Yasu, Shiga: Difference between revisions

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{{City |
{{City |
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  Island        = Honshu |
  Island        = Honshu |


  Photo = <HTML><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105" target="window"><img src="http://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/taue/ri052-20080525_4407.jpg" alt="enter" width="320" align="middle"></a></HTML> |
  Photo = <HTML><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105" target="window"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/taue/ri052-20080525_4407.jpg" alt="enter" width="320" align="middle"></a></HTML> |
  Photocaption = Rice-planting Festival in May. |
  Photocaption = Rice-planting Festival in May. |
  pixLink      = http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 |
  pixLink      = https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 |
  Map  = Mapshigayasu2.png |
  Map  = Mapshigayasu2.png |
  GoogleMapLink = http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105501786212832952601.000442ac41b8172130df2&ll=35.086344,136.031857&spn=0.069953,0.123768&z=13&om=1 |
  GoogleMapLink = http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105501786212832952601.000442ac41b8172130df2&ll=35.086344,136.031857&spn=0.069953,0.123768&z=13&om=1 |
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  TotalArea    = 61.45 |
  TotalArea    = 61.45 |
  PopDate      = 2014-06-01 |
  PopDate      = 2022-11-01 |
  Population  = 50,112 (422 foreigners) |
  Population  = 50,746 (?? foreigners) |
  Founded = 2004 |  
  Founded = 2004 |  


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  TouristPhone  = 077-587-3710 |  
  TouristPhone  = 077-587-3710 |  
  TouristLink  = [http://homepage3.nifty.com/ohmifuji/ Tourist Ass.] |
  TouristLink  = [http://homepage3.nifty.com/ohmifuji/ Tourist Ass.] |
  Kokusai  = [http://yifa.net46.net Web site] Tel: 077-586-3106
  Kokusai  = [http://yifa.net46.net Web site] Phone: 077-586-3106
FAX: 077-586-3139 |
FAX: 077-586-3139 |
  VolunteerGuide = Tel: 077-589-6316 FAX: 077-589-2439
  VolunteerGuide = [https://www.yasu-kankou.com/volunteer/ Webpage] Phone: 077-587-3710 |
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''This page is 70% complete. Last updated: Aug. 2, 2016''
''This page is 70% complete. Last updated: Nov. 11, 2022''


by [[Philbert Ono]]
by [[Philbert Ono]]


'''Yasu''' (野洲市; Yasu-shi) is a city in southeastern [[Shiga Prefecture]] on the shore of Lake Biwa.
'''Yasu''' (野洲市; Yasu-shi) is a city in southeastern [[Shiga Prefecture]], Japan.


Home to Shiga's Mt. Fuji named Mt. Mikami, alias Omi-Fuji, a conical mountain. It is a fairly easy climb to the summit at 432 meters. Famous locally for the legend about the giant centipede occupying the mountain until a brave warrior from Karahashi in Otsu killed it. Mikami Shrine and Hyozu Taisha Shrine are the city's major Shinto shrines. Yasu was also where Japan's largest ancient bronze bells were unearthed in 1881 and 1962.
'''Famous for:'''
*Mt. Mikami, Shiga's Mt. Fuji nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" appearing in the legend about a giant centipede.
*Ancient bronze bells (''dotaku'').
*Mikami Jinja Shrine and Osasahara Jinja Shrine, both National Treasures.
*Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Bunka Park.
 
Home to Shiga's Mt. Fuji named Mt. Mikami, alias Omi-Fuji, a conical mountain. It is a fairly easy climb to the summit at 432 meters. Famous locally for the [https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2019/05/monster-centipede-on-mt-mikami/ legend about the giant centipede] occupying the mountain until a brave warrior named Hidesato from Seta Karahashi in Otsu killed it. Mikami Shrine and Hyozu Taisha Shrine are the city's major Shinto shrines. Yasu was also where Japan's largest ancient bronze bells were unearthed in 1881 and 1962.


