Location: Otsu
Top Things to do in Otsu
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What to do and see in Otsu, Kinki: The Best Things to do
Ōtsu (大津市, Ōtsu-shi) is the capital city of Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Ōtsu is known as the main port of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It briefly served as the capital of Japan from 667 to 672 AD during the Asuka period (538 – 710). The city is home to numerous sites of historical importance, notably the temples of Mii-dera, Ishiyama-dera, and Enryaku-ji and the Hiyoshi Taisha shrine. Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)". Ōtsu was incorporated as a city on October 1, 1898.
Restaurants in Otsu
1. Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 592 reviews
Reviewed By audreevisits - Canada, null
This is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. The Enryaku hotel was, traditional Japanese style, very clean and comfortable- staff was very pleasant and helpful. The food breakfast and dinner was included and extraordinary! Beautiful views of the lake and distant mountains, some days we could see My Fuji in the distance. The Japanese baths were clean and hot. 7am we walked to the main temple to participate in the morning ceremonies. We hiked the mountain and visited the ancient temples, some original and hundreds of years old- learning the story of Zen Buddhism and how it came to be on this sacred mountain.Lots of local pilgrims making offerings and praying- so peaceful
2. Ishiyamadera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Ishiyamadera is a temple of the Buddhist sect Shingon, sitting on the bank of Seta River in the south end of Otsu city. It is one of the renowned temples of Kannon, the deity of compassion, in Japan. The Reverend Rouben founded this Temple in 747 CE to fulfill the pious wish of Emperor Shomu. In the Heian period this Temple was a famous place for the Kannon devotees. The Imperial as well as noble family members often visited this temple to worship Kannon, and it is popularly known as the ‘Ishiyama-moude’, pilgrimage to the Ishiyamadera Temple. Legend says that the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu confined herself at this temple for seven days, and observing the full moon of August 15, 1004 CE, she conceived the concept of writing the Tale of Genji.
Reviewed By Global_Traveller_Pat - Hong Kong, China
This place is more like a garden with lots of beautiful flowers than a temple. The environment is quiet and peaceful, not like other parks with too many tourists from other places. Be prepared to walk a bit uphill and downhill as the garden and the temple are built along the slopes. High recommended for a visit in spring time with the cherry blossoms and other flowers blooming.
3. Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji Temple)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By gibot143
+ no crowds + rich history + they have peacocks + great views of lake biwa and otsu city + loved the grand canal on the way to this temple
