2025 Otsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#lake #Biwakoattractions #thebiggestlake #JapanTravel lake biwa Lake Biwa, located in the central area of ​​Shiga Prefecture, belongs to the first-class river "Yodogawa River System" and covers an area of ​​approximately 670 square kilometers, accounting for approximately one-sixth of the total area of ​​the prefecture. The amount of water injected from the Ibuki Mountains, the Suzuka Mountains, the Hira Mountains and the surrounding mountains with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters reaches 27.5 billion tons. It is the largest lake in Japan with the largest water storage capacity and the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is also one of the only 20 ancient lakes in the world. I highly recommend the Shiga Prince Hotel. It has a large space and beautiful environment. It is perfect for walking around the lake in the morning and evening. #KYOTOShiga #ShigaPrince #First-grade river #100 ways to travel

During our 8-day and 7-night Kansai free trip, starting on the fourth day, we experienced another highlight of the entire trip - a self-driving tour of Lake Biwa. After careful selection, we booked a two-night stay at the hot spring hotel "Rokusuitei" located on the shores of Lake Biwa. From Osaka, it takes about 2 hours to drive along the navigation to reach this hotel. 🌟Free parking and shuttle bus🌟 Lake Biwa Green Water Pavilion is located on the west side of "Lake Biwa" in Shiga, Japan's largest lake. If you are not traveling by car, you can take the JR Kosai Line and get off at Oto Onsen Station (Ogoto Onsen), then call the hotel and they will provide free pick-up service to the hotel. There is a free parking lot at the entrance of the Green Water Pavilion Hotel, which is very important for us who are traveling by car (because parking fees in Japan are relatively high), and there will be service staff to receive you as soon as you get off the car. 🌟Easy check-in🌟 At the reception desk in the lobby, we sat down to check in, and the service staff also provided snacks. Like other large hot spring hotels, the hotel lobby has a lounge and bar with endless views of Lake Biwa. 🌟Private bath and Western-style room🌟 We booked a Japanese-Western style room (elegant Japanese-Western style room) with a private bath. Here, we can enjoy the hot springs and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa. The Japanese-Western style room has two small double beds. If you prefer tatami, you can request it when booking the hotel. The room design is simple, neat and clean, and the space is spacious. It can accommodate two to three large suitcases, making it very suitable for the whole family! 🌟Another plus point🌟 There are so many choices when it comes to hotel yukata options! Choose your favorite style when checking in, and since we stayed for three days and two nights, we could change into a different style of yukata every day! Wearing yukata is limited to the hotel. 🌟Hot spring bath🌟 Of course, the biggest enjoyment of staying at a hot spring hotel is soaking in the hot spring bath! Lake Biwa Ryūsutei has a variety of hot spring baths for guests to use, including indoor hot springs and open-air hot springs. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, relieve fatigue, and feel the therapeutic effects of the hot springs. However, we booked a room with a private bath and could relax in the exclusive hot spring bath in the room. 🌟Hotel facilities - Water Mirror Courtyard and Shuhuo Library🌟 After dinner, we returned to our room for a short rest before continuing to roam around the hotel and enjoy the facilities it has to offer. Since our room already had a private hot spring bath, we didn't go to the large bath for a hot spring bath. Shuho Library is a great place to relax and enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, coffee or ice cream. It's great to relax here after taking a dip in the hot springs. The hotel’s outdoor water mirror courtyard is so beautiful! Just like the photos on the official website, you can enjoy the sea breeze and foot bath and hand bath here. It feels so comfortable. In addition, this place is also very suitable for taking pictures, so remember to bring your camera! 🌟Happy Hour🌟 The hotel offers two free alcoholic drinks daily, redeemable with tokens during happy hour. At dusk, sitting in the outdoor lounge, enjoying the sea breeze, leisurely enjoying free drinks and snacks, with the night view of Lake Biwa as the background, it's really relaxing! 🌟Hotel dinner-Omi beef kaiseki🌟 We planned to spend three days and two nights at Lake Biwa, so we did not choose the dinner-included plan when booking the hotel. On the contrary, we contacted the hotel after the reservation was completed and made a reservation for dinner on the first night, with an additional 5,500 yen per person to enjoy kaiseki cuisine. At check-in, we were able to choose our desired dining time slot, and all we had to do was arrive at the restaurant on time and show our hotel room key. I was super lucky to be assigned a seat by the window and enjoyed dinner looking at the night view! Kaiseki cuisine uses seasonal ingredients, so every dinner will be different. From appetizers to main courses, the kaiseki cuisine was exquisite and we were all very satisfied. In addition, dinner also includes Shabu Shabu, the black Omi beef with the longest breeding history in Shiga Prefecture! Omi beef has a high proportion of frosty oil flowers, which melts in your mouth! P.S. Being the drinkers we are, we also ordered a bottle of reasonably priced Slim Sake. 🌟Buffet breakfast🌟 The next morning we had a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Breakfast is served in buffet style with a wide variety of Japanese and Western options. You can enjoy fresh fruits, grilled fish, hot soups, salads, breads and various side dishes. The windows of the restaurant face the lake, allowing you to enjoy the pleasant lake view while dining. Lake Biwa Ryūsutei is a hot spring hotel worth recommending. It has beautiful lake views, comfortable rooms, a variety of hot spring baths for guests to use, delicious breakfast and free parking service. Whether you are a couple, family or friends, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday here. If you plan to take a self-driving trip to the outskirts of Kyoto, you may wish to consider staying at Lake Biwa Ryūsuitei to experience the charm of Japanese hot spring culture. Biwako Ryokusuitei: Elegant Japanese-style room with private natural semi-open-air small hot spring bath/non-smoking View: Lake view | 34 m²/366 sq. ft. | Non-smoking | 2 small double beds or 2 futons Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking #思思贤#chillmybabe #思思仙困世界#KYOTOFree Travel#osaka #osakatravel #foodie #foodies #japanesefood #izakaya #umeda #hotel #travel #vacation #vlog #vlogger #gopro #japan #japantravel #travel #shopping #travelvlog #travelbloggervibes #biwako #琵琶湖#自车游#一波二日#热热#热热#注册 July Hotel Trial Sleeper#Play-Type Traveler

