Every three years, the giant kite flown every May is replaced by a new kite bearing a new design. The new kite was made during July-Aug. 2007, taking about 30 days. The kite is made by volunteers from the public under the instruction of the Yokaichi Giant Kite Preservation Society. For the first time, I helped make this giant kite which was first flown successsfully on May 25, 2008 at the annual kite festival. More about Higashi-Omi here.

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May 27, 2007 was another bad day for giant kite flying in Yokaichi, as the giant kite crashes head-first into a bamboo grove on its first and last flight. Also see my YouTube video here.

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Pictures (and one movie) of Higashi-Omi's (formerly Yokaichi) Giant Kite Festival held annually on the fourth Sunday of May. These pictures were taken on May 23, 2004. Also see the video at YouTube.

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The Yokaichi Giant Kite Museum exhibits the city's giant kite used previously, as well as many different kites from all over Japan and the world.

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Located in Higashi-Omi and established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, this is Shiga Prefecture's oldest temple and one of Japan's oldest. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect. Being the southern-most temple in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio, visit it after Eigenji or Kongorinji Temple. The hillside garden gives a good view of Lake Biwa. The main temple hall worships an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi. Admission 500 yen.

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Located in Higashi-Omi and established in 1361, Eigenji is a temple of the Zen Rinzai Buddhist Sect (Eigenji School) and well-known for fall colors with 3,000 maple trees. Although not part of the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio (all Tendai Buddhist temples), most visitors also visit Eigenji together with the Koto Sanzan temples. Accessible by bus taking 30-40 min. from Yokaichi Station on the Omi Railway Line or from Hyakusaiji. Admission 500 yen.

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Gokasho is famous for the grand, old homes of wealthy Omi merchants. Three of them are conveniently clustered together for us to see. They are the former residences of Tonomura Uhee (外村 宇兵衛), Tonomura Shigeru (外村 繁), and Nakae Jungoro (中江 準五郎). In Feb. 2005, Gokasho became part of the newly established Higashi-Omi city.

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From the Ohmi Railways' Gokasho Station, you can walk to the Fujii Hikoshiro House (藤井 彦四郎邸), which is also a history museum, and to the modern Ohmi Merchant Museum (近江商人博物館). You can buy a set of tickets to all four Omi merchant homes and the museum which cheaper than buying a ticket at each place.

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Tarobo-gu is a shrine complex on a small mountain, featuring grand views of Yokaichi and a pair of Wedded Rocks. It is 1.1 km from Tarobogu-mae Station on the Ohmi Railway Line. The shrine's real name is Aga Jinja 阿賀神社. Thanks to Masahiro Beniya for driving me to this must-visit place.

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On Jan. 1, 2006, Notogawa town merged with Higashi-Omi. The city for the first time can thereby claim a shore of Lake Biwa. It is no longer landlocked. Notogawa is famous for its giant water wheel.

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Pictures of Yokaichi Station (Ohmi Railways) and other sights in Higashi Omi. More about Higashi-Omi here.

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