Shiga: Discover Otsu’s History, Culture, and Faith on Foot

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Shiga: Discover Otsu’s History, Culture, and Faith on Foot, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the rich history and culture of Otsu on this engaging three-hour walking tour. Guided by a knowledgeable local, uncover Otsu's transformation from a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway to a spiritual center by Lake Biwa. Visit the Otsu Hyakucho-kan to feel the pulse of commerce and hospitality, savor the unique funazushi delicacy at Sakamotoya, and admire the unique Otsu-e art. The highlight is Miidera Temple, where ancient paths and sacred sites tell stories of devotion and culture.

Three-hour guided walking tour through Otsu's historic sites
Discover local delicacies like funazushi and unique Otsu-e art
Visit the revered Miidera Temple and its expansive grounds
Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: DeepExperience

Ages: Adults (0–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Visit to Otsu Hyakucho-kan with explanation of Otsu’s history as a post town
Included: Visit to an Otsu-e shop with explanation of Edo-period folk art
Included: Commentary on pilgrimage culture, local traditions, and Otsu’s role as a historic city
Included: Stop at Sakamotoya to learn about funazushi and Lake Biwa’s food culture
Included: Entry fee to Miidera (Onjo-ji Temple) including access to main halls and temple grounds
Included: Guided 3-hour walking tour of Otsu led by an experienced local guide

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Transportation to and from the meeting point

Itinerary

Otsu Hyakuchokan

30 min

The Otsu Hyakucho-kan introduces the history of Otsu as a bustling post town on the Tōkaidō highway during the Edo period. Here, you can learn how “one hundred districts” once thrived with inns, teahouses, and shops serving travelers between Kyoto and Edo. The museum’s displays and atmosphere recreate the lively spirit of the town, making it the perfect place to begin exploring Otsu’s role as a center of commerce and hospitality.
Stop 2

30 min

Sakamotoya is the birthplace of funazushi, a unique fermented fish dish made with freshwater fish from Lake Biwa. This delicacy, one of Japan’s oldest forms of sushi, reflects the ingenuity of local food culture and the deep connection between the lake and the people of Otsu. Visiting Sakamotoya allows travelers to discover not only the story of funazushi but also the traditions of the “Lake Country” that have shaped life around Biwa for centuries.
Otsu Enomise

30 min

The Otsu-e shop preserves the last living tradition of Otsu-e, a form of folk art that originated in Otsu during the Edo period. Initially sold as Buddhist charms to travelers, these paintings evolved into humorous, satirical, and playful works often described as Japan’s “hidden pop art.” With their simple yet expressive lines, Otsu-e captured the imagination of people on the road. A visit here offers the rare chance to see this endangered art form and even bring home a piece of living history.
Mii-dera Temple

1 h 30 min Admission included

Miidera, officially known as Onjo-ji Temple, is one of Japan’s great Buddhist temples and a spiritual landmark of Otsu. Its vast grounds include the Moon-Viewing Stage, the Hall of One Hundred Kannon, and the legendary “Evening Bell of Miidera,” celebrated in Japanese poetry and art. Walking through its temple halls, stone bridges, and sacred springs, visitors experience both the grandeur of its architecture and the depth of its faith traditions. Miidera embodies Otsu’s role as a religious city where history, devotion, and culture converge.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet in front of the Otsu Police Station Otsu Ekimae Koban. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.