 Most viewed - Omi-Hachiman 近江八幡市 |
Hachiman Commercial High School designed by William Merrell Vories in 1935. 八幡商業高等学校 MAP1141 views
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Azuchi Castle tower replica at House of Nobunaga. Very ornate and beautiful. both outside and inside.902 views
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Hachiman-yama Castle wall895 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 here651 views
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Nohime, wife of Oda Nobunaga. 農姫645 views
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Demonstration of matchlock guns, Azuchi Nobunaga Festival.635 viewsEven these people had to obtain police permission to bear and fire these feudal-era guns.
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Azuchi Castle construction607 views
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Oda Nobunaga 織田信長585 views
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Traditional minka house562 views
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もっと奇麗に歩け540 views
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Ladies in waiting (hey there, look up!)532 views下を向いたらあかん。
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Azuchi Castle replica508 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.479 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.477 views
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Ishida Mitsunari 石田三成473 views
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Nene, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife467 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.467 views
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View from atop Mt. Azuchi.461 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. MAP459 views
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The unique hexagonal base of the upper section of the Azuchi Castle donjon.447 views
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Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)440 views
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432 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428 views旧柳原学校
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422 views
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Oda Nobunaga409 viewsIn the Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)
安土城郭資料館
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Azuchi Castle in snow394 viewsThe castle was made as a snow sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Feb. 2000.
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Also in Azuchi is this museum called the House of Nobunaga (Nobunaga no Yakata) which displays a life-size replica of the top part of Azuchi Castle. MAP387 views
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The Azuchi Nobunaga Festival's main venue was here, next to Azuchi Castle (hill on right). MAP386 views
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The most important historical persons in Azuchi's feudal history were represented.371 views
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Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaelogical Museum. This is where they painstakingly clean and catalog all the pieces dug up at the Azuchi Castle ruins. You can watch them at work. 安土城考古博物館366 views
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Inside minka house361 views
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Storage room359 views
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350 views
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Built in 1579 by famous warlord Oda Nobunaga, Azuchi Castle was unique for its opulence and octagonal castle tower. Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568–1600) is partially named after this castle. 349 viewsThe castle was attacked and destroyed only 3 years later. The castle is on a hill in Azuchi, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture. A replica of the top portion of the castle tower is displayed at a museum nearby the castle ruins. Photo shows the Azuchi Castle marker at the foot of the castle hill.
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Hello horse! He was just starting at me. Tokugawa Ieyasu348 views
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Rental bicycle340 views
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To Bungei no Sato. This is a complex of several buildings including a castle museum and archealogical museum. 文芸の郷 MAP332 views
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Toyotomi Hideyoshi 豊臣秀吉331 views
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Bicycle path. In front of Azuchi Station, bicycles are available for rent. I highly recommend bicycling rather than walking.329 views
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Inside old school. 旧柳原学校329 views
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329 views
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Boat ride along the moat of Azuchi Castle.329 views
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Azuchi Castle on Mt. Azuchi is a Special National Historic Site. (特別史跡) The area now occupied by rice paddies were once part of the lake.328 views
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327 views
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A lot of impressive stone work remains of Azuchi Castle.325 views
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Nishikawa residence.325 views
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To Mt. Azuchi where Azuchi Castle once stood in Omi-Hachiman. If you don't have a car, rent a bicycle at Azuchi Station (or ride a taxi). The castle site is not very far from Azuchi Station by bicycle.323 views
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323 views
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Former Nishikawa Residence (Kyu-Nishikawa-ke Jutaku), large Omi merchant home designated as an Imnportant Cultural Property. Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 旧西川家住宅 国重要文化財320 views
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317 views
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Niwa Nagahide 丹羽長秀315 views
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Shibata Katsuie308 views
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Main stairs of Otemichi path307 views
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Former Ban family Omi merchant home which also served as a girls school and public library until 1997. Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 旧伴家住宅307 viewsOpened to the public in 2004 as a museum. 伴庄右衛門は江戸時代初期から活躍した八幡商人の一人で、屋号を扇屋といい、主に畳表・蚊帳を商い豪商となった。
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Site of Hashiba Hideyoshi's quarters at Azuchi Castle.304 views
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Inside Nishikawa residence. Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 国重要文化財299 views畳表や蚊帳を扱っていた江戸時代の豪商・西川利右衛門の旧宅
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At this stage, the fire is quite hot. Sagicho Matsuri, Omi-Hachiman298 views
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Ii Naomasa 井伊 直政296 views
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291 views
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287 views
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Foot of Mt. Azuchi286 views
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284 views
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Lake Nishinoko283 views
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Site of Hashiba Hideyoshi's quarters.280 views
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279 views
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Shinmachi-dori road with traditional Omi merchant homes. This area is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区). 近江商人の新町通り MAP276 views
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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.272 viewsAccessible by bus from Omi-Hachiman Station.
