 Most viewed - SHIGA 滋賀県 |
Classroom windows as seen from the outside.180 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.180 views
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Jizo statues at Tokushoji temple.180 views
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My video of Namura Shrine's Sekku Matsuri festival180 views
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Awards ceremony179 views
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Hino Station platform on the Ohmi Testudo railway. 近江鉄道 日野駅179 views
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Studio Kurokabe, a glass factory and shop179 views
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179 views
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From the Ohmi Railways' Gokasho Station, you can walk to the Fujii Hikoshiro House (藤井 彦四郎邸), which is also a history museum, and to the modern Ohmi Merchant Museum (近江商人博物館).179 viewsOhmi Railways Gokasho Station 近江鉄道五箇所駅
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"Full of old-time stories, Chikubushima."179 viewsThe island has a complex of temples named Hogonji. It belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect (Buzan School). It is said that it was first built in 724. It is also the 30th temple in the 33 Temple Pilgrimage of Saigoku (Western Japan).
See more photos of Chikubushima here.
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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179 views
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Plum blossoms and Nagahama Castle.179 views
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A comedic sumo called shokkiri. 初切179 views
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Picture-taking with Maibara mayor.179 views
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Shigaraki-no-miya Palace ruins. National Historic Site MAP179 views
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Also part of Adogawa is Okino-shiraishi Rocks, a few km off shore and a favorite place for birds which turned the rocks white from their droppings. Four rocks stand 80 meters deep in the lake. Out of the water, the tallest stands 14 meters high. 沖の白179 views
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Imagine having a spring in your own home spewing drinkable water 24/7 for free. This kabata has a few baskets. The oblong one is used for fish, and the ones on the right were used to dry bowls.179 views
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Bird-watching area in Shin-Asahi.179 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.179 views
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The old school library.179 views
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Chrysanthemum looking like Hiko-nyan.179 views
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179 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, 2011.179 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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179 views
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Nagahama from Lake Biwa178 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178 views
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Kyoto Univ. starts to veer off course178 views
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Kyodai's 4-man crew rowing178 views
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"Azure blue flower garden, revered coral shrine."178 views
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Verse 6 Lyrics (Chomeiji) 六番の英訳（長命寺）178 viewsSaigoku pilgrimage, Chomeiji.
Dispel this world's impureness, very faraway.
Golden waves on which we weave, rowing all we can.
Tell us my friends your stories, with your fervent hearts.
西国十番 長命寺
汚れの現世 遠く去りて
黄金の波に いざ漕がん
語れ我が友 熱き心
Saigoku Juban, Chomeiji
Kegare no utsushiyo, tooku sarite
Kogane no nami ni, iza kogan
Katare wagatomo, atsuki kokoro
--
This verse is said to refer to the Pure Land of Buddhism. The song has strong Buddhist overtones, but interestingly the melody happens to be based on a Christian hymn. Chomeiji was a lunch stop before they rowed back to Otsu.
See more photos of Chomeiji Temple here.
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With twin two-lane bridges, the 1.4-km north bridge (Katata to Moriyama traffic) was completed in 1994. The south bridge (1.35 km) was the original bridge completed in 1964 (for for Moriyama to Katata traffic).178 views
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First the lower ranking Makushita wrestlers practiced on the ring.178 views
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Ozeki Kaio178 views
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Miyabiyama sits in a spectator seat as he waits his turn.178 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).178 views
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Mt. Ibuki and shinkansen, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture.178 views
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Stairway178 views
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View of Takeshima177 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。177 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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Regatta on Lake Biwa177 views
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"Golden waves on which we weave..."177 views
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View of Mt. Mikami-yama amid rice paddies in Yasu. Elevation 432 meters.177 views
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Miidera cherry blossoms at night.177 views
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Taiko drumming demonstration. 檜太鼓打分け177 views
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Views of Lake Biwa from Hiei-zan Driveway. The city of Otsu.177 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. 177 views
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The bridge obviously has ceramic materials.177 views
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A local non-proft group called Harie Shozu-no-Sato Committee conducts tours of Harie. For 1,000 yen, they will spend 90 min. to take you to see numerous kabata in private homes. Call 0740-25-6566 to make reservations. hariekabata.com177 viewsOr email: shozunosato@lapis.plala.or.jp
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.177 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.177 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177 views
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Miidera's cherry blossoms are also lit up at night. (See photos at bottom.)177 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.177 views
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We head for Lake Nishi-no-ko.176 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. MAP176 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.176 views
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Near Sugaura in northern Lake Biwa176 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. MAP176 views
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Hi horsey!176 views
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Hira mountains176 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.176 views
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Mishima Pond, Maibara, Shiga.176 views
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)176 views
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VIP room.176 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).176 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176 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176 views
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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)176 views
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Funa-roka boat corridor175 views
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Display of endemic fish and other species found only in Lake Biwa.175 views
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Team captain Fujiwara Takamichi speaks.175 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.175 views
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175 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.175 viewsオオワシ
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Mishima Pond, Maibara, Shiga.175 views
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175 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175 views
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175 views
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Water lilies.174 views
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Autumn foilage greets you in Nov.174 views
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May 2: Night Festival 宵祭174 views
