 Most viewed - Otsu 大津市 |
The Ukimido building itself has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries. It was first built in the 10th century by Priest Eshin (Genshin 源信) from Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei. The current temple building was built in 1937 and renovated in 1982.154 views
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Finally we see Ishiyama-dera's beautiful Tahoto pagoda, a National Treasure in Otsu.154 views
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North side of Ukimido. Haiku poet also visited Ukimido and wrote a haiku poem about it, displayed on a stone monument on shore.152 views
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Inside Daikokudo Hall152 views
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Slope going down to Konpon Chudo Hall152 views
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Moss on roof152 views
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Inserting the oars into the outriggers.151 views
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Setagawa River boat cruise modeled after the Ichiban-Maru paddlewheel steamboat which cruised on Lake Biwa in the 19th century. In operation during warmer months from Ishiyama-dera port and stopping at Nango Aqua Biwa and Seta-no-karahashi ports.151 views
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Map of Yokawa151 views
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Zeze Castle Park also has No. 4 High School cherry blossoms planted here in memory of the college rowers from Kanazawa University who died in a rowing accident on Lake Biwa in April 1941.151 views
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About the No. 4 High School (Yonko) cherry blossoms planted in 1977. 四高桜151 views
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Most of Lake Biwa's cruise boats are named after Shiga Prefecture's sister states or cities. Michigan, USA is Shiga's sister state. Michigan is home to the largest lake in the US, while Shiga is home to Japan's largest lake.151 views
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Entrance and road to the rowing clubhouse150 views
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Cable car150 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. The canal is covered. The water supply for Kyoto and Osaka.149 views
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The Shamusho Shrine office I (社務所I) serves as the Karuta Matsuri tournament venue.149 views
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The thirteenth and last float was Jingu Kogo-yama, originally built in 1749. 神功皇后山／猟師町149 views
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149 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats at Chuo-dori149 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats 149 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Course operated by Shiga Prefecture for major rowing regattas. It is near the head of Seta River, and very near Seta Rowing Club.148 views
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These photos were taken in both April during cherry blossoms season and in summer.148 views
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Miidera cherry blossoms at night.148 views
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Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Tenjikan Museum (free admission) is in the Maruya-cho shopping arcade. 大津祭曳山展示館148 views
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Biwako Bunkakan museum closed in March 2008. The museum was known for Buddhist art, including National Treasures. It has been here for as long as most Otsu residents can remember. 148 views
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Somewhat away from the central area of Miidera is another National Treasure called Kojo-in Kyakuden. Unfortunately, it's closed to the public. All you see is this wall and a roof.148 views
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They use four-man boats (called "knuckle four" in Japanese) with sliding seats. It is stable and safe, ideal for beginners.147 views
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Cable car station in Sakamoto for Enryakuji. The ride is only 8 min. Japan Railways sells a set of discount tickets for the roundtrip cable car ride, Enryakuji admission, and shuttle bus pass. 147 views
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)147 views
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Used New Year's decorations146 views
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Basho Matsuo's grave at Gichuji temple, Otsu. 芭蕉の墓146 views
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146 views
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Altar facing the lake, with some of the 1,000 Amida Buddha figures.146 views
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This float (called Seio Bo-zan) is inside the Maruya-cho shopping arcade. 丸屋町146 views
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The inner courtyard of Konpon Chudo Hall. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to photograph inside the hall which has three lanterns with an eternal flame.146 views
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Inside Daikodo Hall are portraits and sculptures of founders of Japanese Buddhist sects. Honen, Shinran, Nichiren, etc. 大講堂146 views
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The Tahoto was built in 1194 upon the patronage of Minamoto Yoritomo. It is Japan's oldest Tahoto and one of the three most famous ones.146 views
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Miidera's cherry blossoms are also lit up at night. (See photos at bottom.)146 views
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Pine tree and Lake Biwa.145 views
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View of Seta River race course from Karahashi Bridge145 views
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Straight ahead is the huge slab of black stone which gave the temple its name. Ishiyama-dera means "Stone Mountain Temple." The pagoda above is the Tahoto, a National Treasure and positioned perfectly for our line of sight from below.145 views
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Photographers are on the prowl on the boat, offering to take your picture. After the cruise, you can buy a photo for 1,000 yen.145 views
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Each boat has four rowers and cox who steers the rudder.144 views
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Near miss?144 views
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Seta Karahashi Bridge crossing Seta River is a historically famous bridge.144 views
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144 views
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Manpai-do Hall144 views
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Entrance gate to Genji Millennium exhibitions. Admission 1000 yen to see both the exhibitions and temple.143 views
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Lit lanterns and lit float.143 views
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Readily identifiable with its vermillion wheels.143 views
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Approaching Konpon Chudo Hall or temple. Note that the Konpon Chudo (National Treasure), is undergoing a major renovations until 2025. Parts of it might be covered or closed to visitors. T143 views
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Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂143 views
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Inside the room of Murasaki Shikibu is a mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間142 views
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The floats also have elaborate tapestries, also removed for public display at street level. Two floats have tapestries depicting the Sack of Troy from Greek mythology.142 viewsThis one is from the Ryumon Taki-yama float.
