|
![Filename=sg004-20160723_2048.jpg
Filesize=38KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg004-20160723_2048.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg004-20160723_2048.jpg)
Shigaraki Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line. One-car train, diesel powered.To reach Shigaraki by train, first get on the JR Kusatsu Line, get off at Kibukawa Station where you transfer to the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line.
|
|
![Filename=sg005-20160723_2046.jpg
Filesize=42KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg005-20160723_2046.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg005-20160723_2046.jpg)
On the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line, get off here at Shigaraki Station at the end of the line. 信楽駅 MAP
|
|
![Filename=sg006-20160723_2042.jpg
Filesize=43KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg006-20160723_2042.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg006-20160723_2042.jpg)
Shigaraki Station platform decorated with tanuki raccoon dogs.
|
|
![Filename=sg007-20160723_2043.jpg
Filesize=48KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg007-20160723_2043.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg007-20160723_2043.jpg)
Shigaraki Station platform decorated with tanuki raccoon dogs.
|
|
![Filename=sg008-20160723_2051.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg008-20160723_2051.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg008-20160723_2051.jpg)
Shigaraki Kogen Railway train.
|
|
![Filename=sg009-20160723_2038.jpg
Filesize=42KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg009-20160723_2038.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg009-20160723_2038.jpg)
More tanuki greet you at Shigaraki Station.
|
|
![Filename=sg010-20160723_2040.jpg
Filesize=43KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg010-20160723_2040.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg010-20160723_2040.jpg)
Tanuki greet you at Shigaraki Station.
|
|
![Filename=sg011-20160723_2049.jpg
Filesize=68KiB
Dimensions=800x533
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg011-20160723_2049.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg011-20160723_2049.jpg)
Local sights.
|
|
![Filename=sg012-20160723_2075.jpg
Filesize=36KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg012-20160723_2075.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg012-20160723_2075.jpg)
Shigaraki Kogen Railways Shigaraki Station. You can take a bus to reach Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in 5 min., or walk for 20 min. 信楽駅
|
|
![Filename=sg013-20160723_2068.jpg
Filesize=51KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg013-20160723_2068.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg013-20160723_2068.jpg)
By now, you will notice that the tanuki (racoon dog) is the symbol of Shigaraki. This giant tanuki greets you at Shigaraki Station. Wish they removed that pay phone.
|
|
![Filename=sg014-20160723_2066.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg014-20160723_2066.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg014-20160723_2066.jpg)
Inside Shigaraki Station.
|
|
![Filename=sg015-20160723_2055.jpg
Filesize=43KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg015-20160723_2055.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg015-20160723_2055.jpg)
Inside Shigaraki Station waiting area. There's a display case in the corner.
|
|
![Filename=sg016-20160723_2061.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x600
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg016-20160723_2061.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg016-20160723_2061.jpg)
Display case in the corner shows a few pieces from the wrecked train in the 1991 accident.On the morning of May 14, 1991, a Shigaraki Kogen Railway train bound for Kibukawa collided head on with a special JR West train traveling from Kyoto to Shigaraki. It left 42 people, including five SKR employees, dead and 614 injured. Also see photos below of the monument near the accident site.
|
|
![Filename=sg017-20160723_2059.jpg
Filesize=44KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg017-20160723_2059.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg017-20160723_2059.jpg)
Gift shop inside Shigaraki Station. In case you forgot buy someting for someone before you leave Shigaraki.
|
|
![Filename=sg018-20160723_2718.jpg
Filesize=44KiB
Dimensions=600x400
Date added=Feb 24, 2022 sg018-20160723_2718.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg018-20160723_2718.jpg)
Rental bicycles at Shigaraki Station.
