Last additions
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Dec. 23, 2004 at 8:30 am: Across the street from the Imperial Palace. Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 are the only two days when the general public is allowed to enter the palace to greet the Emperor and his family.A visit to the Imperial Palace by the general public is called "ippan sanga" in Japanese (一般参賀).

On the Emperor's birthday, the Imperial Palace can be entered only at certain locations. You have to find out where they are and stand in line there. Just go near the Imperial Palace and ask a policeman where you can stand in line. You otherwise cannot enter the grounds. The huge, graveled plaza where you can see Nijubashi Bridge is closed off by police.

While standing in line here, we received free paper Japanese flags.
Nov 06, 2005
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Line behindNov 06, 2005
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8:37 am: We crossed the street to enter Imperial Palace groundsNov 06, 2005
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Honda MotorcyclesAt the end of the day, the companions line up in front of their booth to say goodbye. Great photo op too.Nov 05, 2005
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Yamaha MotorcyclesAt the end of the day, the companions line up in front of their booth to say goodbye. Great photo op too.Nov 05, 2005
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Suzuki Stratosphere motorcycleSuzuki put on a great show with a bunch of girls doing hip-hop dancing.Nov 05, 2005
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Suzuki MotorcyclesSuzuki put on a great show with a bunch of girls doing hip-hop dancing.Nov 05, 2005
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Yamaha MotorcyclesYamaha's booth was the most elegant in the motorcycle section.Nov 05, 2005
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Honda E4-01 motorcycleNov 05, 2005
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Suzuki MotorcyclesNov 05, 2005
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Honda E4-01 motorcycleNov 05, 2005
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Honda MotorcyclesNov 05, 2005
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Kawasaki ZZR 1400 ABS motorcycleI looked at her and she smiled.Nov 05, 2005
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Yamaha Gen-Ryu motorcycleNov 05, 2005
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Kawasaki MotorcyclesOne of the best-looking motorcycle models.Nov 05, 2005
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Harley-Davidson. In 1999, the show combined passenger cars and motorcycles. Also, in 1999, the show for commercial vehicles was omitted and instead to be held in a separate show in alternating years starting in 2000.Nov 05, 2005
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Harley-Davidson FXDI 35th Anniversary Super GlideWorld premiere of this bike.Nov 05, 2005
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Kawasaki MotorcyclesI wasn't one of them.Nov 05, 2005
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Daihatsu BEE (1951)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. Three wheels.Nov 05, 2005
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Harley-Davidson FLST Heritage SoftailWorld premiere of this bike.Nov 05, 2005
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Toyota Corolla (1967)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. Nov 05, 2005
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Kawasaki MotorcyclesKawasaki had a bevy of leggy beauties promoting their cycles. They didn't dance, but served well to attract attention.Nov 05, 2005
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Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night RodNice curves...Nov 05, 2005
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FujitsuNov 05, 2005
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Honda S600 (1964)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. This Honda was from 1964.Nov 05, 2005
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Alpine + iPodNov 05, 2005
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AlpineShe had horde of photographers crowded in front of her. But she managed to find me and smiled.Nov 05, 2005
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Clarion. The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times.I approached her and she struck this pose instinctively.Nov 05, 2005
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ClarionDefinitely Miss Photogenic.Nov 05, 2005
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PanasonicAwful costume I thought.Nov 05, 2005
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VolkswagenNov 05, 2005
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PanasonicAnother nice one.Nov 05, 2005
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Volkswagen GolfNov 05, 2005
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OpelYes, some girls don't need to smile to look good.Nov 05, 2005
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VolkswagenNov 05, 2005
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Bugatti Veyron 16.4Nov 05, 2005
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BMW Z4 Coupe ConceptMatte paint finish, no gloss.Nov 05, 2005
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SLR McLarenBest-looking car with gills.Nov 05, 2005
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PorscheNov 05, 2005
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Rolls Royce PhantomNov 05, 2005
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Porsche 911 CarreraRed was definitely the most popular car color at the show.Nov 05, 2005
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General Motors Cadillac STS-VI yearn for the days when Cadillac had more elegant car names like Fleetwood, Eldorado, and Seville. Now it's all three-letter names. I can hardly remember them. And the cars look so ugly (in my opinion).Nov 05, 2005
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HummerShe was charming...Nov 05, 2005
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Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleCorvette, but why no Camaro at the show too?Nov 05, 2005
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Chevorlet Corvette Z06Nov 05, 2005
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Ferrari F430 SpiderLamborghini set out to build a better car than Ferrari, and he attained his goal. I like Ferrari (especially the Testarossa), but I like Lambo better.Nov 05, 2005
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Ferrari 612 ScagliettiNov 05, 2005
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Kia Sports ConceptFirst-rate model who knows how to smile.Nov 05, 2005
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Kia MotorsA crowd favorite. Kia (not her name) is from South Korea.Nov 05, 2005
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Mitsubishi MotorsShe attracted a big crowd of snapshooters and oglers.Nov 05, 2005
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Mitsubishi MotorsNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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Mitsubishi MotorsNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuDaihatsu had the best show performance. The models and performers wore a variety of costumes.Nov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuA show worth seeing twice.Nov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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Daihatsu. I smiled at her, and she smiled back...Nov 05, 2005
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Daihatsu SK-TourerNov 05, 2005
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Daihatsu SK-TourerNov 05, 2005
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DaihatsuNov 05, 2005
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Daihatsu HVSNov 05, 2005
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SubaruNov 05, 2005
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Subaru Impreza WRC 2006 PrototypeIn 2004, Subaru won the Rally Japan 2004 (the first FIA WRC hosted in Japan). The car was driven by Petter Solberg. It is a race on public roads.Nov 05, 2005
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Subaru R1 and Subaru 360The new ladybug meets the old.Nov 05, 2005
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Subaru 360 (from 1958). Nicknamed "Ladybug."Nov 05, 2005
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Suzuki LCI looked at her, and she looked at me. I didn't wave, so she didn't wave...Nov 05, 2005
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Suzuki IonisA real ballerina-type model danced in front of the car. I like this picture.Nov 05, 2005
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Suzuki LC. LC stands for Life Creator. These girls were dancing and hopping around the car before they settled down and posed.Nov 05, 2005
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HondaThis is what she looks like up close.Nov 05, 2005
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Honda W.O.W. ConceptHonda had nice women posing, but I was hoping they would bring out the Asimo robots to introduce the cars.

