 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Chrysanthemum looking like Hiko-nyan.173 views
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One activity they held during the tour was plankton observations through a microscope, held in sleeping quarters for girls.173 views
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Statue of the Azai family in front of the Azai pavilion. As soon as they arrive here, most visitors take a picture of this sculpture.173 views
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Most are clothing shops and some are first-time outlet shops. There are many big names including Burberry, Gap Outlet, Barney’s New York Outlet, Armani, Paul Smith, Coach, Beams, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Bebe, Edwin, Vans, Levi’s, Puma, and Adidas.173 views
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Held only once every five years, the Aburahi Festival with the yakko-furi procession was held by Aburahi Shrine in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Japan on May 1, 2011.173 viewsThe procession features yakko samurai laborers who carry a trunk and sing. Others also dance. The procession makes a circular route near Aburahi and Koka Stations on the JR Kusatsu Line. Aburahi Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. Very nice design.
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Jizo statues at Tokushoji temple.173 views
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Colorful and artistic K-ON! postcards written by fans.173 views
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Water Birds 水辺の鳥 Little Grebe (カイツブリ) - Native species, Shiga's official bird (県の鳥).173 viewsIn classic literature like Tale of Genji, Lake Biwa is called, "Lake of Little Grebes" (Nionoumi).
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Nagahama from Lake Biwa172 views
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In the news: Article in Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2005 Sunday morning edition. The headline reads, "Let's Make an English Version of the Rowing Song."172 viewsA reporter for the Asahi Shimbun in Otsu thought my project was worthy enough for a story in the Dec. 11, 2005 Sunday morning edition of the newspaper's Shiga News page (distributed in Shiga Prefecture).
The headline reads, "Let's Make an English Version of the Boat Song." It describes my project to create an English version of the song and have it sung at the annual choir contest in June in Imazu (which didn't happen in 2006). It also quotes people in Imazu who welcome my project for an English version.
2005年12月11日の朝日新聞朝刊の滋賀版に僕の写真展と歌の英語化を大きく掲載されました。あんなちっぽけな写真展で注目されるなんて想像もつきませんでした。
英語版を2006年6月3日に発表したあとも各新聞紙の滋賀版で大きく報道されました。詳細はここ。
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Hino Station platform on the Ohmi Testudo railway. 近江鉄道 日野駅172 views
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Regatta on Lake Biwa172 views
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"Golden waves on which we weave..."172 views
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Hira mountains172 views
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Daimon Gate (also called Niomon Gate) is the temple's front gate. Built in 1452 and transferred here from Jorakuji temple in Koka by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Important Cultural Property. 仁王門172 views
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Plum blossoms and Nagahama Castle.172 views
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Ozeki Kaio172 views
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Classroom windows as seen from the outside.172 views
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Stairway172 views
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The old school library.172 views
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Lake Biwa Museum has a world-class freshwater aquarium showing Lake Biwa's endemic species and more. Open 9:30 am - 5 pm, closed Mon. and the day after a national holiday. Admission 600 yen for adults.172 viewsIt shows Lake Biwa's history, fish and wildlife, coexistence with people, and a large lake-fish aquarium. It is also a research facility with a number of researchers and curators.
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Water lilies.171 views
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Inside Benzai Tendo171 views
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Takeshima shows many different shapes depending on your viewpoint. A Nichiren temple and the priest's family are on the island. Boat for Takeshima at Hikone Port. The island is only 6.5 km from Hikone.171 views
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Studio Kurokabe, a glass factory and shop171 views
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Hi horsey!171 views
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Biwako Shuko no Uta Birthplace Monument, Imazu. This is Imazu's second monument for the song. 全歌詞碑の「琵琶湖周航の歌」誕生の地 今津。今津港。背景には竹生島行きの船。171 viewsImazu has two monuments for the song. The first one is a lamp at the end of the pier (visible in this picture on the right of the boat). That was for Verse 3 which is written on the lamp post.
Later in 1994, Imazu town built this red clay monument to commemorate the song's birth in Imazu. The entire lyrics is also engraved. It is next to the Imazu boat pier where boats depart for Chikubushima. Looks like a red flame, but it's shaped after the geographical shape of Imazu town.