|
|
![Filename=sg020-20081013_1663.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg020-20081013_1663.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg020-20081013_1663.jpg)
One of Japan's renown and historical centers for pottery, Shigaraki's heart is the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
|
|
![Filename=sg021-20081013_1852.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg021-20081013_1852.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg021-20081013_1852.jpg)
On the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line, get off at Shigaraki Station at the end of the line. 信楽駅
|
|
![Filename=sg022-20081013_1670.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg022-20081013_1670.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg022-20081013_1670.jpg)
Shigaraki Station 信楽駅
|
|
![Filename=sg023-20081013_1851.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg023-20081013_1851.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg023-20081013_1851.jpg)
Shigaraki Kogen Railways Shigaraki Station. You can take a bus to reach Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in 5 min., or walk for 20 min. 信楽駅
|
|
![Filename=sg024-20081013_1666.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg024-20081013_1666.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg024-20081013_1666.jpg)
Giant tanuki at Shigaraki Station. Wish they removed that pay phone.
|
|
![Filename=sg025-20081013_1667.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg025-20081013_1667.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg025-20081013_1667.jpg)
Welcome to Shigaraki. On special days such as pottery fairs, just follow the crowd from the train station.
|
|
![Filename=sg026-20081013_1675.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg026-20081013_1675.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg026-20081013_1675.jpg)
Along the way, you will see pottery shops with tanuki dolls to catch your attention.
|
|
![Filename=sg027-20081013_1679.jpg
Filesize=42KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg027-20081013_1679.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg027-20081013_1679.jpg)
Similar to the beckoning cat, the Shigaraki tanuki is a common good luck charm placed at the entrance of homes and shops. Tanuki of all sizes for sale year round.
|
|
![Filename=sg028-20081013_1682.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg028-20081013_1682.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg028-20081013_1682.jpg)
A great time to visit Shigaraki is during the Shigaraki Pottery Festival (信楽陶器まつり) and Ceramic Art Market in mid-Oct. Bridge to the Shigaraki Pottery Fair in mid-Oct.
|
|
![Filename=sg029-20081013_1848.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg029-20081013_1848.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg029-20081013_1848.jpg)
The bridge obviously has ceramic materials.
|
|
![Filename=sg030-20081013_1846.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg030-20081013_1846.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg030-20081013_1846.jpg)
Shigaraki Toki (Pottery) Matsuri banner
|
|
![Filename=sg031-20081013_1688.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg031-20081013_1688.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg031-20081013_1688.jpg)
This is one of two pottery fair sites during the Shigaraki Pottery Festival.
|
|
![Filename=sg032-20081013_1693.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg032-20081013_1693.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg032-20081013_1693.jpg)
Numerous Shigaraki pottery vendors display and sell their wares. MAP
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sg035-20081013_1690.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg035-20081013_1690.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg035-20081013_1690.jpg)
If you like the tanuki raccoon dog, this is the place to be.
|
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sg039-20081013_1715.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg039-20081013_1715.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg039-20081013_1715.jpg)
The tanuki have different faces and doing different things, even karaoke. Didn't see any looking like a photographer though.
|
|
![Filename=sg040-20081013_1709.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg040-20081013_1709.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg040-20081013_1709.jpg)
Tanuki faces. This one is probably the most typical in the modern age.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sg048-20081013_1707.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg048-20081013_1707.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg048-20081013_1707.jpg)
Shigaraki tanuki is said to bear Eight Lucky Omens (八相縁起).Shigaraki tanuki is said to bear Eight Lucky Omens (八相縁起). 1. The hat is protection from unexpected disasters. 2. The smiling face is for affability, 3. The large eyes is for seeing the situation and making correct and considerate decisions, 4. The large belly is for being calm as well as bold, 5. A sake flask in the left hand for innate virtue, 6. An unpaid bill in the left hand symbolizes trust, 7. Large gonads between the legs which is the money bag for prosperity, and 8. A thick tail for reliability and stability no matter what.
