Ōtsu is the capital of Shiga Prefecture, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, with Mount Hiei in the background, offering stunning lake and mountain scenery. There are numerous attractions along the shores of Lake Biwa, including the historic Lake Biwa Canal and Ishiyama-dera Temple. Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei is the head temple of the Japanese Tendai sect and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with profound forest and ancient temple ambience. Ōtsu Shrine and Mii-dera Temple are bustling with worshippers. At Ōtsu Port, visitors can take boat cruises on the lake. In terms of cuisine, Ōmi beef is the top delicacy; Lake Biwa specialties such as eel, whitebait, and clam dishes are delicious; Ōtsu noodles and funazushi (fermented crucian carp) have unique flavours; and Ōmi tea confections are exquisite.