 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Lyrics of Kibo no Fune--Uminoko Shukoka (Ship of Hope--Lake Child Cruise Song). They created a song just for the boat in 1984. 希望の船--湖の子周航歌2415 viewsThis is the 1st verse:
朝もやはれて さわやかに
さざ波光る びわのうみ
ぼくらわたしら 滋賀の子が
湖上たのしく めぐりつつ
郷土の知識 たかめあう
希望の船よ 希望の船よ
湖の子よ
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Benten-do1502 views
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Koka Ninja House (Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki) is the former residence of Mochizuki Izumonokami, the leading Koga ninja family of the 53 Koka ninja families. 望月出雲守 MAP1227 viewsThe house is in its original location in the Koka area of Shiga Prefecture.
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The Ninja House, built in 1703, is owned and maintained by a local medicine company having ninja roots. Many Koka ninja were makers of medicine as a front for their clandestine activities. This background also made them expert at making gunpowder.1214 viewsNot a National Historic Site, but it should be.
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As a theme park, the Koka-no-Sato Ninjutsu-mura or Koka Ninja Village offers a good tourist sampling of ninja in a hidden village of former ninja houses transplanted to this "village." Entrance to Koka Ninja Village, tucked away in a hidden, lus1209 viewsEntrance to Koka Ninja Village, tucked away in a hidden, lush forest. Quite far from the nearest train station (Koka Station on the Kusatsu Line). You can call them from the train station to be picked up.
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Great summer day for the beach at Omi-Maiko, one of the most popular and whitest beaches on Lake Biwa.1171 views
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San-mon Gate. Built in 1802. 三門1170 views
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Live orchestra playing swing jazz. 有川新二&ザ・グレイ・ラスカルズオーケストラ「なつかしのスウイングジャズ」1151 views
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The Mizugumo Water Spider Pond where you can walk on water. A few visitors, wearing ninja costumes, try it out.1150 views
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Hachiman Commercial High School designed by William Merrell Vories in 1935. 八幡商業高等学校 MAP1120 views
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Metal finger claws worn on the fingertips.1095 views
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Hinokawa Dam Park 日野川ダム公園1030 views
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There he goes, not exactly walking on water. Just dragging himself across with the rope. This is only for anime-like amusement. This is not how the ninja did it.953 views
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I love the design of this boat. 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇913 views
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Old school library is now a K-ON gallery, event space, and cafe. Fans of the popular manga/anime called K-ON! gather here on weekends.902 views
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Otsu Matsuri is one of Shiga's major festivals featuring thirteen ornate floats displayed and paraded around central Otsu over two days before Sports Day, a national holiday around Oct. 10.894 views
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Rumi889 views
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White sands at Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.884 views
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Ladder going to the 2nd floor. There's also a trap door on the floor below the ladder where the ninja could hide. Notice the rope. The ninja hiding under the floor would tug the rope connected to the 2nd floor.879 views
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The Ninja house (Ninja yashiki) is one of the main attractions of the Ninja Village. This was an actual ninja house belonging to the Fujibayashi ninja family. It was disassembled and transplanted here from Ohara Ichiba in Koka.860 views
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About the song and rowing route... この歌について（日本語解説）855 viewsShiga Prefecture's most famous and beloved song is called Biwako Shuko no Uta (琵琶湖周航の歌) or "Lake Biwa Rowing Song." I have rendered this song into both pictures and English, according to my own imagination and interpretation.
Please see this page for a full explanation: https://photoguide.jp/txt/Lake_Biwa_Rowing_Song
First composed in 1917 by a bunch of college students from Kyoto, the song has been recorded by many famous Japanese singers and groups. In 1971, it became a major nationwide hit with singer Tokiko Kato's rendition. Today, the song remains a favorite among choir groups in Japan, and a choir singing contest is held for the song every June (since 1997) in Imazu, the birthplace of the song in the northwestern corner of Lake Biwa.
Shiga Prefecture also has stone monuments dedicated to each of the six verses. There's even a museum (Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan) in Imazu dedicated to the song. Okaya city on the shores of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, the birthplace of the song's composer, Taro Oguchi (小口太郎) (1897-1924), also has a song monument and bronze statue of him.