Yasu also boasts Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Bunka Park, a huge and a great place to play and be with nature.
Yasu also boasts Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Bunka Park, a huge and a great place to play and be with nature.
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<td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" rel="nofollow">Mt. Mikami summit</a>
<td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" rel="nofollow">Mt. Mikami summit</a>
</td><td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683" rel="nofollow">Mikami Shrine</a>
</td><td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683" rel="nofollow">Mikami Shrine</a>
</td><td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" rel="nofollow">Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park</a>
</td><td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652" rel="nofollow">Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park</a>
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</td><td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/hyozumatsuri/thumb_hy500-20100505_2196.jpg" alt="thumb_hy500-20100505_2196.jpg" /></a></span>
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<td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow">Rice-planting festival</a>
<td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow">Rice-planting festival</a>
</td><td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653" rel="nofollow">Osasahara Jinja</a>
</td><td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653" rel="nofollow">Osasahara Jinja</a>
</td><td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow">Hyozu Matsuri</a>
</td><td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow">Hyozu Matsuri</a>
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''More photos at [http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 Yasu Photos].''
''More photos at [https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 Yasu Photos].''


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652 Mt. Mikami 三上山(近江富士)] - Nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" (Shiga's Mt. Fuji) since its conical shape resembles Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mikami-yama is a sacred mountain belonging to Mikami Shrine near the foot. The mountain is easy to spot from afar. An elevation of 432 meters makes it a fairly easy climb to the top, taking 40-80 min. depending on which trail you take. There is a steep trail (Front Mountain Path or Omote Tozando) and a less steep trail (Back Mountain Path or Ura Tozando) which takes longer to go up. From Yasu Station, take a short bus ride to Yamade-mae (or walk for 40 min.). From there, you can start going up the steep or less steep trail. [http://goo.gl/maps/UT8hI Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=652 Mt. Mikami 三上山(近江富士)] - Nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" (Shiga's Mt. Fuji) since its conical shape resembles Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mikami-yama is a sacred mountain belonging to Mikami Shrine near the foot. The mountain is easy to spot from afar. An elevation of 432 meters makes it a fairly easy climb to the top, taking 40-80 min. depending on which trail you take. There is a steep trail (Front Mountain Path or Omote Tozando) and a less steep trail (Back Mountain Path or Ura Tozando) which takes longer to go up. From Yasu Station, take a short bus ride to Yamade-mae (or walk for 40 min.). From there, you can start going up the steep or less steep trail. [https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2019/05/monster-centipede-on-mt-mikami/ Hidesato and the Monster Centipede on Mt. Mikami] is a famous folktale about Mt. Mikami. [http://goo.gl/maps/UT8hI Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653 Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park 近江富士花緑公園] - Sandwiched between the foot of Mt. Mikami and Kibogaoka Bunka Park, this prefectural park (also called Omi-Fuji Green Acres) is about flowers and greenery. In spring, the cherries bloom in the botanical gardens. Lodging facilities, walking trails, playgrounds, and workshops are also provided. [http://goo.gl/maps/3k3hE Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653 Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park 近江富士花緑公園] - Sandwiched between the foot of Mt. Mikami and Kibogaoka Bunka Park, this prefectural park (also called Omi-Fuji Green Acres) is about flowers and greenery. In spring, the cherries bloom in the botanical gardens. Lodging facilities, walking trails, playgrounds, and workshops are also provided. [http://goo.gl/maps/3k3hE Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=654 Kibogaoka Bunka Park 希望が丘文化公園] - Large prefectural park with grassy lawn, shallow stream, playgrounds, sports facilities, tennis courts, softball field, gardens, seminar facilities, etc. [http://goo.gl/maps/uvDsc Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=654 Kibogaoka Bunka Park 希望が丘文化公園] - Large prefectural park with grassy lawn, shallow stream, playgrounds, sports facilities, tennis courts, softball field, gardens, seminar facilities, etc. [http://goo.gl/maps/uvDsc Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683 Mikami Jinja Shrine 御上神社] - Shinto shrine near the foot of Mt. Mikami which is within its property. The Honden main hall is a National Treasure. It also conducts the annual [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682 Rice-planting Festival] in late May. [http://goo.gl/maps/Ipuvu Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=683 Mikami Jinja Shrine 御上神社] - Shinto shrine near the foot of