 Most viewed - Omi-Hachiman 近江八幡市 |
We were also allowed to see the chapel in the school's main building here. The chapel was on the 5th floor. This building was completed in March 2007. 学園本館59 views
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Inside the municipal museum.59 views
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The arrow points the way to the next Vories building in Omi-Hachiman.59 views
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Torches near Himure Hachimangu Shrine's Romon Gate. This is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed. The ceremony for baby Ryosuke.59 views
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Fire monster rages hotly.59 views
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They light it from the top.59 views
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This is the second to the last torch to be burned. 59 views
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Flower arrangement using reeds.58 views
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A duo called Lake Reed.58 views
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Next was Shuyukan, a former sake warehouse (not Vories-designed) now serving as an exhibition space and restaurant. The exhibition featured photos of Vories buildings in the summer resort of Karuizawa, Nagano Pref. 酒游舘58 views
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Education Building called Kyoiku Kaikan. 教育会館58 views
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Built in 1913, this Yoshida Residence was designed by William Merrell Vories for Yoshida Etsuzo who was a former student and partner of Vories for the Omi Mission. This house is still occupied and not open to the public. 吉田邸58 views
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Near Hakuunbashi Bridge, you can see two of the giant torches to be lit for the Hachiman Matsuri fire festval later in the evening.58 views
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View from Hakuunbashi Bridge. 白雲橋58 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's koinobori carp streamers and weeping cherry tree.58 views
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Outdoor sculpture at Kawara Roof Tile Museum, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga58 views
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Another sakura spot is Hachiman Park next to Omi-Hachiman Pubic Library on the west end of the moat. 八幡公園58 views
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Another tradition is to have children drag a miniature torch around a fire. In the old days, many children would be running around this fire.58 views
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A few taiko processions arrive and marched around.58 views
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Then the whole thing catches fire quickly. I'm not sure if they used any kerosene, but I didn't smell any.58 views
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Fire monster58 views
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Now come near the shrine with more giant torches.58 views
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After a while, the torch falls to the ground. Of course, with ropes, they control which direction it falls. I should've brought marshmellows.58 views
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Hachiman Matsuri fire festival, Shiga Prefecture.58 views
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Watching this festival made me think how wonderful and miraculous this thing called fire is. We worship and need it, even though it can very destructive.58 views
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Misty Omi-Hachiman coast57 views
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This is Mr. Kikui, the inventor of the yoshibue.57 views
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Kikui-san 菊井 了57 views
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An NPO called Hitotsubu no Kai (一粒の会) has an office inside and they work to renovate the building.57 views
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About the Andrews Memorial Hall. Web site: http://www.vories.or.jp/fukushi_no_sato/andrews.html57 views
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Hachiman Church Pastor House57 views
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This bridge leads to Himure Hachimangu Shrine (to the left). This is the heart of Hachiman-bori moat.57 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's weeping cherry tree.57 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum in spring.57 views
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The torches are propped up with bamboo poles and ropes.57 views
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Smaller torches.57 views
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Another giant torch is set on fire. They use long bamboo poles mounted with small torches to light the giant torch. They first light the crown of the giant torch.57 views
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It's amazing that the small, flying embers don't start fires nearby.57 views
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Statue of Toyotomi Hidetsugu at Hachiman Park in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga.57 views
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Toyotomi Hidetsugu (豊臣 秀次 1568 – 1595) was a nephew and retainer of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi who lived during the Sengoku period of the 16th century.57 views
