 Most viewed - Otsu 大津市 |
Painting of a scene from Tale of Genji on square paper.97 views
|
|
The tall building is Otsu Prince Hotel.97 views
|
|
The route goes through central Otsu (walkable from Otsu Station.) A map of the route is available at the info counter in Otsu Station.97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
Side view of Genji-yama.97 views
|
|
Lady Murasaki write Tale of Genji as these little figurines circle around her.97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
Monkey carvings on a mikoshi. The monkey is the messenger of the mountain god.97 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. 97 views
|
|
97 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97 views
|
|
Young ceremony assistants.97 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.97 views
|
|
Two more groups arrive while running.97 views
|
|
More Tendai priests from Enryakuji temple proceed to Nishi Hongu. Buddhist priests do not wear the flappy cap like Shinto priests.97 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97 views
|
|
The Tendai Abbot offers the sacred branch.97 views
|
|
Ceremony in front of a shishi lion head.97 views
|
|
97 views
|
|
Plum tree97 views
|
|
Ema votive tablets on which you write your prayers and wishes.97 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. This is the second, almost parallel canal constructed in 1912.96 views
|
|
Body tossing96 views
|
|
Inside the house was the tanuki mask worn by Jihei.96 views
|
|
Hey, throw one here!! The thirteen floats throw tens of thousands of these chimaki during the procession. It makes this festival unusual. Most other float festivals don't do it.96 views
|
|
After the lunch break, the floats geared up to move on. This is the Genji-yama float with banners declaring the Millennium anniversary of Tale of Genji.96 views
|
|
The Jingu Kogo-yama float has vermillion-painted wheels. It was also the last float in this year's procession.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
A peach splits opens and out comes a peach boy. The children's story Momotaro is based on this.96 views
|
|
96 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.96 views
|
|
After the Tea Offering Ceremony, they march back.96 views
|
|
Spectators come to see their classmates in the procession.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu (West) Shrine. This building is a National Treasure. 西本宮96 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers on Sando road make their way to the shrine.96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
96 views
|
|
The gate gives a hint of what's to come.96 views
|
|
96 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.96 views
|
|
Keage Incline boat trolley95 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.
|
|
The last boat arrives.95 views
|
|
Inside Issaikyo-zo Hall is an octagonal, rotating Rinzo rack where the scriptures are stored.95 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.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
Karakuri dolls from the Kakkyo-yama float.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
The float is followed by a cart loaded with chimaki.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
The ninth float is Shakkyo-zan. 石橋山／湊町95 views
|
|
95 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, 1891.95 views
|
|
Ogoto Station before it changed its name to Ogoto Onsen Station.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
The four mikoshi at the Yomiya-jo storehouse.95 views
|
|
Flower Procession, Sanno-sai Festival. There are two escorts wearing ceremonial aprons and they drag a wand over the road. 95 views
|
|
Little kids in ceremonial dress for this fesival are called chigo. 稚児95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
The offerings are given to the four mikoshi at the Yomiya-jo storehouse.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
The torch procession gather at Shogenji temple at 7 pm on April 13.95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
95 views
|
|
Then the mikoshi sailed to Wakamiya Port. 船渡御95 views
|
|
JR Hiezan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line accessible from Kyoto and Yamashina Stations.95 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Sanno Torii rear view.95 views
|
|
Hauling the main mikoshi onto the boat.95 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.95 views
|
|
Naihaiden Hall94 views
|
|
Otsu Prince Hotel in the distance.94 views
|
|
Making repairs. The boats are decades old.94 views
|
|
