 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Zaiji Hachiman Shrine also has wisteria which bloom in early May. Planted by Todo Kagemori, the founder of the Todo clan in the 14th century.405 views
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Chikubushima is also home to Tsukubusuma (Chikubushima) Shrine which is also a National Treasure. Until 1868 when Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were required to be separate, the shrine was part of Hogonji temple.403 views
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Governor Kada teaches us how to dance the Goshu Ondo, a native dance of Shiga. She spoke in both Japanese and English again. Also see the video at YouTube.403 views
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Ubaga Mochi, famous Kusatsu confection.401 views
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This is an autograph by Shiga Governor Kada Yukiko who visited the Ninja House on April 24, 2009. In red reads "Mottainai," her motto meaning "Wasteful," in reference to spending of tax dollars.398 views
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Oda Nobunaga397 viewsIn the Azuchi Castle Museum (Azuchi Jokaku Shiryokan)
安土城郭資料館
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Entertainment started with taiko drumming.397 views
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Taume rice planters at the Taga Taisha Rice-planting Festival. 田植女397 views
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Cherry blossoms along Seta River in Otsu, Lake Biwa's only outflowing river.397 views
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The two Biwako Otsu Tourist Ambassadors for 2010, Inoue Madoka and Nagata Megumi. Selected from among 21 applicants in April 2010. For one year, their job is to promote tourism in Otsu. びわ湖大津観光大使：井上まどか、永田めぐみ397 views
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Entrance to Ukimido Floating Temple, which is actually Mangetsu-ji temple. Admission is 300 yen. Hours: 8 am - 5 pm. Buses run from Katata Station. Parking available. 満月寺 浮御堂 MAP396 views
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Wooden ad sign for aspirin.394 views
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Food, finally! All from Shiga. Lots of fish, and funa-zushi too.392 views
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Otsu Festival poster392 views
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Kanpai!391 views
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Chikubushima is Lake Biwa's most famous, historic, and sacred island. National Historic Site MAP389 views
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Chojuji temple Hondo temple hall, National Treasure in Konan, Shiga.384 viewsThe hondo once burned down, but was rebuilt during the Kamakura Period.
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Takamisakari swings around the helpless young boy.383 views
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The Azuchi Nobunaga Festival's main venue was here, next to Azuchi Castle (hill on right). MAP382 views
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Temari manhole cover in Aisho, Shiga382 views
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Kunimatsu Yoshitsugu, Chairman of the Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization. He is also the former Shiga governor.381 views
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Former home of Omi merchant Nakae Jungoro (中江 準五郎邸).380 views
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Speech by Kunimatsu Yoshitsugu, Chairman of the Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization.380 views
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Baruto from Estonia and Tochinoshin from Georgia chat with each other (probably in Russian).380 views
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Parking lot entrance379 views
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Karasaki Pine Tree (One of the Eight Views of Omi or Omi Hakkei) as seen from Lake Biwa. 唐崎の松（近江八景）379 views
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Living room of former home of Omi merchant Tonomura Shigeru.379 views
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Karuta Festival. The narrator (standing) recites one of the poems and the contestants must search for and claim the card written with the poem.378 views
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Held annually on May 4 in Takashima, Shichikawa Matsuri is Oarahiko Shrine's biggest festival (Reisai). It starts with a procession in the shrine's neighborhood. The shrine is near Shin-Asahi Station (JR Kosei Line).378 views
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Azuchi Castle in snow377 viewsThe castle was made as a snow sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Feb. 2000.
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Inside Hondo temple hall, Eigenji375 views
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Each float has a decoration on the roof depicting a popular topic during the past year. This is Yamauchi Kazutoyo and wife Chiyo from the NHK Taiga Drama called "Komyo ga Tsuji."375 views"Komyo ga Tsuji" is about a up and coming samurai named Yamauchi Kazutoyo and his wife Chiyo who was from Shiga. The story's main setting is Shiga, and the year-long TV series was broadcast during 2006.
