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Last additions - SHIGA 滋賀県
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Right corner of Benzaiten-do.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside Benzai Tendo. The statue of Benzaiten in the corner was donated by the father of Lord Azai Nagamasa. The Nagamasa clan paid their respects to it regularly thereafter.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside Benzaiten-do Hall which houses one of Japan's three major statues of the Goddess Benzaiten.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside Benzaiten-do Hall. Many famous samurai, such as Oda Nobunaga and the Azai Clan, worshipped at Chikubushima since they believed Benzaiten had the power to destroy their enemies.Jan 10, 2022
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Benzaiten-do Hall, Hogonji's Hondo main worship hall. Hogonji Temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect (Buzan School). Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天堂Jan 10, 2022
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Steps between the Karamon Gate and Benzaiten-do.Jan 10, 2022
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Path to Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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A pair of tigers on the main roof.Jan 10, 2022
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The roof was also rethatched with new cypress bark. The last time the building was reroofed was in 1972. (The white patch is snow.)Jan 10, 2022
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Before the renovation, Kannon-do and Karamon Gate had this old, moldy roof.Jan 10, 2022
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Left side of Karamon Gate. The gate doors are also adorned with peony flower carvings.Jan 10, 2022
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Right door of Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Left door of Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate entrance to Kannon-do Hall.Jan 10, 2022
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What the Karamon looks like with the doors closed.Jan 10, 2022
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About the Kannon-do Hall.Jan 10, 2022
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The gate and other castle structures were later moved to warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mausoleum in Kyoto in 1600. In 1603, Hideyoshi's son ordered Karamon Gate to be moved to Chikubushima to help rebuild Hogonji Temple which was in disrepair at Chikubushima had close ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi since he was once the lord of Nagahama Castle. Chikubushima was part of his domain. Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate was originally built in 1596 as the gate for a covered wooden bridge named Gokuraku-bashi (極楽橋) at Osaka Castle as depicted here.Jan 10, 2022
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Center metal fitting on the Karamon.Jan 10, 2022
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The only damper on this stupendous work is that, the contractor who did the job and the local government employee in charge of the project were found to have colluded to rig the bidding process. The project's budget was leaked to the contractor before the bidding started. Both parties were arrested a few months after the job was completed. At least the police waited until the job was done before arresting them. Jan 10, 2022
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It's really pleasing to see this and other major National Treasures being restored during the past 10 years. There's also Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi and Menuma Shodenzan Temple in Saitama which have been refreshed with vibrant colors and laWith modern technologies, computers, laser measurements, and scientific techniques, restoration specialists can more accurately assess and reproduce the original colors and pigments. But much of the work is done by hand.Jan 10, 2022
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Never noticed those white rabbits before...Jan 10, 2022
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Some of the wood carvings had pieces that broke off or worn out. So they were reconstructed too. The metal fittings were also re-plated or remade.Jan 10, 2022
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Before photo. Without the colors, it was so hard to see the wood carvings.Jan 10, 2022
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The roof was also entirely restored. The gate is a splendid example of the finest art from the Momoyama Period (late 16th century).Jan 10, 2022
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It's the entrance of the temple's Kannon-do Hall that worships Kannon. The gate features the karahafu roof gable shaped like a hump, commonly found on important traditional buildings such as temples and castles.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate before the restoration. Very drab-looking with most of the paint and lacquer weathered away by the elements after 67 years when it was last repainted.Jan 10, 2022
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It looks new because it was magnificently restored (including the roof) after six years of meticulous work completed in March 2020. Finally came to see it. I was not disappointed. It's jaw-dropping beautiful.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate looks new, but it's actually over 400 years old. "Karamon" (唐門) is a generic term for Chinese-style gates.There are other Karamon Gates in Japan, namely the more elaborate one at Nishi Hongwanji Temple in Kyoto. Karamon have colorful and intricate wood carvings and decorative features.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate 唐門 (National Treasure) beautifully restored to its original splendor. Entrance to the Kannondo Temple.This gate is said to have come from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Gokuraku Bridge at Osaka Castle in the early 17th century (Momoyama Period). Chikubushima, Nagahama, Shiga.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate 唐門 (National Treasure) before it was restored in March 2020. See the next photo.Jan 10, 2022
