A train leaves Hamaotsu station in city of Otsu
Otsu city located on the southern end of Lake Biwa briefly served as the capital of Japan from 667 to 672 AD during the Asuka period (538 – 710). The area of the city has an old historical feel to it as you roam the neighborhoods. I visited a local bar that is still running for over 50 years unchanged.
Old shops line the empty streets of Otsu
Heading North from Otsu station towards Lake Biwa and Hamaotsu Station a street lined with many old shops mostly catering to locals. The area is slowly dying as most young residents move to large cities for employment.
Another warm day in Kyoto.
The sun beating down from above along with the humidity is a common feature in Kyoto. It is well known that summers and winters in the city can be undesirable compared to other parts of Japan.
View from Ono Station Platform
Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Lake Biwa is of tectonic origin and is one of the world’s twenty oldest lakes, dating to almost 4 million years ago. The Shiga area is great for outdoor actives such as fishing, swimming, and hiking in the various mountainous areas.
Pontocho 先斗町 alley in Kyoto
Restaurants and entertainment establishments line the alleys of Kyoto in the Pontocho district awaiting to be discovered by the curious traveler.
Kyoto’s bamboo forests cover the hillsides in a green blanket of splendor. Hiking these serene areas is one of Kyoto’s unique spots and mostly free of tourists. Many are easily accessed via bicycle. Wondering this forested place one will hear bird calls echoing through the dense forest. Your path will be shaded from the sun by the tall bamboo stalks that sway beautifully in the wind making a most relaxing sound.
A river slowly flows from the mountains down through Kyoto’s old streets. Bicycling or hiking the outskirts of Kyoto has many rewards not found via bus tours. Kyoto Japan is more than temples and shrines, one just has to wonder just a bit further.
Minoo Park is also known as (Minoh Park / Mino Park) is located 30min from downtown Osaka Japan via train. This is a quick getaway spot for locals to get some walking or hiking away from the bustling city life. A waterfall greets visitors at the end of the hike that takes about 30mins depending on pace. A stream flows along the entire trail that is surrounded by trees and bird calls. A few tourist shops line the trail selling food, drinks, snacks, and gifts. The park can be accessed from Minoo Station off the Hankyu Minoo Line. There is No Fee to enter the park.