Things to do in Otsu

Fushimi Inari Taisha was a magical place. So beautiful for pictures. We went early evening before it got dark and it was perfect as not too many people. Highly recommended in Kyoto.

Go here if you want to explore street food in Kyoto. These two alleys have food stalls and restaurants to fill your cravings for dango, daigaku, kobe beef, wagyu burger, matcha ice cream, etc.It's a good sidetrip when you're going to Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Koshindo Temple.

Originally, I was just looking for a place to stay, but I unexpectedly stumbled upon such a charming and elegant place. There were no dazzling gold decorations; the plain walls received the sunlight all day, from the pale gold of dawn to the orange-red of dusk, creating different gentle layers on the walls. The light-colored hand-painted murals in the corners of the walls, like diffused wisps of smoke and sunset, showed no signs of deliberate artifice, yet exuded a natural charm. The room's facilities were all easy to use, the bedding was soft yet supple, and I slept exceptionally well at night. During my stay, returning home each day felt like stepping from a bustling street into a tranquil painting; my entire being felt relaxed, and even the fatigue from my trip vanished completely.

As the morning light pierces the mist over Lake Biwa, you'll understand why the Japanese consider it the "Lake of Life." As Japan's largest freshwater lake, its waters serve not only as a backup for Kyoto Prefecture but also as a living reservoir of cultural genealogy. Hikone Castle, reflected in the mirror-like waters of the early morning, its 400-year-old castle tower blending with the shimmering waters to create a breathtaking spectacle. Take a pontoon boat to Takebushima Island, where the bronze torii gates gleam in the sunlight. The Tang-style architecture of Hogon-ji Temple speaks of its cultural ties to China's Tang Dynasty. The lakeside bike path is the perfect way to explore. The 70-kilometer route connects reed marshes, vineyards, and century-old shops. Passing through the white-walled earthenware buildings of Omi Hachiman Water Village, it's like stepping into an Edo-era ukiyo-e painting. The gustatory memories are equally unforgettable. Omi beef sushi melts in your mouth, while sushi made with biwa catfish has a refreshing sweetness. The local wines from Lake Country Winery are even more mellow when savored against the setting sun. The most unforgettable moment was meeting a local elder on the lake's west beach. Pointing across the water, he said, "When I was a child, my father took me to those floating islands to pick mulberries. The water is still this clear." The magic of Lake Biwa lies not only in its scenery but also in its living ecological epic. From the migratory birds of spring and autumn to the snowflakes of winter, the cycle of seasons showcases the wisdom of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. When the last rays of sunlight cast a golden path across the lake, you will understand why these waters have nurtured the essence of Japanese traditions such as the tea ceremony and haiku—they teach us how to find eternal beauty in the balance between movement and stillness. With their vastness and tranquility, these waters invite every visitor to find inner peace. Perhaps this is Lake Biwa's most moving travel gift.

We visited this place by night time. It was amazing and very peaceful. I like the architecture and atmosphere there.

the place is good for a walk, you can just leavr your troubles and then go for a walk along the river for some quick recharge.

Having just recovered from a prolonged illness, I was so weak I could barely walk. The few days I spent at this hotel gradually restored my energy and spirit. It allows you to shed your fatigue and let your soul find poetic peace in its tranquility. All the lighting was soft and warm, not too bright to make you dizzy; the bed's firmness was just right to support your back, preventing soreness after lying down for a while; the meals were warm, easily digestible congee and side dishes; even the air had a mild scent, not irritating my sensitive respiratory tract. Every day I leisurely strolled in the courtyard, watching the wildflowers slowly bloom in the corner, sitting under the eaves basking in the sun, even my steps were light. There was no need to rush my recovery, no need to force myself to get better quickly. I stole a half-day of leisure, finding a long-lost sense of ease and freedom. Those few days I lived entirely at my own pace, without any pressure or urging, and my recovery was much faster than I had expected.

Kyoto Kifune Shrine⛩️, many people have mixed reviews🤣, perhaps the most controversial attraction in Kyoto😥 Share my true feelings and experience with you😊: . 1⃣️Is it worth going? For those who can endure hardships, are willing to toss, like hiking, and have plenty of time, it is worth going✅; Otherwise, it is recommended not to go, there are many other temples in the city to visit❌ . 2⃣️Reason for recommendation? ✔️Kifune Shrine is an open temple built along the mountain, without walls, and there is a river flowing down next to it. The sound of the stream is very healing🥰 ✔️There are 3 palaces inside: the main palace, the middle palace, and the inner palace! The most beautiful place is the winding steps at the entrance of the palace~ ✔️After the lights are turned on in the evening, it is very dreamy, especially like the scenes in 🇯🇵anime🏮 ✔️You can experience the special water divination ➕ river bed afternoon tea, very cool🌿🍃

位于京都祇园的花见小路，是一条长约1公里的南北向石板街道，自江户时代便是日本最具格调的花柳街 。街道两侧林立着竹帘垂挂的茶屋与竹篱红墙的怀石料理亭，保留了传统町屋建筑特有的“鳗鱼睡床”结构——门面精巧狭窄，纵深幽长 。清晨薄雾中，踩着木屐的艺伎匆匆掠过石板路的脆响，与傍晚红灯笼映照的居酒屋喧闹，构成时空交错的独特韵律 。这里不仅是《艺伎回忆录 》取景地 ，更藏有祇园甲部歌舞练习场，可于弥荣会馆欣赏传统艺能表演 。若想捕捉古都神韵，建议清晨或黄昏到访，偶遇和服倩影的同时，留心茶屋门前标有“舞妓”的提灯——那是通往江户风月的隐秘符号 。

Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the First Emperor, is quite large. It had been many years since I'd last visited, and I made a special trip back to Kyoto to walk around a small part of it. I saw some children practicing baseball, with their parents sitting and cheering them on. The maple leaves were red, the ginkgo leaves were yellow; the autumn scenery had a warm, sunny feel. According to the information, the current Kyoto Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1855, modeled after the interior of the Heian period palace.