I smiled at her, but she never noticed me...
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Honda Sports 4 ConceptI smiled at her, and she smiled back...Nov 05, 2005
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Honda Sports 4 ConceptNov 05, 2005
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Honda Sports 4 ConceptI like this picture.Nov 05, 2005
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Nissan boothNov 05, 2005
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Nissan GT-R ProtoNov 05, 2005
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Nissan PivoNov 05, 2005
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Toyota i-swingA single-seater, reminds me of a Segway with a seat. Controlled with a joystick and shifting your body weight. It has 3 wheels. If they don't allow Segways in Japan, I wonder if they would allow this on Japanese streets. Would it need a license plate? And would we need a license to operate it?Nov 05, 2005
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Nissan Pivo with swivel topElectric car with a top that swivels 360˚ so you can drive forward or back without turning the car around. Seats three people. The driver sits in the middle.

I waved to her, and she waved back...
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Toyota i-swingI waved to her, and she waved back...Nov 05, 2005
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Toyota Fine-XThe driver's seat swivels outward.Nov 05, 2005
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Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The show was held annually until 1973 when the oil shock occurred. It was so severe that organizers decided to hold the show every other year. No show was held in 1974. From 1975, the show was held every other year.The Murcielago attracted more attention.Nov 05, 2005
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Toyota Fine-X. In 1989, the show moved to Makuhari Messe. In 1970, foreign automakers participated in the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time.All the major car makers showed concept cars or prototypes. This one is by Toyota. All four wheels can turn. Makes it easy to parallel park in tight spaces, but how do you steer it?Nov 05, 2005
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Toyota stage. In 1958, the venue changed to Korakuen Bicycle Racing Stadium. Also in 1958, the date was changed from spring (April-May) to fall (Oct.-Nov). In 1959, the venue was switched to Harumi at the domed Tokyo International Trade Center.Toyota had a large spread in the Center Hall.Nov 05, 2005
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Lamborghini Murcielago. Although this is called the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, the first motor show was held in 1954 and called the 1st All-Japan Motor Show. The venue was Hibiya Park in Tokyo. In 1964, the show was renamed "Tokyo Motor Show.&quoThe best-looking rear at the show...Nov 05, 2005
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Lamborghini MurcielagoOnly with a Lamborghini would I tell any pretty woman standing in front of it to move away so I can see and photograph the car better. Actually, I'm not that rude, so I just waited until she went away.Nov 05, 2005
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Lamborghini MurcielagoNo price was listed. But if you have to ask, then it's too expensive.Nov 05, 2005
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About the Tokyo Motor Show...Makuhari Messe is near Kaihin Makuhari Station on the Keiyo and Musashino Lines. The huge show occupies the entire Makuhari Messe consisting of the North, East, Center, and West Halls, and Event Hall. Admission was 1200 yen. The show sees over 1.4 million visitors.

Although this is called the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, the first motor show was held in 1954 and called the 1st All-Japan Motor Show. The venue was Hibiya Park in Tokyo. In 1964, the show was renamed "Tokyo Motor Show." The show was held annually until 1973 when the oil shock occurred. It was so severe that organizers decided to hold the show every other year. No show was held in 1974. From 1975, the show was held every other year. 2005 is actually the 50th anniversary of the motor show.

In 1958, the venue changed to Korakuen Bicycle Racing Stadium. Also in 1958, the date was changed from spring (April-May) to fall (Oct.-Nov). In 1959, the venue was switched to Harumi at the domed Tokyo International Trade Center where it would remain until 1987 when it moved to Makuhari Messe in 1989. In 1970, foreign automakers participated in the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time.

In 1999, the show combined passenger cars and motorcycles. Also, in 1999, the show for commercial vehicles was omitted and instead to be held in a separate show in alternating years starting in 2000. The motor show for passenger cars and motorcycles would continue to be held every two years from 1999. So there would be a Tokyo Motor Show every year, but the purpose would alternate between passenger cars/motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

During the 1st motor show in 1954, when most of the vehicles displayed were for commercial use, the attendance was 547,000. In 1963, it exceed 1 million over 16 days. It hovered around 1.4 million in the years following. The record attendance was attained in 1991 with over 2 million visitors during 15 days. In 2003, the total attendance was 1.424 million.

In 2000, at the first Tokyo Motor Show dedicated to commercial vehicles, attendance was a mere 177,900 over 5 days. In 2004, attendance was 248,600 over 6 days.

