 Most viewed - Otsu 大津市 |
Flower Procession. They walk slowly and deliberately with parents and relatives in tow. 花渡り式104 views
|
|
Flower Procession on Sando 花渡り式104 views
|
|
Some kids get tried and end up being carried.104 views
|
|
Shogenji temple where all the torch bearers will gather later. Shogenji is a Tendai Buddhist temple on the Sando road. 生源寺104 views
|
|
These guys can get pretty drunk as they haul the torches.104 views
|
|
All four groups have arrived and they stand around the mikoshi. There are more people behind the mikoshi as well.104 views
|
|
The Tendai Abbot leaving Nishi Hongu.104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's tea field, Japan's oldest.104 viewsDuring the latter half of November, Hiyoshi Taisha has 3,000 maple trees lit up at night 5:00 pm–8:30 pm. Even the green leaves look great against the dark sky. Info in Japanese:
http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/event/momiji/
|
|
Sacred Monkey cage on left and Sacred Horse on the right (dummy horse).104 views
|
|
104 views
|
|
The cafeteria is on the 2nd floor toward the stern. It can hold 112 kids at one time. The chairs are small and immovable, designed for 5th graders. But adults won't have problems sitting.104 views
|
|
Second site of the Otsu Palace at Nishikori is a National Historic Site called Omi-Otsu-no-Miya Nishikori Iseki.104 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 1. Kyoto was thereby revitalized with electric power and a stable water supply. A second, almost parallel canal for drinking water was also constructed in 1912. 103 views
|
|
Arriving Omi-Maiko on Day 1. Rowing around the lake has been an annual tradition.103 views
|
|
Keihan Zeze Station 京阪電鉄膳所駅103 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
Karakuri dolls from the Kakkyo-yama float.103 views
|
|
The procession starts at 9 am and lasts until 5:30 pm. The procession route is different during the morning and afternoon. 103 views
|
|
The ninth float is Shakkyo-zan. 石橋山／湊町103 views
|
|
At 1 pm on the Sando main road leading to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the Flower Procession (Hana-watari-shiki) is held with little kids dressed up as nobility. 103 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
Young ceremony assistants.103 views
|
|
Shrine parishioners carry giant torches around the streets of Sakamoto the neighborhood of Hiyoshi Taisha.103 views
|
|
On the left is the Haiden Hall with the mikoshi which were brought there the night before from the Yomiya-jo. Nishi Hongu's Honden (main hall) is on the right. 例祭103 views
|
|
The entrance pathway has picture panels explaining about the famous founders of Japanese Buddhist sects.103 views
|
|
Sanno Torii has a unique shape. The triangular gable on top represents the integration of Buddhism's Womb Realm and Diamond Realm with Shinto. 山王鳥居103 views
|
|
Nishi Hongu Haiden Hall103 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
103 views
|
|
Otsu Port for Michigan. These photos were taken in Aug. 2010 and earlier years. You can see how the boat's trimmings look different.103 views
|
|
Entertainment stage on 3rd floor. The entertainers always seem to be from Australia. Instead of a trio, I think they now got only one entertainer.103 views
|
|
Escorted by taiko drummers, the main mikoshi arrives at the east end of Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge.103 views
|
|
The karakuri is based on the Noh play Sessho-seki.103 views
|
|
Small motorboat which accompanies the three rowing boats. I was aboard this motorboat and took pictures.102 views
|
|
Otsu Prince Hotel in the distance.102 views
|
|
The tall building is Otsu Prince Hotel.102 views
|
|
102 views
|
|
The float is followed by a cart loaded with chimaki.102 views
|
|
The fourth float is Ryumon Taki-yama. 龍門滝山／太間町102 views
|
|
102 views
|
|
The twelveth float was Komeikisui-zan, originally built in 1694. 孔明祈水山／中堀町102 views
|
|
Flower Procession draws large crowds.102 views
|
|
The next ceremony is the Hitsuji Offering Ceremony conducted by parishioners from Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine in Kyoto. Starting at 3 pm on April 13, this ceremony has been conducted for many centuries since the Heian Period. 未の御供献納祭102 views
|
|
102 views
|
|
The Tendai Zasu Abbot is escorted to the Honden.102 views
|
|
More Tendai priests from Enryakuji temple proceed to Nishi Hongu. Buddhist priests do not wear the flappy cap like Shinto priests.102 views
|
|
The Shinto priests proceed to Nishi Hongu.102 views
|
|
The Tendai Abbot offers the sacred branch.102 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers on Sando road make their way to the shrine.102 views
|
|
102 views
|
|
102 views
|
|
In fall102 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera in fall102 views
|
|
Fall leaves on a rock formation.102 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera's hidden, giant Buddha (Kannon) is visible through the altar. 102 views
|
|
Kyoto Univ. in dark blue T-shirts101 views
|
|
The last boat arrives.101 views
|
|
Lady Murasaki Shikibu's diary.101 views
|
|
Built in 1905, gate of Nagara Jinja Shrine.101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