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The focal point of the Kurokabe Square shopping area is this "black wall" Kurokabe Glass Shop in a former bank building. MAP374 views
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Nude sculpture, Gaia 大地374 views
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Poster for the 2009 Nagahama Hikiyama Festival. For the basis festival schedule, also see my blog post.374 views
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Lake Yogo in winter373 views
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Carrying back a single sculling boat373 views
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Flowers in bloom in early May373 views
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About 40 rowers from overseas rowed around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan on June 5-11, 2011 for the annual FISA World Rowing Tour held for the first time in Asia. Schedule and map for June 5, the first day of rowing. They started from Otsu. 373 views
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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. MAP372 views
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Yomeien Garden, Adogawa, Shiga 陽明園 MAP372 views
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Held on the last Sunday in March, the Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession reenacts the Tsuchiyama segment of the Saio Gunko procession when a new Saio princess traveled from Kyoto to Ise to be the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrines in Mie Prefecture. 372 viewsThe Saio princess was an unmarried, young Imperial princess, often the Emperor's daughter or sister, who was appointed (by divination) to be the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrines from the 7th to 14th centuries. For about 660 years, over 60 Saio princesses served at Ise Grand Shrines.
The journey took 5 nights and 6 days, and passed through Otsu and Tsuchiyama in Shiga Prefecture. Tarumi Tongu in Tsuchiyama was one of the five palaces where the Saio lodged along the way.
Take the "Aikuru" bus from Kibukawa Station (JR Kusatsu Line and Ohmi Railways). After about 30 min., get off at Ono Higashi-guchi (大野東口) and walk to Ono Primary School.
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Operated by Shiga Prefecture's Board of Education, the Uminoko "Biwako Floating School" is an educational boat going on overnight voyages year-round on Lake Biwa, taking Shiga's 5th graders.372 viewsThis first and original Uminoko ship was in operation from Aug. 2, 1983 to spring 2018 when it was retired. It was replaced by a new Uminoko ship (same name) in May 2018. The following photos are of the old Uminoko ship inside and outside when it was open to the public in Aug. 2010.
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Kusatsu-juku was the fifty-second station on the Tokaido Road (following Ishibe-juku) and the sixty-eighth station (following Moriyama-juku) on the Nakasendo Road. During the Edo Period, Kusatsu was an important post town at the crossroads of both roads.371 viewsThe roof is shaped like a Honjin lodge, with a gate. 草津駅
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Art work on a vending machine.371 views
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June 3, 2006 Jamie and Megan Thompson sing "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" at Imazu Port, Shiga Pref.370 views
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Ozeki Kotomitsuki 大関琴光喜370 views
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Panoramic view of Lake Biwa from Mt. Hiei.368 views
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写真をよく見ると、どこも「Shiga」とか「Hikone」が表示していないの。ただの「Hikonyan–Ii Naosuke-Gateway to the Future」しか載っていない。それは意味が不明。368 views
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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.367 views
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最低、FROM HIKONE, SHIGA, JAPANとか書けばいいな。せっかく皆が見るので。市の職員がPRの感覚が鈍い。こんな基本的なこと、なんで考えてくれないの？？367 views
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Lake Yogo in winter366 views
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Five types of boats were provided: Single scull, double scull (shown here), quadruple with cox, ocean scull, and fixed-seat boats.366 views
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Ozeki Kotomitsuki366 views
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Lake Yogo swan maiden monument before it was moved to its present location. The swan maiden tree can be seen in the background.366 views
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Baruto also flies the kid around.365 views
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The 2nd Yuru-kyara festival was held in Oct. 23-25, 2009. The festival was expanded by a day by including an indoor stage show featuring enka singer Hashi Yukio singing "Yuru-kyara Ondo."365 viewsOn Oct. 23, 2009 (Fri.), the Yuru-kyara Daishugo event was held at the Hikone Bunka Plaza's Grand Hall. ひこね市文化プラザ グランドホール
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Kisenosato signs autographs. He's quite popular with the ladies.364 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363 views
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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.363 views
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Although not part of the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio (all Tendai Buddhist temples), most visitors also visit Eigenji together with the Koto Sanzan temples. Accessible by bus taking 30-40 min. from Yokaichi Station on the Omi Railway Line or from Hyakusaiji. 363 views
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Saio princess going to Tarumi Tongu in Tsuchiyama, Shiga.363 views
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Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu. There is a large lotus pond behind the windmill. About 20 min. by bus from JR Kusatsu Station.361 views
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Inside minka house360 views
