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Omi-Maiko with silver sands and green pine trees Waterside Spots Map
Omi Maiko. One of the Eight Scenic Beauties around Lake Biwa, it boasts a glorious view of white sands and green pine trees.

An excursion on the lake
Looking out over the lake a 360-degree panoramic view.

If you want to enjoy the charm of the lake town of Otsu, you can take a cruise on the lake. The cityscape as seen from the lake and the grandeur of Mt Hira and Mt Hiei cannot be enjoyed in any other way.
A paddlewheel boat, the Michigan, departs from Otsu Port and offers a fun cruise of Lake Biwa. The 360-degree panoramic view from the deck is the highlight of the cruise.
The Setagawa River Cruise departs from the New Port of Setagawa River and makes an excursion to Ishiyama-dera Temple and Nango Araizeki Weir. The classical-looking boat is similar of a Mississippi paddlewheel boat from the time when river transportation flourished.


Lake Biwa Cruise. Lake Biwa Cruise. An excursion on the lake lets you survey majestic nature from the lake. Luxury liners such as the Michigan and the Bianca are in service.
Setagawa River Cruise Setagawa River Cruise: Sightseeing boat cruise including Seta Karahashi Bridge, Ishiyama-dera Temple and Nango Araizeki Weir.
Katata Lake Clan
Following the legacy of the prosperity of medieval times Kozoku no Sato, full of poetic sentiment

Known as the setting of "Wild Geese Alighting at Katata", one of The eight scenic spots of Omi, Ukimi-do (Mangetsu-ji) Temple is a Buddhist temple built by Eshin Sozu Genshin to pray for the safety of transportation on the lake and the redemption of the people.
The town of Katata has ruled lake transportation from olden times and has a prominent place in history. The town flourished as an important point for transportation and commerce. In the Kozoku no Sato Reference Library, you can learn the history of Katata from various documents and materials.
Dekejima Lighthouse, built in 1875, was the first wooden lighthouse in Shiga Prefecture. It was built because Lake Biwa is narrowest at Katata and there were many shipping accidents.
Biwako Ohashi Bridge has become a tourist attraction with its beautiful, lightly arched shape.

Lively Katata. Lively Katata. The biggest municipal borough in the Lake Biwa area from medieval times to the Edo period.
The possession of the Otsu City Museum of History


Ukimi-do (Mangetsu-ji) Temple. Ukimi-do (Mangetsu-ji) Temple. A temple building that appears to float on the lake, famous as the setting of "Wild Geese Alighting at Katata", one of the Eight scenic spots of Omi
Dekejima Lighthouse. Dekejima Lighthouse. The only wooden lighthouse in the prefecture, built in 1875 and restored in 1973.
Kozoku no Sato Reference Library. Kozoku no Sato Reference Library. You can learn the history of Katata.
Biwako Ohashi Bridge. Biwako Ohashi Bridge. The longest bridge built in Lake Biwa. From the beautiful arching bridge you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the Hira Mountains.
New lake view spots
bringing vistas of Lake Biwa into play

In addition to The eight scenic spots of Omi, which have been popular since the Edo period, the "The eight scenic beauties around Lake Biwa" were chosen to illuminate new beauty spots. One of them is "Cool Breeze - White Beach of Omatsuzaki," which reveals the glorious view of the white sands and green pine trees of Omi-Maiko. Omi-Maiko is popular not only as a Mecca for lovers of swimming and marine sports.
Biwako Hana Hunsui Fountain is situated off Otsu Port, the gateway to sightseeing on Lake Biwa. With a length of 440 m, it is one of the longest fountains in the world. It is lit up at night.
Nagisa Park is another popular sightseeing spot, from where you can see the fountain against the background of the Hiei Mountains and enjoy various mirages according to the season.

Biwako Hana Hunsui Fountain. Biwako Hana Hunsui Fountain. A world-class fountain 440 m long located off Otsu Port.
Nagisa Park. Nagisa Park. A water park in which you can take a relaxing walk along shore of Lake Biwa. It is also a popular spot to enjoy the beautiful view.

An excursion on the lake lets you survey majestic nature from the lake. Luxury liners such as the Michigan and the Bianca are in service.
Sightseeing boat cruise including Seta Karahashi Bridge, Ishiyama-dera Temple and Nango Araizeki Weir.
A temple building that appears to float on the lake, famous as the setting of "Wild Geese Alighting at Katata", one of the Eight scenic spots of Omi
The biggest municipal borough in the Lake Biwa area from medieval times to the Edo period.
The only wooden lighthouse in the prefecture, built in 1875 and restored in 1973.
You can learn the history of Katata.
The longest bridge built in Lake Biwa. From the beautiful arching bridge you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the Hira Mountains.
A world-class fountain 440 m long located off Otsu Port.
A water park in which you can take a relaxing walk along shore of Lake Biwa. It is also a popular spot to enjoy the beautiful view.