Always first in the Otsu Matsuri procession is the Saigyo Sakura Tanuki-yama float. It has cherry blossoms in the front. 西行桜狸山101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
The karakuri shows Ebisu (God of Business Prosperity) going fishing for sea bream (an auspicious fish).101 views
|
|
After the Tea Offering Ceremony, they march back.101 views
|
|
Monkey carvings on a mikoshi. The monkey is the messenger of the mountain god.101 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu (West) Shrine. This building is a National Treasure. 西本宮101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
Now at the Yomiya-jo where the four mikoshi are placed. The torch bearers run from the Sando road to Yomiya-jo. This is at around 9 pm.101 views
|
|
101 views
|
|
Ceremony in front of a shishi lion head.101 views
|
|
Then the mikoshi sailed to Wakamiya Port. 船渡御101 views
|
|
The gate gives a hint of what's to come.101 views
|
|
Near the Niomon Gate is the Shaka-do Hall (also called Jiki-do 食堂) which worships the Shaka Nyorai statue. Dating from the early Muromachi Period, an Important Cultural Property. Photography is not allowed inside.101 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Otsu-juku (70th post town on the Nakasendo) from his Kisokaido series. Hatcho-dori street and Lake Biwa in the distance.101 views
|
|
National Historic Site of Omi-Otsu Palace building in Nishikori. Thirteen large pillar holes of a long building was first discovered here in 1974. Otsu was Japan's capital for only 5 years from 667. 近江大津宮101 views
|
|
Normally, you cannot see this Buddha through the altar since the Buddha is housed behind closed doors. We were allowed to walk behind the altar to see the giant Buddha in its shelter with the doors open. 101 viewsA large, impressive Buddha. No photos were allowed.
|
|
Karahashi Bridge as the starting point for alumni races100 views
|
|
Besides the Basho's gravestone, the temple has a myriad of Haiku stone monuments.100 views
|
|
Inside Issaikyo-zo Hall is an octagonal, rotating Rinzo rack where the scriptures are stored.100 views
|
|
Plastic mats are used to reserve spaces for groups. They would place these rocks, etc., to secure the mats. Some ill-mannered people would not bother to discard the sheets and rocks after the fireworks were over.100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
On this street corner was where Russian Crown Prince Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (later Tsar Nicholas II) was attacked by a policeman guard (Tsuda Sanzo) on May 11, 1891.100 views
|
|
Ogoto Station before it changed its name to Ogoto Onsen Station.100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
Flower Procession, Sanno-sai Festival. There are two escorts wearing ceremonial aprons and they drag a wand over the road. 100 views
|
|
The first group arrive at Yomiya-jo and go to their mikoshi.100 views
|
|
Two more groups arrive while running.100 views
|
|
It was raining this day on April 14, 2009. This is the Romon Gate to Nishi Hongu.100 views
|
|
After the Reisai Ceremony, the Tendai Abbot leaves Nishi Hongu through the Romon Gate.100 views
|
|
Jizo 早尾地蔵尊100 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Sanno Torii rear view.100 views
|
|
100 views
|
|
Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) marker99 views
|
|
Naihaiden Hall99 views
|
|
Biwako Ohashi Bridge 琵琶湖大橋99 views
|
|
Making repairs. The boats are decades old.99 views
|
|
Legend of Seta Karahashi Bridge with Fujiwara Hidesato who killed the giant centipede on Mt. Mikami.99 views
|
|
The seventh float is Seio Bo-zan. 西王母山／丸屋町99 views
|
|
It's a huge bell. After hearing the sound of the bell on Mt. Hiei, Benkei was disgusted with how it sounded and threw the bell back down the mountain.99 views
|
|
Spectators come to see their classmates in the procession.99 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
Little kids in ceremonial dress for this fesival are called chigo. 稚児99 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
The offerings are given to the four mikoshi at the Yomiya-jo storehouse.99 views
|
|
There they go, racing to Nishi Hongu Shrine. And that's it for April 13.99 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
The mikoshi pass under the Sanno torii.99 views
|
|
JR Hiezan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line accessible from Kyoto and Yamashina Stations.99 views
|
|
Monkey sculpture on all four corners of the Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu.99 views
|
|
Shirayama-gu Shrine Honden Hall. Important Cultural Property built in 1598. 白山宮 本殿99 views
|
|
99 views
|
|
Hauling the main mikoshi onto the boat.99 views
|
|
By 6 pm, all the boats left and we would have to wait 2 hours to see the fireworks when they returned. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand the heat and left. Perhaps I'll see the fireworks someday.99 views
|
|
Oars and boats98 views
|
|
98 views
|
|
JR Otsu Station98 views
|
|
Bunka Zone garden, a nice place for a nap.98 views10 min. by bus from Seta Station on the JR Biwako or Tokaido Line (the kaisoku express train does not stop at Seta Station). Go to bus stop 1 and get on the bus for Shiga Idai (Shiga Medical Univ.). Get off at Bunka Zone-mae.
