Day 2 - 100km - Moriyama to Makino

I rose early with excitement and continued South past the city of Kusatsu. This was the first section of the trip where I could truly see the opposite side of the lake from the shore as I was in the slimmest part in the South. I crossed the Setagawa Bridge at the Southern point of the lake and pressed on up the other side through Otsu city. This was the most built-up section of the trip so was not necessarily the most attractive however, the Ukimido or 'floating temple' was a pleasant surprise and felt like a real hidden gem.

I eventually escaped the urban sprawl of Otsu city and soon found myself in the multi-coloured rice paddies scattered around Wani and Hira on the Eastern banks. This was a particularly enjoyable part of the ride as I could just get my head down and focus on the ride without worrying about traffic. The further North I went, the more impressive the scenery was.

The Shirahige shrine was my next stop, which is a red tori gate that stands in Lake Biwa about 30 metres from the coast. The gate itself attracted lots of visitors all posing for photos from the shore but I took a stroll around the area, stumbled across the Iwato-sha shrine in the foothills of the mountains, and took refuge there from a sudden downpour. It was a well-needed rest and extremely atmospheric so I would recommend anyone visiting to look around the surrounding area.

The remaining 20km to Makino largely consisted of the city of Takashima, which was home to some lovely old-style backstreets away from the main road. Upon arriving at my hotel on the lakeshore, I was so tired I headed straight to the property's private beach and lay down to enjoy the sun setting behind me and reflecting off the lake.

Read next article - Day 3 here

If you're looking to absorb some beautiful views, experience the peace at local temples and eat some amazing locally grown food, then a visit to Omihachiman is exactly what you need.

This time of year, in mid-late November/early December, is the perfect time to go since all of the leaves are turning stunning colours. I was really amazed at how vibrant the colours could be and there were lots of photo opportunities.

At Azuchichoishidera, the setting is so serene because the temple is surrounded by trees. First, you walk through the woods, taking in the beautiful leaves and listening to the birds singing. The path winds up to a vantage point that allows you to look down into the clearing where one of the temple buildings is nestled between the trees.

Following the path down leads you there. Inside is the shrine to the deities, and if you want to, you can write your wishes or prayers on a stick or can pray there. The path continues onwards to another temple building where you can sit and view the garden from inside. Before you reach it, the path guides you past a water feature, dripping water into a basin with a bamboo shoot beside it. If you put your ear to the shoot, you can listen to the sound of water dripping. I was surprised at the sound that I heard since it sounded like chimes!

Inside, there is a viewing window which creates a lovely frame for a photograph. Lots of people had the same idea and there was a little queue to take a picture but it was worth it!

I also visited Hyakusakiji. This was really fun because there is a walkway across the water and you can feed the fish too. The scenery here is really beautiful, it's like a little adventure walking up the little pathways. There are some stairs here but it's easy enough to get up to the top. If the weather treats you as well as it did me, then on the way up there is a really good vantage point to look out on a view over the countryside and city.

Inside the temple building at the top of the hill, there are interesting stories about historical figures in the religion. There are also miniatures of the hillside and the temple buildings which were really cool to look at.

I had been wanting to ring a temple bell, ever since arriving in Japan and I finally got my chance at Hyakusaiji. There's a bell that can be rung by visitors and it was certainly a highlight to my visit. Both temples weren't crowded and there was ample time and opportunity to dwell or move as the mood takes you!

For lunch, stop at Aito Margaret Station Rest Area. They have a buffet style meal with a lot of different foods to try, all local produce. I tried a bit of everything and really enjoyed it all - my favourites were tempura vegetables, fried chicken and a thai curry but it was hard to narrow it down to just three top picks! There's also a shop there and after lunch, why not take a stroll through the fields of flowers - I wandered through the rows of sunflowers in December!

I really enjoyed walking around the temples, taking pictures and eating amazing food and I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty that Omihachiman has to offer.

(Author : Joeley Beckett, ALT teacher in Shiga)

Special Thanks to Interac Inc.,

I am so glad that I decided to join Saturday's trip to Omihachiman. I was concerned that I was going to miss the fall colors because I had gotten sick and missed a trip to Kyoto, but I can clearly see now that Shiga prefecture is just as exquisitely colorful.

