 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Makunouchi dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony on the west side.109 views
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Ozeki Kotomitsuki is interviewed.109 views
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Plastic mats are used to reserve spaces for groups. They would place these rocks, etc., to secure the mats. Some ill-mannered people would not bother to discard the sheets and rocks after the fireworks were over.109 views
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This Gekkyuden-zan float had instruments (bells, drums) which anybody could try and play. 109 views
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The procession starts at 9 am and lasts until 5:30 pm. The procession route is different during the morning and afternoon. 109 views
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Always first in the Otsu Matsuri procession is the Saigyo Sakura Tanuki-yama float. It has cherry blossoms in the front. 西行桜狸山109 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.109 views
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LakeStars looking somewhat dejected.109 views
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Saio procession through the town. I was surprised to see so few spectators even though this was really a gorgeous procession.109 views
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Back of the archer.109 views
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It's a huge bell. After hearing the sound of the bell on Mt. Hiei, Benkei was disgusted with how it sounded and threw the bell back down the mountain.109 views
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Little kids in ceremonial dress for this fesival are called chigo. 稚児109 views
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The next ceremony is the Hitsuji Offering Ceremony conducted by parishioners from Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine in Kyoto. Starting at 3 pm on April 13, this ceremony has been conducted for many centuries since the Heian Period. 未の御供献納祭109 views
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The Tendai Zasu Abbot is escorted to the Honden.109 views
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After the Reisai Ceremony, the Tendai Abbot leaves Nishi Hongu through the Romon Gate.109 views
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Attached lake in Makino in winter.109 views
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Shirayama-gu Shrine Honden Hall. Important Cultural Property built in 1598. 白山宮 本殿109 views
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You can see a line of pink along the shore of the peninsula in the distance.109 views
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Portable shrine at the Otabisho.109 views
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Nagahama hikiyama floats at the Otabisho. The building on the right houses the mikoshi portable shrine.109 views
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Otemon arcade109 views
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In fall109 views
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Near the Niomon Gate is the Shaka-do Hall (also called Jiki-do 食堂) which worships the Shaka Nyorai statue. Dating from the early Muromachi Period, an Important Cultural Property. Photography is not allowed inside.109 views
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This clashing (or crashing) of floats is called "kenka" (fight). It lasts until 5 pm.109 views
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Winner109 views
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The crowd is drawn to the fire for warmth. It was a cold, windy day.109 views
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It wasn't so crowded. There were some photographers, and it received local TV news coverage.109 views
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The defunct Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge at the southern tip of the lake. It had a scenic view of the lake. This was a national pension with affordable prices. 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘109 viewsSadly, after 40 years in business, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities that were too expensive to repair. It has been torn down.
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Sign indicating the site of the Battle of Shizugatake.109 views
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Rice paddies in late Sept.109 views
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Turbo-kun based on pop singer Takanori Nishikawa of T.M. Revolution who hails from Shiga Prefecture. He is an official tourism ambassador for Shiga.109 views
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Miss Hikone Castle109 views
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There is the 300-meter, pine tree-lined gravel path to the shrine from the first torii. MAP109 views
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Kenketo Odori poster. The word "kenketo" is written in katakana, but the kanji is written as 献鶏頭 which is not accurate in meaning. It was just made up. No one is sure what kenketo means in Japanese.109 views
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Zaiji is about a 20-min. walk from Amago Station. Quaint general store in Zaiji. Looks like Japan from the 1950s or '60s.109 views
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Maihara Hikiyama Matsuri is held annually on the three-day holiday weekend in Oct. when the second Monday in Oct. is a national holiday for Sports Day. Sunday is the main day. Poster for the Maihara Hikiyama Matsuri held on Oct. 9-11, 2010.109 views
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Rakuyaji temple office where you pay the 500 yen admission fee to enter the main Hondo hall (open 9:00 am - 5 pm, till 4 pm in winter). Pilgrims can also get the temple's autograph and seal in their pilgrimage book.109 views
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Jizo statues 109 views
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Large Stone Wall at Odani Castle. The original stone wall supported the Sannomaru bailey. 大石垣109 views
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Hill of rocks.109 views
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About the Sannomaru in Japanese. The Sanno Shrine is now Odani Shrine near Mt. Odani.109 views
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Tokushoji temple Hondo hall. The temple belongs to the Soto Buddhist Sect. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated the Azai in the Battle of Anegawa and Odani Castle fell, he moved to Nagahama Castle and moved the temple to Nagahama Castle in 1595. 徳勝寺109 views
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Samegai Museum in a former post office designed by William Merrell Vories, Samegai, Shiga Pref. 旧醒井郵便局局舎 MAP109 views
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Imazu has a pebble beach. Some sand as well.108 views
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Crossing the Meishin expressway. There's a bridge over a busy and noisy expressway which you cross to get to the other side of the temple grounds.108 views
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Hondo108 viewsPilgrims often come and chant.