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The concert was held by the Japan Yoshibue Association (Nihon Yoshibue Kyokai 日本よし笛協会) formed in 2006. 56 views
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Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside any of the buildings, which is puzzling since photography is allowed in other Vories buildings open to the public in Shiga.56 views
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The former post office had a crystal glass doorknob on the postmaster office's door.56 views
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Bridge in Osugi-cho. 大杉町56 views
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Hakuunbashi Bridge and stone lantern. 白雲橋56 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum56 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum56 views
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's ground is covered with roof tiles, looking like cobblestones.56 views
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Formerly a primary school built in 1877, Haku'unkan is now a tourist info office, souvenir shop, and exhibition space (2nd floor). 白雲館56 views
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Other side and entrance to the Hyde Memorail Building. Inside were panel exhibitions related to Vories' medical and educational activities.55 views
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The Vories residence has three chimneys. Web site: http://vories.com/55 views
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Inside 1st floor of Haku'unkan. The building was beautifully restored in 1994.55 views
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Vories acquired the rights to sell Mentholatum products in 1920, and his Omi Sales Company sold the product in Japan as, "Menturm." It was a good source of income to finance his activities.54 views
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Hyde Memorial Building.54 views
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Omi Kyodaisha Gakuen is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed.54 views
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The current Andrews Memorial Hall building was reconstructed and moved 12 meters from the original location in 1935. Thus it is not the original building, but very similar.54 views
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2nd floor exhibition space of Haku'unkan. 54 views
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Yoshibue Junior Ensemble consisting of kids playing the reed flute. Eighteen yoshibue groups performed. Most of them welcome new members. I saw groups from Omi-Hachiman, Moriyama, Konan, Otsu, Yasu, and Kyoto.53 views
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Display of posters of past Vories exhibitions.53 views
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Near the school is this residence where Vories and his wife Makiko lived during the latter half of their lives. The house is normally not open to the public. Sometimes you can see inside the house if you make an appointment. ヴォーリズ記念館53 views
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About the former Vories residence. It is owned by the Omi Brotherhood Co. The house was originally built in 1931 as a dormitory for teachers at the kindergarten, but it was turned into a residence instead. A Japanese-style room was also added.53 views
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The Omi Brotherhood Corporate Group is involved in education, medicine and welfare, architectural design, and health-care products.53 views
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Miyagahama beach53 views
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Kyoiku-kan is attached to the Hyde Building. 教育会館52 views
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Owned by Omi Brotherhood Co., the Waterhouse house remained closed to the public until March 2023 when it was converted into a lodging facility. Up to seven people in the same family or group can lodge in this three-story Vories house. 52 viewsThe 1st floor has the kitchen, living and dining rooms and toilet. The 2nd floor has three bedrooms, meeting room, and bath/toilet. (The 3rd floor is closed.) Lots of windows make it bright and warm. Wi-fi, towels, toiletries, TV, and kitchen appliances provided.
At ¥132,000 per night to rent the entire house for up to 7 people, it's not cheap. Make reservations with the official website's contact form (in Japanese): https://waterhouse-kinenkan.com/
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Group from Kyoto called Kawasemi, named after the kingfisher bird.51 views
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Vories Memorial Chapel on the 5th floor of the Omi Brotherhood Schools main building. ヴォーリズ平和礼拝堂51 views
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Map of the tour route.51 views
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Held during the weekend in mid-March, the Sagicho Matsuri is a dramatic parade and clashing of 13 or 14 colorful Sagicho floats. On the first day at 1 pm, 14 Sagicho Festival floats gather at Himure Hachimangu Shrine near Hachiman-bori Canal.51 viewsThe festival has 13 handmade floats featuring the year's Chinese zodiac creature. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, so all the Sagicho floats have a dog. Short bus ride from Omi-Hachiman Station. These festival photos were taken on March 17–18, 2018.