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Hachiman-yama Castle wall854 views
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Beachgoers frolick in the lake as the rowing boats arrive.853 views
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Azuchi Castle tower replica at House of Nobunaga. Very ornate and beautiful. both outside and inside.836 views
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The first room you see in the house is the living room. You can sit and have free "ninja tea" while waiting for a guided tour of the house. Along with the geisha, the ninja is one of the most recognized but misunderstood things about Japan.831 views
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Ninja armored suit for protection against swords.822 views
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Shuriken target practice at the Shuriken Dojo in Koka Ninja Village, Shiga Prefecture. 手裏剣道場820 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref. 大奥夢道中812 views
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Trap door on the floor opened.804 views
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Clear waters and beautiful Lake Biwa beach at Omi-Maiko798 views
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Amenomori is Takatsuki's showcase and flagship area. It's a quiet, rural part of town with waterwheels, roadside streams and flowers. Charming and picturesque.792 views
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Water spider (mizugumo): How the ninja did it. This drawing from the Koka Ninja House shows how it was done. The ninja sat on the board inside the wooden ring and waded through the water while partially submerged. His wooden clogs had small flippers.779 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.756 views
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Whoa, almost fell into the water!755 views
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Real ninja shuriken throwing star knives on display. Made of steel, they come in many different shapes.733 views
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Grab the rope and step into the foot rings. Of course, ninja never wore a bright red costume. You can rent a ninja suit in various colors for 600 yen.727 views
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Just when I finally became able to recognize the different faces of the cheerleaders (at first, they looked the same to me), the season ends, and they will be replaced next season.711 views
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Koka Ninja Museum also has showcases with various ninja costumes, documents, weapons, etc. The museum is kind of rundown though.705 views
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Closet with a trap door on the floor.696 views
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Tsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the 49th of the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road, accessible by this "Aikuru" bus from Kibukawa Station (JR Kusatsu Line and Ohmi Railways). It takes 20-30 min, but the bus does not run so often.688 viewsTsuchiyama-juku in Tsuchiyama-cho was the forty-ninth of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road, following Sakanoshita-juku in Mie. It is right after Suzuka Pass on the Suzuka mountains, one of the two most difficult sections of the Tokaido. Travelers thus were happy to see Tsuchiyama. Nicknamed "Ai no Tsuchiyama," the town is working hard to preserve its old buildings. The Tsuchiyama-juku Honjin where Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and Emperor Meiji lodged is still intact and well maintained. The Tsuchiyama Tokaido Museum is also a major attraction. Special thanks to Uno Yoshinobu who was my guide in Tsuchiyama.
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Shuriken throwing knives.686 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.685 views
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Other activities.681 views
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Statue of Lord Todo Takatora (in Kora, Shiga Prefecture) who became the 11th lord of Tsu Castle (Mie Pref.) in 1608. Behind it is the Takatora Waterfall.679 views
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Ninja's secret language. A codified system.674 views
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Sleek racing row boats and traditional yakata picnic boats on upper right670 views
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Ceiling of Ninja House. Directly below the thatched roof.666 views
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Little ninja at target practice.663 views
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Ninja sword, very short.661 views
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Shinobi Shrine is what you first see. Worships all the nameless ninja who died. The ninja never tried to gain fame. They remained unknown. 志能備神社654 views
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Soft rubber shuriken (toys). Special thanks to Takayuki Mochizuki (ninja descendant) for taking me to this Koka Ninja House.654 views
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Inside the ninja house. A hearth with a escape hatch at the bottom.652 views
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Tools for making medicine (including gunpowder). Many Koka (Koga) ninja were medicine makers. It was a disguise and a means to gather information from people when they went around selling medicines. Koka ninja were always in contact with the local people.641 views
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Inside the trap door is a hole and tunnel leading to a well in the garden outside. Hence the water.640 views
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Honolulu Advertiser newspaper from Hawaii featuring a photo of a ninja from Koka who performed at Ala Moana Shopping Center in 1990.639 views
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Ninja house attic showing the thatched roof.638 views
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A flaming star629 views
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Crane design in temari628 views
