Otsu Overview
Otsu Key Statistics
Population342607
Area464 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés71 / 11 / 71
Practical Essentials for Otsu
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Otsu.
Visit ↗Getting Around Otsu
Otsu Main Station & Rail Lines
びわ湖浜大津 (Biwako-hamaotsu)
Train Travel to Otsu
Otsu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Otsu
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Otsu
Cover Your Trip to Otsu
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Otsu
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Otsu
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Otsu
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Otsu
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Otsu
When was Otsu founded?
Otsu was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Otsu?
Otsu is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Otsu?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 342,607.
What is the land area of Otsu?
Otsu covers roughly 464 km².
What is the main railway station in Otsu?
The primary hub is びわ湖浜大津 (Biwako-hamaotsu).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Otsu?
The city has roughly 71 parks, 11 museums and 71 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Otsu expensive to live?
Otsu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Otsu?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Otsu?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Otsu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Otsu?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Otsu?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Otsu?
Otsu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Otsu?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Otsu?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Otsu?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Otsu?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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