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Sesshoseki float at Otsu Matsuri.142 views
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Kondo Hall142 views
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142 views
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142 views
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Galley staff. Uminoko's crew and galley staff are actually employees of Biwako Kisen Steamship Co. that also operates other cruise boats on Lake Biwa. They are contracted by Shiga Prefecture to work on Uminoko.142 views
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Michigan paddlewheel boat. ミシガン141 views
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Club's boat dock. This narrow canal leads to Lake Biwa.141 views
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Rowing seat with moving seat on rails, fixed shoes, and outrigger for the oar.141 views
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In 1596, salt vendor Jihei (塩売 治兵衛) wore a tanuki mask and danced during a Tenson Shrine festival. People liked his dancing so much that they built a float two years later and Jihei danced on it.141 views
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Miidera temple's Kondo Hall, a National Treasure and Miidera's main worship hall built in 1599 in Otsu. 金堂141 views
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Map of Ishiyama-dera141 views
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Zeze Castle's main path to the lake shore is lined with cherry trees.141 views
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Karuta Festival poster140 views
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Right across the clubhouse is the Annex boat house.140 views
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Continuing on the Yume Kairo path.140 views
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明王院140 views
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Bridge from shore140 views
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Shoro bell tower 鐘楼140 views
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140 views
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Inside Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂140 views
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Statue of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.140 views
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Sleeping quarters for girls have a pink carpet. There are six rooms for girls like this one, each one is named after a flower like Ume, Shakunage, and Botan. 宿泊室140 views
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Cheering/coaching from bicycle139 views
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Model of Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji.139 views
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Monjuro tower houses a statue of the Manjusri bodhisattva (Monju bosatsu). It looks like a gate, but it's not.139 views
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Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall altar. 本堂139 views
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Genji Monogatari folding screen replica.138 views
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Altar facing the lake.138 views
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Concrete stilts. Compare this with the next postcard image.138 views
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The final fireworks were half-dome explosions over the water. I missed it because I left early for the tiny train station on the Keihan Line.138 views
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Daytime view138 views
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Inside a shopping arcade near the Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Museum. There weren't any floats where we could actually enter.138 views
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Horaioka has a small cave where stone buddhas are stored. Said to have been made for the many people who died on Mt. Hiei during the feudal period.138 views
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Entrance to Enryakuji's Todo complex. Admission charged.138 views
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Way to Kompon Chudo Hall.138 views
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Konpon Chudo Hall has corridors.138 views
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About Kompon Chudo (in English, Hangul, and Chinese). Enryakuji has multi-lingual signs explaining the important buildings.138 views
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Go up the stone steps and pass by a Shinto shrine. 138 views
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138 views
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Michigan paddlewheel boat leaving Otsu Port, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.138 views
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The garden has a building called 淳浄館 which is an exhibition space. Buildings like this are usually not open to the public.137 views
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Inside 世尊院. When I was there, beautiful embroidery showing scenes from the Tale of Genji was displayed.137 views
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Mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間137 views
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They also threw chimaki to the crowd. Chimaki are small bundles of straw wrapped with a thin hand towel. They were all blessed by Tenson Shrine.137 views