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Ninja looked at a cat's eyes to find out what time it was. If the iris was almost closed, it was noon. If dilated, it was late at night. Must've been troublesome to find and snatch a cat to find out what time it was.628 views
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Map of Japan showing numerous ninja schools which existed during the feudal era. Iga-Ueno and Koga ninja were the most famous.628 views
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A pair of floating rings with a platform in the middle.626 views
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Revolving door (opened). The floor also has a trap door (see next photo) where you can go down and escape through a tunnel leading to a well in the garden outside.626 views
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Ninja well with an escape tunnel which you can almost walk through.625 views
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Maki-bishi spikes thrown on the ground to poke your feet. These are made from dried water chestnuts (aquatic plant found in marshes). One of the four spikes will point upward.623 views
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Trying my shuriken skills. You throw it with an overhand throw (like a baseball) and not like a frisbee. Also see my YouTube video here.617 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden in fall616 views
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Hearth with a escape hatch at the bottom. A tour guide shows you the gimmicks of the house.615 views
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613 views
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Shuriken throwing knives.608 views
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Display case showing ninja costumes. Real ninja mainly wore one of seven disguises instead of the stereotypical black costume. They could be dressed as a priest, merchant, jester, etc.607 views
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The 2nd floor, between the first floor and ceiling, has a very low height which can entrap an intruder going upstairs.606 views
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My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 604 views
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Nohime, wife of Oda Nobunaga. 農姫602 views
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Welcome to Hikone, best known for Hikone Castle and mascot Hiko-nyan. At JR Hikone Station, this photo of official mascot Hikonyan greets you. Map602 views
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Inside Koka Ninja Museum which opened in 1983. The dirt-floored room has various ninja ladders.597 views
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Ninja tools596 views
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This room has display cases showing various ninja weapons, tools, and costumes. The ceiling is also quite low, designed to impede the wielding of samurai swords.592 views
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The rope is connected to a noise maker on the 2nd floor here. The intruder would then think that the ninja is on the 2nd floor and go up the ladder in pursuit. When the intruder is on the 2nd floor, the ninja below the trap door would remove the ladder.591 views
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Giant Buddha's hand. Used in a 1982 ninja movie. The hand has the same scale as the Giant Buddha's hand in Nara's Todaiji temple.589 views
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The left sliding wooden door is very heavy, about 50 kg, making it difficult to open. This buys more time for the ninja to escape.588 views
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The Sanno-sai Festival is held annually on April 12-15 at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. Not to be confused with the Sanno Matsuri held by Hie Shrine in Tokyo. It centers on April 14, the shrine's most important day called Reisai.588 views
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Shinobi Shrine has a statue of Daikokuten, one of the seven gods of good fortune. He is worshipped for good marriage, food, and prosperity. Made during the early Edo Period, it's Japan's largest wooden statue of Daikokuten. 大黒天587 views
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Shigaraki tanuki racoon dogs.584 views
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Designed by William Merrell Vories, the old Toyosato Elementary School building was built in 1937. This picture was taken in 2007, before renovations. This is the front gate.584 views
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582 views
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Poster for the movie "Katen no Shiro" (火天の城) released in Japan on Sept. 12, 2009. It is about the building of Azuchi Castle. Movie review here582 views
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Entrance to another room on the first floor. Although the Koga ninja and Iga ninja (in Mie Prefecture) were the most famous, there were actually numerous ninja groups in many other parts of Japan as well. They were most active during wars.581 views
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Cheerleader in the stands!579 views
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Path to Koka Ninjutsu-mura Village. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults. Cheaper for students. Open 10 am - 5 pm. Free shuttle bus available from JR Koka Station. Phone: 0748-88-5000576 views
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Dart-shaped shuriken. Shuriken were not only star-shaped. These were either thrown straight-on, or thrown while the point rotated 180 degrees turning toward the target. It was difficult to throw, and much practice was required..576 views
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Small gun concealed as a sword.572 views
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Demonstration of matchlock guns, Azuchi Nobunaga Festival.571 viewsEven these people had to obtain police permission to bear and fire these feudal-era guns.