Mt. Mikami which is within its property. The Honden main hall is a National Treasure. It also conducts the annual [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682 Rice-planting Festival] in late May. [http://goo.gl/maps/Ipuvu Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=167 Hyozu Taisha Shrine 兵主大社] - Established in 717 (Nara Period), this shrine's Japanese garden is designated as one of Japan's most famous. Lit at night during the fall colors. The shrine also holds a major festival on May 5 called Hyozu Matsuri with 30 portable shrines paraded within the shrine grounds. A short bus ride from JR [[Yasu Station]]'s North Exit. Take the Yoshikawa Line and get off at Hyozu Taisha-mae. Or take a taxi (costing about 2,000 yen from [[Yasu Station]]). [http://goo.gl/maps/6lcIn Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=167 Hyozu Taisha Shrine 兵主大社] - Established in 717 (Nara Period), this shrine's Japanese garden is designated as one of Japan's most famous. Lit at night during the fall colors. The shrine also holds a major festival on May 5 called Hyozu Matsuri with 30 portable shrines paraded within the shrine grounds. A short bus ride from JR [[Yasu Station]]'s North Exit. Take the Yoshikawa Line and get off at Hyozu Taisha-mae. Or take a taxi (costing about 2,000 yen from [[Yasu Station]]). [http://goo.gl/maps/6lcIn Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=132 Dotaku Museum 銅鐸博物館] (Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan 歴史民俗博物館) - Modern museum mainly displaying replicas and genuine bronze bells (called ''dotaku'' in Japanese) unearthed on a Ooiwayama (大岩山) mountain near the museum in 1881 and 1962. One of the bells was the largest ever found in Japan. A replica of it is displayed. (The real one is in the Tokyo National Museum.) Yasu's official mascot named Dotaku-kun is modeled after an ancient bronze bell. There is also a small park called Yayoi no Mori Rekishi Koen (弥生の森歴史公園) displaying replicas of Yayoi Period huts. From JR [[Yasu Station]]'s South exit (Minami-guchi), take a bus going to Karyoku Koen (花緑公園) or Murata Seisakusho (via Nishi Gate 西ゲート経由 村田製作所行き) and get off at Dotaku Hakubutsukan-mae (銅鐸博物館前). Bus ride is only a few minutes. From the bus stop, cross the road to get to the museum. The bus stop to go back to Yasu Station is up the slope on the other side of the road where you got off. You can ask the museum about the bus times to go back. Buses run infrequently.  Bus schedule for [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=1&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 weekdays], [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=2&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 Sat.] and [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=3&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 Sun.] here. Or 10 min. by taxi. [http://goo.gl/maps/926wO Google Map] Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, closed Mon. (Open if Mon. is a national holiday, and closed on Tue. instead.) Admission 200 yen. Address: 野洲市辻町57-1 [http://goo.gl/maps/926wO Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=132 Dotaku Museum 銅鐸博物館] (Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan 歴史民俗博物館) - Modern museum mainly displaying replicas and genuine bronze bells (called ''dotaku'' in Japanese) unearthed on a Ooiwayama (大岩山) mountain near the museum in 1881 and 1962. One of the bells was the largest ever found in Japan. A replica of it is displayed. (The real one is in the Tokyo National Museum.) Yasu's official mascot named Dotaku-kun is modeled after an ancient bronze bell. There is also a small park called Yayoi no Mori Rekishi Koen (弥生の森歴史公園) displaying replicas of Yayoi Period huts. From JR [[Yasu Station]]'s South exit (Minami-guchi), take a bus going to Karyoku Koen (花緑公園) or Murata Seisakusho (via Nishi Gate 西ゲート経由 村田製作所行き) and get off at Dotaku Hakubutsukan-mae (銅鐸博物館前). Bus ride is only a few minutes. From the bus stop, cross the road to get to the museum. The bus stop to go back to Yasu Station is up the slope on the other side of the road where you got off. You can ask the museum about the bus times to go back. Buses run infrequently.  Bus schedule for [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=1&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 weekdays], [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=2&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 Sat.] and [http://time.khobho.co.jp/ohmi_bus/tim_dsp.asp?projCd=3&amp;eigCd=5&amp;teicd=1615&amp;KaiKbn=NOW&amp;pole=1 Sun.] here. Or 10 min. by taxi. [http://goo.gl/maps/926wO Google Map] Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, closed Mon. (Open if Mon. is a national holiday, and closed on Tue. instead.) Admission 200 yen. Address: 野洲市辻町57-1 [http://goo.gl/maps/926wO Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653 Osasahara Jinja Shrine 大笹原神社] - Established during the Muromachi Period. The Honden main hall is a National Treasure. A 15-min. bus ride from JR [[Yasu Station]], south exit. Take the bus bound for Murata Seisakusho and get off at Ooshinohara (大篠原). Turn right into the intersecting road and walk 10 min. Note that the bus schedule is infrequent. [http://goo.gl/maps/hPkI7 Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=653 Osasahara Jinja Shrine 大笹原神社] - Established during the Muromachi Period. The Honden main hall is a National Treasure. A 15-min. bus ride from JR [[Yasu Station]], south exit. Take the bus bound for Murata Seisakusho and get off at Ooshinohara (大篠原). Turn right into the intersecting road and walk 10 min. Note that the bus schedule is infrequent. [http://goo.gl/maps/hPkI7 Map]