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Gokasho is famous for the grand, old homes of wealthy Omi merchants. Three of them are clustered together for us to visit inside. They are the former residences of Tonomura Uhee (外村 宇兵衛), Tonomura Shigeru (外村 繁), and Nakae Jungoro (中江 360 views
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Hikone Castle's main tower is said to be originally the castle tower for Otsu Castle whose lord was Kyogoku Takatsugu. It was moved here in 1606. This main tower is designated as a National Treasure.360 views
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Omi-Maiko359 views
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From mid-Nov. to early Dec., the garden is beautifully lit up at night until 9 pm. Note that although the castle tower is also lit up, you cannot enter the castle grounds after 5 pm.358 views
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Hillside garden358 views
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The most important historical persons in Azuchi's feudal history were represented.358 views
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On Oct. 10, 2009 (Sat.) at Yasu Sogo Taiikukan Gymnasium, the Shiga Lakestars held their first home game in Shiga Prefecture for the 2009-2010 season. They already played the season opener in an away game in Kyoto the preceding weekend.357 views
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Storage room356 views
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Located in Higashi-Omi and established in 1361, Eigenji is a temple of the Zen Rinzai Buddhist Sect (Eigenji School) and well-known for fall colors with 3,000 maple trees. Touristy entrance to Eigenji. Map355 views
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Nakano (Hino Castle) in Hino, Shiga Pref. The castle was built in 1534 by Lord Gamou Sadahide (1508-1579).355 views
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Omi-Takashima Station on the JR Kosei Line. Takashima's southern-most train station and the only train station in the Takashima-cho area. It takes about 38 min. from Kyoto. JR湖西線 近江高島駅 MAP355 views
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.355 views
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Kawake Station, on the JR Hokuriku Line, is the nearest train station to Odani Castle. There are buses from this station going to Odani Castle, but very few runs. Bicycles are available for rent though inside the station.355 viewsMore info on getting to Odani castle: https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2021/11/odani-castle-shuttle-buses/
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Verse 1 Song Monument, Otsu (Mihogasaki). In 1973, this was the first monument built for the song. The song's first and most famous line, "Ware wa Umi no Ko" is written. 一番の歌碑。大津市三保ケ崎。354 viewsThis monument is near the boat house in Mihogasaki, a stone's throw from Hama-Otsu.
われは湖の子 さすらいの
旅にしあれば しみじみと
のぼる狭霧や さざなみの
志賀の都よ いざさらば
Ware wa Umi no Ko, sasurai no
tabi ni shiareba, shimijimi to
Noboru sagiri ya, sazanami no
Shiga no Miyako yo, iza saraba
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.352 views
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Nagahama Castle and cherry blossoms.352 views
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351 views
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Hina festival dolls. 雛祭りの雛人形350 views
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Jamie won the speech contest. Her award certificate from Shiga Governor Kada Yukiko. 第３回BNN外国人による日本語スピーチ大会 最優秀賞を受賞！350 views
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Look at how many chimaki this girl caught!!!349 views
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And here's Hiko-nyan!! Direct from Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan in the 30th Pan-Pacific Festival (also called “Matsuri in Hawaii”) parade on June 7, 2009 from 5 pm to 7 pm along Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki.349 viewsひこにゃんが僕の故郷であるハワイにも登場したことはとても嬉しいかったけど、写真をよく見ると、どこも「Shiga」とか「Hikone」が表示していないの。ただの「Hikonyan–Ii Naosuke-Gateway to the Future」しか載っていない。それは意味が不明。最低、FROM HIKONE, SHIGA, JAPANとか書けばいいな。せっかく皆が見るので。市の職員がPRの感覚が鈍い。
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Azaleas in full bloom along the lake edge348 views
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Our fixed-seat boat 千秋・太郎号のフィックス艇348 views
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Nichiren Monument on Takeshima. This giant stone monument is inscribed with the prayer words "Namu Myo-horenge-kyo" from the Lotus Sutra. 南無妙法蓮華経347 views
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347 views
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347 views
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Traditional farmer's house344 views
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Partially destroyed building. This was stopped via a court order.344 views
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Lake Yogo as seen from Mt. Shizugatake in May.343 views
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Toyosato Elementary School before renovations. During 1999-2002, Toyosato gained national attention when this old elementary school building was going to be torn down by the mayor in opposition to activists who wanted to preserve the building.342 views
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Scale model of old school.342 views
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Room with Hina festival dolls and entrance to the Tonomura Shigeru Literature Museum. 雛祭りの雛人形341 views
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Takeshima in Hikone, Shiga. Map340 views
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After you eat the main dish, mixing udon noodles in the miso broth is also good (if you still have room in your stomach).340 views
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Ozeki Chiyotaikai says, "Sorry, no time for more autographs."340 views
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Rental bicycle339 views
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Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta).339 viewsIn 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.
