The Biwako Otsukan was built in 1934 as the first international tourism hotel in the prefecture, with the intention of bringing in more tourists from overseas.

The Michigan is a cheerful paddle steamer that sails the south of the lake.

Sakamotoya has a history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1868), during which time they have perfected such dishes as funazushi (fermented sushi made with crucian carp) and Lake Biwa tsukudani (foods simmered in soy sauce).

The famous and extremely beautiful gardens of Fuyoen are set amid the lush and sweeping nature at the foot of Mt.

Amisada is a ryotei (restaurant) that developed from traditions of boating, and allows you to enjoy sailing on a covered boat while enjoying a kaiseki banquet.

This restaurant was originally constructed as the Otsu-Kokaido.

The most popular menu item here is the “Kinshi-don,” a rice bowl topped with eel and then a large dashimaki Japanese-style omelette.

Sajo Towson, located in the Japanese Beautyberry region of Ishiyamadera, is said to have taken its name from author Toson Shimazaki’s stay in the region.

It is said that the beginnings of tea in Japan date back to 805, when the monk Saicho returned from China with a handful of tea seeds and planted them in Otsu, Shiga, propagating the first tea tree on Japanese shores.

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo sells a full range of popular and delicious confections.