|
|
![Filename=sg049-20081013_1724.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg049-20081013_1724.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg049-20081013_1724.jpg)
Sports tanuki
|
|
|
![Filename=sg051-20081013_1762.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg051-20081013_1762.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg051-20081013_1762.jpg)
Mail box
|
|
![Filename=sg052-20081013_1745.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg052-20081013_1745.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg052-20081013_1745.jpg)
Owls too
|
|
![Filename=sg053-20081013_1758.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg053-20081013_1758.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg053-20081013_1758.jpg)
Frog is "Kaeru" which means to "return." A popular ornament at house entrances (exits) and gardens.
|
|
![Filename=sg054-20081013_1731.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg054-20081013_1731.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg054-20081013_1731.jpg)
This frog will supposedly have your money "returned."
|
|
![Filename=sg055-20081013_1723.jpg
Filesize=19KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg055-20081013_1723.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg055-20081013_1723.jpg)
Pig
|
|
![Filename=sg056-20081013_1766.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg056-20081013_1766.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg056-20081013_1766.jpg)
Bowls
|
|
![Filename=sg057-20081013_1765.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg057-20081013_1765.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg057-20081013_1765.jpg)
Prices are quite reasonable. They sell pottery for any type of budget.
|
|
![Filename=sg058-20081013_1732.jpg
Filesize=36KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg058-20081013_1732.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg058-20081013_1732.jpg)
Vases
|
|
|
![Filename=sg060-20081013_1748.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg060-20081013_1748.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg060-20081013_1748.jpg)
Bargains to be found.
|
|
![Filename=sg061-20081013_1751.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg061-20081013_1751.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg061-20081013_1751.jpg)
Pottery vendor
|
|
|
![Filename=sg063-20081013_1757.jpg
Filesize=18KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg063-20081013_1757.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg063-20081013_1757.jpg)
Lemme outta here...
|
|
![Filename=sg064-20081013_1771.jpg
Filesize=31KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg064-20081013_1771.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg064-20081013_1771.jpg)
Koka City Hall, Shigaraki Branch
|
|
![Filename=sg065-20081013_1756.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg065-20081013_1756.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg065-20081013_1756.jpg)
A warehouse converted into a pottery fair.
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sg100-20081013_1812.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg100-20081013_1812.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg100-20081013_1812.jpg)
A short bus ride takes you to Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, opened in June 1990. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Mon. (open if a national holiday and closed on Tue.). This is Shigaraki's main attraction and home of Shigaraki-yaki pottery.
|
|
![Filename=sg100-20081013_1835.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg100-20081013_1835.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg100-20081013_1835.jpg)
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is called Togei no Mori in Japanese. It is operated by Shiga Prefecture. Free admission. 陶芸の森 MAP
|
|
![Filename=sg101-20081013_1804.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg101-20081013_1804.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg101-20081013_1804.jpg)
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is in a large park-like area with various pottery facilities such as this Exhibition Hall of Industrial Ceramics. 産業展示館
|
|
![Filename=sg102-20081013_1796.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg102-20081013_1796.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg102-20081013_1796.jpg)
When I visited in mid-Oct., the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park was holding the Ceramic Art Market. Notice the tents for the ceramic artists selling their works.
|
|
![Filename=sg104-20081013_1826.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg104-20081013_1826.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg104-20081013_1826.jpg)
The Ceramic Art Market in Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park has ceramics artists having their own booth to sell their wares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sg109-20081013_1830.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg109-20081013_1830.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg109-20081013_1830.jpg)
Shigaraki Tanuki mascot walked around the site.
|
|
![Filename=sg110-20081013_1789.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg110-20081013_1789.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg110-20081013_1789.jpg)
Confection
|
|
![Filename=sg111-20081013_1779.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg111-20081013_1779.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg111-20081013_1779.jpg)
Inside the Exhibition Hall of Industrial Ceramics. 産業展示館
|
|
![Filename=sg112-IMG_2612.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg112-IMG_2612.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg112-IMG_2612.jpg)
Steps going up the hill at Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. Good exercise.