From Imazu, you can easily go to Chikubushima island, from which you can take another boat to go to Hikone or Nagahama. Going vice versa is possible too. It's a great way to cross the lake.
See more photos of Imazu here.
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The Shiga University Education Dept. B team placed 3rd in the Women's Category. 一般女子の部 3位 滋賀大教育B171 views
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View of Mt. Mikami-yama amid rice paddies in Yasu. Elevation 432 meters.171 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Niomon Gate at night in April.171 views
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"Noborigama" kiln171 views
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Ducks seek the protection of the reeds.171 views
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Steps leading to Taikomon Gate. Before that, you can pay to have tea under the red umbrella front of the tea house and Time-Keeping Bell.171 views
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After passing through Todamon Gate, there is the Sando path leading to the temple complex. See fall leaves in Nov. 参道171 views
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Inside Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂171 views
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Zeze Castle Park, Otsu.171 views
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My video of the Aburahi Matsuri. The yakko-furi procession reenacts the samurai coming to worship at the shrine. You have to watch this video to understand the soundless photos.171 views
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View of Takeshima170 views
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Near Sugaura in northern Lake Biwa170 views
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At 6 pm, half-naked young men wearing loincloths march to the shrine. They are 15-34 years old. 迎え170 views
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Picture-taking with Maibara mayor.170 views
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Daytime view. The distinguishing feature of Otsu Matsuri floats is that they have three wheels instead of four (as with Kyoto's Gion Matsuri).170 views
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When I visited in mid-Oct., the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park was holding the Ceramic Art Market. Notice the tents for the ceramic artists selling their works.170 views
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Shigaraki-no-miya Palace ruins. National Historic Site MAP170 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.170 views
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The bean-throwers for 2009 pose for a group shot with the shrine priests.170 views
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Makino Sunny Beach170 views
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The guided tour is well worth it. I highly recommend it. The Harie-Okawa River would be crystal clear if it weren't for the rice paddies being flooded. MAP170 views
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Cycling path along the shore in Shin-Asahi, Takashima.170 views
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Cable Enryakuji Station. This is the original Cable Enryakuji Station building that was used when the cable railway between Sakamoto and Mt. Hiei opened in 1927.170 viewsIt was Japan's longest cable car route (2025 meters) at the time. The first floor is the station, while the 2nd floor used to be a VIP room. The 2nd floor is now an exhibition hall and open to the public.
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.170 viewsIf it rains, Hiko-nyan appears at the Castle Museum. Hiko-nyan is a white cat wearing a red samurai helmet with horns, modeled after the one worn by Lord Ii Naomasa, the first lord of Hikone Castle.
Hiko-nyan also makes guest appearances at various events to promote Hikone. He has even traveled to Hawaii to appear in a Japan parade in Waikiki.
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Lake Environment and Lifestyle - Exhibition Gallery C 湖の環境と人々のくらし (C展示室)170 views
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Autumn foilage greets you in Nov.169 views
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Built in 1940, Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji who moved the capital to Otsu in 667 at the location of this shrine. Otsu was therefore once the capital of Japan. MAP169 views
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Verse 5 Lyrics (Hikone) 五番の英訳（彦根）169 viewsSharp arrows buried deeply, way into the ground.
Abundant summer grasses, a moat still remains.
Standing in an old castle, all alone oneself.
Hira and Ibuki too, only but a dream.
矢の根は 深く埋もれて
夏草しげき 堀のあと
古城にひとり 佇めば
比良も伊吹も 夢のごと
Ya no ne wa, fukaku uzumorete
Natsukusa shigeki, hori no ato
Kojo ni hitori, tatazumeba
Hira mo Ibuki mo, yume no goto
--
This is the only verse where the setting is not specifically mentioned. The only hint is "old castle," which must be either Nagahama Castle or Hikone Castle. It is likely that it is Hikone Castle with its authentic castle tower and moats.
See more photos of Hikone here.