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On the grounds of Shinoda Jinja Shrine is this large wooden panel with a large design. It is about 15 meters high and 20 meters wide. Held annually on May 4 at Shinoda Shrine, the Shinoda Hanabi display is a surprisingly spectacular fireworks display.272 views
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Ahoy there!270 views
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Azuchi Castle tower foundation stones still remain.264 views
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Omi-Hachiman's manhole depicts Hachiman-bori moat adorned with cherry blossoms. Shiga Prefecture.264 views
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The kids then run around the fire while chanting "Masse-masse!"263 views
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Demonstration of matchlock guns, Azuchi Nobunaga Festival in Azuchi, Omi-Hachiman.262 views
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261 views
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Honmachi float leaving Himure Hachimangu Shrine. Sagicho Festival, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 本町のだし261 views
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The boar's mane is made of tiny fish. You can smell the seafood. I'm surprised that crows never swooped down on the floats to feast on them.260 views
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Lake Nishinoko249 views
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Beware of flying sparks and the wind which can blow the flames toward you. Of course, the fire dept. with fire hoses were on hand just in case.247 views
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246 views
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This design won 3rd place. White sugar is one of the ingredients.246 views
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Lakeshore road and Okinoshima island241 views
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Steps to castle tower foundation239 views
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238 views
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Stone buddha234 views
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Castle tower foundation233 views
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Toyosato Elementary School was renovated and reopened in May 2009.233 views
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Life-like boar, all edible materials.229 views
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William Merrell Vories is one of the most famous historical figures in Shiga. His legacy remains in physical form in many places through former bank buildings, post office branches, schools, and Christian churches. MAP227 views
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Castle tower foundation225 views
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Lake Nishinoko224 views
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Kami shibai storyteller 紙芝居223 views
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Castle tower foundation220 views
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Azuchi Nobunaga Matsuri used to be held on the first Sunday in June, but it's now held in Nov. (since 2020). The festival is dedicated to Oda Nobunaga who built Azuchi Castle. Parking available at nearby Bungei no Sato.211 views
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Police box in front of Azuchi Station210 views
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210 views
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Sumo ring near Azuchi Station. It was built in 1988 and once used for a exhibition sumo tournament. It was removed in late 2014 due to a redevelopment of this train station area.206 views
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206 views
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Jomon Period dugout canoe replica made in 1990. Carved out of single log, two men successfully used it to paddle to Chikubushima from Onoe, Nagahama. 205 views
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Then a torch touches a few places to set it afire.203 views
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Yoshibue reed flute, made from reeds growing in Lake Biwa (Lake Nishinoko).195 views
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Nishikawa residence.189 views
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Musa-juku was the sixty-sixth of the sixty-nine stations or shukuba post towns on the Nakasendo Road. It is the seventh Nakasendo station in Shiga (following Echigawa-juku in Aisho). MAP189 viewsMusa was one of ten Nakasendo stations in Shiga. There is very little left. Near Ohmi Railways Musa Station, a short ride from Omi-Hachiman.