|
|
The four mikoshi at the Yomiya-jo storehouse.98 views
|
|
98 views
|
|
Samurai warriors in the Flower Procession.98 views
|
|
98 views
|
|
The torch procession gather at Shogenji temple at 7 pm on April 13.98 views
|
|
The Tendai Abbot receives the sacred branch to be offered at Nishi Hongu.98 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers run to the shrine.98 views
|
|
98 views
|
|
Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji (Tenchi 天智天皇) who moved the capital from Asuka, Nara to Otsu in 667 at the location of this shrine. Otsu was therefore once the capital of Japan. 98 views
|
|
Ebisu (god of fishermen) fishing for sea bream.98 views
|
|
During China's Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, chancellor of the state of Shu Han, fought Cao Cao, the chancellor of the state of Wei.98 viewsZhuge Liang looked at flowing water and prayed to the water god to wash away the enemy's huge army. He thereby emerged victorious.
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. This is the second, almost parallel canal constructed in 1912.97 views
|
|
The canal in Kyoto near Yamashina.97 views
|
|
Body tossing97 views
|
|
Mixing with sailboats.97 views
|
|
Seta Karahashi Bridge on Seta River. 瀬田唐橋97 views
|
|
Okinado Hall with a statue of Basho. 翁堂97 views
|
|
Kondo Main Hall, a National Treasure and Miidera's largest building. However, it was undergoing roof repairs in June 2008. Completed in fall 2008. 金堂97 views
|
|
The crowd stretches very far down the shore.97 views
|
|
Assistants stand on the steps of the Nishi Hongu.97 views
|
|
Sacred Horse (dummy) on a small truck proceeds around the shrine at 1 pm. I wonder how they did this in the old days. 御浦神事97 views
|
|
|
Mikoshi on trucks to transport them to the boat dock.97 views
|
|
Usa-gu Shrine Honden 宇佐宮 本殿97 views
|
|
Unlike the other shrines, you can actually go inside this shrine hall.97 views
|
|
Michigan paddlewheel.97 views
|
|
Water clock (clepsydra). Emperor Tenchi made Japan's first clock which was a water clock. Hence, the shrine is associated with clocks.97 views
|
|
The karakuri shows saké seller Takafu pouring saké for Shojo, an alcohol-loving, legendary sea creature with a red face and red hair. Shojo then drinks the saké.97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
Keage Incline boat trolley96 viewsThe Keage Incline was a dry slope which connected the upper part of the canal with the lower part of the canal. Since the canal was disconnected by this dry slope, boat trolleys on rails ferried boats between the upper and lower sections of the canal. It was in operation until 1948.