|
|
![Filename=sg113-IMG_2569.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg113-IMG_2569.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg113-IMG_2569.jpg)
Greenery at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
|
|
![Filename=sg114-IMG_2621.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg114-IMG_2621.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg114-IMG_2621.jpg)
Azaleas would be beautiful in early May.
|
|
![Filename=sg115-20081013_1817.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg115-20081013_1817.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg115-20081013_1817.jpg)
At the top of the hill is the Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art called Togeikan. 陶芸館
|
|
![Filename=sg116-IMG_2604.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg116-IMG_2604.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg116-IMG_2604.jpg)
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park also has pottery kilns. Here's one "Anagama" cave kiln.
|
|
![Filename=sg117-IMG_2570.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg117-IMG_2570.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg117-IMG_2570.jpg)
Pottery kilns require large amounts of wood.
|
|
![Filename=sg118-IMG_2575.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg118-IMG_2575.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg118-IMG_2575.jpg)
"Anagama" kiln diagram and explanation in Japanese and English.
|
|
![Filename=sg119-IMG_2573.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg119-IMG_2573.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg119-IMG_2573.jpg)
Noborigama sloping kiln 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg120-IMG_2582.jpg
Filesize=20KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg120-IMG_2582.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg120-IMG_2582.jpg)
"Anagama" kiln.
|
|
![Filename=sg121-IMG_2584.jpg
Filesize=21KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg121-IMG_2584.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg121-IMG_2584.jpg)
"Noborigama" sloping kiln 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg122-IMG_2588.jpg
Filesize=17KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg122-IMG_2588.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg122-IMG_2588.jpg)
Side entrances of noborigama kiln. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg123-IMG_2586.jpg
Filesize=19KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg123-IMG_2586.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg123-IMG_2586.jpg)
Inside the kiln. This one was open and empty, but some were closed and you could feel the warmth on the door.
|
|
![Filename=sg124-IMG_2589.jpg
Filesize=18KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg124-IMG_2589.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg124-IMG_2589.jpg)
Inside a side entrance of a noborigama kiln. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg125-IMG_2590.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg125-IMG_2590.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg125-IMG_2590.jpg)
"Noborigama" kiln explanation in Japanese and English. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg126-IMG_2595.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg126-IMG_2595.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg126-IMG_2595.jpg)
"Noborigama" kiln
|
|
![Filename=sg127-IMG_2608.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg127-IMG_2608.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg127-IMG_2608.jpg)
Ceramic seats
|
|
![Filename=sg128-IMG_2623.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg128-IMG_2623.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg128-IMG_2623.jpg)
More outdoor ceramic art. This is outside the Institute of Ceramic Studies where invited artists in residence create and do research and workshops and lectures are held.
|
|
![Filename=sg129-20081013_1836.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg129-20081013_1836.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg129-20081013_1836.jpg)
At the parking lot is this Tanuki-kan store full of tanuki.
|
|
![Filename=sg130-20081013_1838.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg130-20081013_1838.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg130-20081013_1838.jpg)
Inside Tanuki-kan store.
|
|
![Filename=sg131-20081013_1839.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg131-20081013_1839.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg131-20081013_1839.jpg)
Free shuttle bus to move between the ceramic park, pottery fair, and train station.
|
|
![Filename=sg132-P1070718.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg132-P1070718.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg132-P1070718.jpg)
Shigaraki has a good number of pottery centers and Sotoen (宗陶苑) is major one. I visited for the first time in Aug. 2012. It covers a large ceramic park-like area.
|
|
![Filename=sg133-P1070717.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg133-P1070717.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg133-P1070717.jpg)
Sotoen has a very large number of Shigaraki pottery pieces outside in park-like tract. All for sale. Shigaraki ware is known for its weather-resistance, so they are suited for gardens and outdoor use.