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Sumo wrestler's hairstyle.570 views
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Ninja dolls570 views
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Hooks for hoisting ropes on walls, etc. The Koka ninja reluctantly moved to Edo (Tokyo) around 1634 as requested by the shogun, and worked as castle guards, gathered intelligence on daimyo lords, and formed a gun battalion.565 views
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Azuchi Castle construction564 views
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The wooden railing on the right is slimmer than the left one. It means it is removable, allowing the ninja to escape from the 2nd floor.560 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.560 views
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Ninja souvenirs556 views
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One of Japan's renown and historical centers for pottery, Shigaraki's heart is the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.554 views
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That rope goes to the second floor (see next photo).552 views
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A bit of rythmn gymnastics.551 views
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The Ninja House also displays autographs by celebrities who visited the house. This is actor Harrison Ford who visited in Feb. 2000. He came unannounced with a taxi driver, interpreter, and his son.549 views
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Ladder going up to the attic.548 views
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Trap door behind a scroll with the kanji "shinobi" (stealth).546 views
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Shiga LakeStars cheerleaders.545 views
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Going through the trap door.544 views
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Maki-bishi made of steel. Used for escape when they encountered an enemy. Many of the ninja's weapons were designed to buy time for the ninja to escape.543 views
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Traditional minka house541 views
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The upper walls have explanations about the Koka ninja and Mochizuki ninja family. "Koka" is the correct pronunciation, but the kanji can also be pronounced "Koga" which has become more common.535 views
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Roof with ninja family crest.532 views
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Gunpowder case530 views
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Main entrance to Miidera (Onjoji) temple. It is the headquarters temple of the Tendai Jimon Buddhist Sect (founded by Priest Enchin) and former rival of Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei, also in Shiga. MAP525 views
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もっと奇麗に歩け523 views
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Stairs to go back down to the 1st floor. There's a rotating door. Ninja worked behind the scenes and were very secretive. They hardly told others about their activites nor left written records. Sometimes they worked as spies or mole.522 views
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Shuriken Dojo Hall 手裏剣道場520 views
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A long line outside Kyoto City Gymnasium on Oct. 3, 2009 before noon when gates opened for the Kyoto Hannaryz debut game in the bj-league.520 views
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Oda Nobunaga 織田信長519 views
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Next to the Ninja house is the Koka Ninja Museum (Koka Ninjutsu Hakubutsukan). This was also a fomer house transplanted here. 甲賀忍術博物館518 views
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Medicine ad sign reading Ninjutsu-gan. For belly aches. Although the ninja's medicine-making remains today, the art of ninjutsu is ironically no longer practiced in Koka. It is not a martial art like karate and judo.511 views
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Ladies in waiting (hey there, look up!)510 views下を向いたらあかん。
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The Ninja house was built in 1842. There is a guide (dressed in ninja costume) inside to show you around.509 views
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Omi-Maiko Station on JR Kosei Line. It makes it easy for people in Kyoto to visit Omi-Maiko. MAP508 viewsSign says "Welcome to Omi-Maiko." Omi-Maiko was in the former town of Shiga-cho that merged into Otsu.
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Held only once every 5 years, the Ibuki-yama Taiko Drum Dance was held on Oct. 3, 2010 in Ueno, a small neighborhood at the foot of Mt. Ibuki. 501 views
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Headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist sect, Enryakuji is a large complex of temples, halls, buildings, and monuments on Mt. Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It boasts buildings which are National Treasures. MAP500 views
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Ninja costumes for sale. 10,000 yen for adult costume, and 7,000 yen for children's size.499 views
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Monument for Sarutobi Sasuke, a famous Koga ninja who was born in Koka. However, he was only fictional character. Ninjas never tried to become famous. 猿飛佐助の碑498 views
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Real ninja obviously did not wear a pink costume, but in the manga/anime world, pink looks cute.498 views
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Ceiling of Ninja House.497 views
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The array of ninja weapons and tools was very impressive. This Ninja House strives to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions of the ninja. A visit is highly recommended.497 views
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Harie is a unique rural neighborhood where homes draw clean water from an ever-flowing spring directly from the ground into private wells called kabata. A local NPO conducts tours of the area and homes with kabata.497 viewsHarie is in Takashima, Shiga, near JR Shin-Asahi Station on the Kosei Line, the gateway to Shin-Asahi and Harie. 新旭駅 MAP
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The veranda is another escape route after opening trick windows from the inside. Ninja avoided direct combat and preferred to defend themselves and escape from enemies. Assassination was only a minor part of their activities.496 views
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Swinging down a rope.496 views
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This entire ceiling was designed to fall down on any assailant in this room.496 views
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Blow tube and blow darts.494 views
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Lotus at Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu.493 views
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The famed Bansenshukai Ninja Bible detailing ninja tools and techniques. This is a replica.491 views
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Medicine packages from Koka ninja-related medicine companies. Even today, Koka has numerous medicine manufacturers.488 views
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The Koka Ninja House also has a Shuriken Dojo. Pay 200 yen for five shuriken throwing stars (300 yen for 10) and try hitting the bull's eye.486 views
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Castle wall to climb on.485 views
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They wore wooden geta clogs with flippers which helped them propel themselves underwater. The wooden floating ring is collapsible and quite light. Almost like balsa.485 views
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Contrary to popular belief, ninja cannot walk on water. "Mizugumo" means water spider. To move across water, they used a wooden floating ring shown here, and sat in the middle.484 views
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On Oct. 25-26, 2008, the first Yuru-Kyara (Mascot Character) Matsuri was held on Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road in Hikone. This sign at Hikone Station points the way. Map483 views
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Small revolving door connected to a closet. The Koka ninja's main activity was gathering information. As they traveled and sold medicines, they always talked to people and their customers. They tried to find out how many guns the enemy had, etc.479 views
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Otsu Exhibition, Nov. 21 - Dec. 4, 2005 at Shiga Kaikan, Otsu, Shiga. Right across from the Shiga Prefectural Office. 滋賀会館477 viewsFor this exhibition, I created my own photographic rendition of the places and scenes mentioned in the song and also photographed all the stone monuments dedicated to the song. I used Photoshop to composite images and to alter the colors into a dreamy condition as the song suggests. I also translated the lyrics into English.