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As seen from the bell tower108 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta) monument 琵琶湖就航の歌 歌碑108 views
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Hachiman-yama ropeway station108 viewsA short walk from Hachiman-bori canal.
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Inside reconstructed tea house108 views
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Church house108 views
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Shrine priest in the procession heading for the Otabisho.108 views
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Small motorboat which accompanies the three rowing boats. I was aboard this motorboat and took pictures.108 views
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Soldier's send-off flag, History and Folklore Museum108 views
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Omi merchant daily implements, History and Folklore Museum108 views
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The property is now occupied by the Ishida Kaikan public hall and monuments. 石田三成屋敷跡 石田会館108 views
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Monument marking Ishida Mitsunari's former residence.108 views
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Small park where the Verse 1 monument is located.108 viewsThis monument is near the boat house in Mihogasaki, a stone's throw from Hama-Otsu. It was built in 1973 as the first monument for the song.
This little park is actually off-limits and you're not supposed to enter it, for some reason. On the left side of the picture is another stone monument hidden by brush. It is engraved with the entire song. In the background, you can see the roof of the boathouse.
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My first and very small exhibition to introduce "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" in English. The English lyrics were still unfinished, so only an English translation was presented.108 viewsI showed three images per verse (6 verses total), plus caption sheets and artist's message, boating map, and composer's biography on the other wall.
All the pictures were printed on A4 inkjet paper. Very low budget exhibition, but it caught the interest of one newspaper reporter. I later changed the song title to "Lake Biwa Rowing Song."
Exhibition Date & Time: Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, 2005, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, closed Mon.
Map: http://www.shiga-bunshin.or.jp/shigakaikan/map.html
Address: Kyomachi 3-4-22, Otsu, Shiga Pref.
Phone: 077-525-9995
〒520-0044 大津市京町三丁目 4-22
Web site: http://www.shiga-bunshin.or.jp/shigakaikan/
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Interestingly, the mayor's first name "Hidekazu" means "English-Japanese." The next day, at the choir contest, he told us that he listened to and liked our song.108 views
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The beautiful 15-page program included an ad for the Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD.108 views
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Inside a palanquin. Seat back cushion.108 views
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Sign shows the way to the "Back Mountain Path" (Ura Tozando). This is the less steep trail to the summit. Notice the peak on the left. I went on this trail. 裏登山道 MAP108 views
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Time capsule to be opened in 2042.108 views
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Cherry blossoms108 views
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The ukiyoe print by Hiroshige shows a bridge across Echigawa River. It was toll-free (Muchin-bashi).108 views
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Ozuchi Dam108 views
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Kondo Main Hall, a National Treasure and Miidera's largest building. However, it was undergoing roof repairs in June 2008. Completed in fall 2008. 金堂108 views
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Each team had to have 3 to 5 people performing 90 sec. to 120 sec. long. The routine was required to include jumping jacks, kicks, and push ups.108 views
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Kaio vs. Kotooshu108 views
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Toward the end of the route is an even narrower road. This is where I photographed and shot videos of all the floats and all the karakuri performances.108 views
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The fourth float is Ryumon Taki-yama. 龍門滝山／太間町108 views
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Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret. This turret is usually closed to the public, but opened during the 400th anniversary in 2007.108 views
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Bobby Nash108 views
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View from the Kohoku Wild Bird Center. 108 views
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Marker for the site of the former Tarumi Tongu palace.108 views
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Inside Tarumi Tongu. Today, it is just a small forested area with a monument. The names and dates of all 31 Saio princesses who stayed in Tarumi Tongu are known today.108 views
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After the Tea Offering Ceremony, they march back.108 views
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Monkey carvings on a mikoshi. The monkey is the messenger of the mountain god.108 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu (West) Shrine. This building is a National Treasure. 西本宮108 views
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The first group arrive at Yomiya-jo and go to their mikoshi.108 views
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The Tendai Abbot offers the sacred branch.108 views
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Mikoshi bearers on Sando road make their way to the shrine.108 views
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Then the mikoshi sailed to Wakamiya Port. 船渡御108 views