=== Event Calendar ===
=== Event Calendar ===
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     <td align="right" valign="middle"><div align="center"><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=637" target="window"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/hikone/yurukyara2/cg246-20091024_8491.jpg" alt="Official mascot" width="200" height="" align="middle"></a></div></td>
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*Early April - Sakura Matsuri さくらまつり - Cherry blossom festival at Karyoku Koen Park at the foot of Mt. Mikami. [ Map]
*Early April - Sakura Matsuri さくらまつり - Cherry blossom festival at Karyoku Koen Park at the foot of Mt. Mikami. [ Map]


*May 5: [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798 Hyozu Matsuri Festival 兵主祭] - Major spring festival held at Hyozu Taisha Shrine. Some 30 portable shrines and taiko drum floats converge at the shrine where they parade up and down the tree-lined path from around noon to 4 pm. One highlight is the Ayame portable shrine and taiko drum carried by an all-female crew dressed in colorful garb. Well worth seeing. Hyozu Shrine is too far to walk from Yasu Station. Take a bus (very infrequent schedule) or taxi. Hyozu Shrine phone: 077-589-2072 [http://goo.gl/maps/6lcIn Map]
*May 5: [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798 Hyozu Matsuri Festival 兵主祭] - Major spring festival held at Hyozu Taisha Shrine. Some 30 portable shrines and taiko drum floats converge at the shrine where they parade up and down the tree-lined path from around noon to 4 pm. One highlight is the Ayame portable shrine and taiko drum carried by an all-female crew dressed in colorful garb. Well worth seeing. Hyozu Shrine is too far to walk from Yasu Station. Take a bus (very infrequent schedule) or taxi. Hyozu Shrine phone: 077-589-2072 [http://goo.gl/maps/6lcIn Map]


*Fourth Sun. in May: [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682 Yuki Saiden Rice-Planting Festival (Otaue Matsuri) 悠紀斎田 お田植えまつり] - Held on the fourth Sunday in May in a sacred rice paddy near Mikami Shrine, women and men in colorful costumes plant rice seedlings accompanied by singing, taiko drumming, and dancing. Starts at 10 am with a Shinto ceremony, then the rice planting is held from 10:30 am to 11 am. The rice paddy is called Yuki Saiden (悠紀斎田記念田) which was the used to produce the rice used for the Showa Emperor Hirohito's accession to the throne in 1928. Near Yamade-mae bus stop near the foot of Mt. Mikami.  Phone: 077-587-3710 [http://goo.gl/maps/Ipuvu Map]
*Fourth Sun. in May: [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682 Yuki Saiden Rice-Planting Festival (Otaue Matsuri) 悠紀斎田 お田植えまつり] - Held on the fourth Sunday in May in a sacred rice paddy near Mikami Shrine, women and men in colorful costumes plant rice seedlings accompanied by singing, taiko drumming, and dancing. Starts at 10 am with a Shinto ceremony, then the rice planting is held from 10:30 am to 11 am. The rice paddy is called Yuki Saiden (悠紀斎田記念田) which was the used to produce the rice used for the Showa Emperor Hirohito's accession to the throne in 1928. Near Yamade-mae bus stop near the foot of Mt. Mikami.  Phone: 077-587-3710 [http://goo.gl/maps/Ipuvu Map]


