Adventures in Otsu: Nature, Culture, Temples, Tea, and Food
Adventures in Otsu: Nature, Culture, Temples, Tea, and Food
From
10 meals
Join a 6-hour walking tour of Otsu, a picturesque region surrounded by nature and imbued with culture. Visit key landmarks, historical sites, a Japanese tea house, temple, stop for lunch, and more.
Highlights
Explore Otsu’s historic streets: Discover century-old shops and traditional charm
Enjoy views from Miidera Temple: Take in Lake Biwa and Otsu Hyakucho’s stunning scenery
Admire Otsu artworks: See hand-painted pieces that preserve Edo-period beauty
Savor local flavors: Taste teas, sweets, pickles, and other specialties from long-standing shops
10 meals
Experience Details
Explore Otsu on this six-hour walking tour led by an expert guide. Explore a city with over 1,350 years of history, where Lake Biwa, Mount Hira, and Mount Hiei meet streets and shops that still carry the charm of the Edo period.
Start at Ogawa House, a uniquely designed townhouse from the Edo period, and visit Nakagawa Seiseido Tea Store to learn about the origins of Japanese tea in Otsu. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mochihyo, a traditional confectionery, and pause at the Monument of the Otsu Incident, a site tied to an important moment in history.
Step back in time at Fuda-no-Tsuji, the historic junction of the Hokkoku Kaido and Tokaido roads, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Omi beef or a traditional Japanese set meal. Stop by Yaoyo, a historic pickle shop with artifacts from its past, and explore Otsu-e no Mise to see Edo-period folk paintings.
Take in breathtaking views of Lake Biwa from Miidera Temple, one of Japan’s four great temples, and end your day at Nagara Sabo, a serene tea house converted from a monk’s quarters.
Relax, sip tea, and reflect on the flavors, sights, and stories of Otsu you’ve discovered on this journey.
What You Get
Good To Know
- Please note this is a 6-hour walking tour, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and attire
- Please note that there may be changes to the places we stop by depending on the working days of the stores
- The tour will not be held on Sundays due to store closure (Sunday is a common closure day)
- Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 6,000 yen per group, per hour. During the peak months of March, April, and October, the rate is 8,000 yen per hour. (Payable in cash)
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the North Exit of JR Otsu Station. Further details and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.
Experience Location
Dominated by Japan’s largest lake, this prefecture offers a wealth of culture around its shores, as well as some of the best freshwater fish in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
