 Last additions - Konan 湖南市 |
JR Ishibe Station platform.Jan 01, 2023
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New JR Ishibe Station, Kusatsu Line. New station under construction in late 2022.Jan 01, 2023
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Zensuiji Hondo main hallNov 18, 2021
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Nov 18, 2021
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Zensuiji Hondo main worship hallNov 18, 2021
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Nov 18, 2021
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Red maples framing Zensuiji temple in autumn.Nov 18, 2021
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Nov 18, 2021
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My video introducing Konan's treasures also shows Zensuiji.Sep 28, 2016
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My video introducing Konan also shows yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers.Sep 28, 2016
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Inside Konan Marché (now closed). A variety of local produce and gifts.Sep 28, 2016
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Junibo Onsen Yurara's mascot.Sep 28, 2016
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Junibo Onsen Yurara hot spring facilitySep 28, 2016
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Upper Secret, a popular American-style local cafe specializing in Indian curry with Konan's yahei hot chili peppers and confections. Open 9 am-5:30 pm, closed Tue., Phone: 0748-60-5077Near JR Kosei Station.Sep 28, 2016
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Shimoda-yaki sold by the old Konan Marché (now closed).Sep 28, 2016
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Yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers are grown in Konan by company called fm craic.Sep 28, 2016
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Yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers grown in Konan.Sep 28, 2016
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Inside Konan Marché (now closed). Products made of yahei-togarashi hot chili peppers grown in Konan.Sep 28, 2016
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Konan Marché was like a michi-no-eki roadside station. It was a local shop selling local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It has closed after the new Kocopia shop opened.Sep 28, 2016
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For 700 yen, you can also just paint something on a ready-made plate and have it fired. It takes a few weeks for it to be fired and delivered to you. Closed Mon. and Tue.Sep 28, 2016
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Shimoda-yaki pieces are designed for practical, everyday use.Sep 28, 2016
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Shimoda-yaki cupsSep 28, 2016
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Nov 28, 2014
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Zensui natural spring water. Donate small change to get a bottle to fill up with this healing water.Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Autumn leaves accent Zensuiji very nicely in autumn.Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Nov 28, 2014
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Zensuiji temple in autumn.Nov 28, 2014
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Red maples greet you as you approach Zensuiji's main hall.Nov 28, 2014
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Also visited Zensuiji in autumn. Thought it was more colorful than in spring.Nov 28, 2014
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Indigo vats.Jul 04, 2011
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Nice woodblock prints of the indigo master dyeing thread.Jul 04, 2011
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Dried indigo plant.Jul 04, 2011
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Pictures of their indigo plant farm in Konan.Jul 04, 2011
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A student created a woodblock print of the indigo artisan dyeing threads.Jul 04, 2011
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My video of Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.Jul 04, 2011
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Looking downstream from the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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Jul 04, 2011
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Top of the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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Top of the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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Upstream at the top of the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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Etching on stone.Jul 04, 2011
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Jul 04, 2011
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Altar for Fudo-Myo-o.Jul 04, 2011
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Altar for Fudo-Myo-o.Jul 04, 2011
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Jul 04, 2011
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Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.Jul 04, 2011
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The waterfall is about 5 meters high.Jul 04, 2011
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Fudo-no-taki Waterfall in Mikumo, Konan, Shiga Prefecture.Jul 04, 2011
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On the left of the waterfall is a small altar for Fudo-Myo-o, the patron god of mountain ascetic priests. The waterfall takes its name after this god.Jul 04, 2011
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There's even a small lookout deck.Jul 04, 2011
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Jul 04, 2011
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Path going to the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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From the road, the path to the waterfall is very short, lined with banners written with the names of ascetic pilgrims who came to pray or practice at the waterfall.Jul 04, 2011