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Sagicho Matsuri, Shiga189 views
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189 views
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Hachiman-bori is quite long and it even connects to Lake Biwa. The main part of moat is about 1 km long. I started walking here on the west end near the Omi-Hachiman Public Library. MAP187 views
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Hachiman-yama map186 views
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Street performer in front of the steps to Azuchi Castle ruins.185 views
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From 2 pm, the procession starts and the floats start to exit the shrine. Also see the video at YouTube.183 views
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We head for Lake Nishi-no-ko.182 views
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In Omi-Hachiman, Shinmachi-dori looking toward Hachimanyama. This area is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).177 views
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In front of Azuchi Station. That's a statue of Oda Nobunaga who built Azuchi Castle. MAP175 views
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Nobunaga speaks.175 views
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Dai-niku float in front of Hakuunkan, a classic Western-style building, now a tourist info office and exhibition gallery. Also see the video at YouTube. Sagicho Festival, Omi-Hachiman. 第二区175 views
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Nishikawa residence.174 views
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Samegai Museum in a former post office designed by William Merrell Vories, in Samegai, Maibara, Shiga Pref. MAP174 views
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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.173 views
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On the first day (Sat.), the floats are paraded along the streets near the shrine and undergo judging for best design. The floats are works of art and made of edible materials mounted on a straw and wood base all to be set afire in the end.173 views
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Inside former Minakuchi Public Library. Now it is sometimes used as an art gallery.170 views
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My Hachiman Matsuri video.170 views
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Former Hachiman Post Office in Omi-Hachiman, designed by William Merrell Vories. Built in 1921 and served as a post office until 1960. MAP168 views
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Imazu Vories Museum in Imazu, Takashima, a former bank building designed by William Merrell Vories. Now a coffee shop and exhibition space. MAP165 views
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Omi-Hachiman Station164 views
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Local Artifacts Museum (Kyodo Shiryokan). Former residence of Omi merchant Nishimura Tarouemon. 郷土資料館164 views
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This rabbit sculpture and turtle sculpture represents the famous Aesop's fable, the race between the turtle and hare.163 views
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Entering Okinoshima Port. Okishima is the largest island in Lake Biwa. MAP162 views
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The place is packed with people. Normally, it is a parking lot. The shrine is a few minutes by bus from Omi-Hachiman Station. MAP162 views
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Yakata-bune tourist boat cruising through Hachiman-bori moat in Omi-Hachiman.161 views
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At 271 meters high, Mt.Hachiman-yama was the site of Hachiman Castle built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585. Now home to Zuiryuji temple of the Nichiren Sect, some of the castle's stone walls still remain. MAP159 views
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Although this was Vories' residence, he did not own the house. He did not believe in having private assets. We could see the large living room full of pictures, books, etc., and the Japanese-style room for Makiko. ヴォーリズ記念館（旧ヴォ159 views
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158 views
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808 steps to Chomeiji. Chomeiji (Long Life Temple) worships the Kannon goddess dedicated to long life and good health. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist sect.157 views
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Neck of Okishima.157 views
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157 views
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The Hyde Memorial Building was built in 1931 to serve as Seiyuen Kindergarten run by Hitotsuyanagi Makiko, Vories' wife from 1919. MAP157 views
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Shinmachi-dori looking toward Hachimanyama155 views
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Boat schedule and price in the old days. ¥2,100 per person. You can also charter a boat.154 views
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Nishikawa residence.154 views
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Maid costume154 views
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On the second day of the festival, the floats clash with each other. Sagicho floats pass through the torii of Himure Hachimangu Shrine, near Hachiman-bori Canal.154 views
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First, sake is sprinkled over the float.153 views
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Former Minakuchi Public Library designed by William Vories and built in 1928. It is next to Minakuchi Elementary School in Koka. 旧水口図書館 MAP153 views
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150 views
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Local Artifacts Museum (Kyodo Shiryokan) 郷土資料館。近江商人・西村太郎右衛門の宅地跡にある資料館150 views
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The construction of the kindergarten building was financed by the wife of Albert Alexander Hyde, the founder of The Mentholatum Company. This building was thus named after Hyde. 150 views
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Entrance to Chomeiji Temple. MAP149 views
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Sanwakai float. 参和会149 views
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Hachiman Matsuri in Omi-Hachiman is Shiga Prefecture's biggest fire festival. Impressive even without the fire. Just look at these giant torches made of rice straw. There are more in front of Himure Hachimangu Shrine.149 views
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Introduction of all Sagicho floats: Fourteen floats from various districts of Omi-Hachiman then paraded through a circular route. This is the Dai-ikku float. 第一区148 views
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The neighboring house, the Waterhouse Memorial House, was built in 1913 for Paul B. Waterhouse, who was an English instructor at Waseda University before becoming a missionary with the Omi Mission. Designed by William Merrell Vories. ウォーターハウ148 viewsWaterhouse and his wife Bessie lived here for six years. He was also a yachtsman and used a boat on Lake Biwa to visit lakeside villages for missionary work. After he returned to the States, the house was used for Omi Mission cooking classes and later as a girls' school in Omi Brotherhood.
