Private Tour

Shiga : Otsu Bar Hopping with Local Food in Your Chosen Area

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover the nightlife of Ōtsu, the gateway city of Shiga Prefecture, on a guided bar-hopping tour that immerses you in local flavors and culture. Just minutes from Kyoto, Ōtsu blends izakayas, modern bars, and lakeside venues reflecting the character of Lake Biwa’s southern shore.

Your guide will lead you to hidden spots where you can enjoy Omi beef skewers, lake-fish tempura, and seasonal dishes paired with regional sake from pure Shiga waters. With ¥4,000 in food and drinks included—¥2,000 at each of two venues—you can relax without worrying about language or payments.

Along the way, you’ll feel the hospitality of family-run shops, meet locals, and see why Ōtsu’s nightlife is a proud part of Lake Country. This tour is more than bar-hopping—it’s a taste of history, community, and the spirit of Ōtsu after dark.

Guided nightlife tour with a local expert

Includes ¥2,000 food and drink credit at each of two bars

Meet locals and experience Lake Biwa’s culture

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

¥1,500 of food and drink per person at each bar (¥3,000 total)

Visit to two specially selected venues

Guided bar-hopping tour in Shiga Prefecture

Local expert guide

Transportation to and from the tour starting point

What To Expect

Otsu

Ōtsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, is a city where food culture thrives under the influence of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and its fertile plains. Long a crossroads between Kyoto and the wider Lake Country, Ōtsu developed a culinary identity shaped by both its waters and trade. Freshwater fish from Lake Biwa, including funazushi—one of Japan’s oldest sushi traditions—show centuries of ingenuity, while rice, vegetables, and sake brewed from pure local water highlight the richness of its farmlands. On a guided food tour in Ōtsu, travelers taste these specialties while learning their stories—how Lake Biwa shaped daily life, how merchants and pilgrims spread its flavors, and how izakaya and family-run restaurants preserve these traditions. More than dining, it is an immersion into the culture and hospitality of the Lake Country’s historic gateway.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable