Otsu City-tax-

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Lake Biwa Canal was a large-scale civil engineering project built during the Meiji period to channel water from Lake Biwa toward Kyoto. Developed in the late Meiji period (construction began in 1885 and completed in 1890), the canal was used for daily water needs, fire prevention, irrigation, as well as for shipping and hydroelectric power generation.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Hiei. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as the guardian shrine of Mount Hiei (Enryaku-ji Temple), and enshrines the mountain god "Oyamakui-no-kami" as its main deity. It is one of the "..." shrines across the country.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Zeze Castle is the remains of a castle located in Zeze, Otsu City, on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. Developed in the early Edo period, it was valued as a strategic location for controlling the Tokaido, the main route to Kyoto, and the water transport on Lake Biwa. As the castle of the Zeze Domain, it served as a...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Omi Shrine is a shrine located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is notable for its main deity, the ancient emperor Tenchi (who is enshrined here). Emperor Tenchi is known for his connections to Japanese calendars and poetry, and as such, he is well known for his involvement in waka poetry, Hyakunin Isshu, and karuta...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mii-dera (Onjo-ji) is an ancient temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It has long been a Tendai Buddhist temple that has attracted worshippers. Its official name is Onjo-ji, but it is commonly known as Mii-dera ("Mii-dera"), a name derived from the "three springs" that are said to be located within the temple grounds.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Biwako Valley is a leisure facility located on a mountain in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, known as a spectacular spot offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The Biwako Valley Ropeway, a ropeway that connects the base of the mountain to the summit, takes you to a high-altitude observation area...

# Ishiyama-dera Temple (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture) ## Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ishiyama-dera Temple is an ancient temple located southwest of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It is characterized by a group of temples built on the slopes of rock. It is believed to have been founded as far back as the Nara and Heian periods, and has been a place of faith and culture for many years. Since the Heian period...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect, located on Mount Hiei in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It was founded in 788 by Saicho (Dengyo Daishi). Mount Hiei has long flourished as a center of learning and training, and many high priests (Honen, Shin...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake, with an area of approximately 670 km² and a circumference of approximately 235 km. Located almost in the center of Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City is a major city that spreads out along the lake's southwestern shore. Believed to have been created by tectonic movements approximately 400,000 years ago, the lake has long served as a key hub for water transportation, fishing, and agriculture, contributing to the region's livelihoods.