 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Tokonoma alcove in Ando House113 views
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Nomura-bashi Bridge crosses Anegawa River. This is where Oda Nobunaga battled the Azai clan.113 views
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Nakamura Naoko sings "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" up to verse 3.113 views
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Then they signed autographs on the CD. CDのサインを求める。113 views
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Inside Chojiya. Very impressive Japanese-style inn with lake views.113 views
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Chairman Otaka gives letters of appreciation to Shiga Kenjinkai members for meritorious service. In the afternoon, the keynote speech was given by Donald E. Devaney who talked about historical ties between Shiga and the U.S. (photography was not allowed).113 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113 views
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Underwater baikamo flowers Jizogawa River, Samegai, Shiga Pref. Bloom in summer, only in very clean water. 梅花藻、バイカモ113 views
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The main draw by far was Sento-kun from Nara. The place had two small stages where they introduced each mascot. A huge crowd gathered to see Sento-kun appear on stage.113 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.113 views
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Dohyo-iri Ring-entering ceremony by Juryo wrestlers on the east side.113 views
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JR Otsu Station113 views
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Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret.113 views
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Bobby Nash wins MVP with a prize from TV station Biwako Broadcasting.113 views
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Placard bearers113 views
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Spectators come to see their classmates in the procession.113 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. 113 views
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The offerings are given to the four mikoshi at the Yomiya-jo storehouse.113 views
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The torch procession gather at Shogenji temple at 7 pm on April 13.113 views
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Two more groups arrive while running.113 views
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Mikoshi bearers run to the shrine.113 views
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Ceremony in front of a shishi lion head.113 views
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1st place winner 「合唱団かやの樹」（三重県伊賀市）が金賞113 views
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Map of Makino. Makino used to be an independent town until it merged with neighboring towns to form the city of Takashima.113 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).113 views
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Oike-machi hikiyama float at Minakuchi Shrine during the Minakuchi Matsuri Yomiya (festival eve). 大池町113 views
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During cherry blossom season, pedestrians will walk through this dark, narrow tunnel. No sidewalks, so be careful. Cars whiz by. Best to carry a flashlight.113 views
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Festival banner113 views
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As the float is pulled, flute players follow it.113 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113 views
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Panorama from the top of Nagahama Castle, looking north and west.113 views
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View of cherry blossoms from Nagahama Castle's lookout deck.113 views
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In the left corner is Jukku-kai... 十区会113 views
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Shinoda Fireworks climaxed with an incredible spectacle of sight and sound. The ancient Japanese sure knew how to make and show fireworks.113 views
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Then for fun, they held random sumo matches regardless of age and size.113 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.113 views
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Otsu Hikaru-kun from Otsu, Shiga to promote the 1000th anniversary in 2008 of the novel Genji Monogatari written in Ishiyama-dera temple in Otsu. おおつ光ルくん (滋賀 大津市）113 views
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Ii Naosuke (井伊 直弼) (1815-1860) as the Tokugawa shogunate's Chief Minister (Tairo) who favored and concluded commercial treaties with the Western powers and thus broke Japan's isolation from the world.113 views
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My YouTube video of the Yuge Fire Festival in 2010.113 views
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Now, only one entertainer performs as passengers board the boat in Aug. 2010.113 views
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Michigan paddlewheel.113 views
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I was in Omi-Hachiman to see the Hachiman Matsuri fire festival on April 14. I was lucky to find the cherries in full bloom at Hachiman-bori moat on a sunny day.113 views
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About the Horse Stable in Japanese.113 views
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View from Sakura-no-Baba. Yamamoto-yama is on the right.113 views
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Marker for Odani Castle.113 views
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Sakura-no-Baba also overlooks the Ouma-ya Horse Stable.113 views
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About the Honmaru.113 views
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About the Komaru bailey in Japanese.113 views
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At the edge of Sannomaru is this trail going down and later up to the peak of My. Odani where the castle continues. However, I stopped here and turned back.113 views
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About Tokushoji temple in Japanese.113 views
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The new Ohmi Railways Maibara Station. This station is now closer to the JR Maibara Station, but still not integrated in Maibara Station. I thought it was a temporary structure.113 views
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For ¥500, you can try matcha tea and a small confection. It’s operated by members of a tea school started by castle lord and tea master Ii Naosuke.113 views
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The bonfire is used to burn about 100,000 goma prayer tablets collected from all over Japan. Tarobogu Shrine, Higashi-Omi, Shiga.113 views
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View from gate112 views
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Hondo altar112 views
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Chomeiji roofs112 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta) monument for Verse 6 琵琶湖就航の歌 歌碑112 views
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Shrine112 views
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Naihaiden Hall112 views
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Rear view of floats112 views
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Shrine priest in the procession heading for the Otabisho.112 views
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Omi Hino Merchant House. The former home of Hino merchant Yamanaka Hyouemon was donated to the town in 1981. Now a museum exhibiting the history and artifacts of the Hino merchants. 近江日野商人館112 viewsSmall admission charged. Open 9 am to 4 pm, closed on Mon. and Fri. Close to the center of town.