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Verse 5 Lyrics (Hikone) 五番の英訳（彦根）174 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
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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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Maibara Mayor Michio Hirao greets the crowd. If he were a woman, he would not be allowed to stand in the sumo ring. 174 views
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Welcome to Shigaraki. On special days such as pottery fairs, just follow the crowd from the train station.174 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.174 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。174 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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174 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.174 views
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Soon after we entered the gym, they started introducing the players.174 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174 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.174 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.174 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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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.173 views
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Heading for Chikubushima.173 views
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Inside Benzai Tendo173 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.173 views
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173 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."173 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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Inserting the oars into the outriggers.173 views
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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B173 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173 views
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Zabuton cushions with "Maibara Basho" imprinted were also sold for 1100 yen.173 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.173 views
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Makino Sunny Beach173 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.173 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.173 views
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Name plate for the old school library.173 views
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Lake Biwa Giant Catfish is shy and often hides in its shelter.173 views
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The tank simulates night time since the Lake Biwa Giant Catfish is nocturnal.173 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.172 viewsIn the deep-green forest, you can see part of the pagoda's roof.
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Nobunaga speaks.172 views
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Former home of Omi merchant Tonomura Uhee (1777-1820) (外村 宇兵衛邸).172 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).172 views
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Entrance to Omi-Shirahama Beach172 views
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Arch to the sumo arena. 大相撲米原場所172 views
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Baruto172 views
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Pottery kilns require large amounts of wood.172 views
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Giant tanuki dressed as a Yokozuna grand champion sumo wrestler.172 views
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Ceramic seats172 views
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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. 172 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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Inside Daikokudo Hall172 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.172 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 Minist172 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.172 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. 172 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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In front of Azuchi Station. That's a statue of Oda Nobunaga who built Azuchi Castle. MAP171 views
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Nichiren statue. Nichiren was the founder of the Nichiren Sect of Japanese Buddhism.171 views
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Bell tower 鐘楼171 views
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Waki Honjin souvenir shop and restaurant171 views脇本陣
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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.171 views
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Little stone marker and shrine next to the bus stop.171 views
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Imazu road along the lake shore, near Chojiya inn.171 views
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Imazu shore171 views
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Vintage postcard of Ukimido floating temple before 1937 when the building was rebuilt. Flimsy stilts in comparison.171 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.171 views
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Singing sumo jinku songs. 相撲甚句171 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...171 views
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This is one of two pottery fair sites during the Shigaraki Pottery Festival.171 views
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Main altar of Saikyoji's Hondo hall. 171 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. MAP171 views
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Cycling path along the shore in Shin-Asahi, Takashima.171 views
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Map of Yokawa171 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.171 views
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Otsu Matsuri floats 171 views
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Kyodai alumni in their 20s and 30s170 views
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Nishikawa residence.170 views
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Nagahama's most famous temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu sect, Otani school. Omotesando path to Daitsuji.170 views
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Broken dishes near the torii170 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）170 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170 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.170 views
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Statue in front of JR Shin-Asahi Station east side.170 views
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Inside Daikodo Hall are portraits and sculptures of founders of Japanese Buddhist sects. Honen, Shinran, Nichiren, etc. 大講堂170 views
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Omotemon Bridge170 views
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Moss on roof170 views
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Also in Shigaraki is Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, in the middle of the mountains. From Shigaraki Station, it's a 25-min. bus ride. (Or 50 min. by Teisan Bus from JR Ishiyama Station in Otsu.) This nice tunnel leads to the museum.170 views
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The boys running. When you see them, you know the horse is coming so keep off the path.170 views
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The horseback archer on his second run. He did not shoot any arrows. 170 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.170 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.170 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. The canal is covered. The water supply for Kyoto and Osaka.169 views
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Kannondo Temple169 views
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Cycling on lakeshore road. There is a scenic cycling path all around Lake Biwa. Takes 2-3 days to cycle around the lake.169 views
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Omi Jingu Shrine's Rōmon Gate (楼門)169 views
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Fire truck and hydrant right outside the shrine.169 views
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Rear of boat house, now used by a private boat club.169 views
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"On shore, we see red fire"169 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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"On shore we see red fire, brings back memories." (Imazu)169 viewsThis is the lake beach at Imazu.