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Ceiling inside Karamon Gate, looking directly upward. Jan 10, 2022
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One of the lion dogs on Karamon Gate. It's part of a wooden protrusion called the "kibana" (木鼻). Jan 10, 2022
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One of the lion dogs on Karamon Gate. Brought back to life from a drab-looking brown. It's part of a wooden protrusion called the "kibana" (木鼻). Jan 10, 2022
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Right side of the kaeru-mata.Jan 10, 2022
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Left side of the kaeru-mata.Jan 10, 2022
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Closeup of the "kaeru-mata" showing a nest of birds. (蟇股).Jan 10, 2022
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Nest of birds in this decorative, hump-shaped wood support called "kaeru-mata" (蟇股). Commonly found on entrances of important buildings. In Nikko, Toshogu Shrine's famous "Sleeping Cat" carving is also a kaeru-mata.Jan 10, 2022
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Front of Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Behind the Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Behind the Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate door.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate door.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate door.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside Karamon Gate. Just gorgeous. Too bad most people just walk in without looking back and noticing. Jan 10, 2022
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Worn statue of Pindola Bharadvaja (賓頭盧尊者). Jan 10, 2022
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Pindola Bharadvaja statue right inside Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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After photo of Pindola Bharadvaja statue. These days, best not to touch unless you use hand sanitizer afterward.All those old pilgrim name stickers (mostly from the Edo Period when it was fad) were removed for a new layer of lacquer.Jan 10, 2022
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Before photo of a very old and worn statue of Pindola Bharadvaja (賓頭盧尊者). Traditionally, you touch his body part corresponding to the part of your body you want to heal. Notice the pillars and ceiling beams which were plastered with pilgrim name stickers called "senjafuda" (千社札). They bear the ardent pilgrim's name and pilgrims stuck their name stickers on the temples they visited to indicate "I wuz here!" Jan 10, 2022
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After photo of the restored wall flowers near the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja.Jan 10, 2022
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Before photo of the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja and the nearby wall with flower carvings. (See the next photo after the restoration.)Jan 10, 2022
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Before photo of the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja and the nearby wall with flower carvings.Jan 10, 2022
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Heading toward the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja. The carved walls are now protected with plexiglass.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do Hall roof corner with a tokyo assemblage. So much eye candy in this building. Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor in front of the altar.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do ceiling and transom carvings. Absolutely brilliant colors.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do ceiling and transom deer carvings.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do ceiling of painted flowers. Peonies (red), chrysanthemum (white), and paulownia (blue). 牡丹、菊、桐 Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do ceiling of painted flowers. Peonies (red), chrysanthemum (white), and paulownia (blue). 牡丹、菊、桐Jan 10, 2022
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Ceiling paintings of flowers.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannon-do ceiling and transom carvings.Jan 10, 2022
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Candle holder.Jan 10, 2022
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Ceiling in front of the altar includes a red paper lantern.Jan 10, 2022
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In front of the main altar of Kannon-do. The hall worships a thousand-arm Kannon statue (hidden from the public).Jan 10, 2022
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Above the pillars are decorative wooden support assemblages called tokyo (枓栱) or dougong. They have also been brilliantly repainted and even lit up. Dougong are interlocking wood pieces commonly found on temples and shrines as a Chinese influence.Jan 10, 2022
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Before-and-after photos of the corridor in front of the altar. The wooden pillars that used to be covered with pilgrim name stickers are now all gone. Pillars totally re-lacquered. 観音堂Jan 10, 2022
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Before-and-after photos of the corridor in front of the altar. The wooden pillars that used to be covered with pilgrim name stickers are now all gone. Pillars totally re-lacquered. 観音堂Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor and incense burner in front of the altar. The wooden pillars totally re-lacquered.Jan 10, 2022
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Decorative wooden support assemblages called tokyo (枓栱) or dougong. They are now illuminated to show off the vibrant colors.Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka before the restoration. Everything was drab looking. After the restoration, the windows on the right are now kept closed.Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.Jan 10, 2022
