Private Tour

Otsu-e Folk Art Workshop & Local Culture Walk Near Kyoto

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Join a unique cultural experience led by Misato Takahashi, an Otsu native and daughter of Wado Takahashi, an Otsu-e artist originally from the Otsu-e master family, Takahashi Shozan. Misato is fervently committed to preserving the important local tradition of Otsu-e painting, a form of traditional folk art that originated in this area about 400 years ago. This unique cultural experience provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Japan's artistic heritage, immersing yourself in the creativity and artistic expression that has enriched Otsu's local culture for centuries. And with only a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, you can relax in the cozy lakeside town of Otsu while exploring the city's rich history and treasures.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

English speaking professional guide with deep interest in Japanese culture

Admission fees to Otsu Hyakuchokan, Otsu Festival Float Exhibition Hall or other alternative places

Local taxes

Original Otsu-e souvenirs

Welcome tea and sweets, local snacks

The Otsu-e "Lucky Oni Bell" or "Three Wise Monkeys" painting workshop

All train fares, i.e. Kyoto-Otsu by JR: JPY200/adult (but covered by valid JR Pass if you have)

Lunch

What To Expect

Tour starts from the North ticket gate of the station.

Admission Not Applicable

Kekai-ji Temple

Gingko trees of Kekaiji Temple, Kyomachi 3-chome: The trees used to be a remarkable landmark for boats on Lake Biwa

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Meet-up at Kyoto Station

Meet-up at Kyoto Station: Meet you in front of the Kyoto Tourist Information Center on the 2nd flr of Kyoto Station Bldg. Next door to the Isetan Dept

Standard course

Reviews

5.00

13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

great tour includes history, culture. the chance paint your own oni bell .
allison r,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
small tour , slower pace and full of japanese history and culture as well as craft of the region. enjoyed very much guid was very kind and knowledgeable. would recommend we had amazing mochi the best pickled cucumber i have tasted. and got to paint our own oni bell to take home. it was nice to get off the beaten path and explore otsu.
Amazing tour with fun side adventures!
Julia C,
Jul 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had the most amazing experiences on this tour/art workshop. Not only did Misato tell us about cultural and historical information related to Otsu town, she was very flexible in tailoring the tour to our interests. When we expressed interest in a shop along the tour route that was shaving the bonito to make katsuobushi flakes, she stopped in with us to talk with the store owner who showed us the shaving machine and gave us information on how to shave the bonito ourselves. It was a lot of fun. We were also able to visit a store that makes funazushi, a rice fermented fish, that is a specialty of the Lake Biwa area. We bought a packet and were able to try some at Misato’s workshop at the end of the tour. It was delicious and if you like fermented foods or that really strong blue cheese-like flavor, I highly recommend that you try it. We stopped at many other interesting spots, including a sweets shop and pickled goods store. All the food was tasty and at the end of the walking tour we painted some bells in the style of the Otsu-e folk art. Misato told us about the history and development of the Otsu-e style as we painted. After the workshop was over, Misato gave us some suggestions of places to visit and eat lunch at. Overall, we were very excited and pleased by all the things we were able to experience and Misato made our trip much more interesting!