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Near the south of JR Mikumo Station (Kusatsu Line) is Fudo-no-taki Waterfall. One of two noted waterfalls in Konan. The waterfall's trail entrance is right along the road, marked by a stone monument. MAPJul 04, 2011
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Ishibe-juku (51st post town on the Tokaido) from his "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road" series. A tea house is depicted.Apr 24, 2011
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JR Mikumo Station platformMay 17, 2009
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Shimoda-yaki is characterized by deep-blue colors on white. They exhibit and sell Shimoda-yaki pottery and also offer pottery lessons. You should make reservations at 0748-72-7444. Take a bus from Mikumo Station and get off at Higashi Iwane 東岩根.May 17, 2009
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This was 1 or 2 days before the cherries reached full bloom.May 17, 2009
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Shimoda-yaki started in the 18th century using soil in the Shimoda area of Konan and techniques from Kyoto. Today, only one man makes it, and he has no successor. Pottery lessons cost 3500 yen if you want to make the piece yourself.May 17, 2009
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Nigori-ike Koen Park, local park with a pond noted for cherry blossoms. MAPMay 17, 2009
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Konan has some industrial parks.May 17, 2009
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The hall has a few exhibition rooms. May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Rice warehouse in Konan, Shiga.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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JR Mikumo Station on the Kusatsu Line.May 17, 2009
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If you go to Konki Senshoku, you might as well also see Shimoda-yaki 下田焼 pottery down the road in the Konan Traditional Crafts Hall (Dento Kogei Kaikan). 湖南市伝統工芸会館 MAPMay 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Painted benchMay 17, 2009
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Manhole in Konan, Shiga.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Next door to the Shimoda-yaki hall is this hall for trying traditional crafts. たくみの家May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Path up the mountain slope to Zensuiji.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Another spring from which the temple got its name.May 17, 2009
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Zensuiji stone marker.May 17, 2009
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One spring from which the temple got its name.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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This is in early April.May 17, 2009
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Very graceful roof lines.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Temple garden before the cherries reached full bloom.May 17, 2009
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If you go by car, this is the large parking lot you will see. May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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After a wooded path, you will see this.May 17, 2009
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Azalea bushesMay 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Established in the 8th century and one of the Konan Sanzan Trio of Tendai Buddhist National Treasure temples in Konan, Zensuiji's main Hondo Hall is a National Treasure. It is on the slope of Mt. Iwane.Zensuiji means "Efficacious Water Temple." From JR Kosei Station on the JR Kusatsu Line, catch a bus and get off at Iwane 岩根. From there, you still have to walk a bit, follow the signs (if you can read Japanese). This road leads to one entrance to Zensuiji.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Zensuiji Hondo Hall in Konan, Shiga. National Treasure.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Temple bell on the left. Public is welcome to ring the bell during New Year's Eve.May 17, 2009
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And there it is, the National Treasure. Zensuiji's Hondo Hall. Zensuiji worships Yakushi Nyorai (the buddha of healing and medicine).May 17, 2009
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About Zensuiji in Japanese.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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BellMay 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Sign points the way to Zensuiji.May 17, 2009
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WallMay 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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One spring from which the temple got its name. Zensuiji means Efficacious Water Temple.May 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Zensuiji Hondo main hallMay 17, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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Zensuiji temple, National Treasure.May 17, 2009
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Entrance to Zensuiji. Admission 500 yen charged. MAPMay 17, 2009
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Front view of Zensuiji Hondo Hall. National Treasure. The building design is very similar to Kongorinji temple.May 17, 2009
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Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside. There is also a priest guide inside the Hondo Hall to give you a tour and explanation of the temple in Japanese.May 17, 2009
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Some hillside construction work.May 17, 2009
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Pouches, etc., made of indigo fabric, for sale. Coming to this place really made me aware of how beautiful the indigo color is. Take a bus or taxi from Kosei or Mikumo Stations on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also availJan 13, 2008
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Indigo placemats on stairs. It's possible for the shop to handle up to 20 people to try indigo dyeing in their shop. Call 0748-75-0128. Address: Shimoda 1530, Konan-shi, ShigaJan 13, 2008