|
|
Celebrate by jumping in the water96 views
|
|
Fireworks platform for the Biwako Fireworks that night.96 views
|
|
Lots of water drained out when the boat was turned over.96 views
|
|
Lake Biwa Canal on vintage postcard. Notice the boats in the canal. Boat rides were initially offered.96 views
|
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
The Hitsuji offerings include arrows, bells, brushes, dolls, flowers, and sweets. Priests give prayers as they deliver the offerings.96 views
|
|
All the torch groups head for the temple.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu Shrine is an Important Cultural Property. 楼門96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
About Kojo-in Kyakuden. It also has a Japanese garden not open to the public. 光浄院客殿96 views
|
|
A female wearing a crane crown and a male with a turtle crown start dancing in front of the Chinese emperor to celebrate his longevity. 96 views
|
|
The karakuri shows Empress Jingu using her bow to write kanji characters on a large rock.96 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 295 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
Manohama is where they change boat crews. Half of the people ride on bicycles on shore, while the other half row on 3 boats.95 views
|
|
Rowing past the Ukimido Floating Temple in Katata. 堅田 浮御堂（近江八景）95 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera Tahoto pagoda95 views
|
|
The festival starts at 5 pm with food stalls and a variety of entertainment. The stage is in the middle and the ice sculptures in the foreground. Food stalls ring the grounds.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
Festival participants make their way to the shrine.95 views
|
|
Nishi Hongu Haiden Hall has the mikoshi portable shrines.95 views
|
|
After the sakaki branch ceremony, at 1:30 pm they held the Haiden Departure Ceremony at the Haiden where seven mikoshi were placed. 拝殿出し神事95 views
|
|
Returning the large sakaki branch from Tenson Shrine. 大榊還御95 views
|
|
神輿神幸95 views
|
|
At 2:30 pm, they started carrying the mikoshi.95 views
|
|
Statue of Priest Shinsei ( 真盛) as a boy. Founder of Tendai Shinsei Sect to which Saikyoji belongs.95 views
|
|
In the middle is the Haiden for Higashi Hongu.95 views
|
|
Omi Jingu is noted for competitive karuta card games. The Japanese national championship tournament of competitive karuta is held in January at Omi Jingu (since the mid-1950s). 95 views
|
|
Modeled after Tenson Shrine, the karakuri puppets reenact the shrine's yudate Shinto ritual. 95 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 294 views
|
|
A faulty rudder runs them aground94 views
|
|
Dark Blue Blades, symbol of the Kyoto Univ. rowing club.94 views
|
|
Waving the signal flag at a checkpoint to staff on shore.94 views
|
|
Lots of putty line the seams.94 views
|
|
Torii on shore (Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine) near Sakamoto. 鳥居94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
Afterward, they move to Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu Shrine.94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
Ceremony attendees.94 views
|
|
They then carried the mikoshi from the Haiden to the Sando road.94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
It was done with great fanfare.94 views
|
|
Carrying the mikoshi through Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu.94 views
|
|
Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line. This station is closer to Sakamoto than the JR Hiezan-Sakamoto Station.94 views
|
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
Boat pier north of the east end of Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge. This is where the crowd was concentrated. People gave a few speeches before the boats left.94 views
|
|
The winner of the men's division is called Meijin and the winner of the women's division is called Queen. The popular manga/anime Chihayafuru has brought international attention to karuta.94 views
|
|
Kakkyo digging a hole with a hoe and finding a pot of gold while his wife holds their son to be buried.94 views
|
|
Toward Omi Ohashi Bridge. 近江大橋93 views
|
|
Zeze Castle ruins 膳所城跡93 views
|
|
Taking out the water.93 views
|
|
Removing weeds caught on the oars.93 views
|
|
JR train tracks (Biwako/Tokaido Line)93 views
|
|
Small museum93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
The SAKURA team placed 2nd in the Family category. ファミリーの部 2位 SAKURA93 views
|
|
I sat here.93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
Mikoshi ornaments were then installed on the mikoshi.93 views
|
|
Four of the mikoshi were to be carried by humans. 93 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers are taken by bus to the boat dock at 七本柳の浜 which was too far away for me to reach in time.93 views
|
|
The mikoshi return to land at Wakamiya Port.93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
|
Inside the Keihan Line train with Chihayafuru.93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
Keihan Ishiyama-dera Station93 views
|
|
Mt. Hiei 比叡山92 views
|
|
Rowing off central Otsu. 大津92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Vintage postcard view of the same scene in Miidera. Otsu was much less developed.92 views
|
|
Cherry blossoms and three-story pagoda at night.92 views
|
|
Stage for entertainment and ceremonies. In 2006, the festival included a Balinese dancer, an Okinawan group, and ice sculpture contest.92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
One after another, they carried out the seven mikoshi.92 views
|
|
Heading down Sando road.92 views
|
|
Three of the mikoshi were put on trucks.92 views
|
|
| 2449 files on 10 page(s) |
 |
|
5 | |
|
|