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Views of Lake Biwa from Hiei-zan Driveway. The city of Otsu.169 views
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The float is associated with Empress Jingu of the 4th century. When she gestures to write some characters on a rock with her bow, and the characters magically appear.169 views
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The bridge obviously has ceramic materials.169 views
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Inside the cable car station building. Enryakuji is also accessible from the other side of the mountain, on the Kyoto side via the Eizan Cable Car.169 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.169 views
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Hikone was important as the crossroads of the Nakasendo Road (中山道) to Kyoto and Hokurikudo Road (北陸道) to the northwest. It also linked the roads to boat transportation on Lake Biwa for Kyoto.169 views
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Soon after we entered the gym, they started introducing the players.169 views
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From left to right, the graves of Azai Nagamasa, Sukemasa, and Hisamasa at Tokushoji temple in Nagahama, Shiga. 長浜市徳勝寺169 views
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Sotoen's noborigama kiln is 15 meters wide, 30 meters long, and 3.5 meters high. It has eleven chambers going up a slope. 登り窯169 views
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In front of Azuchi Station. That's a statue of Oda Nobunaga who built Azuchi Castle. MAP168 views
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Kannondo Temple168 views
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Imazu also has a few buildings designed by William Merrell Vories like this former bank building in Imazu, Shiga Now a coffee shop and exhibition space. MAP168 views
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It says that the stone monument oozed blood when Ii Naosuke, Lord of Hikone, was assassinated in Tokyo by samurai radicals from Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.168 views
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A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It is one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio accessible by bus from JR Ishibe Station.168 viewsIn the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof.
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May 2: Night Festival 宵祭168 views
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A comedic sumo called shokkiri. 初切168 views
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Team captain Fujiwara Takamichi speaks.168 views
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Kadomatsu decoration for New Year's. Hikone Castle Museum is in the background. During New Year's, they served free hot ama-zake (sweet sake) to all visitors.168 views
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Mishima Pond, Maibara, Shiga.168 views
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When I visited Harie in late April, the water, which supposed to be crystal clear, was muddied from the rice paddies being drained. Late April to June is probably not a good time to visit Harie due to the rice paddies.168 views
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Zeze Castle Park also has No. 4 High School cherry blossoms planted here in memory of the college rowers from Kanazawa University who died in a rowing accident on Lake Biwa in April 1941.168 views
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Tagi Daimyojin-no-Miya Shrine is dedicated to the water god, for protection against floods. Long ago, nearby rivers often flooded this area. 龍樹大明神宮168 views
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Notogawa in Higashi-Omi is famous for its giant water wheel. Bike path to Notogawa, another area in Shiga with a good and scenic bike path.167 views
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Bell tower 鐘楼167 views
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Kyodai alumni in their 20s and 30s167 views
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Inserting the oars into the outriggers.167 views
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Nishikawa residence.167 views
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Imazu road along the lake shore, near Chojiya inn.167 views
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Display of endemic fish and other species found only in Lake Biwa.167 views
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Miyabiyama sits in a spectator seat as he waits his turn.167 views
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Vending machine trash bin with tanuki design at Shigarakigushi Station.167 views
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Mishima Pond, Maibara, Shiga.167 views
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From 1997 to 2019, Imazu held the annual Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) choir contest in June at Imazu Shimin Kaikan concert hall. (Discontinued after 2019.)「琵琶湖周航の歌」音楽祭合唱コンクール167 views
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Statue in front of JR Shin-Asahi Station east side.167 views
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Lake Biwa Giant Catfish is shy and often hides in its shelter.167 views
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In Omi-Hachiman, Shinmachi-dori looking toward Hachimanyama. This area is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).166 views
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Imazu shore166 views
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Vintage postcard of Ukimido floating temple before 1937 when the building was rebuilt. Flimsy stilts in comparison.166 views
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Biwako Bunkakan museum closed in March 2008. The museum was known for Buddhist art, including National Treasures. It has been here for as long as most Otsu residents can remember. 166 views
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Ceramic seats166 views
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Actual-size cutout of Steller's sea eagle. The center has two telescopes aimed at the bird for a clear view. It is a very large bird with a wingspan of over 2 meters. You need a very large telephoto lens to photograph the bird on the mountain.166 viewsオオワシ