See more photos of Imazu here.
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Upsy daisy169 views
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Makunouchi dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony on the west side.169 views
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Yokozuna Hakuho performs the yokozuna dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony.169 views
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Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Tenjikan Museum (free admission) is in the Maruya-cho shopping arcade. 大津祭曳山展示館169 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.169 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.169 views
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Slope going down to Konpon Chudo Hall169 views
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The old school library.169 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.169 views
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Held on May 3 by Tagi Jinja Shrine (龍樹神社) in Tsuchiyama, the Kenketo Matsuri Festival is highlighted by the Kenketo Odori Dance. The road to the shrine is marked with festival banners.169 views
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Old corridor of Maibara Station being dismantled.169 views
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Definitions of endemic, native, endangered, and invasive species.169 viewsNative species (在来種)
Naturally inhabits Lake Biwa or Shiga and not introduced by man. May also inhabit places outside Shiga.
Endemic species (固有種・亜種)
Native species found only in Lake Biwa or Shiga.
Endangered species (絶滅危惧種)
Those facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Invasive species (侵略的外来種)
Introduced by man and harms the native species, environment, and local ecosystem.
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Otsu Matsuri floats at Chuo-dori169 views
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West view of Chikubushima168 views
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Almost no one in the boat168 views
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168 views
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168 views
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Near the Verse 1 Song Monument is another stone monument engraved with the words of the entire song.168 views
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More photos of Hikone Castle here.168 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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Golden waves168 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.168 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 1982.168 views
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These photos were taken in both April during cherry blossoms season and in summer.168 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.168 views
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Maibara basho zabuton cushions168 views
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About 1,800 people attended the sumo tournament.168 views
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Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park also has pottery kilns. Here's one "Anagama" cave kiln. 168 views
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168 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 MAP168 views
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At the parking lot is this Tanuki-kan store full of tanuki.168 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.168 views
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Taikomon Yagura Turret. This is the gate right before you reach the main castle tower. "Taikomon" means Taiko Drum Gate. It had a taiko drum that was beaten to convey signals to the inner castle. Important Cultural Property. 太鼓門168 views
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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168 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.168 views
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On the third floor is the music room where live bands play on weekends.168 views
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Wataka (ワタカ) Ischikauia steenackeri - Endangered endemic species, herbivorous fish.168 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. 168 views
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Biwa trout (ビワマス) - Endangered endemic species168 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.168 views
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Sagamihara kite in flight. Due to a lack of wind, this flight didn't last long.167 views
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Pine tree and Lake Biwa.167 views
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167 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en fall colors167 views
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Entrance and road to the rowing clubhouse167 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.167 views
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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167 views
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Humanoid mascots were the most numerous. This is Chacha-hime, based on the eldest daughter Chacha (later Lady Yodo-dono) of Lord Azai Nagamasa and Oichi (sister of Oda Nobunaga) who lived in Odani Castle in Kohoku-cho. 茶々姫167 views
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.167 views
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This festival reenacts the Tsuchiyama leg of the Saio Princess Procession. It started at Ono Elementary School and proceeded to the site of Tarumi Tongu, one of the five temporary palaces for the Saio.167 views
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The choirs sing the same song in various ways. Most of them also had a piano player. The choir competition lasted from 10 am to 4 pm.167 views
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