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The top of the Saigyo Sakura Tanuki-yama float also has a stuffed tanuki (raccoon dog). This is how to identify this float at Otsu Matsuri.137 views
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Otsu's nice lakefront walking promenade in an area called Nagisa Koen Park in Nionohama. Notice the box on the right... なぎさ公園137 views
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Statue of Akechi Mitsuhide at Sakamoto Castle site.137 views
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Inside Manpai-do Hall137 views
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Where you take off your shoes to enter Konpon Chudo Hall.137 views
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Daikodo Hall 大講堂137 views
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Impressive San-mon Gate, also called Todaimon. The defacto front gate of the temple. 東大門 MAP137 views
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San-mon Gate Deva King (right side).137 views
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View from the bridge during cherry blossom season, looking toward the Kondo Hall.137 views
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Walk further down the Yume Kairo path and see the gate to another garden called 拾翠園.136 views
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Michinoeki Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza, a shopping place for local produce. 道の駅びわ湖大橋米プラザ136 views
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136 views
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This Hokke Soji-in Toto pagoda was rebuilt by the Sagawa Kyubin courier service and other donations in Oct. 1980. The original structure was torched in the 16th century.136 views
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Yabusame horseback archery is held at Omi Jingu Shrine on the first Sunday in June from 12:30 pm. (Used to be held on Nov. 3.) My YouTube video of Omi Shrine's yabusame horseback archery on Nov. 3, 2013.136 viewsI believe this is Shiga's only authentic yabusame.
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Cheering section135 views
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Kyoto Univ. comes in 3rd place135 views
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Everyone enjoyed the rowing trip. The motorboat on Lake Biwa was fun and I got a lotta good shots.135 views
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View from the balcony.135 views
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Cable car leaving Sakamoto.135 views
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Daikokudo Hall135 views
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World Heritage Site plaque135 views
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Another nice building to photograph is this Hokke Soji-in Toto pagoda.135 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha's Higashi Hongu Shrine Honden, a National Treasure. This shrine worships the mountain god (Oyamakui-no-kami) of Mt. Hiei. Built in 1595. 東本宮 本殿 国宝135 views
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Boat landing134 views
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We now enter Lake Biwa.134 views
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On July 29, 2007, this regatta was held for the second time. It targets mainly beginner rowers. Organized by the Seta Rowing Club which seeks to have more people enjoy water sports on Lake Biwa. Seta-Karahashi Bridge was the regatta's starting line.134 views The Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD was awarded to all the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in all five categories.
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Genji Millenium sign with "Genji Yume" (Genji Dream) kanji logo on the right. Otsu is not the only place celebrating the Genji Millenium. Kyoto and other places are also celebrating.134 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats look better at night with the lanterns lit. Seeing the festival eve is well worth it. It's not so crowded either.134 views
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Entrance to Konpon Chudo Hall. Note that since 2016, the Konpon Chudo Hall is undergoing a 10-year renovation project. You may see scaffolding and certain parts might be closed to visitors.134 views
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Tahoto pagoda, Ishiyama-dera134 views
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Ishiyama-dera is a temple complex of numerous buildings. This is the Kannon-do Hall.134 views
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134 views
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Closeup of embroidery.133 views
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密蔵院.133 views
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.133 views
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133 views
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About Ninai-do.133 views
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133 views
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The 1st Shiga B-grade (B-kyu) Gourmet Battle was held in Otsu on July 30-31, 2011 on the Hama-Otsu lakefront. B-class (B-kyu in Japanese) gourmet is food that is cheap and aimed for the working class. It could also be good 'ol home cooking. 133 views*Note that this event is no longer held annually.
