 Most viewed - Nagahama 長浜市 |
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Kannondo Temple124 views
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Yanmar Museum is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (enter by 5 pm), Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday is a national holiday) and from December 29 to January 3.124 views
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Throwing mochi rice cakes on Toka Ebisu, Hokoku Shrine, Nagahama, Shiga Pref.124 views
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Inside Benzai Tendo123 views
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123 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial 石田三成供養塔123 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial123 views
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123 views
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Welcome sign and phone No. for a volunteer tour guide. But even if you call, you have to make reservations and it makes no sense if you're already there.123 views
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Illustration of the Ochaya (on the lower left terrace). The area was divided into two by a dirt wall and had an L shape. It was a military outpost and included a small garden. 御茶屋跡123 views
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Memorial for the Azai clan in the Sakura-no-Baba. It's not a grave. Azai Nagamasa's grave (along with this father and grandfather's graves) is at Tokushoji temple in central Nagahama (photos at bottom).123 views
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Nagahara Station on the JR Kosei Line. A nice, loghouse station building. JR湖西線、永原駅122 views
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Ura-Jizo (Rear Jizo) at the back of the Hondo, now open to the public from Jan. 2007. 裏地蔵尊122 views
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View from Oku Biwako Parkway122 views
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Straw blind121 views
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Sumo wrestler monument dedicated to Yokozuna Hitachiyama, a great Yokozuna during the Meiji Period. Built by Asami Matazo who built the Keiunkan. 力士碑 横綱常陸山121 views
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Shimmering waters of Lake Biwa.121 views
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Inside Kawake Station.121 views
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If you're walking up Mt. Odani, this is one of the best scenic viewpoints on Odani. Good place to rest too. 121 views
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Illustration of the Ouma-ya Horse Stable (center terrace). You can see the two Horse-washing Ponds at the foot of the stone wall.121 views
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Benzai Tendo120 views
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2nd floor of Keiunkan120 views
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Kabuki performance in the shopping arcade.120 views
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The kabuki boys are placed on the hikiyama floats.120 views
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Illustration of Bansho guard house.120 views
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Steamship which carried train cars on Lake Biwa.119 views
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A more modern train ferry on Lake Biwa.119 views
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Glassware workshop119 views
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NHK Taiga Drama "Komyo ga Tsuji" souvenirs.119 views
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Kogenji Temple in Takatsuki, Nagahama belongs to the Buddhist Jodo Shinshu Sect (Otani school). On the left of this main hall is the Doganji Kannon Hall where the 11-face Kannon statue (National Treasure) can be viewed. 渡岸寺観音堂（向源寺）119 views
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Lake Yogo has a nice lakeshore road going completely around the lake. Going counterclockwise is recommended since you'll be closer to the lake edge on the road. In winter, only part of the road is cleared of snow. 119 viewsThe photos below follow a counterclockwise route.