To begin, I'd like to give my thoughts on Ishinodera. What I was first struck by was the autumn-colored canopy visible just beyond the gate, which was also walled off by a row of rose bushes. I really couldn't help taking a photo, the colors provided the landscape with so much warmth and vibrance. As we continued circling the complex, I was captivated by the deep red of the maples overhead. The other features of the temple complimented them well, as there were green moss-covered rocks below to contrast them splendidly. I always enjoy the roof architecture of temples as well, particularly the terracotta roof tiles; I enjoyed them all the more with the maple leaves lightly adorning them. What really made this place memorable was the window looking out onto the small pond from inside the temple. While you do have to wait for people to clear the way, it is the perfect angle to look out at the autumn foliage with the reflection of the pond to add to the beauty as well.

Next, I will be discussing Hyakusaiji. What particularly stood out to me at this temple was the walk way going through the koi pond. It added a bit of entertainment to my visit since it had me stepping from stone step to stone step separated by the pond itself. The steps are within a safe distance from each other, so it doesn't present too difficult of a challenge for lesser-able people to use, and really provides a sense of immersion with the aesthetic of the pond. I even got to ring an enormous bell, not something I get to do often, and it was very satisfying. Finally, I got to see the very famous staircase leading up into the temple. I had seen a photo of the staircase during autumn in a collage of the four seasons in my dorm, and since I started studying here last September, I've idealized finding it. Truth be told, I had no idea I would be going to the staircase in that photo until I arrived at the temple. I am so glad I could experience such a quintessentially "kouyou" view.

I would like to thank Shiga prefecture's tourism bureau for their kindness in allowing me to come along for this trip. I had come to Japan not only to study, but to experience the culture; specifically I sought to see Japan's take on fall, and I really felt as though these two temples had exactly that to offer.

(Author : Tom Charney from US, The Japan Center for Michigan Universities)

Le lac Biwa, le plus grand au Japon, berce trois îles, dont deux sont inhabitées. La plus petite ne fait que 600 m de diamètre, mais sa forme particulière offre à ceux qui en font le tour une variété de facettes; c'est pourquoi on l'appelle Takeshima, l'île aux nombreux paysages. Tout aventurier peut s'y rendre en 20 minutes de bateau.

Notre odyssée commence un bel après-midi de mai, à la gare de Hikone. Une navette gratuite nous amène au port de cette ville, célèbre pour son château, d'où partent les bateaux vers Chikubushima et Takeshima. De là, nous profitons du voyage pour regarder la côte est du lac qui s'étend autour de nous comme nous nous dirigeons vers le centre du lac.

Avant de débarquer, nous faisons le tour de l'île en demi-lune pour l'observer sous toutes ses coutures. Elle se montre réellement sous un jour différent selon notre angle de vue; d'ici, un roc, de là, une jungle. Le temple, la pagode et les éminences qui la couronnent disparaissent et réapparaissent au fil des flots.

À l'abordage, nous nous retrouvons dans la jungle. Devant nous, dans les rochers, se dresse un escalier entouré de végétation; au-dessus, les oiseaux s'égosillent sous le soleil; à nos pieds... des coquilles d'œufs? Il semblerait que les corneilles en mangent le contenu avant de laisser tomber les restes un peu partout sur l'île.

Au haut des marches, le parfum de l'encens et le son des prières nous enveloppent. Le temple se dresse devant nous et nous prenons le temps de nous recueillir avant de continuer notre exploration. Nous devons monter et descendre sur des sentiers de pierres et de racines, nous permettant ainsi de voir de près les côtes observées plus tôt, pour nous rendre au grand rocher que nous avions aperçu du bateau. On peut y lire l'Hommage au Sutra du Lotus, qui y aurait été gravé sur trois années par le moine Nissei de l'école bouddhiste Nichiren alors qu'il était suspendu au bout d'une corde. Une statue de Nichiren se dresse d'ailleurs juste à côté du roc.

