Ōtsu-shi, Shiga-ken, Japan
Otsu is located in the southwest of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is U-shaped along the lake, and it is adjacent to Kyoto, to the west of Lake Biwa, which is famous for its Buddhist mountains.It has a population of more than 300,000 and is the capital of Shiga County.
During the Tang Dynasty, due to the battle of Baijiangkou, the Japanese Army was defeated by the Tang Army, fearing that the Tang Army would land in Japan, so they moved the capital city to Otsu to avoid the Tang Army.Therefore, Otsu is also one of the ancient capitals of Japan. Otsu back mountain lake, enjoy the lake mountain scenery.It has a long history and many ancient shrines and temples.
Ancient Shrine Temple in Otsu: Ishiyama Temple in the south where there is a Shingon sect. The author of the Genji narrative, the purple club, once stayed here and was inspired by the "Genji Monogatari".To the west are Mitsui-ji Temple, a temple of the Four Great Famous Temples of the Heian Period, and Mt. Yanriji Temple, a temple of the General Temple of the Four Great Famous Temples of the Heian Period.(The other two temples are Higashi-ji in Nara and Koyasan in Wakayama.) Famous shrines are Kinki Jingu Shrine and Higashi Taisha Shrine under Mt.
Lake of Otsu: Lake Biwa can be visited by luxury sightseeing boat, and there are fishermen living on Lake Heart Island, which can be accessed for sightseeing.There are recreational facilities by the lake, sunbathing, barbecue, camping and more except in winter.
Mountains of Otsu: There is Mount Birui in the west, which is a famous Buddhist mountain, with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Biwa.Further to the north is Mt. Liangliang, and there is a small hot spring on the east side of the lake, and the mountain is famous ski resort Biwa Lake Valley.In the summer months there is a playground and cafe terrace overlooking Lake Biwa and the mountains.
The western foothills of the Biliang Mountains were a great canyon, with towering mountains, lush trees and streams.BBQ and stream fishing are available from spring to autumn.The onsen facilities here are quite comfortable, especially when it's snowing, soaking in the open-air hot spring.
The above attractions are within 30 minutes from the homestay or on foot or by car.
