Ota sits in Ogun State, and the Wikivoyage listing for the city points you toward a compact set of sights: a temple, a castle mount, a burial mound, hot springs and a snake collection. That is a short list, and this guide keeps to it rather than padding it out.
The places below suit a traveller who is already in the area and wants to see what the city itself offers, rather than someone assembling a long itinerary. Everything named here comes from the source material, and the one-day plan uses only these places.
Top things to do in Ota
1. Daikoin Temple
Daikoin Temple was founded in 1618 and is popularly known by the nickname Kosodate Donryu, meaning kid-raising Saint Donryu. It is one of the named sights of the city and the most straightforward place to begin a visit.
It sits 2.4 km northwest of the downtown, so plan it as a separate stop rather than something you pass on a downtown walk.
2. Kanayama Castle
Kanayama Castle is a Kamakura-era castle on the top of Mt. Kanayama, which stands at 244 m. The climb to the top is the point of the visit, and the castle site is what you find there.
It lies 3.2 km north of the downtown. Combine it with Daikoin Temple if you are working through the northern side of the city in one stretch.
3. Tenjinyama Kofun
Tenjinyama Kofun is a large ancient burial mound dating from around the 5th century. It is a quiet, open site rather than a built attraction, and worth the time if you want to see the older layer of the area's history.
Pair it with the other named sights rather than treating it as a full day on its own.
4. Yabuzuka Onsen
Yabuzuka Onsen is Ota's hot springs. The area was originally Yabuzukahoncho Town before being annexed by Ota, and the springs are the reason to make the trip out.
It is 9.7 km northwest of the downtown, the furthest of the named sights, so give it a proper block of time rather than squeezing it between other stops.
5. Snake Center
The Snake Center is located in the Yabuzuka Onsen area and is known for its collection of rare kinds of snakes. It is the natural companion to the springs.
Since it sits in the same area as Yabuzuka Onsen, see the two together on one trip northwest rather than making the journey twice.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Daikoin Temple, 2.4 km northwest of the downtown, and take in the temple and its grounds before moving on.
Afternoon: Head north to Kanayama Castle on top of Mt. Kanayama, then continue to Tenjinyama Kofun for the burial mound.
Evening: Travel northwest to the Yabuzuka Onsen area, where you can visit the Snake Center and finish at Yabuzuka Onsen itself.
Frequently asked questions
When was Daikoin Temple founded?
Daikoin Temple was founded in 1618, and it is popularly known by the nickname Kosodate Donryu.
How far is Kanayama Castle from the downtown?
Kanayama Castle is located 3.2 km north of the downtown, on the top of Mt. Kanayama at 244 m.
What can I see in the Yabuzuka Onsen area?
The area holds Yabuzuka Onsen itself and the Snake Center, which is known for its collection of rare kinds of snakes. It lies 9.7 km northwest of the downtown.
How old is Tenjinyama Kofun?
Tenjinyama Kofun is a large ancient burial mound dating from around the 5th century.
With the named sights mapped out and the one-day plan above in hand, you can start putting your Ota trip together.