During the crucial Battle of Tsushima on 27 May 1905, "Otowa" was assigned to the 3rd squadron of the IJN 2nd Fleet, and saw combat against the Imperial Russian Navy cruisers , and . During the first day of battle, she did not take any damage. On 28 May 1905, "Otowa" and intercepted the cruiser which had been heavily damaged the day before and was attempting to escape towards Korea together with a destroyer. "Otowa" was hit by "Svetlana'"s stern guns, killing one officer and four sailors, and injuring 23 others before the Russian cruiser sank. Later that day, at 1600 hours "Otowa" participated in the final combat of the battle by engaging the cruiser , during which time she was hit again, injuring two sailors.