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Inside Daikokudo Hall166 views
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VIP room.166 views
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The boys running. When you see them, you know the horse is coming so keep off the path.166 views
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The horseback archer on his second run. He did not shoot any arrows. 166 views
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Mt. Odani in the distance. The first time I visited Odani Castle, I walked from Kawake Station. Took about 30 min. (2.4 km).166 views
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Oichi and daughter Chacha, Hatsu, and Go were led to safety by Fujikake Nagakatsu, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. He took them to Gifu Castle.166 views
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Nichiren statue. Nichiren was the founder of the Nichiren Sect of Japanese Buddhism.165 views
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Former home of Omi merchant Tonomura Uhee (1777-1820) (外村 宇兵衛邸).165 views
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Rear of boat house, now used by a private boat club.165 views
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Feb. 25, 2007 Jamie Lee Thompson gives her speech at the 3rd Biwako Nihongo Network's Japanese Speech Contest by Foreigners.165 views
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Miidera cherry blossoms at night.165 views
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Site of the 3rd Imazu Regatta on Lake Biwa, off the shore of Imazu, Takashima. Held on Aug. 17, 2008, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Organized by the Takashima-Imazu Rowing Club NPO. 高島・いまづロウイングクラブ165 views
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Entrance to Omi-Shirahama Beach165 views
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First the lower ranking Makushita wrestlers practiced on the ring.165 views
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Takamisakari165 views
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Welcome to Shigaraki. On special days such as pottery fairs, just follow the crowd from the train station.165 views
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The new Saio princess traveled from Kyoto to the Saiku palace near Ise Grand Shrines. It took 5 nights and 6 days. From 886 to 1264 (378 years), one stop along the way was Tarumi Tongu in Tsuchiyama.165 views
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Main altar of Saikyoji's Hondo hall. 165 views
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At the intersection, straight ahead is Gokoku Shrine (護国神社) dedicated to Shiga's war dead. You can go through the shrine or turn left toward Hikone Castle.165 views
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Castle moat and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Hikone Castle was home to a total of 14 Ii lords until Ii Naosuke. The Ii family remained close to the Tokugawa and the family head traditionally served as the Tokugawa government's Chief Minist165 views
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Miidera's cherry blossoms are also lit up at night. (See photos at bottom.)165 views
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From 2 pm, the procession starts and the floats start to exit the shrine. Also see the video at YouTube.165 views
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Name plate for the old school library.165 views
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Sagamihara kite in flight. Due to a lack of wind, this flight didn't last long.164 views
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Heading for Chikubushima.164 views
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Waki Honjin souvenir shop and restaurant164 views脇本陣
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Nobunaga speaks.164 views
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Little stone marker and shrine next to the bus stop.164 views
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"On shore, we see red fire"164 viewsImazu was where the song was born. The town has two monuments for the song. One is the lamp monument built in 1985 on the boat pier (top photo) for Verse 3 (written on the lamp post), and the other is a red stone monument in the shape of a fire dedicated to the entire song. The lamp monument lights up in red at night. The above image was digitally altered.
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Broken dishes near the torii164 views
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More photos of Hikone Castle here.164 viewsThe castle tower is a National Treasure. Hikone Castle is one of only five castle towers in Japan designated as National Treasures. (The others being Himeji, Inuyama, Matsumoto, and Matsue Castles. Nijo Castle in Kyoto is also a National Treasure, but it does not have a castle tower.)
See more photos of Hikone Castle here.
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Echigawa Bin-temari-no-Yakata or the Echigawa Bin-temari Museum. Open 10 am - 6 pm, closed Mon., Tue., last Wed. of the month, and national holidays. 7-min. walk from Echigawa Station. 愛知川びん手まりの館164 views
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Taiko drumming demonstration. 檜太鼓打分け164 views
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Maibara Mayor Michio Hirao greets the crowd. If he were a woman, he would not be allowed to stand in the sumo ring. 164 views
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This is one of two pottery fair sites during the Shigaraki Pottery Festival.164 views
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Pottery kilns require large amounts of wood.164 views
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The oni first appeared amid smoke on the Kaguraden stage and danced menacingly. They were from a dance troupe called Inbara Kaguradan in Shimane Prefecture. 鬼の舞は、島根県石見地方の因原（いんばら）神楽団が奉納。164 viewsTaga Taisha had impressive ogre (called oni in Japanese) dancers from Shimane Prefecture to act as the demons to chase away during the festival.