It’s too late to write Tim🤣 There should be no snow now in summer I went to this ski resort in Lake Biwa in early March this year! To be at JR "Shiga Station", then there is a bus stop as soon as you exit JR To note that the shifts are not frequent, you have to find the schedule on the Internet and then change the time to go better! However, there are some taxis in the head that will tempt you to get on the bus, but the day I went it was just right to get the bus so I don't know how much the taxi costs! Take the bus up and have to buy tickets to take the cable car up the mountain! The cable car seems to be the fastest in Japan? ! 5 minutes to the mountain You can rent skiing when you go up in the winter however we did not choose to ski that day Although I was still able to ski when I went! But actually it melts the snow has a lot to hold! I see it has different little games and can ride the d crane! If you have time it is highly recommended to go because the view is beautiful! It should be said that from sitting under the jr the view is beautiful! #Register HotelSleeper #OsakaTrip #OsakaFreeTrip #OsakaGood Places #Lake Biwa

Ishiyama-dera Temple in Shiga Prefecture is the 13th temple of the 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and is certified as a Japanese Heritage Site as a constituent cultural asset. The temple grounds are so large that it is impossible to see everything in one day. As the mountain entrance fee says, you will have to climb the mountain to see everything, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. There are many other things to see, such as the bronze statue of Murasaki Shikibu, the natural monument of wollastonite, and national treasures! [Ishiyama-dera Temple] 📍1-1-1 Ishiyama-dera, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 🚗Paid parking available Mountain entrance fee: 600 yen for adults and junior and senior high school students, 250 yen for elementary school students #Domestic travel#Ishiyama-dera#Shiga#Shiga trip#Shiga sightseeing #Temple tour#Walk #Otsu city