The exhibition was held at Shiga Kaikan, right across from the Shiga Prefectural Office. Shiga Kaikan has two spaces for exhibitions, and I used the smaller space called Bunka Salon Gallery.
Map: http://www.shiga-bunshin.or.jp/shigakaikan/map.html
Address: Kyomachi 3-4-22, Otsu, Shiga Pref.
Phone: 077-525-9995
〒520-0044 大津市京町三丁目 4-22
Web site: http://www.shiga-bunshin.or.jp/shigakaikan/
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Bullets with various gauges.477 views
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Path down to Koka Ninja Village. Lots of greenery. MAP476 views
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Wall to climb on470 views
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At the same time as Niagara Falls, they lit the two giant torches. It was hard to watch both the Niagara Falls and giant torches at the same time. But Niagara soon petered out.469 views
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Miss Shakunage (Rhododendron)467 views
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The Koka Ninja House is located 2 km from JR Konan Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. There are no buses going to the Ninja House. The house is open every day 9 am - 5 pm. Closed Dec. 27-Jan. 1. Admission is 600 yen for adults. 望月出雲守466 views
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Shuriken Dojo has a few stalls. For a few hundred yen, you can throw real shuriken at wooden targets.464 views
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Kiyotaki Tokugen-in temple's three-story pagoda in Maibara, Shiga.462 views
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Tsukubusuma Shrine (National Treasure) on Chikubushima island, Nagahama, Shiga. It worships Benzaiten as well as the Dragon God and Azai-hime. 都久夫須麻神社461 views
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Kaizu-Osaki is a peninsula easily accessible from Makino or Nishi-Azai Station. You can rent a bicycle at Makino Station on the Kosei Line or at Nagahara Station. Makino Station is closer so I rented a bicycle there at the tourist info office.461 views
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A sketch shows how they were "water spiders." They were largely submerged in the water, with the wooden ring also submerged, but buoyant enough for them to float across while kicking through the water with the flipper clogs.460 views
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The Saio princess wears a juni-hitoe (12-layer) robe reserved only for Imperial family members. For this festival in 2009, the Saio princess is portrayed by 20-year-old Chiaki Koyama (神山千明) from Shigaraki, Koka. 459 views
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Shigaraki pottery lessons457 views
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Risa リサ457 views
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Asahi Honen Taiko Odori dancers and Mt. Ibuki in Maibara, Shiga.457 views
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Shirahige Shrine torii, Takashima. One of Lake Biwa's best-known landmarks. It faces the shrine on land. Rent a bicycle or go by taxi from Omi-Takashima Station (Kosei Line).456 views
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It makes you wonder how they fit the temari threaded ball into the round glass bottle.455 views
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Swinging chain with weights on the ends. Wrap it around the opponent's neck.455 views
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One room's upper walls display a chronological history of the Koga ninja.454 views
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Straw sandals with metal claws for traction.454 views
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Straw ninja hat with a deep brim to hide their face. Dressing like a priest, merchant, etc., would arouse the least suspicion while they traveled.452 views
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Azuchi Castle replica451 views
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Manga cells. Ninja manga characters are famous. However, real ninja never became famous. Being famous in name or face would greatly decrease the value of that ninja.446 views
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Gift shop selling medicines, tea, and ninja goods.446 views
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Due to financial reasons, the Suijo Hachiman Shrine Taiko Drum Dance is held only once every 5 years. I went to see it on Sept. 23, 2009. MAP446 views
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The Shiga Lakestars played against Takamatsu Five Arrows again on Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2009 at Hikone Shimin Taiiku Center gym, a 20-min. walk from Hikone Station. These photos were taken on Oct. 31, 2009.446 views
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Three out of five of my shuriken at least stuck on the board. But all missed the target which is quite low. Probably geared for kids.445 views
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In 1604 at age 30, the Tokugawa government called him to Edo to supervise the building of Zojoji temple (where many Tokugawa shoguns are buried). He also supervised the building of the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. This same statue is at Toshogu Shrine.445 views
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Burning old New Year's decorations, Hokoku Jinja, Nagahama, Shiga Pref.444 views
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Shirahige Shrine torii as seen from the cruise boat.442 views
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Oda Nobunaga actually started living in Azuchi Castle's main tower or donjon. Normally, the castle lord resided in a separate palace.441 views
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House of Nobunaga (Nobunaga no Yakata). A replica of the top (best) part of Azuchi Castle is displayed inside. See this album to see what's inside. MAP440 views
