Discover Local Traditions and Food in Otsu Hyakucho
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Located in the northeastern part of the Kansai region, Otsu overlooks Lake Biwa—the biggest lake in Japan—and is abundantly blessed with nature. At its center is the Otsu Hyaku-cho (Otsu Hundred Towns) district, which has prospered for over 400 years. Combining its three identities as a post town on the Tokaido Highway connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, a port town on Lake Biwa, and the temple town of Mii-dera Temple, Otsu developed into a bustling city full of people. Participants on this tour will walk through Otsu Hyaku-cho and get a feel for the region's history and culture as they shop and enjoy a few bites on-the-go. Why don't you join in, interact with some locals, and savor the traditions and culture of Otsu?
Photos
Otsu Festival Hikiyama Exhibition Pavilion
This exhibition hall celebrates the Otsu Festival, one of the "Big Three Lake Country Festivals." With a full-size replica of one of the hikiyama festival floats, the museum uses video and photographs to teach visitors about the distinctive mechanical dolls and curtains used in the festival. One gets a true sense of the liveliness and fun of the dynamically unfolding festival.
The owner of this brewery is himself a master brewer, staying true to traditional brewing methods as he makes sake that satisfies modern tastes. A sake brewery with a history of over 360 years.
Otsu-e paintings originated around 400 years ago, at a time when travelers on the Tokaido regularly came and went through the town of Otsu. At first, they were used as religious images, and as such, often depicted the Buddha, but the themes diversified over time as travelers began buying them as souvenirs, and the painting techniques also became simpler. Have a look at some humorous paintings that Picasso also loved!
This canal was constructed over 100 years ago so that water from Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, would flow through Kyoto. Stones and bricks were combined according to the latest technology of the time. The view of the canal overlaid against the natural environment has today become emblematic of Lake Biwa.
Mii-dera Temple is one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhism, on par with the World Heritage Site Hiei-Zan Enryaku-Ji Temple. Having overcome numerous hardships, it is sometimes called the Temple of the Phoenix. Appropriately adorned and with a fitting atmosphere for a place of worship, it has also served as a set for many movies. Savor the beautiful views of the temple grounds and take some nice photographs.
This confectionery sells Mii-dera Chikara Mochi, a type of rice cake that has been popular as a memento of visits to Mii-dera Temple for the last 400 years. Their Chikara Mochi are incredibly soft and coated in plenty of green roasted soybean flour. They are the perfect complement to a cup of matcha green tea.
Information
- Minimum Number of Passengers
- 1 person
- Maximum Capacity
- 6 people
- Participation Restrictions
- Nothing in particular (those able to move along stairs and the mountain path on their own)
- Meeting and Exchange Areas
-
JR Otsu Station North Gate
1-3 Kasuga-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture - Open Period
- Year-round
- Closed Period
- April 1, 2025–October 31, 2025
- Meeting Times and Business Hours
- 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tour Schedule
- JR Otsu Station ... Hikiyama Exhibition Pavilion ... Yaoyo ... Otsu-e no Mise ... Lake Biwa Canal ... Mii-dera Temple ... Hirai Shoten ... JR Otsu Station/ (... walking)
- Required Time
- 240 minutes
- Provision of Meals
- Meals are provided
- Open to meal requests
- None
- Universal accessibility
- None
- Parking
- Yes (paid)
- Business name
- Biwako Otsu Tourism Association 077-528-2772 info@otsu.or.jp
- Notes
- - If the weather is poor on the day of the event, the route, including the method of transportation and stops, may change. - The tour ends at a different location than it starts. - If you would like to change the final destination (dismissal point), consult with your guide. - There will be a lot of walking, so please wear clothing and shoes that are easy for you to walk in.
This basic information is current at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Map
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