Otsu

Otsu, the ancient capital of Japan, has nurtured a history of more than 1,300 years since its capital was established in the Asuka Period (592-710). As the outer port of Heian-kyo, Otsu became a strategic point for traffic on the lake and also prospered as a post town on the Tokaido highway. In the beautiful natural setting of the Hira and Hiei mountains and Lake Biwa, there are many temples and shrines that offer a taste of travel.