I made a visit to the largest freshwater lake in Japan - Biwako (Lake Biwa). It is located near Kyoto. You may plan a visit to Biwako if you are visiting Kyoto. The weather was too cold so I didn't take a walk by the Lake. I went up to the Biwako valley ski resort area, the view up there is stunning. Biwako is so huge you are unable to see the whole Lake even on high grounds. If you are not planning to ski, I suggest visiting Biwako during spring, summer or autumn, while the weather is not too cold. #biwako #biwakovalley #osaka

I was surprised 😭❤️ that There are such a beautiful/relaxing place like this here in SHIGA-KEN. weather still cold ✨🌬 📍#biwakovalley / #thebiwakoterrace Easily accessible in just 40 minutes from Kyoto and 1 hour from Osaka One of the best places in Japan that can be enjoyed all year round Approx. 5 minutes to the top of the mountain by Japan’s famous fastest ropeway Visitors will reach an altitude of 1,100m in around 5 minutes from the base of the mountain in Japan’s fastest ropeway. The 360-degree glass cabin provides a stunning panoramic view of Lake Biwa, Kyoto and even the Osaka cityscape.❤️❤️‍🔥 #summervacation#hikingtrails

"Rotel de Hiei" is located on the top of Mt. Hiei in Kyoto. It offers a beautiful view of Lake Biwa. The hotel is integrated into nature, and you can feel the blue sky, white clouds, and forests at any time, giving urban people a relaxing vacation experience. "Rotel de Hiei" has guest rooms with unique architectural style and a Japanese garden, and uses abundant and fresh ingredients to carefully prepare a variety of French dishes! The hotel has two floors in total. French place names are written on the doors of each room. The rooms have unique architectural styles and Japanese gardens. The room I stayed in this time was a standard double room with an area of ​​about 32 square meters. It had two large single beds. From the design of the room, every corner was very practical. The restaurant's French cuisine uses ingredients from Lake Biwa and Omi, and each dish is delicious and has a rich and diverse taste. The cooking methods of the restaurant's dishes are derived from the unique fermentation culture of the Omi region, infusing new ideas into the dishes and bringing forth new ideas. #Overseas Travel #Hotel #Japan

Looking for a place to relax and unwind? Head on to Biwako Valley! Relax and enjoying the breathtaking view on top of the mountain while eating ice cream or drinking coffee it is a perfect place. Nature view at it's best. We went there in July. It was a beautiful sunny and cloudy day. One of the best place that I have ever visited. #givethanks

Recommended destinations for people in Kyoto near the city: Otsu Otsu City is the location of Shiga Prefecture, Japan, and the central city of Honshu, Japan, is the main destination of the Keihan, Zhongjing and Hokuriku economic circles. The economic port city of the Shogunate era. In 1880, the Otsu-Kyoto Railway was opened to traffic. Established in 1898. The Omi Jingu Shrine, the ancient temple and the Penghu Scenic Area are tourist attractions. Transportation: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station for about 9 minutes. Take the JR Tokaido Main Line and get off from Shin-Osaka Station to Otsu Station for about 40 minutes.

There is a Mitsui Temple near Otsu (now officially known as "Chang et al.") is one of the four major Buddhist temples in Japan. Built in the 7th century, after several years of battle, it has also suffered many wars but has been revived, so there is also the name of the Temple of the Dead Bird! In the temple, there is the "Mitsui Night Clock" of the Eight Rivers in the vicinity of the river. It is the bell of the Nara era. The scars and cracks on the Vatican clock are traces of history. There are 1,300 cherry blossoms in the temple. Every April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Like a fairyland. The highest point of the Mitsui-ji Temple, Kannon-ji Temple, is located at the Observatory. It can see the streetscape of Otsu City, and the distance is Lake Biwa.