Besides the Basho's gravestone, the temple has a myriad of Haiku stone monuments.94 views
|
|
Legend of Seta Karahashi Bridge with Fujiwara Hidesato who killed the giant centipede on Mt. Mikami.94 views
|
|
The crowd stretches very far down the shore.94 views
|
|
The procession starts at 9 am and lasts until 5:30 pm. The procession route is different during the morning and afternoon. 94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 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94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
The twelveth float was Komeikisui-zan, originally built in 1694. 孔明祈水山／中堀町94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
The first group arrive at Yomiya-jo and go to their mikoshi.94 views
|
|
There they go, racing to Nishi Hongu Shrine. And that's it for April 13.94 views
|
|
It was raining this day on April 14, 2009. This is the Romon Gate to Nishi Hongu.94 views
|
|
After the Reisai Ceremony, the Tendai Abbot leaves Nishi Hongu through the Romon Gate.94 views
|
|
Mikoshi on trucks to transport them to the boat dock.94 views
|
|
Jizo 早尾地蔵尊94 views
|
|
Monkey sculpture on all four corners of the Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu.94 views
|
|
94 views
|
|
About Kojo-in Kyakuden. It also has a Japanese garden not open to the public. 光浄院客殿94 views
|
|
Seiobo is the Chinese goddess Xi Wangmu living on the mythological Kunlun Mountain. She danced for Emperor Wu of Han who desired longevity. She gave him a longevity peach.94 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 293 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
Biwako Ohashi Bridge 琵琶湖大橋93 views
|
|
This Gekkyuden-zan float had instruments (bells, drums) which anybody could try and play. 93 views
|
|
A small parade comes thrpugh.93 views
|
|
Toward the end of the route is an even narrower road. This is where I photographed and shot videos of all the floats and all the karakuri performances.93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
93 views
|
|
Samurai warriors in the Flower Procession.93 views
|
|
All the torch groups head for the temple.93 views
|
|
The Tendai Abbot receives the sacred branch to be offered at Nishi Hongu.93 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers run to the shrine.93 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93 views
|
|
Returning the large sakaki branch from Tenson Shrine. 大榊還御93 views
|
|
|
The mikoshi pass under the Sanno torii.93 views
|
|
93 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). 93 views
|
|
The karakuri is based on the Noh play Sessho-seki.93 views
|
|
Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) marker92 views
|
|
Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 292 views
|
|
Celebrate by jumping in the water92 views
|
|
Mixing with sailboats.92 views
|
|
Lots of water drained out when the boat was turned over.92 views
|
|
Lady Murasaki Shikibu's diary.92 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92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Praying at Tenson Shrine.92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
The fourth float is Ryumon Taki-yama. 龍門滝山／太間町92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Bunka Zone garden, a nice place for a nap.92 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.
|
|
92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
The Hitsuji offerings include arrows, bells, brushes, dolls, flowers, and sweets. Priests give prayers as they deliver the offerings.92 views
|
|
Nishi Hongu Haiden Hall has the mikoshi portable shrines.92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu Shrine is an Important Cultural Property. 楼門92 views
|
|
Usa-gu Shrine Honden 宇佐宮 本殿92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Fall leaves on a rock formation.92 views
|
|
92 views
|
|
Michigan paddlewheel.92 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. 92 views
|
|
Water clock (clepsydra). Emperor Tenchi made Japan's first clock which was a water clock. Hence, the shrine is associated with clocks.92 views
|
|
The canal in Kyoto near Yamashina.91 views
|
|
A faulty rudder runs them aground91 views
|
|
Oars and boats91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera Tahoto pagoda91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
The karakuri shows Ebisu (God of Business Prosperity) going fishing for sea bream (an auspicious fish).91 views
|
|
JR Otsu Station91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
|
Assistants stand on the steps of the Nishi Hongu.91 views
|
|
