Otsu, Core city in Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Ōtsu is the capital of Shiga Prefecture and stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, while forested hills border the western side of the city. The densely populated areas lie mainly in the flatlands near the water, where residential neighborhoods and commercial zones run directly along the lakefront.
The Ōtsu Palace served as the capital of Japan from 667 to 672 under Emperor Tenji, before the government returned to Asuka. During the Edo period, the city developed into an important transportation hub along the Tōkaidō road connecting Kyoto and Edo.
The art form Ōtsu-e originated here during the Edo period and shows humorous motifs with bold brushstrokes on lightweight paper. These paintings were once sold as souvenirs for travelers along the old Tōkaidō road and can still be seen in local workshops today.
The city is accessible via several train lines from Kyoto, including the JR Tōkaidō Line and Keihan Line, which run frequently throughout the day. Most points of interest lie near train stations or can be reached by local buses from the main station.
The Lake Biwa Canal was built in the 1890s and supplied Kyoto with water while enabling the operation of Japan's first electric streetcar system. Parts of the canal system remain in operation today and provide water for hydroelectric power plants in the region.
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