To reach the top of the Yanli Temple, you need to take the cable car of the Biru Mountain. The Sakamoto Cable Car Station was built in the 2nd year of the Showa era. The station itself completely preserves the European architectural style of the Taisho era and enters the cable car station. There is an inexplicable feeling of crossing! It is arranged like a green leather train station in the past. Even the rest seats are green. Is it a retro style? This is also a heart, cool! There are manual ticketing windows and ticketing machines. I recommend buying tickets on the machine. Because you can choose to speak in several languages such as Simplified Chinese, the operation process is very simple. The adult round trip is 1620 yen. The cable car departs every half hour, and the seat in the car is set in the opposite direction to the direction of travel (the side close to the mountain), and it feels like it is pulled up from the back when it is up. After arriving at the Birui Mountain Yanli Temple Station, an exit hall is a viewing platform where you can see the panoramic view of Wuhu. The view is very wide, and the distant Wuhu Bridge, characteristic buildings and temples are clearly visible.

Niche Travel|Sakura season enters the little-known "Flower Card Love" framing the Omi Jingu Shrine. Omi Jingu Shrine is not only the location of the flower card love, but also the location of Conan's "Tang Hong's Love Song". Located in Otsu City, it is very close to Kyoto, more than half an hour's drive, and even the cherry blossom season is rare. Transportation: Take the Keihan Electric Railways Ishiyama-Sakamota and get off at Omi-jingu-mae, about 9 minutes on foot. About the knowledge of the shrine: It is mainly dedicated to the 38th Emperor of Japan, and is regarded as the guiding, good luck, industrial, cultural and academic god of Tenchi. But in "Flower Love", here is a flower card (a Japanese card game) to advance to the wishing place, often seeing the wish to come here, to promote the flower card The wish is written on the wishing card. Photographs Tips: 1 The red crimson and long ladder at the main entrance of the Shrine are the landmark spots. If it is the cherry blossom season like me, Use the cherry blossoms in front of the gate to make a foreground. 2 The big bird house in the Omi Jingu Shrine is so beautiful. You can take a bird's eye on the front of the palace stairs and take a picture of the entire back of the palace. To avoid too much floor steps, you can bring a little palace. Roof 3 In the case of not obstructing the worshippers, you can take pictures of the blessing of the gods.

#tokyostroll I've been wanting to go to chapter one for a long time and finally got to go! It's part of a popular chain, and the interior is decorated with lots of bear-shaped ornaments and figurines, which are super cute...🤍 The cookie sandwich (weekend only) is filled with berry cream, which is refreshing and easy to eat! The financier was crisp on the outside and moist inside, and it was just the right taste for me✨ I like coffee, so I ordered the Caramel Vienna, but the sweetness of the milk and the caramel were just right and it was really delicious☕️! If you're wondering where to go for a cafe in Shiga, be sure to give this a try 〜Menu Ordered〜: ⚪︎Caramel Vienna (ICE) 700 yen ⚪︎Vanilla Latte (hot) ? yen ⚪︎Bear Chocolate Crouffle 900 yen ⚪︎Bear Financier 650 yen ⚪︎Canelé 500 yen ⚪︎Cookie Sandwich Address: 1F, 2-3-5 Baba, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan 🚃Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Keihan Zeze Station 🕘Opening hours: 11:30-18:00

📍Ukimido 🏷️ 1-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 🚶♀️【Train】 Take the bus from JR Kosei Line "Katata" Station to "Katata Demachi" stop, then walk for about 5 minutes (on Saturdays and holidays you can get off at "Ukimido-mae" stop before "Katata Demachi") 【Car】 Approx. 10 minutes from "Mano" IC on Kosai Road 🚗 None 🕐 8:00-17:00 🪧 No fixed holidays 💰 300 yen 📝 Ukimido, famous for "Katata no Rakugan" from the Eight Views of Omi, is known as Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple. It is said that it was built by Eshin Sozu in the Heian period to pray for safety on the lake and salvation of all living beings. The current building was rebuilt in 1937, and repaired again in 1982, still retaining its original atmosphere. The Kannon Hall on the temple grounds houses a seated statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, an important cultural property. Please take a look! #FreeHotelStay

