Ōtsu (大津) is the capital of Shiga prefecture.
Enryaku-ji, a Tendai monastery located on Mount Hiei overlooking Kyoto, is the headquarters of the Tendai sect and one of the most significant monasteries in Japanese history. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)".
- Enryakuji Temple, +81 77-578-0001. The head temple of Tendai Buddhism and a World Heritage Site located atop Mount Hiei.
- Gichu-ji Temple. The burial place of famed haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, of Narrow Road to the Deep North fame. The temple is 300 m away from JR Zeze Station (膳所駅), one stop from Otsu on the JR Tokaido Line. Entrance is ¥200.
- Ishiyama-dera. This temple was founded in 749 and the hondō (main hall) is the oldest building in Shiga Prefecture built 850 years ago. Inside the hondo, in the room on the right, is the "Genji Room" where it is believed Murasaki Shikibu wrote her famous book "Tale of Genji", considered to be the world's first novel. The temple precincts are quite large, with a 750 year old pagoda and Muyū-en Garden (無憂園) among other things. The pathway leading to the temple is lined with cherry trees, making it especially beautiful in the spring and autumn. For those traveling on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage, Ishiyama-dera is number 13. Entrance is ¥500.
- Miidera Temple.
- Hiyoshi Taisha.
Enryakuji Temple, +81 77-578-0001. The head temple of Tendai Buddhism and a [[World Heritage Site]] located atop [[Mount Hiei]].
Gichu-ji Temple. The burial place of famed haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, of [[Narrow Road to the Deep North]] fame. The temple is 300 m away from JR Zeze Station (膳所駅), one stop from Otsu on the JR Tokaido Line. Entrance is ¥200.
Ishiyama-dera. This temple was founded in 749 and the hondō (main hall) is the oldest building in [[Shiga|Shiga Prefecture]] built 850 years ago. Inside the hondo, in the room on the right, is the "Genji Room" where it is believed Murasaki Shikibu wrote her famous book "Tale of Genji", considered to be the world's first novel. The temple precincts are quite large, with a 750 year old pagoda and Muyū-en Garden (無憂園) among other things. The pathway leading to the temple is lined with cherry trees, making it especially beautiful in the spring and autumn. For those traveling on the [[Saigoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage]], Ishiyama-dera is number 13. Entrance is ¥500.
Miidera Temple.
Hiyoshi Taisha.
- Kanekichi. Local Omi beef specialist.
- Matsukiya, 14-17 Karahashicho Otsu-shi, Shiga Pref. 520-0851, +81 77-534-2901. Lunch: 11:30-14:00, closed at 15:00; dinner: 17:00-20:30, closed at 22:00. Local Omi beef specialist.
- Kaneyo, 23-51 Otani Otsu, Shiga Pref. 520-0062, +81 77-524-2222. Unagi restaurant
Kanekichi. Local Omi beef specialist.
Matsukiya, 14-17 Karahashicho Otsu-shi, Shiga Pref. 520-0851, +81 77-534-2901. Lunch: 11:30-14:00, closed at 15:00; dinner: 17:00-20:30, closed at 22:00. Local Omi beef specialist.
Kaneyo, 23-51 Otani Otsu, Shiga Pref. 520-0062, +81 77-524-2222. Unagi restaurant
- Takashima
- Kyoto
- Kusatsu
- Ritto
- Omihachiman
- Koka
- Higashiomi
- Hikone