Nous revenons sur nos pas et bravons les coquilles d'œufs et les nuages de mouches pour visiter la pagode et le monument des serments à l'empereur. On dit que la première aurait été érigée par le seigneur de Hikone en mémoire de son père. Le second possède cinq faces, où sont inscrites autant de promesses de devenir de meilleurs sujets.

Nous descendons ensuite vers l'autre pointe de l'île. Je m'y sens un peu comme au bout du monde. Le soleil brille et des oiseaux effrayés s'envolent de leurs nids à notre approche. Malheureusement, nous devons retourner au bateau; notre visite a atteint sa limite et nous ne voulons pas manquer le seul moyen de revenir sur la rive opposée.

Author : Émilie Lamont-Cardinal

Apreciar a beleza das águas calmas ou violentas, perceber as diferentes tonalidades ao longo do ano e as montanhas que se escondem na neblina ao longe. Tudo isso faz parte de olhar para o Lago Biwa. No entanto, ver o lago de uma das ilhas é uma experiência rara e diferente, que eu finalmente pude experimentar visitando Takeshima.

Nesse dia, começamos a viagem encontrando nosso guia na estação de Hikone. Lá vocês podem visitar o Centro de Informações Turísticas da cidade na própria estação e, dali, é uma caminhada de dois minutos para o ponto do ônibus gratuito (14:40) até o porto de Hikone, de onde você poderá embarcar para a ilha (saída às 15:10).

"Takeshima" significava literalmente "bambu" (take) e "ilha" (shima), nome bem fácil de entender, já que no passado havia muitos bambus por lá. Como a ilha é fina e alongada, ficou famosa por ter diversas vistas dependendo da direção da qual se olha. Manteve-se então o nome Takeshima, mas escrito com os caracteres "muitas" (ta), "paisagens" (ke) e "ilha" (shima). A "ilha das muitas paisagens", portanto.

O trajeto leva apenas 20 min, mas é o suficiente para ver a paisagem do lago. Antes de aportar o barco dá uma volta na ilha e você poderá conferir por conta própria as muitas vistas e entender a razão do nome.

Enquanto está dando a volta, preste atenção na enorme rocha retangular. Conta a lenda que Nissei, um monge do templo Myôhôji em Nagahama, teve um sonho e soube de boatos de uma ilha deserta no Lago Biwa de onde se ouvia o Sutra da Lótus sendo entoado. Ao chegar em Takeshima, Nissei percebeu que era o lugar com o que tinha sonhado e ergueu um templo, Kentôji, passando os três anos seguintes entalhando o mantra Namu Myôhô Renge Kyô na pedra. A ilha toda é considerada sagrada.

Além da Daimokuiwa, há ainda na ilha o templo Kentôji, criado por Nissei, uma pagoda de pedra, uma estátua de bronze de Nichiren, um monumento à Carta de Juramento e vários lugares com vistas incríveis para o lago. Tudo isso trazido ao longo dos anos para a pequena ilha

Como a ilha é bem pequena, o barco fica apenas por 30 minutos e só há um horário por dia, então cuidado para não se atrasar. Há outros horários, mas só neste você pode descer na ilha.

Ohmi Marine (Cruise ship to Takeshima island) : http://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/marine/info-takeshima.html/

(Article by Rodrigo Brinca de Jesus Limeira)

On February 17th, we had the opportunity to go to Otsu city, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, and visit Ogoto Onsen and Miidera temple. We got to try a few different things; at Ogoto Onsen we did a foot bath, and at Miidera temple we participated in Zazen and made our own personal Juzu!

We first went to the Ogoto Onsen, the oldest onsen in Shiga prefecture, to try a hot foot bath. We expected the water would be hot, of course, but it turned out to be so hot that we couldn't even keep our feet in it at first. Although, once we got accustomed to the heat, it really did feel fantastic. It was a very soothing experience.

After the footbath, we ate lunch at the Onsen. We both ordered some Ohmi beef Gyudon, and it was delicious. The beef was juicy and flavorful, and it was a wonderful meal.

After having lunch at Ogoto Onsen, we went to the Miidera Temple, which is one of the four largest temples in Japan.

A monk from the temple took us on a tour of the temple grounds and various temple buildings, while teaching us about the history of it.

