 Most viewed - Nagahama 長浜市 |
Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4. 32 views
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Boat departure schedule from Chikubushima. When arriving, be sure to check and remember your boat's departure time.32 views
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Suggested tour route.32 views
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Chikubushima Port. Smaller boats are from island workers and priests. No one lives on Chikubushima. People commute by boat.32 views
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黒龍堂32 views
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Exterior of Funa-roka boat corridor connecting Tsukubusuma Shrine and the Kannon-do Hall. Important Cultural Property. From the Momoyama Period. 船廊下32 views
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Statue of the goddess Benzaiten at Hogonji, Chikubushima. Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天32 views
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Kannondo Temple has been beautifully renovated with its many intricate wood carvings and paintings on walls, doors, and ceilings restored in March 2020. 観音堂32 views
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.32 views
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Kannon-do ceiling and transom carvings.32 views
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Karamon Gate was originally built in 1596 as the gate for a covered wooden bridge named Gokuraku-bashi (極楽橋) at Osaka Castle as depicted here.32 views
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Benzaiten-do Hall, Hogonji's Hondo main worship hall. Hogonji Temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect (Buzan School). Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天堂32 views
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Hall of 33 Kannon Statues. 三十三所奉安所32 views
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Leaving Chikubushima.32 views
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Inside the new Imazu Port building made of wood. Waiting room.32 views
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Inside JR Yogo Station.32 views
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Lake Yogo swan maiden monument.32 views
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Stone monument at Lake Yogo swan maiden monument.32 views
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Map of Lake Yogo's southern end.32 views
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Snowscape, Lake Yogo32 views
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The kimono women all gathered here by 2 pm for the prize drawing. They faced a makeshift stage.31 views
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Ticket window with prices. Round trip tickets cost around ¥3,000. Biwako Kisen operates boats from Nagahama Port.31 views
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Boat schedule for winter.31 views
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Inside the boat. Very comfortable and well heated in winter.31 views
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Snowy mountains around Lake Biwa.31 views
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Most people spend 80 min. or 90 min. on the island before taking the return boat. Be sure to remember the departure time of your return boat especially if it's the last one for the day. (No lodging on the island.)31 views
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At Chikubushima Port, boat on the left is “Benten” that goes to Nagahama Port. On the right is Omi Marine’s red boat named “Naomasa” (after famous local samurai Ii Naomasa) goes to Hikone Port.31 views
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Many monuments on Chikubushima. The large building on the upper left is the quarters (本坊) for temple priests.31 views
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Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4. 琵琶湖就航の歌 歌碑31 views
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Souvenir shops on the way to the temple. There's a ticket vendor when you buy a temple admission ticket (¥300) to enter the temple grounds.31 views
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Up some steps to this torii.31 views
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Statue of goddess Benzaiten (弁才天) or Benten in one of the smaller shrines on Chikubushima. 31 viewsIn Japan, she is usually depicted playing the biwa lute as the goddess of music and everything else that flows such as water, ocean, lakes, and rivers. She's also revered as one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (七福神).
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Haiden Hall has this small shrine for the Chikubushima Dragon God. 竜神拝所31 views
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Funa-roka boat corridor goes to Kannon-do Hall. 船廊下31 views
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Behind the Karamon Gate.31 views
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One of the lion dogs on Karamon Gate. It's part of a wooden protrusion called the "kibana" (木鼻). 31 views
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The only damper on this stupendous work is that, the contractor who did the job and the local government employee in charge of the project were found to have colluded to rig the bidding process. 31 viewsThe project's budget was leaked to the contractor before the bidding started. Both parties were arrested a few months after the job was completed. At least the police waited until the job was done before arresting them.