Address: Okubo 1011, Hino-cho
Phone No.: 0748-52-0007
山中兵右衛門
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Tokugawa Ieyasu 徳川家康112 views
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Otsu Prince Hotel in the distance.112 views
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Shopping arcade112 views
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Narrow alley112 views
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Road to Kan'onji temple and marker of Ishida Mitsunari's estate112 views
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Nearby Hachiman Shrine.112 views
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Tokonoma alcove and scroll in Ando House112 views
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Small park where the Verse 1 monument is located.112 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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National high school soccer tournament award from Yasu. (Yasu High School won the national title in Jan. 2006.)112 views
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For tea ceremony, he was the one who coined the phrase "Ichigo Ichie," literally meaning one time, one meeting. It can mean, "happens only once." 一期一会112 views
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Great view, but hazy when I was there. Ishibe is toward the left, and the shinkansen tracks toward the right.112 views
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Panoramic view of central Tsuchiyama from Koka City Hall's Tsuchiyama Branch. Route 1 is in the foreground. The old Tokaido Road runs through the houses seen in the middle. The Suzuka mountains are in the far background, beyond which is Mie Pref.112 views
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Sumo souvenir shops and food stalls.112 views
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They set up up to the ring.112 views
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Another major summer event in Otsu is the Biwako Fireworks held in Aug. Near Hama-Otsu and Otsu Port, the prime viewing place, almost the entire place was blocked off with walls and fences to give priority to paid spectator seats (several thousand yen).112 views
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The seventh float is Seio Bo-zan. 西王母山／丸屋町112 views
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Inside Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret. (Important Cultural Property)112 views
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Beam joint inside Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret.112 views
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LakeStars looking somewhat dejected.112 views
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Assistants stand on the steps of the Nishi Hongu.112 views
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Now at the Yomiya-jo where the four mikoshi are placed. The torch bearers run from the Sando road to Yomiya-jo. This is at around 9 pm.112 views
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There they go, racing to Nishi Hongu Shrine. And that's it for April 13.112 views
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The Tendai Abbot receives the sacred branch to be offered at Nishi Hongu.112 views
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The mikoshi pass under the Sanno torii.112 views
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In the middle is the Haiden for Higashi Hongu.112 views
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Pulling the boat float from the shrine.112 views
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Steps going up to the Kondo Hall.112 views
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A few more matches by the men were held.112 views
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Chris Schlatter #4112 views
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Lakestars bowing to the crowd.112 views
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Hannaryz112 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.112 views
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If you feel down or depressed, see a basketball game to cheer you up.112 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.112 views
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Display case showing medicines made by pharmaceutical companies in Koka.112 views
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The first mikoshi called Sannomiya finally arrives near the bottom.112 views
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The next point of interest is a little more grisly. 112 views
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About the Akao Yashiki residence.112 views
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Sakura-no-Baba is also one of the best spots for scenic views atop Mt. Odani. These wooden "benches" are actually explanatory panels which never got completed.112 views
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Within the Sakura-no-Baba is this memorial for the Azai clan.112 views
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About the Kurogane-mon Gate in Japanese.112 views
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Stone marker for O-hiroma. The enclosure is about 85 meters long and 35 meters wide.112 views
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Top of the Honmaru which was the castle's central keep and focal point. Covered with trees now. This is where Azai Nagamasa lived until his defeat and the fall of the castle.112 views
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Trail going beyond the Honmaru.112 views
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Walking further toward Sannomaru.112 views
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Odani Castle stone wall. Most of the stones were likely carried away to build other castles.112 views
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Kyoto International Photo Showcase, Nov. 16-20, 2011 at Kyoto International Community House, Kyoto. 京都市国際交流会館112 views
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Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji (Tenchi 天智天皇) who moved the capital from Asuka, Nara to Otsu in 667 at the location of this shrine. Otsu was therefore once the capital of Japan. 112 views
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Water clock (clepsydra). Emperor Tenchi made Japan's first clock which was a water clock. Hence, the shrine is associated with clocks.112 views
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Choshoan tea house was originally the bell ringer’s rest house.112 views
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Matcha tea and confection at Choshoan tea house, Hikone Castle.112 views
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Hiko-nyan appears outside the Taikomon near the main Hikone Castle tower.112 views
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Outdated photo: Arriving Imazu Port. This old port building was replaced by new building in March 2020. MAP111 views
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Road from Imazu Port to Omi-Imazu Station.111 views
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Inside Omi-Imazu Station111 views
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Landmarks seen from hilltop (on clear days)111 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.111 views
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Temple grounds111 views
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Kannon stone buddha111 viewsThe temple grounds has 33 stone buddhas.
