, have you thought about making a stop in Shiga Prefecture? While Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe are the main places of focus for sightseeing in Kansai, Shiga has a lot to offer, too. Here we introduce some itineraries for seeing some of the best sights in Shiga. Blessed with a natural environment, including Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest lake—Otsu is the prefectural capital of Shiga Prefecture and the home to many shrines and temples with a long history. Jump on Keihan Electric Railway’s Otsu Line with its trains wrapped in fun advertising and experience a tour to the Kosei area, a little off the beaten path. And remember to get a OTSU SIGHTSEEING PASS for convenient travel and lots of great deals!
Travel Schedule
Business hours are subject to change, and you are advised to check the official website before visiting.
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Kyoto Station
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9:00 Depart from JR Kyoto Station (15 minutes) – JR Otsukyo Station
5 minutes on foot
Keihan Keihan-otsukyo Station (2 minutes)
Keihan Omi-jingu-mae Station10 minutes on foot
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Omi Jingu Shrine
Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji, the 38th emperor of Japan. The building is a quintessential example of "Omi construction," or construction from the Showa period (1926 - 1989), and is registered as a cultural property for being an example of modern shrines, with its main building and inner and outer worship halls enclosed by a corridor at the foot of a hill. The shrine also has deep connections with clocks and Hyakunin Isshu karuta, the ancient card game of 100 Japanese waka poems.
- Address:
- 1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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10 minutes on foot
Keihan Omi-jingu-mae Station (5 minutes)
Keihan Miidera Station15 minutes on foot
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Mii-dera Temple
The head temple of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism, Mii-dera houses more than a hundred National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Formally known as Onjo-ji Temple, the temple derives its name "Mii-dera" (Temple of Three Wells) from its spring said to have been used in the ritual bathing of Emperors Tenji and Temmu and Empress Jito when they were newborns.
- Address:
- 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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15 minutes on foot
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- In The Area
- In The Area
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Lake Biwako Canal (the way back to Kyoto via the canal)
The Lake Biwako Canal was built in 1890 to provide water from Lake Biwako to the city of Kyoto. Cruise ships for tourists are available in spring and autumn. Cherry trees are planted on both sides of the canal and the scenery is absolutely stunning with cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.
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Keihan Miidera Station (2 minutes) – Keihan Biwako-hamaotsu Station
A short walk away
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Michigan
When it comes to sightseeing on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, cruises on the Michigan are the best. Among the attractions are the musical live show and gourmet food.
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Lunch
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A short walk away
Keihan Biwako-hamaotsu Station (15 minutes) – Keihan Karahashi-mae Station
10 minutes on foot
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Seta Karahashi Bridge
Photograph provided by: Biwako Otsu Travel Guide
Walking about 100 meters to the east from Karahashimae Station, you will come to Seta Karahashi Bridge, considered one of the three great bridges of Japan and featured in the painting "Evening Glow In Seta," one of the Eight Views of Omi. Although it is not clear when the bridge was first completed, it is very old, making an appearance in "Nihon Shoki," a chronicle completed in 720.
- Address:
- Karahashi-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
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10 minutes on foot
Keihan Karahashi-mae Station (2 minutes) – Keihan Ishiyamadera Station
15 minutes on foot
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Ishiyamadera Temple
The temple is also known also as Hanano-tera (Flower Temple), and its grounds are filled with ume, cherry blossoms trees, rhododendrons and deciduous trees, providing beautiful scenery of floral beauty throughout the year.
- Address:
- 1-1-1 Ishiyama-dera, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Last admission at 4:00 p.m.
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Ishiyamadera Station
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15 minutes on foot
Keihan Ishiyamadera Station
Area Map
