Livability Report
OtsuLivability Score
ShigaยทPop. 345,070
5-axis livability scores for Otsu, Shiga based on Japanese government open data covering safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 26, 2026
Overall Score
48.1
48.4
45.4
46.8
59* These scores are based on statistical analysis of public data and do not represent a definitive assessment of any area. Actual livability varies depending on individual values and lifestyle.
5-Axis Score Breakdown
Safety48.1/100Cost48.4/100Convenience45.4/100Welfare46.8/100Economy59/100Basic Information
Population
345,070
Prefecture
Shiga
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How is safety in Otsu? It's right next to Kyoto.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Otsu's crime rate is 5.52 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 48.0. As a prefectural capital of about 345,000, it maintains moderate safety levels. An ancient capital with over 1,350 years of history since Emperor Tenji's Omi-Otsu Palace, the city features cultural properties including Enryaku-ji Temple and offers a calm residential environment.
Cost of Living
Alex
Are living costs high given the proximity to Kyoto?
Yuki
What are the land price and rent figures?
Kai
Otsu's average land price is 102,544 yen per square meter, with average rent at 54,012 yen, giving a cost score of 49.0. Considering that JR Biwako Line reaches Kyoto Station in about 10 minutes, housing is more affordable than within Kyoto itself. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle between Lake Biwa's natural environment and urban amenities.
Convenience
Alex
The easy access to Kyoto must be a huge advantage?
Yuki
What about public transit usage and shopping?
Kai
Otsu's public transit usage rate is 29.7%, with a convenience score of 46.6. JR Biwako Line reaches Kyoto Station in about 10 minutes, and the Keihan Otsu Line also serves the city. There are 1,759 retail stores (5.1 per 1,000) and 1,127 restaurants (3.27 per 1,000). Since Kyoto's commercial facilities fall within the living area, practical convenience exceeds what the numbers alone suggest.
Welfare
Alex
How about healthcare and education?
Yuki
What's the medical facility density?
Kai
Otsu has 15 hospitals (0.43 per 10,000) and 304 clinics (8.81 per 10,000), with a combined density of 9.24 per 10,000 and a welfare score of 47.5. There are 59 schools at 0.17 per 1,000 residents. With 304 clinics, everyday access to primary care physicians is excellent.
Economy
Alex
What characterizes Otsu's economy?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Otsu's taxable income per capita is 3,706,812 yen, with an economy score of 57.2. Toray Industries was founded here and maintains R&D and production facilities, with Shiga Bank also headquartered in the city. Notably, net migration is +1,065 (rate +0.31%), indicating population inflow. Demand as a Kyoto bedroom community, combined with outdoor attractions like Biwako Valley, drives this popularity.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (ยฅ/mยฒ) | 102,544 |
| avg_rent | 54,012 |
| Clinics | 304 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.81 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.52 |
| Hospitals | 15 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.43 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.24 |
| net_migration | 1,065 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.31 |
| Total Population | 345,070 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 29.7 |
| restaurant_count | 1,127 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 3.27 |
| retail_count | 1,759 |
| retail_per_1000 | 5.1 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 59 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.17 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,706,812 |
Data: 2024