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Steps between the Karamon Gate and Benzaiten-do.31 views
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Inside Benzaiten-do Hall which houses one of Japan's three major statues of the Goddess Benzaiten.31 views
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Inside Benzai Tendo. The statue of Benzaiten in the corner was donated by the father of Lord Azai Nagamasa. The Nagamasa clan paid their respects to it regularly thereafter.31 views
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Right corner of Benzaiten-do.31 views
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Another statue of Benzaiten.31 views
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Sanryudo Shrine right next to Benzaiten-do. Worships the dragon god or the god of water. 三龍堂31 views
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Interlaken at Imazu Port.31 views
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Lake Yogo is a small but scenic and serene lake north of Lake Biwa. Famous for the legend of the swan maiden. You can walk or bicycle around the lake. Near Yogo Station on the JR Hokuriku Line. Lake Yogo as seen from Mt. Shizugatake.31 views
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A black kite tries to steal the heron's frog.31 views
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Rice paddies at Lake Yogo in late May.31 views
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Autumn flowers at Lake Yogo.31 views
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Lake Yogo is nice and blue in April.31 views
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This substantial-looking monument is for another legend related to Lake Yogo. The legend of Princess Kikuishi and the Dragon Eyeball Stone. 菊石姫と蛇の目玉石31 views
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Legend of Princess Kikuishi and the Dragon Eyeball Stone. 菊石姫と蛇の目玉石31 views
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Lake Yogo also has some cherry blossoms. They bloom later or maybe last in Shiga. If you missed the cherry blossoms, come to Lake Yogo.31 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms are along the southern and western shores.31 views
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Restaurant menu of the Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge.31 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.31 views
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Lake Yogo Tourist Center exhibition space. 31 views
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Bus stop at JR Yogo Station. Infrequent buses go to Kinomoto Station.31 views
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Nagahama Castle and autumn foliage, Shiga Prefecture.31 views
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Taking aim and ready to fire...30 views
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Women in furisode kimono who visit the city for this kimono party are eligible to win prizes in a drawing held at Daitsuji Temple in the afternoon.30 viewsFurisode kimono are kimono with long sleeves going down below the knees. They are worn by single women. Married women wear kimono with shorter sleeves. And so most of the kimono women are in their teens to 30s.
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The kimono women first had to register at Ekimachi Terrace where they receive a lottery number for the grand prize drawing. Photographers also had to register here and get a permission tag to photograph the women.30 viewsThe grand prize is a free trip for two to Hawaii.
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At the Hikiyama Museum, stage entertainment.30 views
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At the Hikiyama Museum, stage entertainment schedule (in 2017).30 views
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More kimono ladies start to arrive.30 views
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You can sit anywhere you want. Inside Benten. Very comfortable and warm in winter. Not many passengers. Easy to social distance.30 views
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Chikubushima boat dock.30 views
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After you get off the boat at Chikubushima, you face this slope of buildings. Many monuments. On the upper right is the famous Karamon Gate.30 views
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Exterior of Funa-roka boat corridor.30 views
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Small shrine for the White Snake God, a messenger of goddess Benzaiten. 白巳大神30 views
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Tsukubusuma Shrine's Haiden Hall right across from the shrine. It faces the lake.30 views
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.30 views
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Before-and-after photos of the corridor in front of the altar. The wooden pillars that used to be covered with pilgrim name stickers are now all gone. Pillars totally re-lacquered. 観音堂30 views
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Above the pillars are decorative wooden support assemblages called tokyo (枓栱) or dougong. They have also been brilliantly repainted and even lit up. Dougong are interlocking wood pieces commonly found on temples and shrines as a Chinese influence.30 views
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Heading toward the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja. The carved walls are now protected with plexiglass.30 views
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Pindola Bharadvaja statue right inside Karamon Gate.30 views
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The gate and other castle structures were later moved to warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mausoleum in Kyoto in 1600. In 1603, Hideyoshi's son ordered Karamon Gate to be moved to Chikubushima to help rebuild Hogonji Temple which was in disrepair at 30 viewsChikubushima had close ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi since he was once the lord of Nagahama Castle. Chikubushima was part of his domain.
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Right door of Karamon Gate.30 views
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Before the renovation, Kannon-do and Karamon Gate had this old, moldy roof.30 views
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Mochinoko Tree もちの木30 views
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"Interlaken" boat to Imazu at Chikubushima.30 views
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From Imazu Port, it's a short walk to JR Omi-Imazu Station to catch the JR Kosei Line (湖西線) to Kyoto.30 views
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In winter, dramatic snowscapes around Lake Yogo. The Yogo area sees the most snow in Shiga. 30 views
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Stone monument at Lake Yogo swan maiden monument.30 views
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Autumn wildflowers at Lake Yogo.30 views
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More rice paddies along Lake Yogo.30 views
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Lake Yogo playground.30 views
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Same view in winter.30 views
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Rice paddies in late Sept.30 views
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Road along Lake Yogo.30 views
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More narrow road along the western shore of Yogo.30 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.30 views
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Lake Yogo's mirror surface in winter.30 views
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Inside the restaurant of the Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge.30 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.30 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.30 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.30 views
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Lake Yogo Tourist Center gift shop.30 views
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Lake Yogo Tourist Center exhibition space. 30 views
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Nagahama Castle and autumn foliage, Shiga Prefecture.30 views
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As part of the annual Nagahama Shusse Matsuri festival held on the second Sat. of Oct., a matchlock gun demonstration (長浜火縄銃大会) is held at Nagahama Castle during 13:30 a.m.–12 p.m. 29 viewsNagahama Castle is near JR Nagahama Station (West side) on the Hokuriku Line. Short ride from JR Maibara Station.
