Ōtsu

Ōtsu is the capital of Shiga Prefecture, Japan, on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa. It is known for historic temples, lakeside scenery, and its proximity to Kyoto.

Enryaku-ji: A Tendai Buddhist temple complex founded on Mount Hiei in 788. This UNESCO-listed temple complex rises above Ōtsu and shaped the region’s religious history.
Ōtsu-kyō: An imperial capital established by Emperor Tenji near Lake Biwa and used from 667 to 672. Its short-lived court gave Ōtsu an early place in Japan’s political history.
Lake Biwa: Japan’s largest freshwater lake, located in Shiga Prefecture. The lake defines Ōtsu’s shoreline, scenery, and access to water-based recreation.
Emperor Tenji: The thirty-eighth emperor of Japan, who established a capital near Lake Biwa in the seventh century. His court at Ōtsu-kyō anchors the city’s imperial-era heritage.
Mii-dera: A Buddhist temple in Ōtsu, also known as Onjō-ji, with origins in the seventh century. Its historic halls and bell connect the city to centuries of Buddhist practice.
Tōkaidō: A historic route linking Edo and Kyoto along Japan’s eastern seaboard. The route passed through Ōtsu, making the city a major travelers’ stop.
Biwako Valley: A mountain resort above Lake Biwa in Ōtsu, known for panoramic views and outdoor activities. Its lifts and trails extend the city’s recreation from shore to mountain.
Tendai: A school of Mahayana Buddhism founded in China and established in Japan by Saichō. Tendai institutions on Mount Hiei have profoundly influenced Ōtsu’s religious landscape.
Ishiyama-dera: A Shingon Buddhist temple in Ōtsu, traditionally founded in the eighth century. Its setting above the Seta River has drawn pilgrims and literary visitors.
Nakasendō: A historic inland route connecting Edo and Kyoto through central Japan. Its western terminus at Ōtsu brought inland traffic to the lakeshore city.

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Jinshin WarBroader topic: The conflict ended near the location of Ōtomo’s capital and palace.