Afterward, they move to Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu Shrine.91 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91 views
|
|
Carrying the mikoshi through Romon Gate at Nishi Hongu.91 views
|
|
神輿神幸91 views
|
|
Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line. This station is closer to Sakamoto than the JR Hiezan-Sakamoto Station.91 views
|
|
91 views
|
|
In fall91 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera in fall91 views
|
|
Fireworks platform for the Biwako Fireworks that night.90 views
|
|
Seta Karahashi Bridge on Seta River. 瀬田唐橋90 views
|
|
Okinado Hall with a statue of Basho. 翁堂90 views
|
|
The seventh float is Seio Bo-zan. 西王母山／丸屋町90 views
|
|
Lake Biwa Canal on vintage postcard. Notice the boats in the canal. Boat rides were initially offered.90 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
Festival participants make their way to the shrine.90 views
|
|
It was done with great fanfare.90 views
|
|
At 2:30 pm, they started carrying the mikoshi.90 views
|
|
Statue of Priest Shinsei ( 真盛) as a boy. Founder of Tendai Shinsei Sect to which Saikyoji belongs.90 views
|
|
Shirayama-gu Shrine Honden Hall. Important Cultural Property built in 1598. 白山宮 本殿90 views
|
|
90 views
|
|
Steps going up to the Kondo Hall.90 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.90 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.90 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.90 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.89 views
|
|
Waving the signal flag at a checkpoint to staff on shore.89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
Mikoshi ornaments were then installed on the mikoshi.89 views
|
|
Four of the mikoshi were to be carried by humans. 89 views
|
|
The mikoshi return to land at Wakamiya Port.89 views
|
|
|
In the middle is the Haiden for Higashi Hongu.89 views
|
|
89 views
|
|
Unlike the other shrines, you can actually go inside this shrine hall.89 views
|
|
Inside the Keihan Line train with Chihayafuru.89 views
|
|
Ebisu (god of fishermen) fishing for sea bream.89 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. 89 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.89 viewsZhuge Liang looked at flowing water and prayed to the water god to wash away the enemy's huge army. He thereby emerged victorious.
|
|
The karakuri shows Empress Jingu using her bow to write kanji characters on a large rock.89 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. 89 viewsA large, impressive Buddha. No photos were allowed.
|
|
Rowing past the Ukimido Floating Temple in Katata. 堅田 浮御堂（近江八景）88 views
|
|
Lots of putty line the seams.88 views
|
|
Torii on shore (Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine) near Sakamoto. 鳥居88 views
|
|
Zeze Castle ruins 膳所城跡88 views
|
|
The SAKURA team placed 2nd in the Family category. ファミリーの部 2位 SAKURA88 views
|
|
Vintage postcard view of the same scene in Miidera. Otsu was much less developed.88 views
|
|
Cherry blossoms and three-story pagoda at night.88 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.88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
I sat here.88 views
|
|
Inside Onjoji Akaiya is the sacred spring whose water is drawn to be offered in front of the temple altar. The water was also used to bathe the newborn Emperor Tenji, Tenmu, and Jito. The name Miidera (Three Wells) comes from this spring.88 views
|
|
They then carried the mikoshi from the Haiden to the Sando road.88 views
|
|
At 1 pm, they held the Large Sakaki Branch Returning Ceremony at Nishi Hongu. The branch was returned from Tenson Shrine (天孫神社/西宮神社). Sakaki is a type of evergreen sacred to Shinto. 大榊還御88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha torii on the shore of Lake Biwa. This is not where they load the boat with the mikoshi.88 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.88 views
|
|
Stone temple wall in Sakamoto, Otsu.88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
Maybe this was where the castle once stood? Picnic pavilion now.88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
88 views
|
|
Dark Blue Blades, symbol of the Kyoto Univ. rowing club.87 views
|
|
Mt. Hiei 比叡山87 views
|
|
Toward Omi Ohashi Bridge. 近江大橋87 views
|
|
Removing weeds caught on the oars.87 views
|
|
JR train tracks (Biwako/Tokaido Line)87 views
|
|
Small museum87 views
|
|
87 views
|
|
87 views
|
|
|
87 views
|
|
Ceremony attendees.87 views
|
|
Mikoshi bearers run through Nishi Hongu's Romon Gate.87 views
|
|
87 views
|
|
| 2449 files on 10 page(s) |
 |
|
5 | |
|
|