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Nagahama also holds an outdoor kimono garden party in the afternoon with several hundred young women in kimono descending on this provincial city. (長浜きもの大園遊会)29 viewsThe kimono women first had to register at Ekimachi Terrace in front of JR Nagahama Station (West side) on the Hokuriku Line. Short ride from JR Maibara Station.
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Event schedule.29 views
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Boat named "Benten" going to Chikubushima.29 views
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Large picture windows.29 views
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Chikubushima (竹生島) is a small, sacred island dominated by a temple/shrine complex called Hogonji (宝厳寺) perched on this fairly steep slope. 29 viewsThe temple/shrine's construction was ordered by the emperor in 724 when he proclaimed that Chikubushima was a sacred place for the goddess Benzaiten (弁才天). The temple was to bring national peace, bountiful harvests, and prosperity to all. A priest named Gyoki (僧行基) then proceeded to build the temple with Benzaiten as the principal object of worship.
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Chikubushima is also home to Tsukubusuma (Chikubushima) Shrine which is also a National Treasure. Until 1868 when Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were required to be separate, the shrine was part of Hogonji temple.29 views
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Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) monument for Verse 4 engraved on the front.29 views
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After some steps, a small torii to Tsukubusuma Shrine.29 views
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Decorative wooden support assemblages called tokyo (枓栱) or dougong. They are now illuminated to show off the vibrant colors.29 views
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Candle holder.29 views
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Kannon-do ceiling and transom carvings. Absolutely brilliant colors.29 views
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Before photo of the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja and the nearby wall with flower carvings. (See the next photo after the restoration.)29 views
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Karamon Gate door.29 views
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Left side of the kaeru-mata.29 views
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Karamon Gate 唐門 (National Treasure) beautifully restored to its original splendor. Entrance to the Kannondo Temple.29 viewsThis gate is said to have come from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Gokuraku Bridge at Osaka Castle in the early 17th century (Momoyama Period). Chikubushima, Nagahama, Shiga.
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The roof was also entirely restored. The gate is a splendid example of the finest art from the Momoyama Period (late 16th century).29 views
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What the Karamon looks like with the doors closed.29 views
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Karamon Gate entrance to Kannon-do Hall.29 views
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Left side of Karamon Gate. The gate doors are also adorned with peony flower carvings.29 views
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A pair of tigers on the main roof.29 views
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Wash basin29 views
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Zuisho-sui Well 瑞祥水29 views
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Imazu Port with Chikubushima and Mt. Ibuki in the background.29 views
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Walking to Imazu Port on the boat dock. New Imazu Port building.29 views
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Inside the new Imazu Port building. That's the ticket office.29 views
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JR Yogo Station on the Hokuriku Line in 2018. You can rent bicycles inside the station.29 views
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Lake Yogo in late Sept. after the rice was harvested.29 views
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Near the Visitors Center is the swan maiden monument.29 views
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By May 2021, happy to see the swan maiden tree growing anew. Let's hope another swan maiden will now come. Although she should probably bathe with her clothes on instead. Too many perverts these days...29 views
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Autumn flowers at Lake Yogo.29 views
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Mt. Shizugatake toward the right. One hiking train to Lake Yogo goes along this mountain.29 views
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Lake Yogo has this populated area with rice paddies.29 views
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Winter.29 views
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Lake Yogo rules. No fishing without permission, no motorboats, no jet skis, and no swimming. That's why it's so nice and serene.29 views
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About the legend of Princess Kikuishi and the Dragon Eyeball Stone. 菊石姫と蛇の目玉石29 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.29 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossom petals.29 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossom petals.29 views
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Lake Yogo sakura cherry blossoms.29 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossom trees in winter.29 views
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Lake Yogo Tourist Center exhibition space. 29 views
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Three matchlock gun battalions to shoot their guns (blanks of course). The battalions are from Tanegashima (Kagoshima), Sakai (Osaka), and Hikone (Shiga). 28 viewsJapan has a number of matchlock gun battalions who are licensed to possess and fire these guns to preserve their history and perform at events and festivals.