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Some balls have tassels.440 views
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Chikubushima is home to Hogonji Temple first built in 724 as ordered by the Emperor to worship the Goddess Benzaiten. It belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect (Buzan School) and it is the 30th temple in the 33-Temple Pilgrimage of Saigoku. 宝厳寺439 views
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For 500 yen, you can rent a ninja costume of various colors.438 views
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Green pine and white sand of Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.437 views
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Way to Niu Shrine, near Hashimoto bus stop, about 15 min. by bus from Yogo Station. The Chawan Matsuri festival is held by Niu Shrine. The last time was in May 2003. The festival features three floats, a procession, and sacred dances and music.437 views
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Otsu Prince Hotel, the main venue of the 11th Shiga Kenjinkai International Convention held Nov. 12-14, 2007.436 views
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Outdoor stage, where they hold events like the Miss Kunoichi Contest.436 views
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Shiga LakeStars poster for home games at Shiga Prefectural Gym in Otsu. 436 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.436 views
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Ninja phone straps434 views
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Giant tanuki at Shigaraki Station. Wish they removed that pay phone.433 views
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Saio princess in juni-hitoe kimono.432 views
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432 views
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This Azuchi Castle tower replica was displayed in the Japan Pavilion at the Seville Expo '92 in Spain before it was moved here.430 views
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Blow darts with poison tips maybe.429 views
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Lotus pond at Karasuma Peninsula.428 views
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Kyoto University's winning rowing crew426 views
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Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun bean throwing on Feb. 3 (at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm) is perhaps Shiga's most prominent with three impressive demons (called oni) on stage acting as the evil oni to be chased away with soybeans.426 viewsFeb. 3 is the Setsubun Festival at many temples and shrines in Japan. It marks the beginning of spring according to the lunar calendar. So they throw beans at ogre to eliminate the evil of the previous year and bring in good fortune.
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Toyosato Elementary School after renovations in 2009. Nice new coat of paint makes the old school look almost brand new. MAP426 views
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View from atop Mt. Azuchi.425 views
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Shin-Asahi manhole cover with a windmill design. Takashima, Shiga Pref.423 views
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View of Mt. Mikami from Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park in spring.422 views
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Medicines made by the company which owns the house.422 views
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Statue of Ishida Mitsunari420 views
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Bin-temari in Echigawa, Shiga. Echigawa's bin-temari history goes back to around 1840 when its oldest bin-temari was made. However, this traditional art died out with the death of Aoki Hiro in 1973, Echigawa's last bin-temari maker.420 views
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Healthy "Ninja tea." Free samples in the living room.420 views
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Ducks on ice419 views
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Bin-temari monument. "Bin" means bottle, and "temari" is a threaded ball. The bin-temari is a round glass ball with a threaded ball inside.419 views
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Nene, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife418 views
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Kongorinji's Main temple roof drowning in fall leaves414 views
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The "Rio Grande" cruise boat awaits at Imazu Port on a miraculously sunny day during the rainy season. 梅雨でありながら、奇跡的にこんないい天気になった。今津港413 views
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Okino-shiraishi Rocks, a favorite resting place for birds which turned the rocks white from bird droppings. Four rocks stand 80 meters deep in the lake. Out of the water, the tallest stands 14 meters high. 沖の白石413 views
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413 views
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Old Ryugen Gakko school. First built in 1876 as a primary school in Takashima, northern Shiga, this is the prefecture's oldest surviving school building. It was moved here for display. 旧柳原学校412 views旧柳原学校
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Medicine (gunpowder?) case.412 views
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412 views
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Nagisa Park in Moriyama, Shiga has this beautiful field of nano-hana rapeseed blossoms blooming in winter from early-Jan. to mid-March at this lakeside park. なぎさ公園 MAP412 views
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Ishida Mitsunari 石田三成411 views