From the main gate, which is called the Niomon Gate, we went to the bell pavillion which houses on the Japan's three famous bells.

This bell is known for having a beautiful tone, and Tom and I were both allowed to ring it. We also saw Reisyo-do, another bell that was built in the 8th Century.

We then walked around the main hall where we saw statues of many different Buddhas.

We were also able to see the Issaikyo-zo, which is a library for the temple's scriptures, and To-in, which is the mausoleum of the temple's founder.

At this time we made our way over to a building that was outside of the usual tour route. Here, we learned about Zazen meditation, and were able to try it ourselves. It was a little difficult to maintain the proper sitting posture, but we thought the experience was very interesting.

Here, we learned about Zazen meditation, and were able to try it ourselves. It was a little difficult to maintain the proper sitting posture, but we thought the experience was very interesting.

Next, we walked over to the Bimyo-ji Temple to make our own juzu, which is a bracelet of beads often used as a charm.

The juzu consist of three stone beads and 24 wooden beads. The different kinds of stone and wood represented different things. We ended up picking beads that will help us in times of stress and in our studies.

We all had trouble tying the elastic string together at the end, but all our bracelets turned out very nicely!

Lastly, we walked up to Kannon-do where we said a prayer at the temple and took a picture with our guide.

The tour of Miidera Temple was fascinating and we both enjoyed it very much. The trip to Otsu has left us excited and eager to visit more places in Shiga and to learn more about Japanese history.

(Author : Charles Hill)

It was a really great experience.
When I was move to Shiga, I've desired to go to Chikubujima Island from bottom of my heart.

Chikubushima is a tiny island and located north of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture.
It takes around 20 minutes by ferry from Imazu Port in Takashima city, and it it a Shiga's hidden sacred place.

I went to Chikubujima as a Hatsumoude on 2nd January, 2018.
Hatsumode is the first visit made to a shrine or temple at the start of the year, to pray for happiness in the year ahead.
So, I felt it is perfect to go to Chikubujima Island as a Hatsumoude.

In Chikubujima Island, you can find both Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine.
The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) at Hogonji Temple is known as one of the three best in Japan.
The gabled karamon gate at Hogonji Temple is said to be only remaining piece of Hideyoshi's Osaka-jo Castle, and it is a registered national treasure alongside the main shrine at Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine.

Since ancient times, this island's God has also been worshipped for providing safe passage for travel across water.
Recetly, the island is now widely known as one of the most powerful spots for spiritual energy on Lake Biwa, and is a place to truly experience water and prayer.

If you have any strongly desired wish, you shoud try to kawarake-nage at Ryujin (Dragon God) haisho.

The Ryujin Haisho means you can see (or meet) to Dragon God here. Here is most strong energy you can feel.

Hope my wish will come true within 2018....

More information about Chikubujima island : https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2472

Biwako Kisen Chukubujima Cruise : https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/en/chikubushima.html

Omi Marine Chukubujima Route : https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/230

Chikubujima Offcial website : http://www.chikubushima.jp/e_origin

It was a blessing for me to have the opportunity to visit Omi-Hachiman. It was wonderful, unique experience to Japanese history and culture. I was able to go with my good and royal friend Tyleen Wilson (2nd year in JCMU) , and together we spent an amazing afternoon exploring this beautiful city.

We began our journey to Omi-Hachiman with visiting Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

The gate of Himure-Hachimangu Shrine.

There is a giant torii (holy gate) in front of this stone. The torii functions as a divide between the sacred ground and the rest of the world.

The history of the shrine goes all the way back to the Kamakura period. The god worshiped in this shrine is Hachiman, the god of martial arts. Personally, as a fan of Edo period architecture, I enjoyed the old, authentic temple buildings from Edo period.

The shrine is not only historically significant, but also extremely beautiful. I was lucky that I visited shrine in the Fall because the leaves set special moods for the visitors. I would also be interested in coming here during the spring and summer because I was taught that Himure Shrine is also famous for its festivals.

And, there are golden birds.

Golden.

Birds.

There is a mountain right next to Himure Shrine. Hachiman Yama (Hachiman Mountain), is an amazingly gorgeous mountain which also has a rich history with samurais. Our tour guide informed us that there was an epic battle between the ruler of Japan and his own stepson. The walls of the castle where the battle took place still exists.

