Otsu, Japan

Capital City

With a population of 337,634, Otsu is no quaint countryside town. This bustling capital of Shiga Prefecture has a major transportation hub and a long history as an important waypoint. However, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the city has been renamed and reorganized numerous times over the centuries. And while the mild, humid climate is generally pleasant, September's heavy rains may prove frustrating. Overall, Otsu is best suited for those seeking an urban center with easy access to nature and the cultural sites of nearby Kyoto.