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After the indigo dip, water washed the handkerchief.Jan 13, 2008
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A room inside the shop had indigo fabrics everywhere. It takes years to learn the craft of indigo dyeing, including growing the plants. Like many other traditional crafts, this shop is uncertain who will take over and continue traditional indigo dyeing.Jan 13, 2008
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One result... All the designs are unique. We held the wet handkerchief in front of a kerosene heater and it dried quickly.Jan 13, 2008
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We dipped the handkerchief in multiple vats, each successive vat had a higher density of indigo. The more vats we dip the fabric in, the darker the color.Jan 13, 2008
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We fold up the handkerchief in whichever way, then tie strings/rubber bands around it. It is tie-dyeing.Jan 13, 2008
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We started with a vat having a low density of indigo. We dip the handkerchief for 15 sec., wring it, then expose it to the air. The indigo dye is actually a murky brownish-yellow color, but turns blue when exposed to the air.Jan 13, 2008
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Then we go to the indigo vats. They are heated with charcoal made with wood from trees on their hill. Each vat has a different indigo density.Jan 13, 2008
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So here's the handkerchief (1200 yen). It's very thin cotton. 近江正藍染 ＜県知事指定・滋賀県伝統的工芸＞Jan 13, 2008
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Konki Senshoku noren curtain. They've been in business in Konan for 200 years. One of three shops left in Shiga doing traditional indigo dyeing with natural (not synthetic) indigo dye. MAPTake a bus or taxi from Kosei or Mikumo Stations on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also available. Phone: 0748-75-0128, Address: Shimoda 1530, Konan-shi, ShigaJan 13, 2008
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Indigo fabrics for sale. Around 2000 yen per meter. Indigo dyeing came to Shiga from Kyoto. Indigo dyeing is called "aizome" in Japanese. 藍染Jan 13, 2008
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They grow their own indigo plants, dry the leaves in the sun, and extract the dye. They offer indigo dyeing lessons during which you can dye a cotton handkerchief for 1200 yen (T-shirts also). The kind lady first showed us samples of indigo fabrics.Jan 13, 2008
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Sansho ShrineDec 08, 2005
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Sansho Shrine 三聖神社The shrine is right next to the temple.Dec 08, 2005
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Temple bellDec 08, 2005
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Sansho ShrineDec 08, 2005
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Kannon stone buddhaDec 08, 2005
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Fall colorsDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Kannon stone buddhaThe temple grounds has 33 stone buddhas.Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Jorakuji's Three-story pagoda is also a National Treasure Built in 1400.Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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3-story pagoda, also a National TreasureDec 08, 2005
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Built in 1400We cannot enter it.Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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HondoDec 08, 2005
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Entrance to temple hallInside are statues of gods and Buddhas designated as Important Cultural Properties. One of them was stolen, so there are security cameras inside the temple. Photography is also forbidden.Dec 08, 2005
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Temple roof of Jorakuji temple.Dec 08, 2005
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Hondo temple hallDec 08, 2005
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Hondo temple hallDec 08, 2005
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Jorakuji Hondo hall, a National Treasure in Konan, Shiga. The pagoda on the left is also a National Treasure. The original temple burned down in 1360, and rebuilt the same year.Dec 08, 2005
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Pagoda and Hondo temple hallDec 08, 2005
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About the templeThe temple was established in 708 as ordered by the emperor.Dec 08, 2005
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EntranceDec 08, 2005
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Gate guardian (right side)In the San-mon GateDec 08, 2005
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Path to templeDec 08, 2005
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Gate guardian (left side)In the San-mon GateDec 08, 2005
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San-mon Gate 山門 MAPDec 08, 2005
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In the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof. You can walk to Jorakuji (means "Constant Comfort Temple") from Chojuji Temple. From Ishibe Station, best to take a bus to Chojuji first, then walk downhill to Jorakuji. EntraDec 08, 2005
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A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It is one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio accessible by bus from JR Ishibe Station.In the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof.Dec 08, 2005
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ShrineDec 08, 2005
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ShrineDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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ShrineDec 08, 2005
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Shrine pathDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Shrine next to templeDec 08, 2005