|
|
![Filename=sg134-P1070720.jpg
Filesize=38KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg134-P1070720.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg134-P1070720.jpg)
Racks and racks of Shigaraki tanuki or racoon dogs.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg136-P1070726.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg136-P1070726.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg136-P1070726.jpg)
Photo op at Sotoen. They got almost everything you can imagine. The giant tanuki is priced as much as 700,000 yen.
|
|
![Filename=sg137-P1070729p.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x215
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg137-P1070729p.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg137-P1070729p.jpg)
Overview of the heart of Sotoen.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg139-P1070727.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg139-P1070727.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg139-P1070727.jpg)
Tanuki for sale at Sotoen, Shigaraki.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg141-P1070732.jpg
Filesize=40KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg141-P1070732.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg141-P1070732.jpg)
Smaller tanuki cost a few thousand yen.
|
|
![Filename=sg142-P1070714.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=247x400
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg142-P1070714.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg142-P1070714.jpg)
They also have owls. This one has a camera.
|
|
![Filename=sg143-P1070790.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg143-P1070790.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg143-P1070790.jpg)
Crayon no Shinchan.
|
|
![Filename=sg144-P1070784.jpg
Filesize=21KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg144-P1070784.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg144-P1070784.jpg)
Sotoen's main attraction is this noborigama or sloping kiln. Japan's oldest noborigama. The bottom chamber is the furnace where they burn wood. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg145-P1070779.jpg
Filesize=23KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg145-P1070779.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg145-P1070779.jpg)
Sotoen's noborigama kiln is 15 meters wide, 30 meters long, and 3.5 meters high. It has eleven chambers going up a slope. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg146-P1070775.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg146-P1070775.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg146-P1070775.jpg)
The heat from the furnace at the bottom chamber rises and seeps into all the chambers. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg147-P1070777.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=300x400
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg147-P1070777.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg147-P1070777.jpg)
A noborigama chamber. The chambers get larger toward the top of the noborigama kiln. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg148-P1070770.jpg
Filesize=85KiB
Dimensions=800x600
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg148-P1070770.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg148-P1070770.jpg)
"Noborigama" kiln explanation in Japanese. It takes 40-50 days to fill the kiln, and 7-10 days to fire. 登り窯
|
|
![Filename=sg149-P1070771.jpg
Filesize=108KiB
Dimensions=800x600
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg149-P1070771.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg149-P1070771.jpg)
"Noborigama" kiln explanation in Japanese
|
|
![Filename=sg150-P1070780.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg150-P1070780.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg150-P1070780.jpg)
The top of the noborigama kiln.
|
|
![Filename=sg151-P1070781.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg151-P1070781.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg151-P1070781.jpg)
Steps along the side of the noborigama kiln.
|
|
![Filename=sg152-P1070733.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg152-P1070733.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg152-P1070733.jpg)
A talk about Shigaraki ware at Sotoen.
|
|
![Filename=sg153-P1070735.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg153-P1070735.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg153-P1070735.jpg)
A talk about Shigaraki ware at Sotoen.
|
|
![Filename=sg154-P1070738.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg154-P1070738.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg154-P1070738.jpg)
Bento lunch at Sotoen.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg156-P1070812.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg156-P1070812.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg156-P1070812.jpg)
Another highlight of Sotoen was a pottery lesson for beginners. They have a huge pottery classroom.
|
|
![Filename=sg157-DSC01452.jpg
Filesize=13KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg157-DSC01452.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg157-DSC01452.jpg)
First, an instructor demonstrated the basics of pottery making with a block of clay. Easy enough for anyone to make a simple bowl or cup.
|
|
![Filename=sg158-DSC01458.jpg
Filesize=11KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg158-DSC01458.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg158-DSC01458.jpg)
The instructor showed how to smooth the top edge with a wet cloth.
|
|
![Filename=sg159-DSC01467.jpg
Filesize=14KiB
Dimensions=400x225
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg159-DSC01467.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg159-DSC01467.jpg)
Here's our block of Shigaraki clay.