Buna-ga-take (武奈ヶ岳) is the highest peak in the Hira Mountains, standing at 1,214 meters (3,983 feet) above sea level. Located in Shiga Prefecture, near Lake Biwa, it is a popular hiking destination offering breathtaking views, diverse natural landscapes, and a rewarding summit experience. ⭐️Why Visit Buna-ga-take? Spectacular Panoramic Views: At the summit, hikers can enjoy 360-degree views of Lake Biwa, the Kyoto region, and even distant mountain ranges on clear days. Seasonal Beauty: 🌸☀️Spring & Summer: Lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers. 🍂Autumn: Stunning red and yellow foliage covers the mountain. ⛄️Winter: A snowy wonderland perfect for experienced winter hikers. ⭐️Challenging Yet Rewarding Trails: The hike usually takes around 4-6 hours round trip, depending on the trail chosen. The most popular route starts from Biwa-ko Valley or the Kyoto side and offers a mix of forests, ridgelines, and open fields. 🚉Accessible from Kyoto & Osaka: Buna-ga-take is just 1.5–2 hours from Kyoto or Osaka, making it a great day-trip destination for outdoor enthusiasts. How to Get There From Kyoto/Osaka: Take a train to Hira Station and a bus to the trailhead. By Car: Parking is available near the trail entrances. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover looking for an unforgettable adventure, Buna-ga-take is a must-visit destination in Japan! #celebrateit

🎉 Xiongqin Hot Spring and Biwako Ryokusuitei Hot Spring Hotel: A Guide to Planting Grass 🎉 🌟 Highlights: Stunning views of Lake Biwa, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking in the hot spring😍. 💖 Most recommended: Their outdoor hot spring, with a great atmosphere and super relaxing😜. 📍 Detailed address: [Specific address] 🚗 Transportation: You can choose [specific transportation method], which is convenient and fast🤗. 🎯 Reasons for recommendation: Attentive service, good hot spring water quality, a great choice for relaxation👍. 🏨 Hotel environment: Elegant and quiet, with great landscaping, like being in a fairyland🌳. 🛏 Room facilities: Complete and comfortable, clean and tidy, making you feel at home🛏. 🌅 Nearby attractions: Close to [nearby attraction name], convenient for sightseeing🎡. 🍱 Food recommendations: Offers a variety of local specialties, with excellent taste😋.

Kyoto is a city full of history and culture, with temples everywhere. In Kyoto, you can experience the fusion of tradition and nature, and there are traditional buildings everywhere, giving you a completely different experience and feeling! 🔷🔷🔷My one-day tour guide to Kyoto suburbs: 🚗Transportation: Take the JR from Osaka to Kyoto Station (30 minutes) 🏨Accommodation: THE Royal Garden CANVAS Kyoto Nijo. 2-minute walk from Nijo Station 🗺️My one-day tour guide to Kyoto suburbs: ⏰Morning - Shinzen-en (5-minute walk from the hotel) 🕐Afternoon - Miho Museum (Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Ishiyama Station, then take a bus to Miho Museum) 🕤Evening - Kyukyochikuin (Take the JR from Ishiyama Station to Hieizan Sakamoto Station, walk for about 15 minutes) 💎Attraction features: 📍 Shinzen-en: Located near our hotel, we passed by it on our way to the station in the morning. It is the only surviving Heian-period building in Kyoto, and it is also a place for praying for rain. The most striking feature is the red bridge at the entrance, which is particularly bright and photogenic! Very distinctive! 📍 Miho Museum: Designed by architect I.M. Pei, it is a paradise inspired by Tao Yuanming's "Peach Blossom Spring." After passing through a long tunnel, it is like a paradise, away from the hustle and bustle, and it is refreshing! 80% of the building is hidden in the mountains, surrounded by trees and mountains. There are also collections from all over the world to watch. If you have time, you must come and see! (🕐Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00) 📍 Kyukyochikuin: Very niche but can perfectly replace Ryokoin. Ryokoin is very crowded and you have to wait to take a photo of the reflection on the table. However, there are almost no people here, and there are tables with reflections on both floors, which are also very beautiful! (🕐Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00-17:00) 📌Small tips: 1️⃣The cafe at Miho Museum is not recommended. Please do not arrange lunch here because there is only one set menu option and it is not filling. The overall taste of cakes and meals is not very good, and the price is much higher. 2️⃣Buy a JPY1,000 ticket here: including round-trip bus fare and Miho Museum admission ticket. Then, there is no need to buy tickets for all exhibitions in the museum! 3️⃣The admission ticket for Kyukyochikuin is less than half of that for Ryokoin, only JPY300. I happened to see its first light show and night view (JPY2,000/person). You need to book tickets in advance and enter at the specified time. It is a very different experience!