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Karahashi Bridge as the starting point for alumni races111 views
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Ukiyoe111 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.111 views
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Body toss111 views
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The three Kamiko.111 views神子
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Connected to the Local Artifacts Museum is the History and Folklore Museum (Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan) 歴史民族資料館111 views
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Okinado Hall with a statue of Basho. 翁堂111 views
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Bridge sidewalk.111 views
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Inside Ando House. This house was rented from the Ando family by Nagahama and used as a tourist attraction for 10 years until March 31, 2008 when it was closed. It reopened in April 2012.111 views
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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.111 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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Chojiya ryokan along the lake shore. Likely this is where Oguchi Taro and crew stayed. 丁子屋という旅館111 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.111 views
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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.111 views
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"Lake Biwa Rowing Song postcards on sale," June 16, 2006, Asahi Shimbun, Shiga Edition111 viewsSold at Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan in Imazu.
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Scenic point at end of trail. Notice the hut.111 views
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Weeping cherry tree in Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park (also called Omi-Fuji Green Acres) in Yasu.111 views
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Lady Murasaki Shikibu's diary.111 views
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The Honjin was the town's most exclusive lodge reserved for daimyo lords, government officials, and even Emperor Meiji. Each post town on the Tokaido had a Honjin.111 views
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Bonkei of Minakuchi-juku, also in Koka, follows Tsuchiyama-juku. It shows a few women drying gourd shavings. Mr. Mikami donated the entire bonkei collection to Tsuchiyama in 1992. He did not make any bonkei for the Nakasendo. He died in 1998.111 views
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The crowd stretches very far down the shore.111 views
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Inside Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret. Quite authentic.111 views
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Bobby Nash111 views
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Lake Biwa Canal No. 1111 views
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Samurai warriors in the Flower Procession.111 views
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Returning the large sakaki branch from Tenson Shrine. 大榊還御111 views
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JR Hiezan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line accessible from Kyoto and Yamashina Stations.111 views
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Portable shrine111 views
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Moat and cherry trees next to Genkyuen Garden.111 views
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Kaizu-Osaki cherry blossoms in northern Lake Biwa.111 views
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Inside the Bungei Seminario in Azuchi, Shiga. This hall is noted for a large pipe organ. The yoshibue concert started at noon and ended at about 4 pm. Free admission.111 views
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On the balcony, with Mt. Ibuki in the distance in winter.111 views
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The taiko drum dance started as a rainmaking dance in 1671 during a drought. The dance continued until 1947. In 1965, they revived the dance, but held it only once every 5 years due to the cost.111 views
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After the festival is over, the path is deserted. I had to take a taxi back to Yasu Station. No buses running.111 views
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By 6 pm, all the boats left and we would have to wait 2 hours to see the fireworks when they returned. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand the heat and left. Perhaps I'll see the fireworks someday.111 views
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View of Mt. Ibuki from Mt. Odani.111 views
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Well in the O-hiroma bailey.111 views
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The O-hiroma Hall was said to have had 1,000 tatami mats. As seen from the Honmaru.111 views
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This is the deep moat right beyond the Honmaru which divided the main area of the castle into two sections.111 views
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Sword-washing Pond on the left of the steps going to Kyogoku-maru.111 views
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Komaru bailey is said to be where Azai Hisamasa (the second lord of Odani Castle and father of Nagamasa) retired and resided. However, under siege by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hisamasa is said to have committed seppuku here on Aug. 27, 1573 at age 49.111 views
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Sannomaru was quite spacious. 111 views
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Iris pond111 views
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The karakuri shows saké seller Takafu pouring saké for Shojo, an alcohol-loving, legendary sea creature with a red face and red hair. Shojo then drinks the saké.111 views
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Leaving Kaizu-Osaki. 111 views
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This smaller Buddha was used to obstruct the view of the hidden Buddha from non-paying visitors.111 views
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Hikone daimyo's living quarters.111 views
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Chunichi Shimbun article (Nov. 26, 2017) about Kyoto University's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Biwako Shuko no Uta including the unveiling of the new song monument on campus.111 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）111 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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The fire's spiritual force supposed to ward off evil, accidents, and sickness and cleanse you. Tarobogu Shrine, Higashi-Omi, Shiga.111 views
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Docked boats.110 views
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Our boat paddler uses a long, slender paddle/rudder stick. We (two of us) were the only ones on the boat which normally seats 6 people.110 views
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The bow's tip is studded.110 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. This is the second, almost parallel canal constructed in 1912.110 views
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Lake Biwa from Imazu shore. Mt. Ibuki in the distance.110 views
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List of cover versions by singers like Miyako Harumi, Kobayashi Akira, Watari Tetsuya, Baisho Chieko, Frank Nagai, and more.110 views
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JR Hikone Station as seen from Heiwado.110 views
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1000 Jizo statues. On Aug. 9, the Jizo statues are lit with candles.110 views
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Garden110 views
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Last flight of steps110 views
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三仏堂110 views
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天尊堂110 views
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Onegai Jizo-do Hall おねがい地蔵堂110 views
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Fall colors are also nice. Accessible by bus from Ishibe Station or walk from Jorakuji. Path to temple. MAP110 views
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Honjin owner's house110 views
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Inn sign. The 200-year-old Nakamura-ya inn burned down on Dec. 10, 2010.110 views
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Miss Shakunage (Rhododendron) pose in front of a float. There is a valley nearby famous for rhododendron.110 views
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Some chidren lead the way for the second mikoshi.110 views
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Shopping mall110 views
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