|
|
![Filename=sg160-P1070824.jpg
Filesize=21KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg160-P1070824.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg160-P1070824.jpg)
After maybe 20-30 min., my little bowl.
|
|
![Filename=sg161-P1070820.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg161-P1070820.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg161-P1070820.jpg)
Another person got more creative. We were going to see the result in Sept.
|
|
![Filename=sg162-P1070716.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg162-P1070716.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg162-P1070716.jpg)
Sotoen gift shop.
|
|
![Filename=sg163-P1070789.jpg
Filesize=96KiB
Dimensions=600x800
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg163-P1070789.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg163-P1070789.jpg)
They even can make Shigaraki figurines based your likeness if you give them photos of your face.
|
|
![Filename=sg164-P1070810.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg164-P1070810.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg164-P1070810.jpg)
Large tanuki.
|
|
![Filename=sg165-P1070836.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg165-P1070836.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg165-P1070836.jpg)
Pottery everywhere at Sotoen.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg167-P1070834.jpg
Filesize=35KiB
Dimensions=400x300
Date added=Aug 27, 2012 sg167-P1070834.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg167-P1070834.jpg)
Frogs are another auspicious pottery piece. Sotoen Web site: shigarakiyaki.co.jp
|
|
![Filename=sg200-IMG_2564.jpg
Filesize=25KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg200-IMG_2564.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg200-IMG_2564.jpg)
If you go to Shigaraki by car, you will see large pottery shops along the road catching your eye with giant tanuki and small tanuki armies.
|
|
![Filename=sg201-IMG_2566.jpg
Filesize=20KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg201-IMG_2566.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg201-IMG_2566.jpg)
Giant tanuki dressed as a Yokozuna grand champion sumo wrestler.
|
|
![Filename=sg202-IMG_2562.jpg
Filesize=26KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg202-IMG_2562.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg202-IMG_2562.jpg)
Inside a large pottery shop.
|
|
![Filename=sg203-IMG_2560.jpg
Filesize=22KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sg203-IMG_2560.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg203-IMG_2560.jpg)
This pottery shop also offers pottery classes.
|
|
![Filename=sg204-20090926_3346.jpg
Filesize=13KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Sep 30, 2009 sg204-20090926_3346.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg204-20090926_3346.jpg)
Also in Shigaraki is Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, in the middle of the mountains. From Shigaraki Station, it's a 25-min. bus ride. (Or 50 min. by Teisan Bus from JR Ishiyama Station in Otsu.) This nice tunnel leads to the museum.
|
|
|
![Filename=sg206-20090926_3337.jpg
Filesize=27KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Sep 30, 2009 sg206-20090926_3337.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg206-20090926_3337.jpg)
Entrance to Miho Museum which has an excellent collection of art from most parts of the world. Photography is not allowed inside the museum. MAP
|
|
![Filename=sg207-20090926_3340.jpg
Filesize=30KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Sep 30, 2009 sg207-20090926_3340.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sg207-20090926_3340.jpg)
Miho Museum has several exhibition rooms featuring art from various parts of the world. It also has a restaurant and coffee shop.
|
|
![Filename=sp020-20081013_1937.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp020-20081013_1937.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp020-20081013_1937.jpg)
Shigarakigushi Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway Line. This is where you get off to see the Shigaraki-no-miya Palace Ruins or the train accident memorial. 紫香楽宮跡駅
|
|
![Filename=sp021-20081013_1928.jpg
Filesize=28KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp021-20081013_1928.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp021-20081013_1928.jpg)
Vending machine trash bin with tanuki design at Shigarakigushi Station.
|
|
![Filename=sp022-20081013_1857.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp022-20081013_1857.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp022-20081013_1857.jpg)
Shigaraki-no-miya Palace ruins. National Historic Site MAP
|
|
![Filename=sp023-20081013_1858.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp023-20081013_1858.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp023-20081013_1858.jpg)
Kyoto-based Emperor Shomu first built a Detached Palace in Shigaraki in 742. This became the the Shigaraki-no-miya Palace.