Lake Biwa is a favorite cherry blossom spot for seasoned travelers to Japan. Compared to Kyoto, there are fewer people here, and there are many attractions around the lake that are perfect for in-depth travel. To get to Lake Biwa, you usually go to Otsu first, which is the capital of Shiga Prefecture and very close to Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line to Otsu Station, which takes about 10 minutes. Otsu has the third most historical sites and Buddha statues in Japan, after Nara and Kyoto. Here, the World Heritage Site "Enryaku-ji Temple" on Mount Hiei, the "Ishiyama-dera Temple" that inspired "The Tale of Genji," and the Sanno Shrine Hiyoshi Taisha are all must-see attractions. If you've been to the Rurikoin Temple in Kyoto but were put off by the crowds, you should definitely visit the Old Chikurin-in Temple next to the Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu, which is just as beautiful. In addition, there are three islands in Lake Biwa, and Chikubu Island is the most worth visiting. In Takashima, there are two must-see places: the Torii Gate in the lake at Shirahige Shrine and the Metasequoia Avenue. About 500 metasequoia trees are planted along the Metasequoia Avenue, which is beautiful in all seasons and perfect for taking photos. Omihachiman is an ancient city on the shores of Lake Biwa, where you can feel the full Edo period Japanese style. Of course, food is also an important part of travel. When you come here, you must not miss Omi beef, one of the three major Wagyu beef in Japan. In addition to sightseeing and food, the Lake Biwa cruise is also worth a try. There are three Lake Biwa cruise itineraries: the Michigan cruise, the Chikubu Island cruise, and the Lake Biwa Island cruise. In addition to lake sightseeing, the Michigan cruise also offers live concerts and onboard dining, which is perfect for those who like lively activities. In addition, taking the cable car to the top of Mount Horai is also very special, and you can take stunning videos.

Spectacular view from the top floor! The plan with a strawberry sweets buffet to enjoy from a special seat 130m above the ground over Lake Biwa is too luxurious! Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel A 38-story lake view hotel where all rooms face Lake Biwa and you can enjoy a 180-degree view of the lake There are many accommodation plans I booked a plan with a strawberry buffet without breakfast I could choose to have the strawberry buffet on the day of my stay or the next day The view of Lake Biwa from the room was spectacular 2 stations and 10 minutes from JR Kyoto Station 4-7-7 Onohama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture #Free hotel stay

#0yentravelFebruary2025 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 𝙸𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ￣￣￣￣￣￣￣ 𖠿 Wabi-an ⚑ 70 Hosokawacho, Katsukawa, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ⌚︎ 11:00-16:00 Closed Monday-Wednesday ＿＿＿＿＿ 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 ￣￣￣￣￣ This is a soba restaurant on a road in the mountains👀 It's at the bottom of a hill that you might pass by, and there's a river flowing nearby🌿 I liked the exterior of the restaurant, which had a nice taste✨ I had a simple bowl of Zaru Soba, but the thin noodles were delicious♩ #ShigaTrip

