Located between Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple and Shiga’s beautiful Lake Biwa, Mt. Otowa offers breathtaking scenery at the summit!
There aren’t many spots in Japan where you can witness a magnificent view of two prefectures side-by-side.
Right on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures lies Mt. Otowa, a 593-meter-tall mountain whose summit overlooks Kyoto’s east mountain ranges and Shiga’s eye-catching Lake Biwa.
Getting there
From Kyoto, Mt. Otowa is best accessed via Oiwake station on the Keihan-Keishin Line, while from Shiga, it is best to get off at Otsu station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Line.
While these routes are the most efficient and time-saving, I personally recommend starting a little further back from Yamashina station for a scenic river walk before starting the hike.
It’s also a great city to grab some breakfast and convenience store supplies for your journey!
Beautiful farming villages
As you approach the start of the Mt. Otowa hike, you’ll pass through some serine villages and farmlands where it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop!
There are also a few last-minute vending machines here where you can grab a drink for the hike.
How long to reach the summit?
Naturally, it can be difficult to interpret this map if you’re not a local, but that’s why I’m here! Not because I know my Japanese well, but because I’ve been through this perilous journey already.
Thus, I can tell you that the entire hike from the base of Mt. Otowa to the summit is roughly a 2-hour trek (despite what Google Maps may tell you!). Of course, the hike down is a lot faster since it’s, you know, down.
Otowa River Dam
As you ascend Mt. Otowa, beautiful bamboo forests will emerge from either side of the road. Furthermore, you’ll pass through the stunning Otowa River Erosion Control Dam.
Before doing my research, I was convinced that this was a natural waterfall, but that’s seemingly not the case. Regardless, it has a distinctive look that is synonymous with Mother Nature, a scenic sight to behold!
Stairway to heaven?
Truly one of the most amazing flights of stairs I’ve ever seen, like something out of a classic kung fu movie.
Walking up these stairs felt like a long ascent to enlightenment, though instead of a wise old monk waiting for me at the top, it was quite the opposite.
Ox-Head & Horse-Face
At the top of the stairway, a pair of red and blue demon statues awaited my arrival, guarding the gate to the Daishido Temple (though it looked more like the gates of hell!).
The equivalent of Gog and Magog from the Bible or Ya’juj and Ma’juj from the Quran, these two guardians of the underworld also appear in Chinese and Japanese mythology as “Ox-Head and Horse-Face.”
Maybe it was the “stairway to hell” after all…
Lake Biwa appears!
Once you’ve passed the demonic statues, you know you’re on the final stretch toward Mt. Otowa’s summit! The trees will start to open up and clear the way to reveal stunning city views of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.
You will even see the first views of Lake Biwa along the way! There is a good spot here where you can sit on a log and enjoy a long break with a view before heading to the very top!
Kyoto & Shiga in all its glory!
A couple hundred meters more and you’ve arrived at the summit of Mt. Otowa! An iconic shot with long power lines running down the mountain and along the coast of Lake Biwa makes for a breathtaking view.
See how Kyoto transforms into Shiga as the mountains, city, and lake (though it looks more like the ocean from here!) exist harmoniously to showcase a dynamic display of differing terrains – both natural and man-made.
Despite the epic scenery at the summit, I recommend resting at the previous spot as the electric tower here is a little noisy. You may also find your hair sticking up as a result of the static!
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