Michigan Cruise (Otsu Port / Biwako Kisen) (ミシガンクルーズ・大津港/琵琶湖汽船)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is the boarding point for the Biwako Kisen sightseeing boat 'Michigan,' which departs from and returns to Otsu Port. Launched in 1982, it's a paddle-wheel steamer named in honor of the friendship between Shiga Prefecture and its sister state, Michigan, USA. It's a rare vessel that actually moves via the red paddle wheel at its stern, and the top-deck Sky Deck offers views of Mt. Hiei and the Hira mountain range. Restaurants and shops cluster around the port, making it a good place for dinner before the fireworks. As the sun goes down and the lake surface shifts from orange to indigo, this time of day has a quiet beauty unique to Lake Biwa. The lakeshore fills up quickly after 5 p.m., so plan to eat and secure your spot in parallel.

Tips

About a 3-minute walk from Biwako-Hamaotsu Station on the Keihan Railway. On the day of the fireworks, some surrounding roads are subject to traffic restrictions, so traveling by public transportation is essential. Drinks and food tend to sell out quickly, so it's strongly recommended to secure them early. Restrooms get crowded, so it's a good idea to use them early, either before or after dinner.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours. The changing colors of the Lake Biwa sky and water surface as sunset gives way to night are the biggest pleasure of this time.

Access & map

〒520-0047 5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture