Escape Kyoto’s Crowds: Lake Cruises, Samurai Trails and Hidden Gems
A Mississippi-style paddlewheel boat, a road once travelled by samurai, and a peaceful 1,200-year-old temple — all just a short train ride from Kyoto!
Looking for a break from Kyoto’s busy streets and popular tourist spots?
Just around 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by train, Otsu offers a different side of Japan. Set beside Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, this historic city brings together beautiful scenery, centuries-old traditions and a slower pace of life.
From cruising across the lake to exploring streets once travelled by samurai and finding a moment of calm at an ancient Buddhist temple, there’s plenty to discover in a single day.
And the best part? No car needed!
Your Day Trip at a Glance
🚆 8:20 AM — Just 10 Minutes from Kyoto, a Whole Different World!
Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station (around 10 minutes), then walk approximately 15 minutes to Otsu Port. Allow extra time for boarding.
🚢 9:40 AM — A Mississippi-Style Boat in Japan? Yes, Really!
Enjoy a 60-minute Michigan Cruise on Lake Biwa, with fresh air, mountain views and plenty of photo opportunities.
🏘️ 11:15 AM — Walk in the Footsteps of Samurai
Follow part of the old Tokaido Road, once travelled by samurai and merchants, before exploring the nearby Nakamachi Shopping Street, with its centuries-old trading history.
🍙 12:15 PM — Refuel with a Local Favourite
Stop for freshly made onigiri (Japanese rice balls) at Yasu no Ossan Onigiri Shokudo in Nagara Shopping Street, or choose another nearby restaurant.
⛩️ 1:30 PM — A Moment of Mindfulness at a 1,200-Year-Old Temple
Slow down at Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji), where historic buildings and peaceful wooded grounds offer a welcome change of pace.
🚆 After 3:00 PM — Head Back to Kyoto, Refreshed and Inspired!
Make your way back to Kyoto by train, with a new perspective on Japan beyond its best-known destinations.
This itinerary assumes the 9:40 AM Michigan Cruise is operating. Times are approximate, and lunch queues may affect the schedule.
Follow the route: View the suggested walking route in Google Maps
1. A Mississippi-Style Paddlewheel Boat… in Japan?
Meet the Michigan, a sightseeing boat with a bright red paddlewheel and spacious decks.
Step outside, feel the breeze and watch the mountains stretch across Japan’s largest lake. It’s a refreshing change from Kyoto’s busy streets.
The 60-minute cruise leaves plenty of time to explore afterwards. If you fancy a lakeside stroll, nearby Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park is worth a visit.
2. Walk in the Footsteps of Samurai — and Discover Local Japan
During the Edo period, samurai and merchants travelled the Tokaido Road, one of Japan’s most important routes connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).
Otsu was a bustling post town along this route, where travellers stopped to rest and where inns, teahouses and shops served those passing through.
Today, you can still walk part of the old road through the city and imagine the travellers who passed through centuries ago.
Just a short walk away is Nakamachi Shopping Street. Although separate from the old Tokaido Road, Nakamachi Street was also a busy shopping area during the Edo period, with merchants selling fish, vegetables and everyday goods.
Today, local shops and everyday life still sit side by side. Explore the shopping arcades, browse local specialities and enjoy a glimpse of Japan beyond the usual tourist spots.
For lunch, try freshly made onigiri at Yasu no Ossan Onigiri Shokudo, a popular local restaurant serving Japanese rice balls with a variety of fillings.
Centuries after samurai and merchants passed through Otsu, it’s your turn to stop for a bite in this historic town.
Queues can be long, so keep another lunch option in mind if you’re short on time.
3. A Moment of Mindfulness at a 1,200-Year-Old Temple
After exploring Otsu’s lively shopping streets, it’s time to slow down.
At Mii-dera (Onjo-ji), a Buddhist temple with over 1,200 years of history, you can admire the National Treasure Golden Hall and wander through peaceful wooded grounds.
Take your time, enjoy the quiet surroundings and appreciate a different side of Japanese culture.
Interested in meditation or traditional Buddhist practices?
Mii-dera also offers experiences such as Buddhist meditation, sutra copying and prayer bead-making. Some activities require advance booking, while certain sutra-copying experiences may be available without a reservation.
These experiences are not included in the suggested day-trip itinerary, so check the official website for details before visiting.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there: Take the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Otsu Station (around 10 minutes), then walk approximately 15 minutes to Otsu Port.
Michigan Cruise: Departs from Otsu Port. The Michigan 60 takes approximately one hour. The 9:40 AM sailing operates on selected dates. Adult fare: ¥2,800 (subject to change). Tickets can be purchased on the day at Otsu Port, subject to availability. Advance booking is also available.
Official Michigan Cruise website
Lunch: Yasu no Ossan Onigiri Shokudo, Nagara Shopping Street. Usually open 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with possible additional closures. Seating cannot be reserved.
Mii-dera Temple: Usually open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last admission 4:00 PM). Adult admission: ¥800 (subject to change).
Official temple information (Japanese only) | Buddhist cultural experiences
Before you go: Check cruise dates, fares, opening hours and ticket availability before travelling. The Michigan has indoor spaces, although severe weather may affect sailings. The Google Maps link provides a suggested walking route in Otsu; check the route before setting off and plan train journeys separately.
A Different Side of Japan, Just Beyond Kyoto
A scenic lake cruise, a road once travelled by samurai, a shopping street with centuries of history, a local Japanese lunch and a peaceful Buddhist temple — all in one easy day trip.
Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found just beyond the places everyone knows.
Your next Japanese adventure might be just one train ride away.
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