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Playing the yoshibue reed flute from Lake Biwa.50 views
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Side view. This building served as the Hachiman YMCA until 1987. It was left unused and dilapidated for 20 years until Omi Brotherhood Co. renovated it in 2007 to mark the building's 100th anniversary.50 views
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Chomeiji is also part of the Lake Biwa Japan Heritage.50 views
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Name plate at the front gate of the Vories residence, called the Hitotsuyanagi Memorial House. It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Shiga. MAP49 views
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Matsuoka Residence. 村岡邸49 views
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The building is now used to care for the elderly and handicapped and for missionary activities. There is also a meeting room for rent. It is next to a church.49 views
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Hachiman Church Pastor House is not open to the public.49 views
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Hondo altar48 views
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About Ikeda-cho in English and Japanese.47 views
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Ema prayer tablet for Chomeiji45 views
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View of Lake Biwa45 views
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The Biwako Shuko no Uta song monument is engraved with the song's Verse 6 that mentions Chomeiji.45 views
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With the pagoda in the background, the song monument can be seen on the lower right.45 views
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Inside the bell tower. Admission is free, but a small donation is requested to ring the bell.45 views
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You have to go up the steps to ring the temple bell.45 views
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Temple bell.45 views
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町 44 views
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Bell ringer log and rope.43 views
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On the way to the main temple is this song monument for Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song).41 views
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Sanwakai children's float. 参和会41 views
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Shichikukai float. 紫竹会41 views
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Uwai-cho float vs. Dai-ikku. 魚屋町41 views
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They shout "Cho-yare!" or "Masse-masse!" It's related to food.「チョウヤレ」「マッセマッセ」40 views
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Shinmachi-dori float. 新町通り40 views
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Uwai-cho float takes a fall. 魚屋町40 views
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They run around the burning float.40 views
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The Suigo boat ride in waterways connected to Lake Biwa and Nishinoko is a major tourist attraction in Omi-Hachiman. 40 views
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Float base for the dog. Each float design has a design concept or story behind it.39 views
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Sanwakai float. 参和会39 views
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Jukku-kai float. 十区会39 views
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Jukku-kai float. 十区会39 views
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Some drinking and partying on the side.39 views
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Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町39 views
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Sanwakai float. 参和会39 views
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Cleanup crew.39 views
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Ikeda-machi float. 池田町39 views
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Cuttlefish slices and little silvery fish. Ikeda-machi float. 池田町39 views
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Dai-niku float 第二区39 views
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Sanwakai float. 参和会39 views
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March 18, 2018: On the festival's 2nd day (Sun.), the floats are paraded from 10:30 am and arrive at the shrine by 2 pm. 39 viewsAll the floats all gathered at the shrine again (a large parking lot) and held float battles (kenka). The floats paired up and rammed each other and pushed until the other float toppled.
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町39 views
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Shichikukai float at battle. 紫竹会39 views
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Dai-niku float's dog with no head. 第二区39 views
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Dai-ikku float. 第一区39 views
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Ikeda-machi float. 池田町39 views
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Shichikukai float. 紫竹会39 views
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Miyauchi-cho had almost finished their float. They just had to assemble the parts. The main piece is the dog of course.38 views
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Float support made of straw was built in the garage.38 views
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We visited another Sagicho float studio at Suwai-cho. 仲屋町38 views
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Suwai-cho float's dog almost done. The eyes still unfinished. 仲屋町38 views
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On the first day (Sat.), the floats are paraded along the streets as they arrive at the shrine and undergo judging for best design. Ishin-cho float. 為心町 38 views
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町38 views
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Omi-Hachiman's Sagicho Festival originated in neighboring Azuchi-cho town where Oda Nobunaga had his magnificent castle. Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町38 views
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When Oda Nobunaga died and Azuchi castle destroyed, people in Azuchi moved to Omi-Hachiman and restarted the festival here. Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町38 views
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Sanwakai float decoration was very elaborate. 参和会38 views
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Dai-ikku float. 第一区38 views
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Jukku-kai float. 十区会38 views
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Another festival highlight are the cosplayer float bearers. Long before cosplaying became a fad in Japan, the festival had costumers. 38 viewsAccording to legend, warlord Oda Nobunaga disguised himself lavishly when he joined in the festival. Modern people took that as a hint and started cosplaying in the festival decades ago.