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Japan's first train ferry started on Lake Biwa, linking Otsu and Nagahama. In operation until the train line opened.118 views
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Marker of Ishida Mitsunari's estate118 views
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Basho Haiku Monument 「蓬莱にきかはや伊勢の初たより はせを」芭蕉の句碑118 views
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I visited the park in April 2009 in the early morning before the crowds arrived. It truly was a peaceful beauty.118 views
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In spring.118 views
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Marker for the Battle of Shizugatake and the famous "Seven Spears" which refer to Hideyoshi's top generals in the battle.118 views
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A number of attached lakes in Shiga were reclaimed to make rice paddies amid a shortage of food after the war. This has proven to be detrimental to Lake Biwa's ecology, and now Shiga wants to restore Hayasaki's reclaimed land back to an attached117 views
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Illustration of Kyogoku-maru which was the second largest bailey in Odani Castle after O-hiroma.117 views
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The expo focuses on the Battle of Anegawa, but it does not provide shuttle buses to the battle site and this battle memorial.117 views
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Outside on the terrace facing south at Nagahama Station. The small waiting room has been removed and replaced by a walkway to the new Mondecool Heiwado store.116 views
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Stone foundation of original Nagahama castle tower. It is just slightly behind the current castle building is this small hill with stone walls.116 views
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That's Chikubushima island on the left.116 views
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Illustration of the Akao Yashiki residence.116 views
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Small Jizo statues115 views
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Inside Kohoku Wild Bird Center. It has large picture windows facing Lake Biwa and high-powered binoculars enabling you to clearly see the waterfowl. 湖北野鳥センター115 views
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Maruko-bune Museum (Maruko-bune no Yakata). The maruko-bune was commonly used to transport cargo over the lake from the Hokuriku region to the Kyoto-Osaka region during the 17th and 18th c. MAP114 viewsThe museum is a short bicycle ride from Nagahara Station (JR Kosei Line). 滋賀県西浅井町大浦582 丸子船の館
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Panorama from the top of Nagahama Castle, looking south.114 views
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Samurai statue on Mt. Shizugatake114 views
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Odani Castle stone marker near the entrance to the paved road going up the mountain.114 views
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Illustration of O-hiroma hall that was next to the Honmaru seen on the left.114 views
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What's left of the large stone wall. It was 5 meters tall and the largest stone wall at Odani Castle, even larger than the Honmaru's stone wall.114 views
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Also not included in the expo is Ishida Mitsunari's birthplace in Nagahama. Accessible by bus from Nagahama Station. A short ride. More birthplace photos here.114 views
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Slightly south of Hayasaki Naiko Biotope along the shore is Oku Biwa Sports no Mori. This is a nice outdoor sports complex. Outdoor pool is great for kids in summer.113 views
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Front of old Nagahama Station113 views
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Monument and bus stop113 views
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For current information on the Bonbaiten exhibition, see the official website (English).113 viewsThe Keiunkan is near Nagahama Station's west exit, toward the south end. It is across from Nagahama Railroad Square. This is the gate to Keiunkan guesthouse.
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O-hiroma is Odani Castle's largest bailey. The site of a large hall where Azai Nagamasa and Ichi held their wedding. See the illustration. On the far end is the Honmaru.113 views
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Maruko-bune wooden boat which was a common sight on Lake Biwa in the old days before trains came to fore. Near this area was a major maruko-bune port called Oura.112 views
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Entrance to Otemon-dori shopping arcade. It is right near Kurokabe Glass Shop. See shops and restaurants. 大手門通り112 views
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Entrance hall112 views
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Anegawa River ran red with the blood of fallen warriors in Aug. 1570.112 views
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Sanbaso dancer is the first to perform.112 views
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View of Lake Yogo from the hiking trail from Mt. Shizugatake.112 views
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Rest house at foot of Mt. Odani.112 views
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Otemichi path is apparently an alternate way up, but it is closed off to visitors.112 views
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The hikiyama floats were then pulled into position for the day's first kabuki performances.111 views
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In April, numerous cherry trees around the castle in Hokoen Park bloom spectacularly. The best time to visit Nagahama Castle.111 views
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The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1983. It serves as a local history museum.111 views
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Lake Yogo is also noted for the swan maiden legend. There's even a statue monument for her. The pedestal is engraved with "Yogo-ko" (Lake Yogo).111 views
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Perfumed water?110 views
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Site of Ishida Mitsunari's former residence. 石田三成屋敷跡110 views