*Last Sun. in Aug.: Children's Sumo Tournament (Kodomo Sumo) 子ども相撲 - Boys from age 5 to 14 wrestle at Miyake Shrine 屯倉神社.
*Last Sun. in Aug.: Children's Sumo Tournament (Kodomo Sumo) 子ども相撲 - Boys from age 5 to 14 wrestle at Miyake Shrine 屯倉神社.


* Second Mon. in Oct.: Zuiki Matsuri Festival ずいき祭り - Held by Mikami Shrine, a portable shrine made of sweet potato stalks is made and offered. Phone: 077-587-0383
* Second Mon. in Oct.: Zuiki Matsuri Festival ずいき祭り - Held by Mikami Shrine, a portable shrine made of sweet potato stalks is made and offered. Phone: 077-587-0383
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=== Travel Tips ===
=== Travel Tips ===
*There is a tourist info office in front of [[Yasu Station]], North Exit. Open 9:30 - 16:00, closed Mon. It also rents bicycles. Phone: 077−587−3710
*There is a tourist info office in front of [[Yasu Station]], North Exit. Open 9:30 - 16:00, closed Mon. It also rents bicycles. Phone: 077−587−3710
*Current [https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/warning/#area_type=class20s&area_code=2521000&lang=en weather warnings/advisories for Yasu here] (Japan Meteorological Agency).


=== Getting There ===
== Getting There ==
Take the JR [[Tokaido/Biwako Line]] to [[Yasu Station]].
Take the JR [[Tokaido/Biwako Line]] to [[Yasu Station]].


Line 143: Line 189:
Local buses leave infrequently from [[Yasu Station]]'s North and South exits. If you want to head toward the lake, go to the North exit bus stops. For inland destinations (Dotaku Museum, Kibogaoka Park, etc.), go to the South Exit bus stops.
Local buses leave infrequently from [[Yasu Station]]'s North and South exits. If you want to head toward the lake, go to the North exit bus stops. For inland destinations (Dotaku Museum, Kibogaoka Park, etc.), go to the South Exit bus stops.


=== Maps ===
=== Map ===
Click on upper right icon to enlarge.
Click on upper right icon to enlarge.


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<td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/taue/ri022-20080525_4267.jpg" alt="ri022-20080525_4267.jpg" /></a></span>
<td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/taue/ri022-20080525_4267.jpg" alt="ri022-20080525_4267.jpg" /></a></span>
</td><td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/hyozumatsuri/hy412-20100505_1723.jpg" alt="hy412-20100505_1723.jpg" /></a></span>
</td><td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/yasu/hyozumatsuri/hy412-20100505_1723.jpg" alt="hy412-20100505_1723.jpg" /></a></span>
</td></tr>
</td></tr>
<tr style="font-size: 80%;">
<tr style="font-size: 80%;">
<td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow">Rice-planting festival</a>
<td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=682" rel="nofollow">Rice-planting festival</a>
</td><td> <a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow">Hyozu Matsuri</a>
</td><td> <a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=798" rel="nofollow">Hyozu Matsuri</a>
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''More photos at [http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 Yasu Photos].''
''More photos at [https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=105 Yasu Photos].''


== Videos ==
== Videos ==
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*[[2004]]
*[[2004]]
**October 1: The towns of Chuzu-cho and Yasu-cho merged to form [[Yasu, Shiga|Yasu]] city. Yasu-gun was thereby dissolved.
**October 1: The towns of Chuzu-cho and Yasu-cho merged to form [[Yasu, Shiga|Yasu]] city. Yasu-gun was thereby dissolved.
[[2006]] Yasu gained national attention when its high school soccer team won the national championship in Jan.  
*[[2006]] Yasu gained national attention when its high school soccer team won the national championship in Jan.  
[[2008]] Yasu hosts in Oct. [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=718 Sports Recreation Shiga] (Sporec 2008), a national sports meet held annually for adults of all ages
*[[2008]] Yasu hosts in Oct. [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=718 Sports Recreation Shiga] (Sporec 2008), a national sports meet held annually for adults of all ages.
 