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.Jan 10, 2022
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Kannondo Temple has been beautifully renovated with its many intricate wood carvings and paintings on walls, doors, and ceilings restored in March 2020. 観音堂Jan 10, 2022
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Funa-roka boat corridor goes to Kannon-do Hall. 船廊下Jan 10, 2022
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Funa-roka boat corridor connects Tsukubusuma Shrine and the Kannon-do Hall. Important Cultural Property. From the Momoyama Period. 船廊下Jan 10, 2022
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Next to Tsukubusuma Shrine is this entrance to the Funa-roka corridor.Jan 10, 2022
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Hogonji's Shinto shrine has this iconic torii facing the lake. You can buy small clay dishes to throw at the torii. If your dish goes through the torii, your wish will come through. However, most dishes never make it through the torii. They litter the ground.Jan 10, 2022
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Shrine for the Chikubushima Dragon God.Jan 10, 2022
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Haiden Hall has this small shrine for the Chikubushima Dragon God. 竜神拝所Jan 10, 2022
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Tsukubusuma Shrine's Haiden Hall right across from the shrine. It faces the lake.Jan 10, 2022
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Mt. Ibuki as seen from Chikubushima.Jan 10, 2022
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Kappa creature for water safety.Jan 10, 2022
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Right-side torii at Tsukubusuma Shrine .Jan 10, 2022
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Small shrine for the White Snake God, a messenger of goddess Benzaiten. 白巳大神Jan 10, 2022
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Tsukubusuma Shrine used to be part of Hogonji, but it's now legally separate from the Buddhist temple as mandated by law. Jan 10, 2022
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Statue of the goddess Benzaiten at Hogonji, Chikubushima. She plays the biwa lute.Jan 10, 2022
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Statue of the goddess Benzaiten at Hogonji, Chikubushima. Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天Jan 10, 2022
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Small shrine for the goddess Benzaiten at Hogonji, Chikubushima. Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天Jan 10, 2022
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Statue of goddess Benzaiten (弁才天) or Benten in one of the smaller shrines on Chikubushima. In Japan, she is usually depicted playing the biwa lute as the goddess of music and everything else that flows such as water, ocean, lakes, and rivers. She's also revered as one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (七福神).Jan 10, 2022
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Tsukubusuma Shrine (都久夫須麻神社 National Treasure) on Chikubushima island, Nagahama, Shiga. It worships Benzaiten as well as the Dragon God and Azai-hime. Chikubushima is one of Japan's Big Three Benzaiten shrines (日本三大弁天), besiJan 10, 2022
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Exterior of Funa-roka boat corridor on stilts.Jan 10, 2022
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Exterior of Funa-roka boat corridor.Jan 10, 2022
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Exterior of Funa-roka boat corridor connecting Tsukubusuma Shrine and the Kannon-do Hall. Important Cultural Property. From the Momoyama Period. 船廊下Jan 10, 2022
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黒龍堂Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate roof eaves.Jan 10, 2022
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Karamon Gate (National Treasure)Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima Port. Smaller boats are from island workers and priests. No one lives on Chikubushima. People commute by boat.Jan 10, 2022
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After some steps, a small torii to Tsukubusuma Shrine.Jan 10, 2022
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Suggested tour route.Jan 10, 2022
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Up some steps to this torii.Jan 10, 2022
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Souvenir shops on the way to the temple. There's a ticket vendor when you buy a temple admission ticket (¥300) to enter the temple grounds.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima poetry monumentJan 10, 2022
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Boat departure schedule from Chikubushima. When arriving, be sure to check and remember your boat's departure time.Jan 10, 2022
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Explanation about the song on the back. More info about Lake Biwa Rowing Song here.Jan 10, 2022
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Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4 engraved on the front.Jan 10, 2022
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Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4. Jan 10, 2022
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Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4. 琵琶湖就航の歌 歌碑Jan 10, 2022
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Many monuments on Chikubushima. The large building on the upper left is the quarters (本坊) for temple priests.Jan 10, 2022
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Take your trash with you.Jan 10, 2022
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Map of Hogonji Temple. All within walking distance. Not wheelchair accessible. 1. Chikubushima: Boat dock, 2. Lake Biwa Rowing Song monument, 3. Souvenir shops, 4. Admission ticket gate (also restrooms), 5. *Tsukubusuma Shrine, 6. Haiden Hall,7. Funa-roka boat corridor, 8. *Karamon Gate, 9. Benzaiten-do Hall, 10. Three-Story Pagoda, 11. Rest house. *National Treasure.