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Naginata sword bearers standby near the hikiyama floats.110 views
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Men wearing sumo aprons also arrive at the shrine.110 views
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They use microphones so we can hear them speak. Very authentic style, and they practiced a lot for this festival.110 views
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Nagahama Hikiyama poster for an earlier year. The official festival poster changes every year and is always well designed.110 views
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Memorial for Yogo's war dead.110 views
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Autumn wildflowers at Lake Yogo.110 views
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Beware of wild goats (kamoshika) on Mt. Odani.110 views
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In central Nagahama (walkable from Nagahama Station) is Tokushoji temple (徳勝寺), the location of the graves of Lord Azai Nagamasa and his father Hisamasa and grandfather Sukemasa.110 views
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Entrance to Ishida Shrine 石田神社 供養塔109 views
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Position of Oda Nobunaga's forces, the river is on the left.109 views
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The hikiyama floats await at the shrine as everyone arrive. The hikiyama are about 7 meters high.109 views
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109 views
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Swan maiden's tree. A sign next to it explains the legend. Lake Yogo is Japan's most noted lake for the swan maiden story. 余呉湖の衣掛柳109 views
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Entrance to the paved road going up the mountain. There's a small parking lot, small park, restrooms, and resthouse here.109 views
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The trail is pretty level most of the way. It's not a strenuous tour.109 views
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Guide map to places in the area related to Ishida Mitsunari.108 views
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The next kabuki play started on another hikiyama. Amazing how a boy can look so feminine.108 views
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They run around with the mikoshi, making a big ruckus.108 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island.108 views
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The property is now occupied by the Ishida Kaikan public hall and monuments. 石田三成屋敷跡 石田会館107 views
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Poem about Ishida Mitsunari107 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial107 views
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At the end of the arrow tip is where the fish eventually gather so fisherman can just scoop up the fish. The fish don't backtrack and so they don't escape this place.107 views
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The Chawan Matsuri festival was unique and very, very impressive. It was great.107 views
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A ceremony is conducted before the kabuki plays started.107 views
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Shedding real tears...107 views
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The kabuki performances then started at around 10 am on one of the hikiyama floats. The kabuki performances are held as offerings to Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.107 views
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107 views
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Illustration of Nakanomaru. You can see the three terraces of Nakanomaru. The Honmaru is on the right, separated from Nakanomaru by the large moat.107 views
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Nagahama Kimono Garden Party in mid-Oct. in Shiga Prefecture.107 views
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Belfry surrounded by a pond106 views
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Monument marking Ishida Mitsunari's former residence.106 views
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Monument marking Ishida Mitsunari's former residence.106 views
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Nomura-bashi bus stop. Get off here to visit the Anegawa River battle site.106 views
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Plaque proclaiming Hokoen Park as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots.106 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island from Mt. Odani.106 views
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The first thing we saw was this, the Kingo-maru keep, a hill. Named after Asakura Norikage (Soteki) (朝倉 教景) who was stationed here while defending the castle against Rokkaku Takayori (六角高頼) in 1525.106 views
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View of Mt. Toragozen (near Torahime Station on the JR Hokuriku Line) where Oda Nobunaga's troops were perched prior to their attack on Odani Castle in 1573.106 views
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Stone marker indicating the place where Azai Nagamasa committed seppuku on Sept. 1, 1573 at age 29. Under siege by Nobunaga's forces, Nagamasa was unable to get back to the Honmaru and instead entered the Akao residence to cut his belly.106 views
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Torahime manhole.106 views
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Pulling out the first float out of Hachiman Shrine.105 views
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He's such a good actor that he shed real tears.105 views
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Large crowd watching kabuki by boys at Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.105 views
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After the kabuki play ends, they pull and turn the hikiyama float and it goes toward central Nagahama through the shopping arcade where they will perform the same play again.105 views
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The defunct Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge at the southern tip of the lake. It had a scenic view of the lake. This was a national pension with affordable prices. 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘105 viewsSadly, after 40 years in business, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities that were too expensive to repair. It has been torn down.
