 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 1982.151 views
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Inside Daikokudo Hall151 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 1941.150 views
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About the No. 4 High School (Yonko) cherry blossoms planted in 1977. 四高桜150 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.149 views
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149 views
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Vintage postcard of Ukimido floating temple before 1937 when the building was rebuilt. Flimsy stilts in comparison.149 views
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Map of Yokawa149 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.149 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. The canal is covered. The water supply for Kyoto and Osaka.148 views
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Entrance and road to the rowing clubhouse148 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.148 views
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Cable car148 views
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Miidera cherry blossoms at night.147 views
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147 views
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Moss on roof147 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.147 views
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The Shamusho Shrine office I (社務所I) serves as the Karuta Matsuri tournament venue.146 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.146 views
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Inserting the oars into the outriggers.146 views
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146 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. 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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Miidera's cherry blossoms are also lit up at night. (See photos at bottom.)146 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.145 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. 145 views
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)145 views
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Used New Year's decorations144 views
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Each boat has four rowers and cox who steers the rudder.144 views
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These photos were taken in both April during cherry blossoms season and in summer.144 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144 views
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Pine tree and Lake Biwa.143 views
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Near miss?143 views
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Manpai-do Hall143 views
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Seta Karahashi Bridge crossing Seta River is a historically famous bridge.142 views
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Altar facing the lake, with some of the 1,000 Amida Buddha figures.142 views
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This float (called Seio Bo-zan) is inside the Maruya-cho shopping arcade. 丸屋町142 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142 views
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142 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. T142 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.142 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.142 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats 142 views
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View of Seta River race course from Karahashi Bridge141 views
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Basho Matsuo's grave at Gichuji temple, Otsu. 芭蕉の墓141 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141 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats at Chuo-dori141 views
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Built in 1940, Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji who moved the capital to Otsu in 667 at the location of this shrine. Otsu was therefore once the capital of Japan. MAP140 views
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Club's boat dock. This narrow canal leads to Lake Biwa.140 views
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Entrance gate to Genji Millennium exhibitions. Admission 1000 yen to see both the exhibitions and temple.140 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140 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.140 views
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Karuta Festival poster139 views
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Michigan paddlewheel boat. ミシガン139 views
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Kondo Hall139 views
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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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Shoro bell tower 鐘楼139 views
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Zeze Castle's main path to the lake shore is lined with cherry trees.139 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139 views
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Rowing seat with moving seat on rails, fixed shoes, and outrigger for the oar.138 views
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Lit lanterns and lit float.138 views
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Right across the clubhouse is the Annex boat house.137 views
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Bridge from shore137 views
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Model of Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji.137 views
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Way to Kompon Chudo Hall.137 views
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Konpon Chudo Hall has corridors.137 views
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Map of Ishiyama-dera137 views
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View from the bridge during cherry blossom season, looking toward the Kondo Hall.137 views
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Cheering/coaching from bicycle136 views
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Continuing on the Yume Kairo path.136 views
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明王院136 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136 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.136 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.136 viewsThis one is from the Ryumon Taki-yama float.
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Sesshoseki float at Otsu Matsuri.136 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136 views
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Entrance to Enryakuji's Todo complex. Admission charged.136 views
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About Kompon Chudo (in English, Hangul, and Chinese). Enryakuji has multi-lingual signs explaining the important buildings.136 views
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136 views
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Statue of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.136 views
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Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂136 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.136 views
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Cheering section135 views
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Genji Monogatari folding screen replica.135 views
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Altar facing the lake.135 views
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Statue of Akechi Mitsuhide at Sakamoto Castle site.135 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.135 views
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Inside Manpai-do Hall135 views
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Daikokudo Hall135 views
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Where you take off your shoes to enter Konpon Chudo Hall.135 views
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Daikodo Hall 大講堂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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Go up the stone steps and pass by a Shinto shrine. 135 views
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135 views
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Inside Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂135 views
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Everyone enjoyed the rowing trip. The motorboat on Lake Biwa was fun and I got a lotta good shots.134 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.134 views
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Readily identifiable with its vermillion wheels.134 views
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134 views
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Cable car leaving Sakamoto.134 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.134 views
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134 views
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San-mon Gate Deva King (right side).134 views
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Kyoto Univ. comes in 3rd place133 views
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We now enter Lake Biwa.133 views
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Walk further down the Yume Kairo path and see the gate to another garden called 拾翠園.133 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.133 views
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Inside 世尊院. When I was there, beautiful embroidery showing scenes from the Tale of Genji was displayed.133 views
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Concrete stilts. Compare this with the next postcard image.133 views
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World Heritage Site plaque133 views
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Another nice building to photograph is this Hokke Soji-in Toto pagoda.133 views
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Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall altar. 本堂133 views
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Michigan paddlewheel boat leaving Otsu Port, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.133 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, 2013.133 viewsI believe this is Shiga's only authentic yabusame.
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Mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間132 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.132 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.132 views
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Impressive San-mon Gate, also called Todaimon. The defacto front gate of the temple. 東大門 MAP132 views
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Boat landing131 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.131 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.131 views
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View from the balcony.131 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131 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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Daytime view131 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.131 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.131 views
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Approaching Otsu Prince Hotel, major landmark visible from afar.131 views
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131 views
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Sanno-in temple in Saito temple complex of Enryakuji.131 views
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About Ninai-do.131 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.130 views
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130 views
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Lady Murasaki on a postcard.130 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130 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. 130 views*Note that this event is no longer held annually.
