Otsu sits on the southern shore of Lake Biwa, with the water on one side and the Hira Mountains and Mount Hiei rising on the other. It has long been a port and a stop on the routes between eastern Japan and the old capitals, and today it works as a quieter, greener base beside Kyoto.
For a visitor, the city is best understood as a string of lakeside and hillside districts rather than one compact centre. The JR Biwako Line links Otsu, Zeze, Ishiyama and Seta along the shore, while the Keihan lines and the Kosei Line reach the northern lakeside districts and the temple areas. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for transport, sightseeing and atmosphere.
Best areas to stay in Otsu
1. Otsu and Hamaotsu
Otsu Station is the city's central railway station, and Hamaotsu is served by the Keihan Keishin Line, which runs to Kyoto. This is the most practical base if you want to be on the move: the lakeshore, the canal area and the city's central facilities are all here, and Kyoto is a short train ride away.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone planning to combine Otsu with day trips to Kyoto. Expect a mix of city-centre accommodation rather than resort-style places. Note that the Keishin Line and the JR Biwako Line serve different stations here, so check which one is closest to where you plan to stay.
2. Ishiyama
Ishiyama Station is the busiest station in the city, served by the JR Biwako Line and by the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. It is a good base for the southern lakeside and for reaching Ishiyamadera, and it connects easily both to Otsu and towards Kyoto.
It suits travellers who want a lively station district with frequent trains and a range of everyday shops and services. The Keihan line from here runs north along the lakeshore towards Hamaotsu and Sakamoto, which makes it useful if you plan to visit several temple and lakeside stops.
3. Zeze
Zeze is a former castle town, served by JR Zeze Station on the Biwako Line and by Keihan Zeze and Zezehonmachi stations on the Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. It sits between Otsu and Ishiyama, so it works as a quieter alternative while keeping the same rail connections.
It suits travellers who prefer a residential, low-key setting within easy reach of both the central stations and the lakeshore line. Being on two rail lines gives you flexibility: JR for Kyoto and the wider region, Keihan for the lakeside stops.
4. Seta
Seta is served by JR Seta Station on the Biwako Line and lies near the Lake Biwa Bridge, which connects across to Moriyama. It is a practical eastern base with straightforward rail access along the shore.
It suits visitors who want to be close to the lake and to the eastern side of the city, and who do not mind being a few stops from the central Otsu area. Accommodation here is generally of the simple, convenient kind rather than sightseeing-oriented.
5. Ogoto and Katata
These northern lakeside districts are served by the JR Kosei Line, with Ogoto-onsen and Katata stations. Ogoto is known for its hot spring, and the area has lakeside views towards the mountains.
It suits travellers who want a quieter stay by the water and are happy to rely on the Kosei Line to reach Otsu and to connect onwards. This is the area to consider if an onsen stay is part of your plan; note that the Kosei Line does not pass through Otsu Station itself, so plan your connections.
6. Sakamoto
Sakamoto sits at the foot of Mount Hiei in the north of the city, served by Hieizan Sakamoto Station on the Kosei Line and by the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line, with the Sakamoto Cable running up towards Enryakuji.
It suits visitors whose main interest is the Mount Hiei temple area and walking, rather than city conveniences. It is the most removed of the areas listed here, so it works best if you are basing yourself there deliberately rather than passing through.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple business-style hotels, typically found near the main railway stations, with small rooms and reliable transport on the doorstep.
- Mid-range: larger city hotels and lakeside properties, including options in the northern lakeside districts, offering more space and views.
- Splurge: lakeside hotels with views over Lake Biwa, and hot spring accommodation in the Ogoto area, where the setting itself is the main draw.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Otsu and Hamaotsu. Otsu Station is the city's central station and Hamaotsu gives you the Keihan Keishin Line straight to Kyoto, so you can see Otsu and still treat Kyoto as an easy day trip. It is also the most straightforward area for reaching the rest of the lakeshore by train.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Otsu?
No. The JR Biwako Line, the Keihan Keishin Line, the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line and the JR Kosei Line together cover the main districts and the lakeside, and the Sakamoto Cable serves the Mount Hiei side.
Can I stay in Otsu and visit Kyoto from there?
Yes. Otsu and Ishiyama are stations on the JR Biwako Line towards Kyoto Station, and the Keihan Keishin Line runs from Otsu to Kyoto, so day trips in either direction are straightforward.
Which area is best if I want a hot spring stay?
Ogoto, on the Kosei Line at Ogoto-onsen Station, is the lakeside district known for its hot spring. It is quieter than the central stations and reached by the Kosei Line rather than the Biwako Line.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the lake?
The lakeside districts along the Kosei Line, including Ogoto and Katata, put you closest to the water and the mountain views. In the centre, the Otsu and Hamaotsu area also sits on the shore.
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