== Additional Reading ==
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2013/10/autumn-festivals-oct-2013-in-shiga-prefecture/ Homecoming Exhibition for Japan’s Largest Bronze Bell] - October 1, 2013
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2019/05/monster-centipede-on-mt-mikami/ Monster Centipede on Mt. Mikami] - Famous folktale.
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2013/04/shigas-top-10-festivals-in-april-may/ Hyozu Matsuri, one of Shiga’s Top 10 festivals in April-May] - April 11, 2013
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2008/04/climbing-mt-mikami-omi-fuji/ Climbing Mt. Mikami (Omi-Fuji)] - April 14, 2008
 
[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/category/yasu/ ''More Yasu News here.'']


== Miscellaneous ==
== Miscellaneous ==
=== Recent Yasu News and Weather ===
The latest five headlines for Yasu from [http://shiga-ken.com/blog/ Shiga News] are displayed below. Click to view the latest stories.
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[http://shiga-ken.com/blog/category/yasu/ ''More Yasu News here.'']


=== Trivia ===
=== Trivia ===

Latest revision as of 05:22, 13 November 2022

Yasu, Shiga (野洲市; Yasu-shi)
enter Rice-planting Festival in May. More Yasu photos here.
Map of Shiga with Yasu highlighted
Location Shiga Prefecture, Kinki region, Honshu island, JAPAN  
Population 50,746 (?? foreigners) (2022-11-01)
Area 61.45 km²
City Centers Yasu Station 
Major Sights Mt. Mikami (Omi-Fuji), Kibogaoka Park 
Major Gateways JR Tokaido Main Line Yasu Station 
Train Stations JR Tokaido Main Line Yasu Station 
Claim to Fame Mt. Mikami, Local high school won the national high school soccer championship in Jan. 2006.
Products
Neighbors Omi-Hachiman, Moriyama, Ritto, Konan, Ryuo-cho 
Old Name(s)
Keywords Omi-Fuji, high school soccer
Historical Persons
Links Yasu Articles | Yasu Photos
Yasu Tourist Information
Location 野洲市観光案内所 JR野洲駅南口前

Yasu Station, outside South Exit

Phone 077-587-3710 
Tourist Links Tourist Ass.  
Int'l Association Web site Phone: 077-586-3106

FAX: 077-586-3139  

Volunteer Guides Webpage Phone: 077-587-3710  
Yasu City Hall 野洲市役所
Address 〒520-2395滋賀県野洲市小篠原2100-1

Koshinohara 2100-1, Yasu-shi, Shiga 520-2395 JAPAN

Phone/Fax 077-587-1121 FAX:077-587-4033 
Official Site Japanese |  
Symbols Flower:  None
Tree:  None
Bird:  None
Others: 
Logo:  enter
Sister Cities Clinton Township, Michigan USA

This page is 70% complete. Last updated: Nov. 11, 2022

by Philbert Ono

Yasu (野洲市; Yasu-shi) is a city in southeastern Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Famous for:

  • Mt. Mikami, Shiga's Mt. Fuji nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" appearing in the legend about a giant centipede.
  • Ancient bronze bells (dotaku).
  • Mikami Jinja Shrine and Osasahara Jinja Shrine, both National Treasures.
  • Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Bunka Park.

Home to Shiga's Mt. Fuji named Mt. Mikami, alias Omi-Fuji, a conical mountain. It is a fairly easy climb to the summit at 432 meters. Famous locally for the legend about the giant centipede occupying the mountain until a brave warrior named Hidesato from Seta Karahashi in Otsu killed it. Mikami Shrine and Hyozu Taisha Shrine are the city's major Shinto shrines. Yasu was also where Japan's largest ancient bronze bells were unearthed in 1881 and 1962.

