For travelers weary of conventional Kansai itineraries, the serene shores of Lake Biwa offer an enriching alternative. This exploration focuses on the lake’s southern region, anchored by Ōtsu City, while venturing into historic towns like Zeze and Ōmi-Hachiman—each revealing layers of Japan’s cultural heritage.

The Undiscovered Charms of Lake Biwa

Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa, remains overshadowed by Kyoto’s temples and Osaka’s neon glow. Yet its southern basin—particularly Ōtsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture—boasts a quieter, more introspective travel experience. The area’s Edo-period merchant quarters, Shinto shrines, and lakeside promenades invite leisurely discovery.

In Zeze, visitors encounter preserved samurai residences and the ruins of a 17th-century castle, while Ōmi-Hachiman’s canal district showcases traditional kura storehouses repurposed as craft shops. These towns embody the furumai (old customs) of the Ōmi merchants, whose influence once extended across Japan.

Contrasts in Vertical Osaka

The itinerary’s counterpoint emerges at Abeno Harukas in Osaka’s Tennōji district. Until July 2023, this 300-meter skyscraper held the title of Japan’s tallest building. Though surpassed by Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, Harukas remains a symbol of Kansai’s urban ambition—housing a railway terminal, the Kintetsu Department Store, and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel.

Observation decks on the 58th–60th floors offer panoramic views stretching to Awaji Island. The complex’s cultural offerings, from art exhibitions to seasonal events, create a dialogue between tradition and modernity—mirroring the journey’s thematic arc.

A Tapestry of Experiences

This dual-focused excursion—pairing Lake Biwa’s timeless landscapes with Osaka’s architectural prowess—challenges the homogeneity of mass tourism. Morning strolls along reed-fringed shores give way to evenings surveying city lights from dizzying heights, crafting a narrative rich in contrast.

By avoiding crowded hotspots, travelers gain intimacy with regional identity. The lacquerware workshops of Ōtsu, the funazushi fermented cuisine of the lakeside, and Harukas’s crystalline geometry collectively redefine what constitutes a Kansai journey.