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At the end of this trail is this shore of Lake Yogo, on the opposite end from Yogo Station. You still have to walk along one side of the lake to get to the train station. It's a scenic walk.105 views
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Lake Yogo as seen from Yogo Station. The tree where the swan maiden hung her clothing to bathe in the lake is on the right.105 views
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Next to the Horse-washing Pond is a large area called the Ouma-ya or Horse Stable. It is not known if there actually was a horse stable here. This was enclosed on three sides by high earthen walls.105 views
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Illustration of the Sannomaru. The center section was the highest where there was the Sanno Shrine dedicated to the mountain god. You can see also how the Large Stone Wall looked, part of it remains on the upper right. 105 views
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Toragozen-yama cherry blossoms105 views
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The bow's tip is studded.104 views
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Inside public hall104 views
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Giant stone lantern104 views
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Head Display Stone is where Azai Sukemasa (first lord of Odani Castle) displayed the beheaded head of a traitor (Imai Hidenobu 今井秀信) among his samurai retainers in 1533. 首据石104 views
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Now here is Sakura-no-Baba or Sakura Horse Grounds. This is one of the main highlights of Odani Castle due to its scenic views.104 views
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Tree103 views
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Canal103 views
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Monuments on the property103 views
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Ishida Shrine103 views
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On the other side of this Anegawa River were Oda Nobunaga's forces.103 views
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Scenic point at end of trail. Notice the hut.103 views
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Jizo statue103 views
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Sign explaining about Hayasaki (Hayazaki) Naiko Biotope. It was an attached lake to Lake Biwa until it was filled in as reclaimed land in 1970.103 views
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View from the Kohoku Wild Bird Center. 103 views
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Tapestry may have a western design.103 views
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The last kabuki performance was a dance rather than a play.103 views
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Lake Yogo's swan maiden story.103 views
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Illustration of Sakura-no-Baba Horse Grounds, seen on the slender terrace on the right, overlooking the Ouma-ya.103 views
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Altar for the Chikubushima Dragon God.103 views
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It's almost like Coming-of-Age Day in mid-January when 20-year-olds wear kimono to the official ceremony. But these women can be older than 20. 103 viewsI believe most of them are from Shiga, but a good number are also from nearby prefectures like Gifu, Aichi, and Kyoto. A few were foreigners, probably local English teachers. Nagahama, Shiga.
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Diorama of Oura Port. MAP102 views
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Footwear behind a float.102 views
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Swan maiden's tree. Sadly, a strong typhoon knocked down this tree and it's no longer here.102 views
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Bansho guard house site at Odani Castle. It was a security gate for castle visitors.102 views
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Site of the Ochaya which was right above the Bansho. It was Odani Castle's first castle keep or bailey within the castle's central area. 御茶屋跡102 views
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About the Horse Washing Pond and Horse Stable in Japanese.102 views
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Cherry blossoms near Toragozen-yama in Nagahama.102 views
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This woman was nice because she had a traditional Japanese hairstyle (Shimada style) with her real hair which is rare. 102 viewsThere are hairdressers in Japan who are trying to learn, preserve, and promote traditional Japanese hairstyles. It's quite complicated to create and you need really long hair. Nagahama, Shiga.
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Chawan Matsuri Hana-yakko flower umbrella dancers. They wear a Nagajuban kimono slip (長襦袢) and straw sandals. 花奴101 views
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This hikiyama is coming through the shopping arcade.101 views
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Boys act on a boat on the boat float.101 views
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Turning the hikiyama's wheel.101 views
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At around 9 pm when the day's final kabuki performance ends, they take out the mikoshi and parade it around the Otabisho before they carry it back to Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.101 views
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The festival on April 15 lasts well after dark. The day's final kabuki performance starts at around 8 pm at the Otabisho.101 views
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Water fountain and Nagahama Castle in spring.101 views
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JR Yogo Station platform with Lake Yogo in the background. In Sept. after the rice was harvested.101 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.101 views
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The 1,000 yen ticket includes admission to all three pavilions and roundtrip shuttle bus fare. Best to go the Odani pavilion first, then take another shuttle bus to Odani Castle.101 views
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Marker for the Akao Yashiki residence. The Akao family was one of the Azai's important samurai retainers. The proximity of the residence to the Honmaru is indicative of this.101 views
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Most of them come with friends or with their mother. Nagahama, Shiga.101 views
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Scenic point at end of trail100 views
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Road to Kan'onji temple and marker of Ishida Mitsunari's estate100 views
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Nearby Hachiman Shrine.100 views
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This and the following pictures were taken in another year (not in 2009).100 views
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