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ShrineDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Pagoda foundationThere used to be a 3-story pagoda, but Oda Nobunaga moved it to his temple. The stone foundations still remain.Dec 08, 2005
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Benten-doDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Benten-doDec 08, 2005
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Benten-doDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Information signDec 08, 2005
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Benten-doDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Chojuji temple Hondo temple hall, National TreasureDec 08, 2005
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Hondo temple hallDec 08, 2005
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Chojuji temple Hondo temple hall, National Treasure in Konan, Shiga.The hondo once burned down, but was rebuilt during the Kamakura Period.Dec 08, 2005
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Hondo temple hall, National TreasureDec 08, 2005
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Fall colors are also nice. Accessible by bus from Ishibe Station or walk from Jorakuji. Path to temple. MAPDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Meaning "Long Life Temple," Chojuji's Hondo temple hall is a National Treasure. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect and one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio along with Jorakuji and Zensuiji Temples.Chojuji temple Entrance gate + fall colors.Dec 08, 2005
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Church houseDec 08, 2005
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Tokaido History Museum includes an accurate model of Ishibe-juku's palatial Kojima Honjin.Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Ishibe High School. Rare to see a Japanese high school whose name is shown in English.Dec 08, 2005
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Church houseDec 08, 2005
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Ishibe Town logoDec 08, 2005
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Tea houseDec 08, 2005
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Tokaido History Museum is adjacent to Shukuba no Sato. It explains the 53 stage towns of the Tokaido Road between Edo and Kyoto. 東海道歴史資料館Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Old fire truckDec 08, 2005
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Tea houseDec 08, 2005
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Rice warehouseDec 08, 2005
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Inn kitchenDec 08, 2005
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Rice warehouseDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Guest name plates in the innDec 08, 2005
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Merchant's houseDec 08, 2005
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Inn (hatago) 旅籠Dec 08, 2005
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InnDec 08, 2005
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Old farming implements (for irrigation)Dec 08, 2005
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Farmer's houseDec 08, 2005
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Traditional farmer's houseDec 08, 2005
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Merchant's house 商家Dec 08, 2005
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Traditional farmer's houseDec 08, 2005
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Gate 関所Dec 08, 2005
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Traditional farmer's houseDec 08, 2005
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Traditional farmer's house 農家Dec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Entrance to Shukuba no Sato, outdoor museum of stage town buildings 宿場の里 MAPDec 08, 2005
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About Shukuba no Sato. Interesting outdoor museum of Edo-Period buildings accurately reconstructed as was found in Ishibe-juku. You can find a farmer's house, merchant's house, inn, tea house, and warehouse. The inside is also quite authentic.Dec 08, 2005
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Entrance to Ameyama Cultural Sports Park, a low hill with various sports and cultural facilities and hiking trails.Dec 08, 2005
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Ishibe was usually the first overnight stop for travelers going from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). The Honjin is no longer in existence, and only a normal house sits on the site.Dec 08, 2005
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Site of Kojima Honjin and Emperor Meiji marker. The Kojima Honjin was Ishibe-juku's best accommodation suited for feudal lords and emperors.Dec 08, 2005
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Woodblock print of Ishibe-jukuDec 08, 2005
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Dec 08, 2005
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Inside reconstructed tea houseDec 08, 2005
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Gate in front of Ishibe StationDec 08, 2005
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Dengaku Chaya tea house reconstructed in 2003 based on Hiroshige's ukiyoe print of Ishibe. A rest place for tourists. Walkable from Ishibe Station. 田楽茶屋The original tea house as seen in Hiroshige's print was located some distance away (nearer to Ritto) from the location of this reconstructed tea house. Dec 08, 2005
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In front of JR Ishibe Station. There are many bicycle garages for out-of-town students who commute from the station to their high school in Ishibe.Dec 08, 2005
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Ishibe-juku was the 51st stage/post or shukuba lodging town on the Tokaido Road where even Emperor Meiji once stayed (with an entourage of over 3,000). View from JR Ishibe Station. Ishibe in Konan city is rural, yet it has a few major industries operating.Dec 08, 2005
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JR Ishibe Station before renovations.Dec 08, 2005
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JR Ishibe StationDec 08, 2005
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