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No. 1 Tunnel entrance. 132 views
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Yamashina132 views
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132 views
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Cheering/coaching on foot132 views
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The second day of the Otsu Matsuri Festival is called the Honmatsuri, featuring a procession of the thirteen floats as the festival climax. The highlight are the performances by the karakuri mechanical dolls on the floats.132 views
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Approaching Otsu Prince Hotel, major landmark visible from afar.132 views
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Sanno-in temple in Saito temple complex of Enryakuji.132 views
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Ishiyama-dera Hondo Hall, a National Treasure.132 views
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Lady Murasaki on a postcard.132 views
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Issaikyo-zo Hall is a storehouse for all of the temple's Buddhist scriptures and valuable books. Built in the Muromachi Period and moved here from Yamaguchi Pref. in 1602 by Lord Mori Terumoto. Important Cultural Property. 一切経蔵132 views
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Observation tower in Garden Museum Hiei, a tourist attraction on the summit of Mt. Hiei.131 views
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Garden Museum Hiei as seen from the lookout deck131 views
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Next day on April 14, the Reisai day, the schedule is filled with more ceremonies and events. At 10 am, the Reisai ceremony is held at Nishi Hongu with the Tendai Zasu Abbot from Enryakuji in attendance. He is under the red umbrella.131 views
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Daikodo Hall131 views
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Photo of the altar inside through a narrow slit.131 views
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This is what you see at the top of the stone steps. Founded in 749, Ishiyama-dera, belonging to the Shingon Buddhist Sect, is the 13th Temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage.131 views
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On the 4th floor is the bridge of the Uminoko. There is a small observation room behind the bridge where people can watch the captain and crew steer the boat. 操舵室131 views
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130 views
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Souvenir shop and rest space.130 views
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During Yoimiya at night, each float had musicians performing.130 views
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130 views
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Monks130 views
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It was some distance to walk, but all downhill.130 views
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Cross a short bridge to Sanno-in temple.130 views
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130 views
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The Sando path also has cherry trees in April. Late April brings azaleas.130 views
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Infirmary for anyone feeling sick. 保健室130 views
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Karasaki Shrine129 views
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Path to shrine. Omi Shrine is a short walk from Omi Jingu-mae Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line.129 views
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Room of Murasaki Shikibu and Genji. 紫式部源氏の間129 views
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Balcony looking toward Lake Biwa129 views
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Altar facing the shore129 views
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All four groups of men then rocked the mikoshi back and forth. making thunderous noise. Very dramatic. This is called Yomiya Otoshi. 宵宮落し神事129 views
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If you go by bus, this is the entrance to Enryakuji from the parking lot.129 views
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Roof corner of Konpon Chudo Hall, a National Treasure.129 views
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Monjuro altar with Manjusri bodhisattva (Monju bosatsu).129 views
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Inside the pagoda.129 views
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Inside Yokawa Chudo Hall129 views
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129 views
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129 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Bell at Miidera temple from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.129 views
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Sun dial. Another one in the background as well. Hidokei I (日時計1: Sundial I)128 views
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Keihan Ishiyama-dera Station with Genji Millenium banners. Tale of Genji Millennium was held in 2008 in Otsu. 源氏物語千年紀128 views
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Inside 淳浄館. A collection of hanging scrolls written with waka love poems from Genji Monogatari. Free admission.128 views
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Those people in the windows get a lot of chimaki thrown in. Otsu Matsuri.128 views
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The Chuo Odori road is wide, making it easy to view the floats. It's not as crowded as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. There's a more earthly atmosphere at Otsu Matsuri.128 views
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Biwako Bunkakan museum is right on the shore, even over the water. It's a landmark, but a tacky-looking castle replica housed a cultural and art museum and gallery.128 views
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View from cable car.128 views
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128 views
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Daikodo Hall128 views
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Cherry trees also greet you at the temple.128 views
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Inside Rennyo-do Hall.128 views
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Mieido Hall dedicated to Kobo Daishi who founded Shingon Sect, to Roben 良弁僧正, the founder of Ishiyama-dera, and to Shunnyu Naiku 淳祐内供, the third head priest of Ishiyama-dera. 御影堂128 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Glow at Seta from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.128 views
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Bottom of Keage Incline in Kyoto127 views
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The green boat. 近江舞子上陸127 views
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Balcony facing the lake.127 views
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Biwako Aika (Lake Biwa Elegy) Monument and memorial for songwriter Okuno Yashio who was from Katata. Details about the song here. 琵琶湖哀歌の歌碑 堅田127 views
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The Otsu Matsuri is a festival of Tenson Shrine in Otsu. The path to the shrine is packed with worshippers. 127 views
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Central Otsu lakefront is rocky most of the way, with no beaches.127 views
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Nightly water fountain show at Otsu Port. MAP127 views
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Inside Monjuro127 views
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Offer 50 yen to ring the bell.127 views
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Picture panels telling the stories of Saicho and other founders.127 views
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Soundscape garden in front of Amida-do Hall.127 views
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Inside Bishamon-do Hall is Bishamon.127 views
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Top of Keage Incline126 viewsThe boat would be loaded onto the trolley here, then taken down the incline. Or vice versa.