|
|
|
![Filename=sp025-20081013_1864.jpg
Filesize=32KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp025-20081013_1864.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp025-20081013_1864.jpg)
Ruins of a gate. Only the stone foundations are left. No original buildings stand.
|
|
![Filename=sp026-20081013_1866.jpg
Filesize=36KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp026-20081013_1866.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp026-20081013_1866.jpg)
Another theory says that this is the ruins of Kokaji temple. 甲賀寺
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sp029-20081013_1872.jpg
Filesize=38KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp029-20081013_1872.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp029-20081013_1872.jpg)
A small shrine stands as a memorial.
|
|
|
|
![Filename=sp032-20081013_1884.jpg
Filesize=35KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp032-20081013_1884.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp032-20081013_1884.jpg)
There are stone markers indicating where various buildings were.
|
|
|
![Filename=sp034-20081013_1890.jpg
Filesize=44KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sp034-20081013_1890.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sp034-20081013_1890.jpg)
Stone foundation for a pillar.
|
|
|
![Filename=sq020-20081013_1905.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq020-20081013_1905.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq020-20081013_1905.jpg)
The Shigaraki Kogen Railway between Kibukawa and Shigaraki Stations is a single railway.
|
|
![Filename=sq021-20081013_1924.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq021-20081013_1924.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq021-20081013_1924.jpg)
On the morning of May 14, 1991, a Shigaraki Kogen Railway train bound for Kibukawa collided head on with a special JR West train traveling from Kyoto to Shigaraki.The accident occurred May 14, 1991, when an SKR train collided head-on with a JR West train in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, leaving 42 people, including five SKR employees, dead and 614 injured.
|
|
![Filename=sq022-20081013_1907.jpg
Filesize=34KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq022-20081013_1907.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq022-20081013_1907.jpg)
Forty-two people died, and over 600 were injured. The JR West train was packed with people heading to Shigaraki for the World Ceramic Festival. The front cars of the two trains formed an upside-down V.
|
|
![Filename=sq023-20081013_1908.jpg
Filesize=38KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq023-20081013_1908.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq023-20081013_1908.jpg)
The accident was due to a train signal mixup and human error.
|
|
![Filename=sq024-20081013_1910.jpg
Filesize=37KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq024-20081013_1910.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq024-20081013_1910.jpg)
Another place to visit in Shigaraki.
|
|
![Filename=sq025-20081013_1911.jpg
Filesize=36KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq025-20081013_1911.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq025-20081013_1911.jpg)
Resembling a pair of praying hands, the train accident memorial is right next to the railway track.
|
|
![Filename=sq026-20081013_1915.jpg
Filesize=33KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq026-20081013_1915.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq026-20081013_1915.jpg)
Stone plaque with the names of the 42 fatalities, including five employees of Shiga Kogen (Highland) Railways (SKR).
|
|
|
![Filename=sq028-20081013_1919.jpg
Filesize=35KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq028-20081013_1919.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq028-20081013_1919.jpg)
JR trains no longer run to Shigaraki directly.
|
|
![Filename=sq029-20081013_1909.jpg
Filesize=35KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq029-20081013_1909.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq029-20081013_1909.jpg)
Memorial for Safety
|
|
![Filename=sq030-20081013_1922.jpg
Filesize=29KiB
Dimensions=400x267
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq030-20081013_1922.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq030-20081013_1922.jpg)
The memorial is a short walk from Shigarakigushi Station.
|
|
![Filename=sq031-20081013_1932.jpg
Filesize=24KiB
Dimensions=267x400
Date added=Jan 09, 2009 sq031-20081013_1932.jpg](albums/shiga/koka/shigaraki/thumb_sq031-20081013_1932.jpg)
Art work on a vending machine.
|
|
|
|