The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times. Their hairstyles, wardrobe, skirt length, make-up, etc. The Tokyo Motor Show is not only a showcase for cars, it is also a fashion showcase. Therefore, in this online photo gallery, you will see not only cars, but also women. Enjoy!
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The best-looking lady at the show...A Lambo of course. Lamborghini, everyone's all-time, ultimate dream car. (Besides Speed Racer's Mach 5.) This is the Murcielago.Nov 05, 2005
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Scenic point at end of trailNov 01, 2005
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Panorama at end of trailNov 01, 2005
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Beyond the east end of Sugaura (beyond the east thatched-roof gate) is a scenic walking trail along the peninsula's shore.After you pass through the town, there is a hiking/bicycle trail along the peninsula.Nov 01, 2005
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Swimming areaNov 01, 2005
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Trail goes further.Nov 01, 2005
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Trail going up the mountain.Nov 01, 2005
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Thatched-roof gate, called Shisokumon 四足門, on the east end used to monitor outsiders entering the village.Nov 01, 2005
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Sugaura Local History Museum 菅浦郷土史料館. Contains historical documents related to the town. But it was closed when I went.Nov 01, 2005
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Suga ShrineNov 01, 2005
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Thatched-roof gate, called Shisokumon 四足門, on the west end used to monitor outsiders entering the village. Another one is at the east end. MAPNov 01, 2005
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Suga Shrine, dedicated to Sugaura's patron god. The shrine also has a connection with Emperor Junnin (733-765). 淳仁天皇. 須賀神社須賀神社Nov 01, 2005
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Way to Suga Shrine. Emperor Junnin supposedly once lived in this area in secret.Nov 01, 2005
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Entrance to Sugaura, a quaint lakeshore village on a peninsula. It is will be designated as an Important Cultural Landscape. A pleasant trail goes along the lakeshore trail.Nov 01, 2005
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Sugaura is a length-wise town hugging the shore of the lake.Nov 01, 2005
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The maruko-bune boat is a symbol of Nishi-Azai town which is now part of the city of Nagahama.Nov 01, 2005
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Going down to the lake shore of Sugaura.Nov 01, 2005
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Chikubushima island in the distanceNov 01, 2005
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Lookout point, Chikubushima island in the distanceNov 01, 2005
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The big maruko-bune boat (17 meters long) was donated by a native of Nishi-Azai. It could hold 13 tons of cargo.Nov 01, 2005
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Large maruko-bune displayed outdoors, without a mast.Nov 01, 2005
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Large wooden paddle of a maruko-bune boat. The boat also had a sail. The boat had a round log on both sides.Nov 01, 2005
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The wooden maruko-bune boat was a common sight on Lake Biwa before railroads were built. They were mainly used for shipping cargo between Kyoto and the northern region of Fukui, Kanazawa, etc.Nov 01, 2005
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Sugaura is one of the best areas of northern Shiga and northern Lake Biwa. Quiet, clean, and scenic.Nov 01, 2005
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Some scenery from the road between Nagahara and Sugaura.Nov 01, 2005
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Sugaura is a small settlement in Nishi-Azai along the northern shore of Lake Biwa. It is a quiet and scenic area with a nice lakeshore road and trail almost to the tip of the peninsula. Akasaki Maruko-bune park赤崎丸子船Nov 01, 2005
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On the shore is a small stone wall and foundation, the remains of the Kaga Clan's magistrate's office. Imazu was within the Kaga domain (centering on Ishikawa Prefecture) during the Edo Period.Nov 01, 2005
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Pass under the toriiOct 30, 2005
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Up the stairs to the shrine groundsOct 30, 2005
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Shrine grounds where the taiko drum dance is performedOct 30, 2005
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They walk very slowlyOct 30, 2005
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Sannomiya Shrine, at foot of Mt. IbukiOct 30, 2005
