Visit Otsu 大津市

In the Heian era (794-1185), Otsu was an important city and Buddhist temples were built there, the influence of which extended throughout Japan.

Temples witnessing the past greatness of Ôtsu

• Ishiyama-dera

Ishiyama-dera was founded around 747 on the banks of the Seta River. This Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon , the goddess of mercy, became famous for hosting Murasaki Shikibu , the famous author of the great novel " The Tale of Genji ", considered a major work of Japanese literature and the first psychological novel of the world. The main pavilion, Hondō, the oldest building in Shiga Prefecture and a national treasure, houses the small room ( Genji no ma ) in which the writer had retired. The two - storied pagoda , Tahōtō, and the beautiful park that surrounds the temple add to the charm of this sacred place. The garden houses a statue of Murasaki Shikibu writing his masterpiece.

Access : 10 mins walk from Ishiyamadera station, on the Keihan line.

• Enryaku-ji

Founded in 788 by the monk Saichô on Mount Hiei , the Enryaku-ji temple was part of a group of some 3,000 temples scattered on this mount which had become a holy place. It is the only religious complex to have survived the multiple fires that ravaged the place. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery of the Tendai Buddhist sect is made up of three parts, Tôdô-chiku , Saitô-chiku and Yokawa-chiku , which spread out in a splendid forest on Mount Hiei.   and are interconnected by hiking trails. It is possible to sleep at the monastery.

Read: Mount Hiei

Access : 10 mins walk from Enryakuji station on the Sakamoto funicular line (5 mins walk from Sakamoto station (Keihan line) to the funicular terminus, then 11 mins by funicular).

• mii-dera

The Mii-dera temple (also called Onjoji ) was founded in 686 in memory of Emperor Kobun. It is a vast monastic complex, one of the four largest in Japan, comprising 40 buildings. It is also the main temple of the Tendai Buddhist school. Mii-dera is famous for its two bells and its beautiful gardens .

Access : 10 mins walk from Miidera station on the Keihan line.

• Mangetsuji

The " ukimido " floating pavilion   from   Mangetsuji temple was built in the middle of the 10th century. The current building is a faithful copy built in 1937 then repaired in 1982. This magnificent pavilion floating on Lake Biwa is one of the most famous scenes of the Eight views of Omi (Omi hakkai).

Access : 7-minute walk from JR Kosei Line Demachi Bus Stop to Katata Bus Station.

Along the water

If visiting temples has made you tired, why not enjoy a cruise on Lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake) or on the Seta River?

• On weekends and holidays, you can take cruises on Lake Biwa aboard the Michigan , a paddle steamer like those sailing on the Mississippi in the United States, built in cooperation with the University of Michigan.
  
  The departure point for the cruises is located next to the fountain Biwako Hana Funsu, 440 meters long. Visit it at night when its jets are illuminated with color effects.
• Tourist boats also offer trips from the port of Otsu to the points of interest on the shores of Lake Biwa.
• Seta River cruises depart from Ishiyama-dera Temple.

See also: Lake Biwa and its beaches

It's party!

If you find yourself in or around Otsu on the first weekend of October , don't miss its traditional festival, Otsu Matsuri. Classified as “important intangible folk heritage”, it dates from the Edo period (1603-1868). You can watch a parade of y amahiki , large floats on which stand karakuri , traditional Japanese mechanical puppets. Much less famous than the major Kyoto festivals , it is also less touristy and more authentic. Popular atmosphere guaranteed!

To go further: 7 excursions from Kyoto