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Suwai-cho float. 仲屋町38 views
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Shichikukai float. 紫竹会38 views
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Float design judge.38 views
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From 2 pm, the procession starts and the floats start to exit the shrine. 38 views
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In front of the torii and Hakuunkan. Uwai-cho float leaving the shrine. 魚屋町38 views
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Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町38 views
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Shichikukai float. 紫竹会38 views
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Shichikukai float. 紫竹会38 views
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Ikeda-machi float. 池田町38 views
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Miyauchi-cho float 宮内町38 views
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Dai-niku float 第二区38 views
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Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町38 views
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Sanwakai float losing strength. 参和会38 views
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Dai-niku float sold these hand towels for ¥500. 第二区38 views
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Dai-Juikku float's Tosa dog is a fighter. 第十一区38 views
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Cute doggie pouches. Suwai-cho. 仲屋町38 views
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Dai-Juikku float's Tosa dog. 第十一区 38 views
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Ikeda-machi float. 池田町38 views
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Uwai-cho float partying. 魚屋町38 views
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Jukku-kai float at the shrine. 十区会38 views
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Dai-ikku float. 第一区38 views
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Lots of straw on the ground, serves up lots of dust.38 views
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Shichikukai children's float. 紫竹会38 views
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Shichikukai children's float. 紫竹会38 views
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Dai-Juikku float in the shrine at night. 第十一区 38 views
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Honmachi float arrive at the shrine for the fiery festival climax.38 views
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The larger floats are burned from 8 pm. They burn 5 or 6 floats at a time until 10:30 pm. Miyauchi-cho float. 宮内町38 views
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Since they burn multiple floats at the same time, you can't photograph them all burning.38 views
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Line for the bus back to Omi-Hachiman Station.38 views
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Lots of reeds, essential for the lake's ecosystem. They cleanse the water among other things.38 views
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A week before the festival, we visited the studio of two of the Sagicho floats. This is one of them at Miyauchi-cho. 宮内町37 viewsEach float is named after the district that it represents. It could be one or more neighborhoods in the city. A volunteer group for each float takes 2 months to make the float at their studio.
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I was told that out of the 12 zodiac creatures, making the dog was the most difficult and making the dragon was the easiest. 37 viewsThe dog is difficult because it's the most familiar animal to humans, so people know exactly what a dog supposed to look like. People can get very critical if the dog doesn't look like what it supposed to look like. Details like the curvature of the legs, etc. So they refer to a thick photo book of all kinds of dogs to make sure everything looks real.
Making the dragon is easy because no one has seen a real dragon. So people don't know exactly what a dragon supposed to look like. It doesn't have be so exact like a dog.
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The dog fur is made of jute fibers (黄麻). Very realistic. They had only one person meticulously put on most of the dog's fur.37 viewsThey could've had a few people help, but then the fur would look uneven because each person would do it differently. But they still wanted to train the younger folks to do it, so the trainees were allowed to put fur on the less noticeable spots on the dog.
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I also asked what was the most difficult thing about making the float. He said, "deciding on the float's design." 37 viewsTheir committee members make their own designs with their computers and present them to the committee. Apparently, it takes a lot of haggling and time, but once the design is decided, the rest is pretty mechanical and easy.
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I asked the float's leader about the cost. I was told that they spent ¥200,000 for edible float materials and ¥800,000 for festival expenses even with free labor.37 viewsThey work on the float in the evenings after work or school. They solicit donations from neighborhood residents and sponsors.
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The float decorations are all made of edible materials especially grains (soybeans, black beans, adzuki beans, sesame seeds, etc.) and seafood (dried bonito, kelp, aoi-nori seaweed powder, cuttlefish, dried fish, etc.).37 views
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This is the base for the dog. All edible materials. Notice the flower's yellow stamen in the center.37 views
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The flower's stamen were made with these small, banana-shaped chocolate candy. As long as it is edible, they can use anything on the float, even modern junk food.37 viewsBanana-shaped chocolate candy for a flower's stamen, such great imagination. Year-round, they always look at edible things and imagine what it can be used for on a Sagicho float. Compared to the old days, they now have a lot more edible choices and colors to choose from to make the float decorations.
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This is one of the three children's floats which are smaller than the normal floats. Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町37 views
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Sanwakai children's float. 参和会37 views
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Float bearers spin around while shouting "Cho-yare" or "Masse masse!" Dai-niku float 第二区37 views
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Dai-niku float 第二区37 views
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In front of the torii gate, two floats join up.37 views
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Dai-ikku float's Tosa dog. 第一区37 views
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Dai-niku float 第二区37 views
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Jukku-kai float. 十区会37 views
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This one has a picture of the famous Azuchi Castle which is in Omi-Hachiman. The castle was built by warlord Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. This festival originated in Azuchi. Jukku-kai float. 十区会37 views
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町37 views
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All the floats gather at Himure Hachimangu Shrine. Sagicho Festival,37 views
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This is in front of the shrine where all the floats gathered and lined up. Judges examined the floats to determine the winning float designs.37 views
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Azuchi Castle on Jukku-kai float. 十区会37 views
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町37 views
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Shinmachi-dori float. 新町通り37 views
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Honmachi float 本町37 views
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Shichikukai children's float. 紫竹会37 views
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