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No. 1 Tunnel entrance. 129 views
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Yamashina129 views
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Closeup of embroidery.129 views
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密蔵院.129 views
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Daikodo Hall129 views
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Photo of the altar inside through a narrow slit.129 views
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Cross a short bridge to Sanno-in temple.129 views
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Tahoto pagoda, Ishiyama-dera129 views
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Cheering/coaching on foot128 views
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128 views
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Room of Murasaki Shikibu and Genji. 紫式部源氏の間128 views
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Garden Museum Hiei as seen from the lookout deck128 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.128 views
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128 views
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View from cable car.128 views
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Monks128 views
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Roof corner of Konpon Chudo Hall, a National Treasure.128 views
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Inside the pagoda.128 views
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Inside Yokawa Chudo Hall128 views
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Ishiyama-dera Hondo Hall, a National Treasure.128 views
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Infirmary for anyone feeling sick. 保健室128 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Bell at Miidera temple from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.128 views
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Karasaki Shrine127 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.127 views
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127 views
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.127 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.127 views
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If you go by bus, this is the entrance to Enryakuji from the parking lot.127 views
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Monjuro altar with Manjusri bodhisattva (Monju bosatsu).127 views
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It was some distance to walk, but all downhill.127 views
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Ishiyama-dera is a temple complex of numerous buildings. This is the Kannon-do Hall.127 views
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127 views
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The Sando path also has cherry trees in April. Late April brings azaleas.127 views
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127 views
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Sun dial. Another one in the background as well. Hidokei I (日時計1: Sundial I)126 views
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Carrying the boat.126 views
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Balcony looking toward Lake Biwa126 views
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Altar facing the shore126 views
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Central Otsu lakefront is rocky most of the way, with no beaches.126 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126 views
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126 views
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Offer 50 yen to ring the bell.126 views
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Picture panels telling the stories of Saicho and other founders.126 views
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Soundscape garden in front of Amida-do Hall.126 views
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Cherry trees also greet you at the temple.126 views
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126 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126 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Glow at Seta from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.126 views
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126 views
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Bottom of Keage Incline in Kyoto125 views
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Poetry125 views
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The green boat. 近江舞子上陸125 views
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Ferris wheel from the Biwako Tower amusement park, now defunct. 琵琶湖タワー（廃墟）125 views
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Sleek rudder and steering cables125 views
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Souvenir shop and rest space.125 views
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Nightly water fountain show at Otsu Port. MAP125 views
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Sakamoto-Enryakuji Cable Car125 views
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Inside Monjuro125 views
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Monjuro Tower 125 views
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Honen and Shinran125 views
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Daikodo Hall125 views
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Amida-do Hall altar125 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.125 views
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125 views
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Top of Keage Incline124 viewsThe boat would be loaded onto the trolley here, then taken down the incline. Or vice versa.
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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124 views
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Inside 淳浄館. A collection of hanging scrolls written with waka love poems from Genji Monogatari. Free admission.124 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 2008.124 views
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Concrete stilts reinforce the wooden stilts.124 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.124 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.124 views
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JR Otsu Station, with AL Plaza shopping complex on the left. 大津駅124 views
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The Tendai Zasu Abbot proceeds to Nishi Hongu.124 views
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Enryakuji has numerous monuments.124 views
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Inside Monjuro is an altar.124 views
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Ninai-do Hall consists of two halls connected by a corridor.124 views
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Inside Yokawa Chudo Hall are numerous little Buddha statues.124 views
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Plaque about the Michigan.124 views
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Starting line. The man says "Yoi" (Ready) then "Go."123 views「用意」、次いで「ゴー」
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Temporary boat landing123 views
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The boats are wooden, and a few decades old.123 views
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Balcony facing the lake.123 views
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View of Lake Biwa from Ukimido. The Biwako Ohashi Bridge can be seen in the distance.123 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123 views
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Biwako Ohashi Bridge as seen from Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza in Katata. 琵琶湖大橋123 views
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During Yoimiya at night, each float had musicians performing.123 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.123 views
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Midway is this station called Horaioka.123 views
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Steps to Monjuro Gate which faces the Konpon Chudo.123 views
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About Daikodo Hall.123 views
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How the pagoda was reconstructed.123 views
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Inside Amida-do Hall.123 views
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123 views
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Altar inside Yokawa Chudo Hall123 views
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Monk with a nice car. 123 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123 views
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Inside Bishamon-do Hall is Bishamon.123 views
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The Hondo also has this Room of Genji.123 views
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Entrance to Cafe de Genji, an open-air garden where you can sit and have tea.122 views
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Central Otsu lakefront122 views
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122 views
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122 views
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Miyazawa Kenji poem monument122 views
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122 views
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122 views
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Steps to Kaidan-in temple122 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.122 views
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About Kaidan-in temple122 views
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Amida-do Hall122 views
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Now I walked from Todo to the Saito temple complex.122 views
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Jodo-in temple122 views
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Omido Hall 御影堂122 views
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Inside Rennyo-do Hall.122 views
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