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Jan. 2021

Seasons Greetings from Inbound Tourism Department, Biwako Visitors Bureau

Happy Holiday Seasons! https://youtu.be/_9sFvkKTQ14 Wishing you peace, love, and joy this holiday season and throughout 2021. Pray to end Covid-19 soon.... Visit our website : http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/
Jan. 2021

Webinar “Reasons why Shiga and Lake Biwa should be your top travel destination post-COVID-19”

The COVID-19 pandemic faced by the world in 2020 has left many people unable to enjoy travel overseas. Even those traveling domestically are showing a tendency to avoid activities that crowd people into smaller spaces, and the overall awareness of “travel” is starting to change. Shiga Prefecture can be reached in just nine minutes by train from the popular tourist destination of Kyoto, and yet is rich in nature and open spaces. At the center of the prefecture there lies the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa, and the region offers ample opportunities for a relaxed and laid-back trip in the clean air and while avoiding any crowds. We have now created a webinar introducing a relaxing stay in Shiga in a completely private lodging facility for just you and your family or friends, as well information on some of the activities the prefecture has to offer. Please check it out! We are also currently accepting applications for familiarization trips for employees from travel companies or tour operators, social media influencers, and members of the media. If you wish to make such an application, please complete the form below and send it to emailnews@biwako-visitors.jp. Reasons why Shiga and Lake Biwa should be your top travel destination post-COVID-19 https://youtu.be/nWK7LeExugk go.biwako Official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/gobiwakoOfficialYoutube
Jan. 2021

Dedicate a “Wish Daruma” doll on Chikubushima Island!

Chikubushima Island is found on Lake Biwa. Here’s the way to dedicate a traditional “Wish Daruma” doll to the goddess Benzaiten, who is believed to free people from suffering and lead them into happiness. (1) Write your wish along with your name on a special piece of paper. (2) After finishing writing on the paper, roll it up into a tube shape. (3) Insert the paper into the hole on the bottom of the daruma doll. (4) Have someone from the shrine office seal the wish inside using a special sticker. (5) Dedicate the doll in the main hall, pay a prayer fee of 500 yen, and you are finished! Please note that you cannot take the Wish Daruma doll home with you. However, if you make an additional donation along with your 500 yen prayer fee, you can receive a non-retail “Wish Daruma strap” to take home. Here’s hoping that your wish comes true! https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2472
Dec. 2020

Experience the New Year’s Eve bells in Shiga

A Buddhist ritual involving the ringing of the temple bell 108 times is an annual event which is performed on the New Year’s Eve, and there are numerous temples in Shiga too where the bells ring out during the middle of the night on December 31st. The following is an introduction to the temples were the public can also participate in the bell ringing. Hieizan Enryakuji https://www.hieizan.or.jp/ Tickets to ring the bell are distributed from 21:30, given to those who purchase an auspicious arrow (\1000). Ishiyamadera https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/ Gate opens at 00:00, and after the ringing by the monks the public may continue to ring the bell, in order of arrival, from 2:00. Stops at 108 rings. Admission to the temple is free for Jan 1 - 3. Enman-in https://enman-inn.com/en/ The bell is rung from 23:45. \100 is required for sweet sake. Saikyo-ji http://saikyoji.org/publics/index/19/ The bell is rung from 23:45, starting with the monks.
Dec. 2020

The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition

In accordance with their blossoming, around 90 from among a total of 3 million trees are exhibited in a pure Japanese-style tatami mat room. The collection includes large trees reaching almost 3m tall and ancient trees said to be over 400 years old. Having started in 1952, making this the 67th event, this is both the largest in scale and longest in the history of plum bonsai exhibitions in Japan, and is loved as one of the traditions of spring in Shiga. [Date]January 10 – March 10 2020 [Place]Keiunkan [Open]Open every day during the exhibition 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (final entry 4:30 p.m.) [Entry fee] Adult 800yen, elementary or junior high student 400yen, 20% discount for groups of 20 or more [URL]http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/event/detail/3
Dec. 2020

Ski Slopes in Shiga

<Biwako Valley> A slope at the peak of a mountain at a height of 1,174m. Using the most advanced large carriage cable car in Japan, which opened in February 2008, you can reach the slope in just three and a half minutes. From there you can take in the stunning panorama of Lake Biwa while enjoying activities for everyone from beginners to experts. Skiing and snowboard lessons can also be provided in English. Rates start from 3,000yen. http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/82 <Gransnow Okuibuki> One of the largest snow resorts in the Kansai area, boasting superlative access. The high elevation offers the ultimate in deep, high-quality powder. There are also no less than twelve varied courses to choose from, catering to everyone from beginners to experts. http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/261 <Mt. Hakodateyama Ski Resort> A stunning slope that lets you look out across all of Lake Biwa. The wide main slope with its array of varied courses caters to everyone from beginner to expert. http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/302
Nov. 2020

A First for Kansai! Poké Lids Installed in Otsu City, Shiga

Poké Lids are covers for utility holes that feature designs from the popular anime Pokémon, with each individual cover having its own original design that is unique in all the world. Two of these Poké Lids have now been installed in Otsu City, Shiga, marking the first time that these special covers have reached the Kansai region. The two Poké Lids placed on the banks of Lake Biwa both feature the Pokémon Gyarados. Staff from the company that produced the covers commented, “we want people to enjoy these Poké Lids while thinking about why Gyarados was chosen as the Pokemon for Otsu City, Shiga.” The two Poké Lids have been installed in the following locations. ・Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park, Festival Square (vicinity of Otsu Port) ・Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park, Sunshine Beach (beside Omi Bridge) A Poké Stop is intended to be placed close to the Poké Lids, a location that can be used in the location-based smartphone game Pokémon Go to obtain items and gifts. https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/
Nov. 2020