The good thing about Hachiman Yama is that there is a lift that goes up to the top. You do not have to climb (yay). I particularly enjoyed the beautiful colors of autumn leaves. Tyleen liked a little Buddhist altar along the road.

There is a castle in the mountain where samurai used to live. It is a castle that shows the mixed style between Edo period and Sengoku period. All of the stones are natural - neither carved nor modified.

At the top of mountain.

Normally, one could see the Lake Biwa from mountain with all the famous places in Omi-Hachiman. However, this day was little cloudy, so we instead enjoyed the scenery.

After we finished Hachiman Yama, we moved to the boat ride. It was my first time riding that type of Japanese traditional boat. It was very quiet on the river, no people, only nature, birds, fish, and calm wind.

It was so tranquil. From the boat ride, we could see the mountain far away, the winding river, and traditional houses all at the same time.

It was an overall wonderful experience. In places such as Kyoto and Tokyo, while they may be exciting and popular places, they are full of noise and people. This, I think, takes away from the true beauty of Japan. In Omi-Hachiman, I experienced a place where the history can be seen in its natural beauty. For those who wish to observe the quiet beauty of Japan, I recommend a visit to Omi-Hachiman. Tyleen and I had a wonderful time.

（Author : Kim Younghoon）

One pleasant morning in April, we found ourselves at Biwako Valley, a mountain resort in western Shiga.Biwako Valley is more well-known for its Winter Season ski slopes, but this time we visited at the start of their Green Season. The base of the resort is also famous for its cherry blossoms.

Biwako Valley is on the summit of a mountain, so to reach it we rode the Biwako Valley ropeway. Here we got our first glimpse of Lake Biwa and the surrounding countryside.

Mrs. Tarao was kind enough to give us a tour of the facilities. The snow was still melting, so not all of the Green Season attractions were up and running. Later in the spring and summer, Biwako Valley offers zip-lining, a ropes course, and a space for kids called "Summer Land."

One of the newer areas at Biwako Valley is The Biwako Terrace, a cozy café with a beautiful deck overlooking the lake.

The Biwako Terrace had a nice homey atmosphere and huge windows, so even on cold days customers can enjoy the view. There is also a separate room for groups to rent out.

The day we visited was pretty foggy, but on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt. Ibuki and the Suzuka Mountains - literally the other side of Shiga Prefecture.

Maybe it was just us being constantly hungry, but the first thing we noticed upon entering The Biwako Terrace was a display of delicious-looking gelato. Flavors ranged from local tea and fruits to the ever-popular cookies 'n' cream (referred to here as "biscuit").

We chose the three local flavors: Adoberry, a berry-bearing bramble from Takashima (say that three times fast), and Omi Wa Koucha and Omi Genmaicha, two different kinds of tea grown in Shiga.

The unanimous favorite was Adoberry. Omi Wa Koucha (black tea) was subtle and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweetness. The Omi Genmaicha was, as Roddie put it, "not for beginners." At first glance, it looks like matcha, but its flavor is distinctly that of Genmaicha, a type of green tea combined with roasted brown rice.

The multi-level decks outside the café are lined with blue reflecting pools, which complement the colors of the sky and lake.

There's another lookout point beyond the deck called "Lover's Sanctuary." It is shaped like - surprise! - a heart.

Speaking of love, here's something we all love: buffets. Since we couldn't decide what to eat, we ended up getting a little bit of everything, from tempura to local red konyaku.

They also had a good variety of Japanese-style sweets, fruits, and yogurt for dessert.

Near the ropeway station at the base of the mountain there was a small marche with stalls from all over Kansai selling malasadas (Hawaiian donuts), bagels, and more classic festival food, like yaki imo (baked sweet potatoes).

Next, we took the scenic train up to Makino, a town in northern Takashima City. Across the station was a small place to rent bicycles.

From the station, it was only about a five minute ride to Makino Sunny Beach. The day had cleared up, and the crystal clear water made for some gorgeous photographs.