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Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)410 views
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The unique hexagonal base of the upper section of the Azuchi Castle donjon.408 views
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407 views
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The Omizo Matsuri is the biggest festival (Reisai) of Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine in Takashima (not to be confused with Hiyoshi Taisha in Otsu which is related) held annually on May 3-4.407 views
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Oda Nobunaga burned Saimyoji right after scorching Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei. Fortunately, the main hall and the pagoda survived. 3-story pagoda, a National Treasure401 views
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Outside the ninja house. This ninja house is very impressive. It does have an air of authenticity, although there are, unavoidably, a few touristy elements. This house should be designated as a Important Cultural Property or an National Historic Site.399 views
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Near Kora Town Hall is this statue of Kora Bungo-no-Kami Munehiro (1574-1646). Born here, he started a famous lineage of shrine/temple carpenters. 甲良豊後守宗廣 MAP399 viewsHe supervised the construction of many famous buildings.
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Katsube Fire Festival: Men dance in rings in front of the fire. Also see the video at YouTube.398 views
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Toyosato manhole, Shiga Pref.398 views
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Keihan Maru boat during the early 1900s. This is a vintage postcard showing a steamer called Keihan Maru moored at Chikubushima. This boat landing is still being used.395 views
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Bin-temari come in different sizes and an infinite number of threaded-ball designs. It also makes a great wedding gift since the round shape symbolizes harmony of the heart and family. You can also clearly see inside. 中がよく（仲良く）見える395 views
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Statue of Ii Naomasa in front of Hikone Station394 views
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The ball is actually hollow like a balloon. It is inserted into the bottle in a deflated state, then expanded into a ball. The museum also has a fascinating video showing how temari is made.393 views
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Autumn flowers at Lake Yogo, a small scenic lake next to northern Lake Biwa.393 views
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Old New Year's decorations to be burned392 views
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391 views
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Members of the Toronto Shiga Kenjinkai dance goshu ondo.391 views
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Entrance to Kibogaoka Park during the Sports Recreation Shiga 2008 festival during Oct. 18-21, 2008. It's an annual event held in a different prefecture. People from all 47 prefectures and South Korea participate in tournaments for 18 sports.391 views
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Green Park Santo was the site for the Ozumo Maibara Basho or Maibara Exhibition Sumo Tournament on Oct. 17, 2008. It was nice sunny day. Banners with the name of famous sumo wrestlers (rikishi) were up. グリーンパーク山東390 views
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Ishiyama-dera temple is a 10-min. walk from Ishiyama-dera Station on the Keihan Ishisaka Line. You can transfer to the Keihan Line at JR Ishiyama Station on the Tokaido Line.389 views
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Maibara Basho sumo booklet.388 views
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Yes, it's Doraemon as fireworks. This lasted briefly before it snuffed out. I heard that they have this every year for this Yuge Fire Festival.388 views
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Go left or right...386 viewsDisobey the sign and go right to visit the main beach.
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.386 views
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Hiko-nyan in Hawaii!!385 views
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Close-up of rowers at Asahi Regatta384 views
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Chikubushima is also home to Tsukubusuma (Chikubushima) Shrine which is also a National Treasure. Until 1868 when Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were required to be separate, the shrine was part of Hogonji temple.382 views
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Map of central Otsu and lakefront. It is quite easy to walk or bicycle along the lake shore in central Otsu, starting from Hama-Otsu.381 views
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This is an autograph by Shiga Governor Kada Yukiko who visited the Ninja House on April 24, 2009. In red reads "Mottainai," her motto meaning "Wasteful," in reference to spending of tax dollars.381 views
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378 views
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Almost everyone got up to dance the goshu ondo. It's like a bon dance peculiar to Shiga. Also see the video at YouTube.378 views
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At the end, we sang Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song). The party ended at 9:30 pm.378 views
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The festival started at 11:30 am with the Saio princess carried on a palanquin arriving at a small park called Yume no Ogawa next to Ono Elementary School. 378 views
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377 views
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