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

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.

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.

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.

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.