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This battalion was from Tanegashima island in Kagoshima Prefecture (Kyushu). That's where guns were first introduced to Japan from Europe in 1543 and forever changed warfare in Japan.28 views
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BANG!!! The guns were extremely loud. Makes you jump.28 views
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Hikiyama float was also displayed near the museum.28 views
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This is Daitsuji Temple, Nagahama's largest Buddhist temple (Higashi Honganji) large enough to seat up to 1,000 women. 28 viewsThe kimono ladies will gather here by 2 pm for the grand prize drawing.
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From 1 pm, the kimono ladies started to arrive at the Daitsuji Temple as the local duo ~Lefa~ played.28 views
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Local duo ~Lefa~ performing at Daitsuji Temple.28 views
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Miss Biwako Kimono.28 views
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After all the big prizes were given out, the remaining women were eligible to receive door prizes so they stood in line for that.28 views
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On the Sports Day national holiday in Oct., top-notch street performers perform from 10 am to 4 pm in Torahime, at the Torahime Ikigai Center parking lot (虎姫いきがいセンター). 28 views15-min. walk from JR Torahime Station. Website: http://torass.com/
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Street performers were very good. But it's hot under the sun.28 views
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Corridor facing the Funa-roka.28 views
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Kannon-do Hall roof corner with a tokyo assemblage. So much eye candy in this building. 28 views
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Before photo of the statue of Pindola Bharadvaja and the nearby wall with flower carvings.28 views
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Inside Karamon Gate. Just gorgeous. Too bad most people just walk in without looking back and noticing. 28 views
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Behind the Karamon Gate.28 views
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It looks new because it was magnificently restored (including the roof) after six years of meticulous work completed in March 2020. Finally came to see it. I was not disappointed. It's jaw-dropping beautiful.28 views
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It's the entrance of the temple's Kannon-do Hall that worships Kannon. The gate features the karahafu roof gable shaped like a hump, commonly found on important traditional buildings such as temples and castles.28 views
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About the Kannon-do Hall.28 views
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Bell tower28 views
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Kannon statue on Chikubushima.28 views
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Inside the Interlaken boat. Very comfortable and looks new.28 views
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Hiking trail from Mt. Shizugatake. Heavily wooded with a few clearings.28 views
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Fishing pier when fishing is in season (usually in winter). Like Lake Biwa, Lake Yogo is full of invasive species, especially bluegill. You can make some money by catching invasive fish and selling them to the local cooperative.28 views
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Lake Yogo Visitors Center where you can sell your catch of invasive fish. No English. There's a better tourist center on the other part of the lake.28 views
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Lake Yogo swan maiden monument is flanked with a number of poetry stone monuments.28 views
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Sadly, in Oct. 2017, a major typhoon knocked down the swan maiden willow tree. Most of the tree had to be cut. This photo was taken in April 2018. 余呉湖の衣掛柳28 views
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Autumn cosmos flowers at Lake Yogo.28 views
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Snowscape in winter.28 views
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White flowers along Lake Yogo in late May. 28 views
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White flowers along Lake Yogo in late May. 28 views
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Rice paddies in late May.28 views
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Poetry monuments.28 views
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Trail up the mountain to Mt. Shizugatake.28 views
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Large empty lot was the site of Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge. It was torn down due to old age. 国民宿舎余呉湖荘跡28 views
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Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge closed.28 views
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Lake Yogo sakura cherry blossoms.28 views
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Lake Yogo cherry blossoms.28 views
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Entrance to the long hiking trail to Mt. Shizugatake.28 views
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Lake Yogo from Mt. Shizugatake on a day when the lake was green with algae.28 views
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From Mt. Shizugatake, a short downhill trail to Lake Yogo.28 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.28 views
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JR Yogo Station.28 views
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JR Yogo Station.28 views
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Nagahama Castle and autumn foliage, Shiga Prefecture.28 views
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Local duo ~Lefa~ performing at Daitsuji Temple.27 views
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Celebrities will join the stage program (talk show).27 views
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