A few buildings are for temple priests only.
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Karamon Gate (National Treasure). A closer look is shown below.Jan 10, 2022
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After you get off the boat at Chikubushima, you face this slope of buildings. Many monuments. On the upper right is the famous Karamon Gate.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima Port. There's another dock nearby for the boat to Imazu. 竹生島港Jan 10, 2022
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Omi Marine’s red boat named “Naomasa” (after famous local samurai Ii Naomasa) goes to Hikone Port.Jan 10, 2022
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At Chikubushima Port, boat on the left is “Benten” that goes to Nagahama Port. On the right is Omi Marine’s red boat named “Naomasa” (after famous local samurai Ii Naomasa) goes to Hikone Port.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima boat dock.Jan 10, 2022
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Most people spend 80 min. or 90 min. on the island before taking the return boat. Be sure to remember the departure time of your return boat especially if it's the last one for the day. (No lodging on the island.)Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima is also home to Tsukubusuma (Chikubushima) Shrine which is also a National Treasure. Until 1868 when Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were required to be separate, the shrine was part of Hogonji temple.Jan 10, 2022
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All human presence is on this south side of the island. There are no roads and no cars. There is no path to walk around the island's perimeter nor to any other side of the island. Everything is within walking distance, but there are some steps to cli(No elevators or escalators.)Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima (竹生島) is a small, sacred island dominated by a temple/shrine complex called Hogonji (宝厳寺) perched on this fairly steep slope. The temple/shrine's construction was ordered by the emperor in 724 when he proclaimed that Chikubushima was a sacred place for the goddess Benzaiten (弁才天). The temple was to bring national peace, bountiful harvests, and prosperity to all. A priest named Gyoki (僧行基) then proceeded to build the temple with Benzaiten as the principal object of worship.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima on Lake Biwa is home to Hogonji Temple first built in 724 as ordered by the Emperor to worship the Goddess Benzaiten. It belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect (Buzan School) and it is the 30th temple in the 33-Temple Pilgrimage of Saigoku.Jan 10, 2022
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Approaching Chikubushima, Lake Biwa's most famous, historic, and sacred island. Takes about 30 min. from Nagahama Port. I've visited this island a number of times before, but this time I wanted to see something I'd never seen before.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima in sight.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy mountains around Lake Biwa.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy Mt. Ibuki as seen from Lake Biwa. Shiga's highest mountain at 1,377 meters.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy mountains all around. Mt. Ibuki can be seen on the right. It was a smooth ride.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy mountains around Lake Biwa.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy mountains around Lake Biwa.Jan 10, 2022
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Snowy Mt. Ibuki as seen from Lake Biwa. Shiga Prefecture's highest mountain.Jan 10, 2022
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Leaving Nagahama in winter. After a major snowfall in late Jan. 2021, went on a scenic snow cruise on Lake Biwa.Jan 10, 2022
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Uminoko Curry had pork cutlet and kind of sweet, mild curry. Sold only by 7-11 in Shiga for a limited time of three weeks from late Jan. 2021. Best place to eat it was on Lake Biwa.Jan 10, 2022
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My lunch on the boat was Uminoko Curry, the same dish served on the Uminoko Floating School. Jan 10, 2022
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Port staff waving goodbye.Jan 10, 2022
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Large picture windows.Jan 10, 2022
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You can sit anywhere you want. Inside Benten. Very comfortable and warm in winter. Not many passengers. Easy to social distance.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside the boat. Very comfortable and well heated in winter.Jan 10, 2022
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Boat named "Benten" going to Chikubushima.Jan 10, 2022
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About Chikubushima in Japanese.Jan 10, 2022
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Boat schedule for winter.Jan 10, 2022