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Route taken by the Saio princess from Kyoto to Saiku Palace, near Ise Grand Shrines. The journey took 5 nights and 6 days, and passed through Shiga at Seta (Otsu), Kafuka (Koka), and Tarumi before going to Mie at Suzuka and Ichishi. 164 viewsThe Saio princess stayed at a different palace each night, and three of them were in Shiga. The temporary palace for the Saio princess was called Tongu (頓宮). Only the Tarumi Tongu's former location is known today.
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Shirahige-no-Hama Beach in Takashima. I know they did some filming here for the NHK Taiga Drama "Go" where she rides on horseback. 白ひげの浜164 views
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When they wash pots and pans, the koi fish eat the food scraps to keep the water clean. Also see my YouTube video here.164 views
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Can't tell in the photo, but these were the biggest carp you've ever seen.164 views
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Samegai Museum in a former post office designed by William Merrell Vories, in Samegai, Maibara, Shiga Pref. MAP164 views
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Mold for making a dotaku. Yasu's dotaku found their way to the following overseas museums: Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne (Germany), Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (USA), and Minneapolis Institute of Arts (USA).164 views
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Nagahama Sengoku Taiga Furusato-haku, or Nagahama Warring States Hometown Expo, is a feudal history expo being held from March 24 to Dec. 2, 2012. JR Kinomoto Station on the Hokuriku Line is abuzz during the expo.164 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en fall colors163 views
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Omi Jingu Shrine's Rōmon Gate (楼門)163 views
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Nagahama's most famous temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu sect, Otani school. Omotesando path to Daitsuji.163 views
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"On shore we see red fire, brings back memories." (Imazu)163 viewsThis is the lake beach at Imazu.
See more photos of Imazu here.
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Golden waves163 views
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The thirteenth and last float was Jingu Kogo-yama, originally built in 1749. 神功皇后山／猟師町163 views
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View from castle tower, Takeshima in Lake Biwa. Takeshima is a small island near Hikone. 多景島 Photos here.163 views
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Omotemon Bridge163 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.163 views
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Moss on roof163 views
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Yamanokami mountain god monument163 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.163 views
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My comprehensive video about Lake Biwa's endemic species and invasive species displayed at the Lake Biwa Museum's freshwater aquarium.163 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats 163 views
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Almost no one in the boat162 views
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Lotus Sutra monument. In the early 17th century when the temple was built here, it took 3 years to carve out these characters on this stone slab. According to legend, this monument oozed blood when Ii Naosuke, Lord of Hikone, was assassinated in Tokyo.162 views
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Carrying the boat back162 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Course operated by Shiga Prefecture for major rowing regattas. It is near the head of Seta River, and very near Seta Rowing Club.162 views
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Near the Verse 1 Song Monument is another stone monument engraved with the words of the entire song.162 views
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Aerial photo of Echigawa.162 views
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The Ukimido building itself has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries. It was first built in the 10th century by Priest Eshin (Genshin 源信) from Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei. The current temple building was built in 1937 and renovated in 1982.162 views
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A stone found in a river bank. Since it has a hole, it is thought to be a foundation stone for a building's pillar.162 views
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Zabuton cushions with "Maibara Basho" imprinted were also sold for 1100 yen.162 views
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Upsy daisy162 views
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Giant tanuki dressed as a Yokozuna grand champion sumo wrestler.162 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.162 views
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Slope going down to Konpon Chudo Hall162 views
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Map of Yokawa162 views
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The Tahoto was built in 1194 upon the patronage of Minamoto Yoritomo. It is Japan's oldest Tahoto and one of the three most famous ones.162 views
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)162 views
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The old school library.162 views
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Most of Lake Biwa's cruise boats are named after Shiga Prefecture's sister states or cities. Michigan, USA is Shiga's sister state. Michigan is home to the largest lake in the US, while Shiga is home to Japan's largest lake.162 views
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Old corridor of Maibara Station being dismantled.162 views
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On the third floor is the music room where live bands play on weekends.162 views
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Hiko-nyan does not talk or even "meow." He speaks through a handler or translator. Basically, he (or it) just struts around and makes cute poses with or without a prop.162 viewsAnother legend says that as soon as the cat beckoned Naotaka into the temple, lightning struck the tree where he was standing. Thus, the cat saved his life.