Yasu also boasts Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Bunka Park, a huge and a great place to play and be with nature.

Sights

thumb_b046-IMG_3312.jpg thumb_mi019-20080525_4436.jpg thumb_ka015-IMG_3486.jpg
Mt. Mikami summit Mikami Shrine Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park
thumb_ri026-20080525_4314.jpg thumb_sa109-20091010_4949.jpg thumb_hy500-20100505_2196.jpg
Rice-planting festival Osasahara Jinja Hyozu Matsuri

More photos at Yasu Photos.

  • Mt. Mikami 三上山(近江富士) - Nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" (Shiga's Mt. Fuji) since its conical shape resembles Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mikami-yama is a sacred mountain belonging to Mikami Shrine near the foot. The mountain is easy to spot from afar. An elevation of 432 meters makes it a fairly easy climb to the top, taking 40-80 min. depending on which trail you take. There is a steep trail (Front Mountain Path or Omote Tozando) and a less steep trail (Back Mountain Path or Ura Tozando) which takes longer to go up. From Yasu Station, take a short bus ride to Yamade-mae (or walk for 40 min.). From there, you can start going up the steep or less steep trail. Hidesato and the Monster Centipede on Mt. Mikami is a famous folktale about Mt. Mikami. Map
  • Omi-Fuji Karyoku Koen Park 近江富士花緑公園 - Sandwiched between the foot of Mt. Mikami and Kibogaoka Bunka Park, this prefectural park (also called Omi-Fuji Green Acres) is about flowers and greenery. In spring, the cherries bloom in the botanical gardens. Lodging facilities, walking trails, playgrounds, and workshops are also provided. Map
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine 兵主大社 - Established in 717 (Nara Period), this shrine's Japanese garden is designated as one of Japan's most famous. Lit at night during the fall colors. The shrine also holds a major festival on May 5 called Hyozu Matsuri with 30 portable shrines paraded within the shrine grounds. A short bus ride from JR Yasu Station's North Exit. Take the Yoshikawa Line and get off at Hyozu Taisha-mae. Or take a taxi (costing about 2,000 yen from Yasu Station). Map
  • Dotaku Museum 銅鐸博物館 (Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan 歴史民俗博物館) - Modern museum mainly displaying replicas and genuine bronze bells (called dotaku in Japanese) unearthed on a Ooiwayama (大岩山) mountain near the museum in 1881 and 1962. One of the bells was the largest ever found in Japan. A replica of it is displayed. (The real one is in the Tokyo National Museum.) Yasu's official mascot named Dotaku-kun is modeled after an ancient bronze bell. There is also a small park called Yayoi no Mori Rekishi Koen (弥生の森歴史公園) displaying replicas of Yayoi Period huts. From JR Yasu Station's South exit (Minami-guchi), take a bus going to Karyoku Koen (花緑公園) or Murata Seisakusho (via Nishi Gate 西ゲート経由 村田製作所行き) and get off at Dotaku Hakubutsukan-mae (銅鐸博物館前). Bus ride is only a few minutes. From the bus stop, cross the road to get to the museum. The bus stop to go back to Yasu Station is up the slope on the other side of the road where you got off. You can ask the museum about the bus times to go back. Buses run infrequently. Bus schedule for weekdaysSat. and Sun. here. Or 10 min. by taxi. Google Map Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, closed Mon. (Open if Mon. is a national holiday, and closed on Tue. instead.) Admission 200 yen. Address: 野洲市辻町57-1 Map
  • Osasahara Jinja Shrine 大笹原神社 - Established during the Muromachi Period. The Honden main hall is a National Treasure. A 15-min. bus ride from JR Yasu Station, south exit. Take the bus bound for Murata Seisakusho and get off at Ooshinohara (大篠原). Turn right into the intersecting road and walk 10 min. Note that the bus schedule is infrequent. Map

Event Calendar

Official mascot
Yasu's official mascot: Dotaku-kun, based on a bronze bell.