📍 Location: Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture Kyū-Chikurin-in is a historic residence located in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It was originally one of the Satobō—retirement residences for Buddhist monks from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. One of the main attractions of Kyū-Chikurin-in is its vast 3,300-square-meter strolling garden. This garden features two tea houses and a thatched-roof pavilion, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The design skillfully incorporates the natural terrain, including artificial hills, waterfalls, and borrowed scenery from Mount Hachioji. The garden also uses water from the Omiya River, enhancing its seasonal beauty. Seasonal Highlights • Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom, creating a stunning contrast with the greenery. • Autumn: The garden is covered in vibrant red and orange maple leaves, beautifully complementing the lush moss. Kyū-Chikurin-in is a perfect place to experience traditional Japanese architecture and garden design in a tranquil setting. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, explore the tea houses, and immerse themselves in the historical charm of this hidden gem. #celebrateit

📍 Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine Hiyoshi Taisha, located at the foot of Mount Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is the head shrine of approximately 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan. ⭐️ History & Significance Founded around 2,100 years ago during the 7th year of Emperor Sujin’s reign (90 BCE), Hiyoshi Taisha has long been revered as a guardian against misfortune and calamity. During the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto), it was designated as a protector of the city’s northeastern kimon (demon gate), believed to ward off evil spirits. ⭐️ Spiritual Importance Since the founding of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei by the monk Saicho, Hiyoshi Taisha has also been worshiped as the guardian shrine of the Tendai Buddhist sect. The shrine complex consists of around 40 smaller shrines, including the East Main Shrine (Higashi Hongu) and West Main Shrine (Nishi Hongu), collectively known as Hiyoshi Okami. ⭐️ Blessings & Benefits Hiyoshi Taisha is believed to offer divine protection for: ✅ Disaster prevention & protection ✅ Good fortune & warding off evil ✅ Successful relationships & matchmaking ✅ Family safety & harmony ✅ Business prosperity ⭐️ Seasonal Beauty The shrine is famous for its spectacular autumn foliage, with around 3,000 maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and gold, attracting many visitors in the fall. With its deep history, cultural significance, and breathtaking seasonal landscapes, Hiyoshi Taisha continues to be a cherished spiritual site in Japan. If you visit Shiga, be sure to experience the serene beauty and powerful energy of this historic shrine. #celebrateit

📍Biwako Valley Located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Biwako Valley offers a stunning panoramic view of Lake Biwa from an elevation of about 1,100 meters. The mountain summit is accessible in just 5 minutes by Japan’s fastest ropeway. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the expansive “Summerland” lawn area, including playground equipment, scenic swings, and a thrilling zip-line adventure. During the winter months, Biwako Valley transforms into a ski resort, offering diverse slopes that cater to both beginners and experts. At the mountaintop “Biwako Terrace,” visitors can indulge in delicious meals featuring local ingredients while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Biwa. Experience the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and a range of activities throughout the seasons at Biwako Valley for a memorable time. #celebrateit

📍 JR Ogoto Onsen Station East Exit Located just steps from the East Exit of JR Ogoto Onsen Station in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, the Rokkaku Foot Bath is a free foot bath spot where travelers can take a quick, relaxing break. The foot bath was established by the Ogoto Onsen Tourism Association in conjunction with the station name change on March 15, 2008. The building is designed to resemble a hexagonal hall, evoking the sacred spring discovered by the founder of Mount Hiei’s Enryaku-ji Temple, the great priest Saicho. The foot bath is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is free for everyone to use. The alkaline simple spring water from Ogoto Onsen is said to have skin-beautifying effects, making it the perfect spot to relax and soothe your travel fatigue. Whether you’re waiting for a train or taking a stroll, it’s a great place to stop and unwind. #celebrateit