This legendary cat connection gave birth to the idea behind Hiko-nyan. This same legend is also one theory for the origin of the ubiquitous beckoning cat you see at shops and restaurants in Japan. The beckoning cat can be called Hiko-nyan's cousin.
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The tank simulates night time since the Lake Biwa Giant Catfish is nocturnal.162 views
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Ko-Ayu (コアユ) Native species, popular food fish. Ko-ayu is the small variety of ayu (not baby ayu) commonly eaten as tsukudani (佃煮) or tempura. Adult ko-ayu retain their small size.162 views
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Lake Biwa Littoral Zone 琵琶湖の岸辺の生き物 - Many small organisms live amid aquatic plants near the shore.162 views
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Bluegill was brought to Japan in 1960 as a food fish by then Crown Prince Akihito who received it as a gift from Chicago, IL. 162 viewsIn 1963, the Fisheries Agency sent bluegill to Lake Biwa. Ten years later, bluegill had spread all over the lake. In 2007 in Shiga, Emperor Akihito expressed regret over bringing the bluegill.
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Tsukubusuma Shrine (National Treasure)161 views
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West view of Chikubushima161 views
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Fire truck and hydrant right outside the shrine.161 views
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Entrance and road to the rowing clubhouse161 views
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A room inside the shop had indigo fabrics everywhere. It takes years to learn the craft of indigo dyeing, including growing the plants. Like many other traditional crafts, this shop is uncertain who will take over and continue traditional indigo dyeing.161 views
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Small shrine near the entrance to Shimonogo.161 views
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North side of Ukimido. Haiku poet also visited Ukimido and wrote a haiku poem about it, displayed on a stone monument on shore.161 views
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These photos were taken in both April during cherry blossoms season and in summer.161 views
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Outside the tent arena was a grassy area where the rikishi warmed up. About 160 rikishi were in the tournament.161 views
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Singing sumo jinku songs. 相撲甚句161 views
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Magnee, Shiga LakeStars official mascot modeled after the Lake Biwa catfish. Kind of strange seeing a fish with two legs...161 views
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161 views
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In front of Hikone Station, welcome banners for Hikone Castle's 400th anniversary in 2007 surround a statue of Ii Naomasa.161 views
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161 views
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Harie Okawa River has baikamo underwater flowers. It was muddy when I visited in late April because of the rice paddy flooding. 針江大川161 views
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Kabata shed.161 views
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Somewhat away from the central area of Miidera is another National Treasure called Kojo-in Kyakuden. Unfortunately, it's closed to the public. All you see is this wall and a roof.161 views
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Wataka (ワタカ) Ischikauia steenackeri - Endangered endemic species, herbivorous fish.161 views
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On another day, we were able to see the two Lake Biwa Giant Catfish out in the open. It is nocturnal, and this tank simulates night time while the aquarium is open during the day. The lake's largest endemic species and Japan's largest catfish. 161 views
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Front gate. This is where you pay the admission fee of 500 yen. During fall, the autumn leaves are brilliant, and you can enter the three-story pagoda (National Treasure) to see the wall paintings. MAP160 views
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The Shamusho Shrine office I (社務所I) serves as the Karuta Matsuri tournament venue.160 views
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Nagahama Castle as seen from Lake Biwa. More photos of Nagahama here.160 viewsThe castle tower was reconstructed in 1984.
More photos of Nagahama here.
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Baruto160 views
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Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is called Togei no Mori in Japanese. It is operated by Shiga Prefecture. Free admission. 陶芸の森 MAP160 views
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At the parking lot is this Tanuki-kan store full of tanuki.160 views
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.160 views
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Shimoniikawa Shrine worships a god named Toyoki-iribiko-no-Mikoto who was the first son of Emperor Sujin 崇神天皇, Japan's tenth emperor. 豊城入彦命160 views
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Large carp in the roadside streams help keep the water clean by eating food scraps from washed dishes, etc.160 views
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Shin-Asahi160 views
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