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Poetry126 views
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Starting line. The man says "Yoi" (Ready) then "Go."126 views「用意」、次いで「ゴー」
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Temporary boat landing126 views
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Ferris wheel from the Biwako Tower amusement park, now defunct. 琵琶湖タワー（廃墟）126 views
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Sleek rudder and steering cables126 views
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Carrying the boat.126 views
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Another room in the 世尊院 showed more embroidery, mainly of flowers. The exhibition here will change a few times during 2008.126 views
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Concrete stilts reinforce the wooden stilts.126 views
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JR Otsu Station, with AL Plaza shopping complex on the left. 大津駅126 views
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THe Flower Procession is held to celebrate the birth of the shrine's child god. Therefore, this event centers on the parent-child connection.126 views
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The Tendai Zasu Abbot proceeds to Nishi Hongu.126 views
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Sakamoto-Enryakuji Cable Car126 views
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Enryakuji has numerous monuments.126 views
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Inside Monjuro is an altar.126 views
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Monjuro Tower 126 views
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Honen and Shinran126 views
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Now I walked from Todo to the Saito temple complex.126 views
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Omido Hall 御影堂126 views
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A Tahoto pagoda has two stories, a square roof, and a round building. 多宝塔126 views
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126 views
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Ishiyama-dera's stone is a National Natural Monument.126 views
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Plaque about the Michigan.126 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Autumn Moon at Ishiyama from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. The temple on stilts and Moon-viewing Pavilion is visible.126 views
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View of Lake Biwa from Ukimido. The Biwako Ohashi Bridge can be seen in the distance.125 views
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Biwako Ohashi Bridge as seen from Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza in Katata. 琵琶湖大橋125 views
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Katata pier125 views
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On April 12, they raucously bring down portable shrines from Mt. Hachioji nearby in the evening. On April 13, they hold a series of ceremonies including this one called the Tea Offering Ceremony at 11 am. 献茶祭125 views
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Midway is this station called Horaioka.125 views
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Steps to Monjuro Gate which faces the Konpon Chudo.125 views
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125 views
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Amida-do Hall altar125 views
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Inside Amida-do Hall.125 views
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Ninai-do Hall consists of two halls connected by a corridor.125 views
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Monk with a nice car. 125 views
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The Hondo also has this Room of Genji.125 views
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Ishiyama-dera's stone is wollastonite (硅灰石) which looks gray or white when dry and black when wet. Tahoto pagoda can also be seen.125 views
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Entrance to Cafe de Genji, an open-air garden where you can sit and have tea.124 views
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There's also the 金龍社 shrine in a pond.124 views
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124 views
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Torch bearers arrive at the Yomiya-jo while running.124 views
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Steps to Kaidan-in temple124 views
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Kokuho-den is a museum of temple treasures. This is next to the parking lot. Admission charged, in addition to the Enryakuji admission fee.124 views
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Amida-do Hall124 views
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