After another ten or fifteen minutes of cycling, we stopped to take some more pictures. From this one, you can see the cherry blossoms that line Kaizu Osaki Peninsula, our next destination. There were also lots of ducks and a few black kites soaring overhead.

We finally made it to Kaizu-Osaki Peninsula, which is part of the Biwako Quasi-National Park. It is said to be famous for its 600 Yoshino cherry trees, and it was no lie. There was a great number of families and couples picnicking and wandering among the trees.

There are a couple docks along the peninsula where you can join boat tours to enjoy views of the cherry blossoms from the lake.

The landscape of northern Shiga is completely different from the cityscapes of Otsu. In this picture, you can see how sparkly the water was on that sunny day.

Even for people who like to be present and savor the moment, it's impossible to resist taking pictures (and the results are well worth it!).

A few stores along the way to the peninsula were selling locally-made sweets. We felt it fitting to have some sakura-mochi (sweet pounded rice wrapped in pickled cherry blossom leaves).

We took a few more pictures before getting back on the bikes.

This is a humble example of the kind of photos you can take. The contrast of the delicate cherry blossoms and the lichen-covered bark is especially striking.

The unique part of Kaizu-Osaki Peninsula is that the journey itself is beautiful. Instead of visiting different attractions and then getting back into a car or onto a bus, here you find yourself surrounded by pink blossoms and sparkling blue water. It was an easy twenty-minute ride to Osaki Temple, and we loved every minute of it.

Here we are at Osaki Temple. It's actually partway up the mountainside, so you can't see it in the picture, but there's a beautiful view here as well.

This is a person from the temple signing Maddie's shuincho, a book for collection of shrine and temple seals.

After getting all spiritual, we stopped by a little shop and bought some tempura made with ayu, a small fish endemic to Lake Biwa. The shop was also selling funazushi, among other things.

This photo was taken mere minutes before our photographer was drenched by a rather large wave. Fortunately, the two of us and our food got away unscathed.

A close-up shot of the deep-fried goodness: ayu tempura.

It was an idyllic spring day by the lake, and we hope to come back again next year.

Got to explore Nagahama with Molly DeDona! We found some real gems on our day out!

First, we went to make our own blown glass cups.

It was a little scary at first, but they were so nice and guided us through every step.

They were professionals and made me feel like I was in good hands.

Next, at the same shop, we made our own designs on cups to be sandblasted.

Sandblasting basically adds a cool, frosted effect to your class.

We both decided to do it the difficult way so it took some time, but the result was worth it!

After all of our hard work, we got some food that is a specialty of Nagahama.

It's a kind of udon soup. It was deli0cious! The broth was thicker than most and it had a giant mushroom in it! :)

Next, we walked around Nagahama. We looked at a few shops, including the shop of the figure museum in Nagahama.

It seemed like a cool museum and I wouldn't mind checking it out next time I go!

We visited also visited a temple as we walked around. While they didn't have an English brochure, just looking at the temple's structure and beautiful shrine inside was worth the visit.

There were also shops nearby that looked like they sold Yukata. I'll have to stop by and check them out some time!

Also, the animal that represents that temple or the area is a fox. So, there were lots of cute pictures of foxes on our way to the temple.

We eventually made our way over to the Plum Blossom exhibit on the other side of the tracks to make our Plum Sake! It was a once in a lifetime experience and I enjoyed every minute! We had visited the Plum Blossom exhibit before, however we had no idea that there was such an event held there.

Japanese people can make sake in their own house so they had this class.

There was a taste test before where we tried 11 different kinds of sake.

Then, they explained why each sake was different and showed us how to make it.

There was even a company sponsoring the event, so we got a free can of plum juice and sake that we could drink right away.

I have to shake the plum sake glass jar everyday, but I'm excited to try my own homemade sake when it's ready! :)

Still, we saw some goodies back in the shopping area that we had to buy so we stepped out for a minute.

However, when we got back, they lit up the garden out back and it was beautiful.

After drinking some tea and enjoying some mochi, we took some pictures and said farewell.

In the end, I honestly never would have thought there would be such gems in Nagahama. I loved exploring and getting to learn more about the opportunities in Shiga. I can't wait to choose another city and explore again!