Boat Rentals & Cruises · Lake Biwa (Otsu)
Biwako Kisen Michigan Cruise ミシガンクルーズ（琵琶湖汽船）
Mississippi-style paddle-wheel steamer cruising southern Lake Biwa from Otsu Port, with 60- and 90-minute sailings and live shows.
HoursDepartures 09:40, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 (night 18:30 seasonal)
ClosedReduced service Dec-early Mar
PriceMichigan 60 (adult): ¥2,800
Michigan 90 (adult): ¥3,400
Michigan Night (adult): ¥3,600
Michigan 90 (adult): ¥3,400
Michigan Night (adult): ¥3,600
Getting thereBiwako-Hamaotsu Station (Keihan), about 5 min walk; JR Otsu Station, about 15 min walk
Time needed1-2 hours
Best timeSpring-autumn; summer evenings
AddressOtsu Port, 5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu, Shiga
About
The Michigan is a large stern-wheeler that has become a symbol of Otsu. Cruises of 60 or 90 minutes loop the southern basin of Lake Biwa with deck views of the Hira and Hiei mountains, live music, and optional buffet meals; summer weekend night cruises add illuminated scenery. A relaxed half-day from Kyoto, 10 minutes by train.
Highlights
- Paddle-wheel steamer on Japan's largest lake
- Live music and performances on board
- Deck views of mountains around Lake Biwa
- Night cruises in summer
Tips
- Reduced winter schedule (Michigan 90 only on weekends Dec-Feb)
- Meals are optional add-ons; reserve ahead
- Otsu Port is 5 min walk from Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-12
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Open in the appNearby
- UranRestaurant · 660 m away
- Otsu Lakeside Promenade (Nagisa Park)Beach & Waterfront · 770 m away
- Miidera Temple (Onjoji)Temple · 1.1 km away
- Yanagasaki Lakeside ParkPark · 1.6 km away
- Omi JinguShrine · 2.6 km away
- Zeze Castle Ruins ParkCastle & Palace · 3.3 km away
- Hiyoshi TaishaShrine · 6.7 km away
- Ishiyamadera TempleTemple · 6.8 km away