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Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)147 viewsIn the Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)
安土城郭資料館
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Hachiman-yama map147 views
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Miyauchi-cho float. 宮内町のだし147 views
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Oda Nobunaga at Azuchi Nobunaga Matsuri. 織田信長146 views
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Float bearers make a circle and spin around while shouting "Cho-yare" or "Masse masse!"146 views
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In front of the torii gate, two floats join up.146 views
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They bond in friendship. These photos were taken on March 17-18, 2007, year of the boar. 146 views
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Built in 1933, the Matsuoka Residence was designed by William Merrell Vories. This house was not open to the public.146 views
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This local municipal museum was originally the Hachiman Police Department built in 1886. In 1953, it was renovated by Vories and continued to house the Omi-Hachiman Police Department. In 1974, it was converted to the museum it is today. 近江八幡市立146 views
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Shrine priest on horseback and behind him on another horse is the mayor of Omi-Hachiman who serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Sagicho Festival.145 views
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This is a Takara-bune (Treasure Boat) design.145 views
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Nishikawa residence.144 views
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It has a cherry tree, a red sake cup, and boar. Sagicho floats depict animals from the Oriental Zodiac, and 2007 was the Year of the Boar.144 views
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Unlike the next day when the floats will clash with each other, here and within the shrine.144 views
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Wall143 views
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Suwai-cho float. 仲屋町143 views
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Three floats ablaze. 奉火143 views
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Omi merchant house, History and Folklore Museum142 views
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142 views
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Boar and peony.142 views
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Jukku-kai float. 十区会141 views
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The sake cup has numerous little bead-like things. All edible.140 views
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At 6 pm, the Shinmachi-dori children's float is set afire.140 views
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Reeds provide cover for bird nests and baby birds.139 views
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Scenic bike path139 views
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139 views
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3-story pagoda139 viewsThis is what you first see at the top.
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They came from Hikone. 鉄砲隊演武（彦根鉄砲隊）139 views
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Sometimes a float collapses when float bearers get too tired.139 views
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Numerous tiny fish heads make up this flower design.139 views
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Shinmachi-dori float. 新町通りのだし139 views
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Notice the Treasure Boat.139 views
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Uwai-cho float. 魚屋町のだし139 views
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Inside former Ban family residence, 2nd floor.138 views
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Entrance to Nishikawa Residence. During the Edo Period, the family made their fortune selling mosquito nets and tatami straw matting.138 views
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Ao-nori (powery seaweed) was used to make the dark-green leaves.138 views
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Ikeda-machi float. 池田町のだし138 views
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138 views
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Shinmachi-dori Children's float passing through Shinmachi, Omi-Hachiman's old merchants quarters. 新町通りこども138 views
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Next to the Andrews Memorial Hall is the Hachiman Church built in 1983. The original church, which was lost in a fire, was designed by William Merrell Vories in 1924. 八幡教会138 views
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Nishikawa residence.137 views
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This has a chrysanthemum design which is the Imperial family crest. To celebrate the newborn prince.137 views
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Ishin-cho float. 為心町のだし137 views
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Sagicho Matsuri, Shiga137 views
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Lost geta clog. The confetti is from the Dai-ikku float with the sakura theme. Supposed to be cherry blossom petals.137 views
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Peonies136 views
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135 views
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Inside former Ban family residence.135 views
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Shrine officials followed by chigo children carrying red paper streamers.135 views
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Gate of Himure Hachimangu Shrine which holds the Sagicho Festival. 日牟禮八幡宮135 views
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The front of the torii is a good viewing spot.135 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta) monument 琵琶湖就航の歌 歌碑134 views
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Peony dish design.134 views
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