At Satoyume Mukashibanashi Oyamaso, we offer delicious breakfast and dinner featuring the rich flavors of Shiga Prefecture’s local ingredients. ☀️ Breakfast Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at our dining hall, Soten. Enjoy freshly steamed Omi rice and miso soup with Chojifu, a specialty of Shiga. Guests can freely help themselves to unlimited servings of rice and miso soup, ensuring a satisfying and energizing start to the day. 🌉 Dinner Our kaiseki-style dinner showcases the best of Shiga’s seasonal ingredients, including Omi beef, lake fish, and traditional vegetables. Guests can enjoy their meal in the dining hall or a private restaurant setting. 📌 Please note that meal contents and dining locations may vary depending on the season and accommodation plan. For details, please check our official website. #celebrateit

Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho in Otsu offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern comforts. Guests frequently praise its beautifully restored machiya-style design, which provides an authentic cultural experience. The rooms are described as spacious and well-appointed, featuring amenities such as tatami flooring and contemporary furnishings. The communal areas, including a serene lounge, offer complimentary beverages like coffee, tea, and sake, enhancing the overall guest experience. The staff is noted for their exceptional hospitality, providing attentive and personalized service. The hotel’s location in Otsu provides a peaceful environment, with convenient access to nearby attractions. Overall, Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho is highly recommended for travelers seeking a unique and memorable stay that encapsulates the essence of Japanese culture.

I've always wanted to take a set of kimono photos in Japan 👘 Finally got the chance to do it while taking wedding photos The location is Ukimido at Lake Biwa 40 minutes by car from Kyoto Tickets are JPY 300, and there are almost no people A romantic kimono trip Every frame is breathtakingly beautiful 💖 The tranquility and beauty of Lake Biwa complement the elegance of the kimono It's as if time stopped for me, allowing me to fully enjoy this unique beauty ✨

5 days in Japan, classic tour! Super practical guide to help you experience Japanese style with ease and not miss a single wonderful moment. Save it now! -------- 🎈Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya, and walk to your cozy hotel🏨. DAY 2: Stroll through the ancient Magome-juku -> Explore Tsumago-juku -> Enjoy the soothing time at Gero Onsen🛀. DAY 3: Experience the natural beauty of Hida-Takayama -> Visit the historic Takayama Jinya -> Visit the fairytale-like Shirakawa-go -> Experience the unique flavor of the Tsuzumi-mon Gate🥁. DAY 4: Admire the garden art of Kenrokuen -> Stroll through the ancient Higashi Chaya District -> Explore the unique Tojinbo -> Visit the mysterious Shirahige Shrine -> Enjoy the spectacular view of the Biwako Ohashi Bridge🌉. DAY 5: End your pleasant trip to Japan, and take a private transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight home✈️. -------- Attraction Recommendations: Shirakawa-go ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Open all day 🕰️Duration: 2-3 hours The unique gassho-style buildings make you feel like you're in a fairytale world. Definitely worth a visit! Kenrokuen ⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Oct 16, 2024 - Feb 28, 2025, 08:00-17:00 🕰️Duration: 2 hours This garden is a masterpiece of Edo period garden design, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery in any season. Hida-Takayama ⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Takayama, Gifu, Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Open all day 🕰️Duration: 2-3 days This is the hometown of Mitsuha, and the scenery is like a beautiful painting that makes you linger. Takayama Jinya ⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 1-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu, Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Jan 27 - Mar 31, 08:45-16:30 🕰️Duration: 2-3 hours This Edo period district magistrate's residence is not only historic, but also offers beautiful natural scenery. -------- Travel Preparation: 🧳 Going to Japan? Bring these things! 📞 Get a Japanese SIM card first, so you can stay in touch and not get lost. 🔌 Don't forget the plug adapter. Japanese sockets are different from ours, so prepare in advance. 👕 It's still a bit cold in Japan in February, so bring a warm coat and comfortable shoes to make your trip easier! Oh, and a visa, which is very important, so get it in advance! -------- For more wonderful moments and niche activities in Japan, check out my homepage for more travel tips!