Otsu trip planner

The lake port city of Otsu has a wealth of sites of historical and cultural importance and lies within close proximity to Kyoto. Particularly well-known for its viewpoints, eight scenes across town have become particularly famous, often eulogized in poems, and depicted in paintings. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples offer some of the main places to visit in Otsu, while several museums tell the story of this former imperial town, which briefly stood as the nation's capital in the seventh century CE. Add Otsu and other destinations to your itinerary using our Japan trip planner, and learn about what to see, what to do, and where to stay.