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Finally, Yokozuna Hakuho appears. At first, his tsukebito attendants declined autographs. But when a lady following him asked for an autograph, he stopped and said okay.338 views
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3-story pagoda and fall colors. Photography is not allowed inside, but I highly recommend going inside. Admission 1,000 yen.337 views
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May 3, 2006: Hino Matsuri at Umamioka Watamuki Shrine 本祭（馬見岡綿向神社）Map337 views
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TV personality Daniel Kahl and a fan at Hino Matsuri, Hino, Shiga Prefecture. ダニエル・カール337 viewsWhat's this guy from Yamagata-ken doing here at the Hino Matsuri in Shiga Pref??
ダニエル・カール
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Lake Biwa Canal and cherry blossoms in full bloom. They also light up the trees at night from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Beautiful and serene.337 views
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Come in the early morning and see Hikone Castle's moat water give a mirror reflection of the cherry blossoms. It's really beautiful on a sunny morning.337 views
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Ii clan warriors337 views
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Ozeki Chiyotaikai336 views
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Shiga Prefectural Cultural and Industrial Exchange Hall (Shiga Kenritsu Bunka Sangyo Koryu Kaikan) near Maibara Station. Venue of the bj-league pro basketball game between the Shiga LakeStars and Toyama Grouses on held on March 22, 2009.336 views
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Toyosato Elementary School after renovations. A ceremony was held on May 30, 2009 to mark the completion of the renovations.336 views
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Kawau cormorants. Shiga has over 40,000 of these birds, and 30,000 of them live on Chikubushima whose trees are being destroyed by the droppings and branches broken off to make bird nests.335 views
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Hello horse! He was just starting at me. Tokugawa Ieyasu333 views
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Ozeki Chiyotaikai333 views
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Saio princess of the Ai-no-Tsuchiyama Saio Gunko Matsuri festival in March.333 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. 332 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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Traditional farmer's house332 views
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Yokaichi giant kite coming up.331 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 MAP331 views
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Throw your two dishes at the torii gate. If your dish goes under the torii gate, your wish will come true. Geez, look at all those failed wishes (shattered dishes).331 viewsThis is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed. The scene where Ryosuke throws his small dish through the torii.