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Chawan Matsuri Hana-yakko flower umbrella dancers. They wear a Nagajuban kimono slip (長襦袢) and straw sandals. 花奴108 views
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Pulling out the first float out of Hachiman Shrine.108 views
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All that's left is this stone foundation of Omizo Castle.108 views
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Moat near Genkyuen Garden.108 views
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Unlike the other shrines, you can actually go inside this shrine hall.108 views
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Steering the hikiyama from behind.108 views
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A short distance from the shopping arcade is the Otabisho where all hikiyama floats congregate and give the day's final performance.108 views
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A hikiyama proceeds through the shopping arcade whose ceiling is high enough. Each hikiyama holds a kabuki performance four times this day.108 views
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Ishiyama-dera in fall108 views
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About Kojo-in Kyakuden. It also has a Japanese garden not open to the public. 光浄院客殿108 views
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Grounds of Himure Hachimangu Shrine which holds the Sagicho Matsuri. 日牟禮八幡宮108 views
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At the end of this trail is this shore of Lake Yogo, on the opposite end from Yogo Station. You still have to walk along one side of the lake to get to the train station. It's a scenic walk.108 views
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In autumn (late Sept.), cosmos autumn flowers along Lake Yogo.108 views
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Autumn flowers at Lake Yogo.108 views
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Note that this taiko dance will be canceled if it rains.108 views
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It was a beautiful festival day on May 5, 2010. The Ayame girls wore colorful happi coats which really added color to the festival.108 views
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Shirahama Beach along the lake's western shore.108 views
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Road going up Mt. Odani. You can walk uphill (taking 30 min.), but easier if you have a car. I don't recommend walking up in the heat (and flying insects) of summer. MAP108 views
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In 2011, the Go and Azai Sisters Expo was held in Nagahama. The west side of Nagahama Station had shuttle buses going to the Odani pavilion. Buy the roundtrip bus ticket at the little office near the bus stop at the train station.108 views
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At the Odani pavilion at the foot of Mt. Odani, a shuttle bus with a bus guide is provided for 500 yen roundtrip during 2011. A lot easier than walking up the mountain.108 views
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Walking further along the castle tour. The tour guide explained each site in Japanese with a megaphone. The tours were quite popular.108 views
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Some steps. Since the trail is not paved, it would get muddy on rainy days.108 views
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Short path to the Akao Yashiki residence. This was not part of the guided tour so I went here after the tour was over and stayed behind.108 views
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After the Honmaru, the castle spreads out further along the mountain ridge all the way to the peak. This is Nakanomaru, just north of the large moat.108 views
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View from Sannomaru.108 views
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Tokushoji temple Hondo hall. In 1606, Naito Nobunari, lord of Nagahama Castle moved the temple to the present location. 徳勝寺108 views
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The torches are made of tree branches, bamboo, and straw from rapeseed hulls. Many people are involved in gathering the materials and making the torches.108 views
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Ishiyama-dera's hidden, giant Buddha (Kannon) is visible through the altar. 108 views
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Front side of the monument has the Japanese lyrics and explanation of the song. Monument is made of stainless steel with a brushed-metal finish.108 views
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Verse 2 Song Monument, Omi-Maiko (Omatsu). On the lake shore in Omi-Maiko (Omatsu) behind Hotel Biwa Lake Otsuka. Built in March 1989. 二番の歌碑。近江舞子（ホテル琵琶レイクオーツカの前）108 viewsPine trees are very green, on sands very white.
Omatsugasato is, a young maiden's home.
Bush of red camellia, hides her teary face.
She's weeping o'er a lost love, much too short to last.
Matsu wa midori ni, suna shiroki
Omatsugasato no, otomego wa
Akai tsubaki no, morikage ni
Hakanai koi ni, naku toka ya
松は緑に 砂白き
雄松が里の 乙女子は
赤い椿の 森蔭に
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Imazu's main lakeshore road leads to more tourist sights.107 views
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Scenic point at end of trail107 views
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Landmarks seen from hilltop (on clear days)107 views
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1000 Jizo statues. On Aug. 9, the Jizo statues are lit with candles.107 views
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Garden107 views
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Temple grounds107 views
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Top in sight107 views
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Hachiman-yama ropeway takes only 4 min. to go up107 views
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Hondo temple hall107 views
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Kannon stone buddha107 viewsThe temple grounds has 33 stone buddhas.