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I also saw this Ibuki-yama Taiko Drum Dance 5 years before. The following photos were taken on Oct. 2, 2005. It was the same as in 2010 except for the performers.Oct 30, 2005
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Southeastern shore of Lake BiwaAs seen from Mt. Hiei Driveway. Kusatsu and Moriyama are in view.Oct 25, 2005
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Otsu shoreline and Mt. HieiAs seen from the Otsu Prince Hotel.Oct 25, 2005
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Northern Lake Biwa (Sugaura)Oct 24, 2005
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Sugaura in northern Lake BiwaOct 24, 2005
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Near Sugaura in northern Lake BiwaOct 24, 2005
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Near Imazu, TakashimaOct 24, 2005
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Takatsuki-choOct 24, 2005
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Notogawa Station on JR Tokaido/Biwako Line. Beautifully designed station resembling a water wheel, the symbol of the town. East Exit. 能登川駅Oct 24, 2005
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Cycling on lakeshore road. There is a scenic cycling path all around Lake Biwa. Takes 2-3 days to cycle around the lake.Oct 24, 2005
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Lakeshore road and Okinoshima islandOct 24, 2005
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View from Mt. HieiOct 24, 2005
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Keage today, incline is on the right of roadOct 24, 2005
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Kusatsu as seen from Mt. HieiOct 24, 2005
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Kusatsu as seen from Mt. HieiKarasuma Peninsula is also visible.Oct 24, 2005
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Keage Incline postcardThe Keage Incline was in operation until 1948.Oct 24, 2005
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Keage Incline postcardThe Keage Incline was in operation until 1948.Oct 24, 2005
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Omi-Hachiman StationOct 23, 2005
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Dance by shrine maidens on New Year's Day 2005 at Taga Taisha Shrine.. Also see the 2005 video at YouTube.Oct 23, 2005
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Buying New Year's decorations and charms.Oct 23, 2005
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Taga Taisha is dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami, husband and wife deities who created the islands of Japan and many other gods such as Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. According to the Kojiki Ancient Records, Izanagi retired in Taga, so this shrine was built.Oct 23, 2005
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Taga Taisha Shrine, Shiga. Taga Taisha rethatched its roof and celebrated with a festival in Oct. 2007.Oct 23, 2005
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Giving New Year's prayers at Taga Taisha shrine.Oct 23, 2005
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Entrance to Chomeiji Temple. MAPOct 23, 2005
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The 31st temple on the Saigoku (Western Japan) Pilgrimage circuit, Chomeiji (Long Life Temple) worships the Kannon goddess dedicated to long life and good health. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist sect. This sign points the way.Accessible by bus from Omi-Hachiman Station.Oct 23, 2005
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Attached lake behind the beachOct 23, 2005
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Parking lot entranceOct 23, 2005
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Omi-Maiko Beach Management OfficeOct 23, 2005
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Goddess for lake safetyOct 23, 2005
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Monument for Biwako Hakkei. "Cool Breeze on White Sands of Omatsu" is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa as selected in 1949.Oct 23, 2005
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Marker for OmatsuOmatsu is the old name for Omi-Maiko.Oct 23, 2005
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Green pine and white sand of Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.Oct 23, 2005
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White sands at Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.Oct 23, 2005
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Manyoshu MonumentOct 23, 2005
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Clear waters and beautiful Lake Biwa beach at Omi-MaikoOct 23, 2005
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Omi-MaikoOct 23, 2005
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Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta).In June 1917, a song called Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) was composed by college student Taro Oguchi during a boat rowing trip around Lake Biwa. He was a member of the rowing club at Dai-san High School (now Kyoto University). He composed it in Imazu, Shiga Prefecture during the second night of the trip.

