Find things to do in Otsu with pictures, reviews, nearby hotels and restaurants. See popular Otsu attractions indicated on a detailed map.
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Kyoto's most imposing shrine was built in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the city. It is dedicated to the first and last Emperors to reside in the old capital. The bright orange and green main hall is a scaled down rep... more
Real Travelers who've been here
of other people in it. From here we walked down the hill to the bus to the Heian Shrine, eating continue reading »
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Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, was constructed as a retreat by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1489 after the destruction of much of Kyoto in the Onin Civil War of 1467. Its rather somber feel contrasts with the dazzling Kinkakuj... more
Real Travelers who've been here
gov's been holding onto the blueprints just in case this sort of thing happened). I'm reminded of Kinkaku-ji continue reading »
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Ideal for picnics, walking or jogging the Imperial Palace Park located right in the heart of the city contains the buildings of the Imperial Palace. With its wide expanses of grass and small copses of trees, the park provides a... more
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Ryoanji is the world's most famous Zen stone garden and dates from the fifteenth century. Fifteen rocks are arranged in five groups within a walled rectangle of raked white gravel, perhaps representing the ocean or infinity. Co... more
Real Travelers who've been here
in the afternoon, we visited Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji temples. Ryoan-ji is home to the famous rock garden continue reading »
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Held on the 21st of every month, Toji market attracts traders and bargain-hunters from all over Japan and abroad. A good place to find antique Japanese furniture as well as household items, clothes, plants, kimonos and just abo... more
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The Japanese tea ceremony is world famous, but if you have no chance to be involved in one of these, a visit to Ippodo is definitely worthwhile. Ippodo have been in business since 1846 and stepping into the shop gives one a goo... more
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Soak in the atmosphere at recently refurbished Funaoka Onsen (actually a public bathhouse rather than a hot spring). Funaoka Onsen still retains many of the original Taisho era features from when it first opened its doors in 19... more
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For those seeking a taste of Kyoto on stage, the Gion Kaikan is a dance and theater venue in the heart of Kyoto's traditional entertainment district, which hosts a variety of performances. From October 1-10 it presents the Onsh... more
Real Travelers who've been here
, and her friends Belinda and Kate met us in Kyoto for the Gion Matsuri. Matsuri is just continue reading »
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Real Travelers who've been here
to Kiko and Laurie and Dave and continued walking down Shijo Street. I stopped off in the Takashimaya continue reading »
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Anyone with an interest in Japanese culture will certainly appreciate an evening at the Gion Corner Theater. The program includes performances by geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) and other traditional artists, and it covers... more
Otsu Travel Experiences
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