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Steel sculpture depicting Ishida Mitsunari giving tea to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Ishida-cho, Nagahama, Shiga Pref.331 views
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Former home of Omi merchant Tonomura Shigeru (外村 繁邸). Map331 viewsTonomura Shigeru (外村 繁), Tonomura Uhee (外村 宇兵衛), and Nakae Jungoro (中江 準五郎)
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Hina festival dolls331 views
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The floats proceed down Teramachi-dori.331 views
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From Toyosato Station to Toyosato Elementary School, statues of a tortoise and hare adorn the sidewalk.331 views
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View of Takeshima, an island with many shapes.330 views
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Traditional farmer's house330 views
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Hikone Gun Battalion dressed like Ii Clan samurai with their trademark red armor nicknamed "Red Devils."330 views
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Bicycle path. In front of Azuchi Station, bicycles are available for rent. I highly recommend bicycling rather than walking.328 views
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Inside old school. 旧柳原学校328 views
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Kannondo Temple and Karamon gate of Hogonji temple on Chikubushima island, Nagahama, Shiga.328 views
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PR poster328 views
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*The following photos were taken over 10 years ago and might be outdated. Latest photos are above.327 viewsNagahama Port is where you board the boat for Chikubushima. There are several round trips every day from either port. No reservations necessary. Within walking distance from Nagahama Station.
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327 views
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Ozeki Chiyotaikai 大関千代大海327 views
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Baruto shares a laugh. 327 views
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Nagata Megumi, Biwako Otsu Tourist Ambassador for 2010, was also in the procession. 永田めぐみ327 views
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Grave of Azai Hisamasa (1526-1573) at Tokushoji temple in Nagahama, Shiga. He was the second lord of Odani Castle and father of Nagamasa. 浅井久政の墓 長浜市徳勝寺327 views
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Here's a close-up of the bird's claws grasping the gills of the fish. The bird sure knows where to grab a fish. The fish had no way to escape this grip.326 views
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Manhole with the symbol of Hino merchant, Shiga Prefecture325 views
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On display are temari balls from other parts of Japan.325 views
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He looks great with a lei!! So nice to see this in my native Hawaii. Wish I was there to see it.325 views
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Back view. Unfortunately, they did not display where this cat came from. It was Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, JAPAN.325 viewsひこにゃんが僕の故郷であるハワイにも登場したことはとても嬉しいかったけど、写真をよく見ると、どこも「Shiga」とか「Hikone」が表示していないの。ただの「Hikonyan–Ii Naosuke-Gateway to the Future」しか載っていない。それは意味が不明。最低、FROM HIKONE, SHIGA, JAPANとか書けばいいな。せっかく皆が見るので。市の職員がPRの感覚が鈍い。
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Hina festival dolls. 雛祭りの雛人形324 views
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The K-ON! manga artist used Toyosato Elementary School as the artistic backdrop in K-ON!. However, the K-ON school's name and place are different.324 views
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Kyoto Univ. alumni323 views
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A large crowd instantly formed around Hakuho.323 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu Honden Hall, a National Treasure. It is only one of three buildings in Japan which represent the Hie-zukuri (日吉造り) architectural style. Higashi Hongu and Usagu and the two other shrines in this style.西本宮 323 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.322 views
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Kobiyoshi Shrine in rural Ryuo holds the Yuge no Hi Matsuri fire festival on the evening of May 1. See small torches, tossing flares, lots of firecrackers, fireworks, two giant straw torches. 弓削の火祭り MAP322 viewsFrom Omi-Hachiman Station No. 4 bus stop, board the bus for Okaya Minami and get off at Nishikawa Higashi-guchi bus stop. The ride is about 13 min. From the bus stop, the shrine is a 10-min. walk. You can also take a taxi from Omi-Hachiman Station. Taxi would be required on the way back to Omi-Hachiman since the buses will not be running after the festival is over.
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Giant torches in Katsube Shrine, Moriyama, Shiga Pref.321 views
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Nishikawa residence.321 views
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Held on May 4 by Sanposan Shrine in Higashi-Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Iba-no-saka-kudashi Matsuri has three portable shrines hauled down a steep mountain (Kinugasa-yama) for about 500 meters. 321 views
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama-dera, Otsu, Shiga.320 views
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During early or mid-April, you can see cherry blossoms while walking from the station to the Ishiyama-dera along the Seta River.320 views
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Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.318 views
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Toyotomi Hideyoshi 豊臣秀吉318 views
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Outdoor sculpture318 views
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Maibara Station is a major transfer point for the Tokaido Line, Hokuriku Line, and shinkansen bullet train. From this station, you can go on to Kyoto (or Tokyo in the east) in the west or to Fukui, Kanazawa, and Toyama up north.318 views
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Take off. On cue, the people pulling the kite start running and the kite starts to lift off. Also see the video at YouTube.317 views
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Go left to visit the hotel317 views
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Well-known bin-temari maker.317 views
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Minakuchi-juku was the fiftieth of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido Road. The most prominent remnant is Minakuchi Castle. Short walk from Minakuchi Jonan Station and Minakuchi Ishibashi Station on the Omi Railway Line.317 viewsOmi Railway Line at Minakuchi Ishibashi Station platform, the closest station to Minakuchi-juku.