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My ticket is for Nagahama to Imazu with a stop on Chikubushima. ¥2,880Jan 10, 2022
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Ticket window with prices. Round trip tickets cost around ¥3,000. Biwako Kisen operates boats from Nagahama Port.Jan 10, 2022
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Inside Nagahama Port building. Ticket window on right. Also see my Lake Biwa Snow Cruise blog post.Jan 10, 2022
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Chikubushima can be reached from Nagahama Port, Hikone Port, or Imazu Port (Takashima). I always use Nagahama Port (photo) to visit Chikubushima. Nagahama boat scheduleBoat cruise company Biwako Kisen (琵琶湖汽船) operates round trip boats from Nagahama daily. Schedule varies depending on the season (fewer boats in winter). No reservations necessary.Jan 10, 2022
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Nagahama Port is within walking distance (15 min.) from Nagahama Station. Nagahama Port building next to the dock is where you buy your ticket. Map hereJan 10, 2022
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Zensuiji Hondo main hallNov 18, 2021
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Zensuiji Hondo main worship hallNov 18, 2021
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Red maples framing Zensuiji temple in autumn.Nov 18, 2021
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Nov 18, 2021
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Inside the Koto Sanzan shuttle bus from Kongorinji to Hyakusaiji. Quite full this day. Nov 06, 2021
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Shuttle bus on the right going to the next Koto Sanzan Temple.Nov 06, 2021
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Small garden outside Aisho Town Museum.Nov 06, 2021
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Near Koongorinji's main gate is a parking lot and bus stop.Nov 06, 2021
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Small garden outside Aisho Town Museum.Nov 06, 2021
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Small garden outside Aisho Town Museum.Nov 06, 2021
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Aisho Town Museum.Nov 06, 2021
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Aisho Town Museum.Nov 06, 2021
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Very artistic looking autumn leaves.Nov 06, 2021
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Autumn foliage near the Dojo. Nov 06, 2021
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Looks like red maples are raining on you. Just spectacular.Nov 06, 2021
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Another prime spot for autumn foliage at Kongorinji.Nov 06, 2021
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Path back to the main gate. Lots of eye candy.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property amid maple leaves.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property amid maple leaves.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda built in 1246, National Important Cultural Property.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property.Nov 06, 2021
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About the three-story pagoda, National Important Cultural Property.Nov 06, 2021
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Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji Hondo main hall, National Treasure amid autumn maple leaves.Nov 06, 2021
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Built in 1288, Kongorinji Hondo main hall, National Treasure in autumn.Nov 06, 2021
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Kongorinji's main temple hall is a National Treasure housing an 11-faced Kannon statue and 13 other statues designated as Important Cultural Properties. Aisho, Shiga.Nov 06, 2021
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Hondo main hallNov 06, 2021
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Steps to the Hondo main worship hall.Nov 06, 2021
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Long path of Jizo statues, a trademark of Kongorinji Temple.Nov 06, 2021
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From here, the path to the temple (main hall) is lined with 1,000 Jizo statues.Nov 06, 2021
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Garden of many Jizo statues.Nov 06, 2021
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Aisho, Shiga manholeNov 06, 2021
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Inside the Jizo-do Hall built in 1997. 地蔵堂Nov 06, 2021
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Inside the Jizo-do Hall built in 1997. 地蔵堂Nov 06, 2021
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Jizo-do Hall built in 1997. Believers can train here. 地蔵堂Nov 06, 2021
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Priest's residence next to the famous garden. Reconstructed in 1978. 明寿院 Nov 06, 2021
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