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Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryu-kan. Terminals are provided to find information about Kusatsu. 草津街道交流館 MAP107 views
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Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryu-kan is a history museum with various exhibits showing Kusatsu's post town history. Admission 200 yen. You can buy a set ticket good for both the Honjin and this history museum. 草津街道交流館107 views
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Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryu-kan 草津街道交流館107 views
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Musa-juku 武佐宿107 views
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Naihaiden Hall107 views
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Karahashi Bridge as the starting point for alumni races107 views
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Commemorating Tezuka Osamu's 60th anniversary since his debut as a manga artist. That's Tetsuwan no Atom or Astro Boy.107 views
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Body toss107 views
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Arriving Omi-Maiko on Day 1. Rowing around the lake has been an annual tradition.107 views
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Otsu Prince Hotel in the distance.107 views
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Okishima (Okinoshima) is Lake Biwa's largest island inhabited by over 400 residents, mainly into fishing. Short boat ride away from Omi-Hachiman's Horikiri port. MAP107 views
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Inside public hall107 views
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Monuments on the property107 views
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Horse stables.107 views
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Mt. Anyoji from afar looks like a tumulus.107 views
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The first person to sing the English song in public outside Shiga.107 views
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These heron birds make nests in Genkyu-en's trees.107 views
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Chojiya ryokan along the lake shore. Likely this is where Oguchi Taro and crew stayed. 丁子屋という旅館107 views
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Another local landmark was this former bank building designed by William Merrell Vories who designed many buildings in Shiga, especially in Omi-Hachiman.107 views
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Chugging along on a fishing boat.107 views
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Outdoor sculpture107 views
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Dohyo-iri Ring-entering ceremony by Juryo wrestlers on the east side.107 views
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Praying at Tenson Shrine.107 views
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The float is followed by a cart loaded with chimaki.107 views
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The ninth float is Shakkyo-zan. 石橋山／湊町107 views
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On this street corner was where Russian Crown Prince Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (later Tsar Nicholas II) was attacked by a policeman guard (Tsuda Sanzo) on May 11, 1891.107 views
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Saio arrives at Maeno.107 views
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Coming through an avenue of pine trees on the old Tokaido Road. The procession is led by a patrol car with a speaker blaring out a Saio song.107 views
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Lake Biwa Canal on vintage postcard. Notice the boats in the canal. Boat rides were initially offered.107 views
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Spectators come to see their classmates in the procession.107 views
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Flower Procession, Sanno-sai Festival. There are two escorts wearing ceremonial aprons and they drag a wand over the road. 107 views
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Two more groups arrive while running.107 views
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It was raining this day on April 14, 2009. This is the Romon Gate to Nishi Hongu.107 views
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Ceremony in front of a shishi lion head.107 views
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They also danced in front of the shrine. For more info about the festival, call the shrine at 077-585-3380 (in Japanese).107 views
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Naginata Odori in Ryuo. 長刀仕舞振り（長刀芸）107 views
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The sail of the boat float almost got caught on a tree branch as it was moved.107 views
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Sanyaku Soroifumi has the top three ranking wrestlers (Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi) stomp the ring to further purify the ring as they face the shrine.107 views
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Then for fun, they held random sumo matches regardless of age and size.107 views
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Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge at the southern tip of the lake when it was still operating. It afforded a scenic view of the lake. This was a national pension, so prices were affordable. 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘107 views*Sadly, after 40 years in business since 1971, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities that were too expensive to repair.
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Replica of Japan's largest dotaku found in Yasu.107 views
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The giant torches can be as high as 10 meters. They are made on the Sunday before April 14-15 when the festival is held. So these torches have been here since Sunday. In front of Taneya.107 views
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View of the bottom torii of Sanposan Shrine (繖峰三神社) on Kinugasa-yama (繖山) 432 meters high. (As seen from the train on the JR Tokaido Line. This torii is 15-min. walk from JR Notogawa Station. 繖峰三神社)107 views
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View from the Ouma-ya.107 views
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About the place where Azai Nagamasa committed seppuku and left behind his wife and three daughters who were allowed to escape.107 views
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About Sakura-no-Baba in Japanese.107 views
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Stone wall of the Honmaru at the far end of the O-hiroma. There are steps on the right to go atop the Honmaru.107 views
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Beyond the top of the Honmaru is a deep ravine. The guided tour ended at the Honmaru, but Odani Castle has other castle keeps beyond, and I left the tour to see them by myself.107 views
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About Tokushoji temple in Japanese.107 views
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