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Baruto signs autographs. This is something we cannot do during official sumo tournaments.316 views
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On the evening of March 6, 2009, the Tokyo Apache basketball team played an exciting game against the Shiga LakeStars at Komazawa Gymnasium in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.316 views
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Map of the old school. The first floor has a public library, exhibition room, children's playroom, meeting rooms, and local board of education office.316 views
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Ukimido floating temple in Katata, one of Shiga's most famous and picturesque buildings. One of the eight Omi Hakkei Views made famous by ukiyoe prints by Hiroshige.315 views
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Manhole in Konan, Shiga.315 views
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Karamon Gate 唐門 (National Treasure). Entrance to the Kannondo Temple. It might have come from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's original mausoleum in Kyoto. From the Momoyama Period. Chikubushima, Nagahama, Shiga.314 viewsThis could also have been the gate to the Gokuraku Bridge at Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle in the early 17th century.
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Boat ride along the moat of Azuchi Castle.314 views
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Black bass, an invasive species in Lake Biwa which eats the babies of native fish. If you catch one of these, you must not throw it back into the lake. Dispose of it.314 views
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Yokozuna Hakuho and his yokozuna rope belt.314 views
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Toyosato Elementary School after renovations. At a total cost of 650 million yen, the old building was repainted, reinforced against earthquakes, installed with an elevator, and preserved as much as possible.314 views
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Hyakusaiji temple312 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312 views
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Getting back on the boat. Little over a hundred people came on this cruise. If people knew it was gonna be such a beautiful day during this rainy season, more would have certainly come.312 views
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Heading back through the Yume Kairo path.312 views
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After Aoki's death, a temari preservation society was formed and the craft was passed on based on Aoki's husband's memory of how his wife made it. Besides Echigawa, only a few other places in Japan still make bin-temari.312 views
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My YouTube video of the Iba-no-saka-kudashi Matsuri.312 views
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Good luck mochi rice cakes. I caught two of them. The kanji character is "fuku" meaning good luck.311 views
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Cover of Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD which went on sale on June 16, 2007. Details here.311 views
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Shrine maidens ready to toss the mochi at Hokoku Shrine. Another highlight of Toka Ebisu.310 views
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310 views
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Ibukiyama Taiko Odori Dance 2010 video.310 views
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Grave of Azai Nagamasa (1545-1573) at Tokushoji temple in Nagahama, Shiga. He was the third lord of Odani Castle. 浅井長政の墓 長浜市徳勝寺310 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.309 views
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A lot of impressive stone work remains of Azuchi Castle.309 views
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One of the six torches carried into the shrine.309 views
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Jamie and Megan Thompson sing in English in front of the Verse 4 song monument, Chikubushima. They sang up to Verse 4. ジェイミーとメゲン・トンプソン姉妹が歌う309 views
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Toyosato Elementary School before renovations.309 views
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Grave of Azai Sukemasa (1491-1542) at Tokushoji temple in Nagahama, Shiga. He was the first lord of Odani Castle. 浅井亮政の墓 長浜市徳勝寺309 views
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Shiga Prefectural Gymnasium in Otsu, venue of the bj-league pro basketball game between the Shiga LakeStars and Fukuoka Rizing on Jan. 11, 2009. 滋賀県立体育館308 views
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Moon-viewing stage 勧月舞台 and cherry blossoms at Miidera with Lake Biwa in the background.308 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.307 views
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307 views
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Farmer's house307 views
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On March 6, 2010 (Sat.), the Shiga Lakestars played against Tokyo Apache. The game was held at the Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium in Yokohama.307 views
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Giving New Year's prayers at Taga Taisha shrine.306 views
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Ancient Fish 古代魚 Sturgeon (チョウザメ) and gar have changed little over millions of years. They are called living fossils. Ancient fish feeding time is 3:40 pm. Sturgeon use their barbel whiskers to feel the bottom for food. They have no teeth.306 views