  • Jan. 1: Mt. Mikami New Year's Climb 三上山初登山大会 - Climb the mountain to see the New Year's first sunrise (hi node).
  • Feb. 25: Hiwatari Shinji (Fire-walking Ceremony) 火渡り神事 - Held at Sugawara Shrine. Phone: 077-587-2003
  • Early April - Sakura Matsuri さくらまつり - Cherry blossom festival at Karyoku Koen Park at the foot of Mt. Mikami. [ Map]
  • May 5: Hyozu Matsuri Festival 兵主祭 - Major spring festival held at Hyozu Taisha Shrine. Some 30 portable shrines and taiko drum floats converge at the shrine where they parade up and down the tree-lined path from around noon to 4 pm. One highlight is the Ayame portable shrine and taiko drum carried by an all-female crew dressed in colorful garb. Well worth seeing. Hyozu Shrine is too far to walk from Yasu Station. Take a bus (very infrequent schedule) or taxi. Hyozu Shrine phone: 077-589-2072 Map
  • Fourth Sun. in May: Yuki Saiden Rice-Planting Festival (Otaue Matsuri) 悠紀斎田 お田植えまつり - Held on the fourth Sunday in May in a sacred rice paddy near Mikami Shrine, women and men in colorful costumes plant rice seedlings accompanied by singing, taiko drumming, and dancing. Starts at 10 am with a Shinto ceremony, then the rice planting is held from 10:30 am to 11 am. The rice paddy is called Yuki Saiden (悠紀斎田記念田) which was the used to produce the rice used for the Showa Emperor Hirohito's accession to the throne in 1928. Near Yamade-mae bus stop near the foot of Mt. Mikami. Phone: 077-587-3710 Map
  • Last Sun. in Aug.: Children's Sumo Tournament (Kodomo Sumo) 子ども相撲 - Boys from age 5 to 14 wrestle at Miyake Shrine 屯倉神社.
  • Second Mon. in Oct.: Zuiki Matsuri Festival ずいき祭り - Held by Mikami Shrine, a portable shrine made of sweet potato stalks is made and offered. Phone: 077-587-0383

Travel Tips

Getting There

Take the JR Tokaido/Biwako Line to Yasu Station.

Getting Around

Local buses leave infrequently from Yasu Station's North and South exits. If you want to head toward the lake, go to the North exit bus stops. For inland destinations (Dotaku Museum, Kibogaoka Park, etc.), go to the South Exit bus stops.

Map

Click on upper right icon to enlarge.

Photos

ri022-20080525_4267.jpg hy412-20100505_1723.jpg
Rice-planting festival Hyozu Matsuri

More photos at Yasu Photos.

Videos

Click on the video image to start playing the video.

More Shiga videos here.

History

  • 2004
    • October 1: The towns of Chuzu-cho and Yasu-cho merged to form Yasu city. Yasu-gun was thereby dissolved.
  • 2006 Yasu gained national attention when its high school soccer team won the national championship in Jan.
  • 2008 Yasu hosts in Oct. Sports Recreation Shiga (Sporec 2008), a national sports meet held annually for adults of all ages.

Additional Reading

More Yasu News here.

Miscellaneous

Trivia

Famous People

Kurama Tatsuya (1952-1995)
Sumo wrestler during the 1980s who got promoted to Sekiwake.

Side Trips

Other sights in neighboring cities/towns within easy reach from Yasu.

  • Moriyama

Related Articles

External Links

  • [http ]
Municipalities of Shiga Prefecture 滋賀県
Cities & Towns: Aisho-cho | Higashi-Omi | Hikone | Hino-cho | Koka | Konan | Kora-cho | Kusatsu | Maibara | Moriyama | Nagahama | Omi-Hachiman | Otsu | Ritto | Ryuo-cho | Taga-cho | Takashima | Toyosato-cho | Yasu
愛荘町 | 東近江市 | 彦根市 | 日野町 | 甲賀市 | 湖南市 | 甲良町 | 草津市 | 米原市 | 守山市 | 長浜市 | 近江八幡市 | 大津市 | 栗東市 | 竜王町 | 多賀町 | 高島市 | 豊郷町 | 野洲市
Prefectures of Japan
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