The song is about the boys rowing around Lake Biwa while mentioning famous places like Otsu (the starting point), Omi-Maiko (Omatsu), Imazu, Chikubushima, Nagahama, and Chomeiji.

Another boat mate matched Oguchi's lyrics to the melody based on the old song called Water Lilies as modified by a young Chiaki Yoshida. It soon became a popular dormitory song.

Oct 23, 2005
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Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta)The song became a national hit in 1971 when singer Tokiko Kato recorded it. Numerous famous Japanese singers and groups have since released cover versions of the song. The town of Imazu even holds an annual song contest in June when choir groups from around Japan sing the song in a competition. The town even has a museum dedicated to the song.

One of the verses mentions Omatsu (now called Omi-Maiko). This monument commemorates the song and that verse.
Oct 23, 2005
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Or go right to see the best beaches...Oct 23, 2005
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Go left or right...Disobey the sign and go right to visit the main beach.Oct 23, 2005
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Omi-Maiko Station on JR Kosei Line. It makes it easy for people in Kyoto to visit Omi-Maiko. MAPSign says "Welcome to Omi-Maiko." Omi-Maiko was in the former town of Shiga-cho that merged into Otsu.Oct 23, 2005
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Go left to visit the hotelOct 23, 2005
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 1 at MihogasakiOct 23, 2005
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 1. Kyoto was thereby revitalized with electric power and a stable water supply. A second, almost parallel canal for drinking water was also constructed in 1912. Oct 23, 2005
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 1Oct 23, 2005
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. The Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) supplies water from Lake Biwa in Otsu to Kyoto. After four years of monumental construction, the canal was completed in 1890.Oct 23, 2005
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