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Omi-Shirahama Beach on Lake Biwa. MAP306 views
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Homasho had very smooth skin.306 views
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Poems305 views
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Imazu Junior High School female students rowing in the 3rd Imazu Regatta.305 views
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Ozeki Kotomitsuki signs autographs.305 views
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305 views
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Mt. Ibuki and Mishima Pond, Maibara, Shiga Pref.305 views
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The Saio drinks the tea.305 views
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Moriyama firefly manhole, Shiga Pref.305 views
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House on the Nakasendo Road in Takamiya-juku which was one of the largest post towns. By 1843, the population was 3,560. There was one Honjin, two Waki Honjin, and 23 hatago inns.304 views
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Rikishi waiting his turn to go in.304 views
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Throwing mochi. The mochi was bare and dry, hard as a rock. 304 views
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Nagara Jinja Shrine304 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303 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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After cooking, the tall pile of vegetables (mainly Chinese cabbage) shrinks. This is for two people. Chicken and miso broth.303 views
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Yokozuna Hakuho waits to enter the sumo ring.303 views
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Yokozuna Hakuho rests until it's time for his dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony. Behind is Mt. Ibuki.303 views
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Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line. Sakamoto is a short walk from this train station. MAP303 views
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Kyodai alumni in their 20s and 30s302 views
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Niwa Nagahide 丹羽長秀302 views
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In the morning, two fishing boats pulled the rowing boats from Imazu to Nagahama Port where we met them here. 今津中学校ボート部の琵琶湖周航302 views
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From Kashiwabara-juku, heading toward Samegai-juku.302 views
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302 views
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301 views
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Konpon Chudo Hall is a National Treasure and Enryakuji's main worship hall and largest building. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the buddha of healing and health. 根本中堂301 views
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Ryuo manhole, Shiga Pref.300 views
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Near Kinomoto Station is Jizo-zaka road, a slightly sloping cobblestone road leading to the Jizo-in temple. During the annual Kinomoto Jizo Ennichi Festival held on Aug. 22-25, this road is packed with food stalls and people going to worship. 地蔵縁日299 views
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Good-looking woman warrior on a horse, Taga Matsuri, Shiga Pref.299 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Otsu from Enryakuji Station.299 views
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Little Edo Hikone Castle Festival Parade299 views
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Merchant's house298 views
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Symbol of Ritto and Ritto Station298 views
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During July-Aug. 2007, I helped to make the Yokaichi giant kite at the annex of the Yokaichi Giant Kite Museum.where the giant kite is made. Every three years, the giant kite, flown every May in Higashi-Omi, is replaced by a new kite bearing a new design.298 viewsThe new kite was made during July-Aug. 2007, taking about 30 days. The kite is made by volunteers from the public under the instruction of the Yokaichi Giant Kite Preservation Society. For the first time, I helped make this giant kite which was first flown successsfully on May 25, 2008 at the annual kite festival.
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Entrance hall. You have to take off your shoes and wear house slippers.298 views
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Farewell, and thank you everyone for visiting Japan and Shiga Prefecture. We are all happy you had a great time here. Hope you visit again because we have a lot more than just Lake Biwa, Enryakuji, and Hikone Castle. And spread the word about Shiga.298 views
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You can exchange the balls with prizes (more balls = better prizes).297 views
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Aloha from Hawaii, Hiko-nyan!!297 views
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Or go right to see the best beaches...296 views
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296 views
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The man holds the 90th Anniversary tour sign as a guide for the tour guests.296 views
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The memorial is a short walk from Shigarakigushi Station.296 views
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Shibata Katsuie295 views
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