Mount Ibuki Trekking

Mount Ibuki is the tallest mountain in Shiga Prefecture, boasting a height of 1,377 meters. Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, it is loved by the people of both regions as one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. The peak has been known as a treasure-trove of medicinal and alpine plants since ancient times, with certain nationally protected endemic species also growing on its slopes. The legendary prince Yamato Takeru, who appears in both the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, is also said to have climbed Mount Ibuki. When the mountain and numerous important shrines in the region - Ise Jingu, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Izanagi Jingu, and Motoise Geku Toyo’uke Omikami are connected by straight lines, they create a beautiful five-pointed star on the map. This star is considered to be a Japanese ley line, forming a barrier to protect the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, and Mount Ibuki is therefore known as a highly spiritual place. You are sure to feel this incredible power as you walk its slopes. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/260
Nov. 2020

Get a taste of Shiga’s sake (Japanese alcohol)!

The water culture built up around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, has combined with Shiga’s long-standing renown as a rice producing region to establish a wide range of delicious local sake! Why not take tour of some breweries and compare different type of sake for yourself? Fujii Honke A brewery that has existed since the Edo period, and even offer free tours. (Reservation required) http://www.fujiihonke.jp/index.html 793 Nagano, Aisho Town, Echigun, Shiga, 529-1303 TEL: +81-749-42-2080　info@fujiihonke.jp Mifuku Shuzo A brewery with 100 years of history. Their tours and sake sampling sessions are particularly well received. https://mifuku.co.jp/ 3-2 Minakuchicho Nishihayashiguchi, Koka, Shiga, 528-0025 TEL: +81-748-62-1113 　info@mifuku.co.jp Kawashima Shuzo A brewery located in Kabata, a town known for its beautiful water. The tour includes a video featuring an English explanation. https://www.sake-kawashima.co.jp/ 83 Asahi, Shin Asahi-cho, Takashima City, Shiga, 520-1501 TEL: +81-740-25-2202　info@matsu87.jp
Sep. 2020

International Art Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2020

Established in 2001, “BIWAKO BIENNALE” is celebrating its 9th edition in 2020. The exhibition will be presented at more than 18 venues, most of which are buildings from the Edo period (17 – 19th century), including Hikone Castle. Going from one venue from to another, visitors will be able to appreciate works of art while taking a scenic walk in the towns of Omihachiman amd Hikone. The theme of the 9th BIWAKO BIENNALE is “Cosmic Dance”. About 70 artists and art units from Japan and all over the world will gather in the towns of Omihachiman and Hikone to highlight the beauty and transience of the fall, for a period of one and half months. Animated by the works of contemporary artists, the long-abandoned buildings from the Edo period will enchant audiences all through the festival. In harmony with the exhibits these aged houses will regain their dignity, adding spice to the streets of Omihachiman and Hikone, which are still filled with the traditional atmosphere of the ancient period. The art festival, BIWAKO BIENNALE, is conducted by General Director Yoko Nakata with more than 60 artists and art units from home and abroad in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Artworks are exhibited in abandoned traditional Japanese houses, which are repaired and cleaned in collaboration with residents of Hikone City and Omihachiman City, and opened to public Contemporary artworks of more than artists from home and abroad are exhibited at the same time. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll while moving from venue to venue in the old towns of Hikone City and Omihachiman City. Night tours will be conducted several times during the festival period. Artworks take on a different look at night. Various workshops and events for kids are conducted by artists during the summer vacation period. Various performances such as singing, piano and contemporary dance will also be offered during the festival period. Title : International Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2020 Theme : Cosmic Dance Dates : Oct.10th, 2020 – Nov. 23rd, 2020 / 10:00 – 17:00 / closed on Wednesdays Venues : Hikone city and Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan Organized by International Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE Committee
Sep. 2020

Konan Sanzan

Jorakuji Temple, Chojyuji Temple and Zensuiji Temple, the three long-standing Tendai Sect temples in Konan City, are collectively known as the "Konan Sanzan." All three temples date back to the Nara period (710-794). Here you can enjoy wonderful seasonal scenery that is especially brilliant during the changing of the leaves in fall. 【Jorakuji Temple】 While taking a stroll along a path overlooking the grounds, enjoy the sight of the buildings and towers beautifully decorated with crimson leaves. OPEN：9:00 - 16:00 (*Reservation required outside of fall leaves period) FEE：500yen WEBSITE：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/126 【Chojyuji Temple】 As the leaves change along the 200m path from the gates to the National Treasure main temple, it creates nothing less than a stunning tunnel of fall colors. OPEN：9:00 - 16:00 (*Reservation required outside of fall leaves period) FEE：500yen WEBSITE：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/128 【Zensuiji Temple】 Enjoy rare fall foliage against the backdrop of the National Treasure main temple. The maples near the bell tower are called "seven color crimson leaves," with the leaves changing in beautiful gradated colors. OPEN：9:00 - 16:00 FEE：500yen WEBSITE：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/127
Sep. 2020

Mount Ibuki Trekking

Mount Ibuki is the tallest mountain in Shiga Prefecture, boasting a height of 1,377 meters. Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, it is loved by the people of both regions as one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. The peak has been known as a treasure-trove of medicinal and alpine plants since ancient times, with certain nationally protected endemic species also growing on its slopes. The legendary prince Yamato Takeru, who appears in both the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, is also said to have climbed Mount Ibuki. When the mountain and numerous important shrines in the region - Ise Jingu, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Izanagi Jingu, and Motoise Geku Toyo’uke Omikami are connected by straight lines, they create a beautiful five-pointed star on the map. This star is considered to be a Japanese ley line, forming a barrier to protect the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, and Mount Ibuki is therefore known as a highly spiritual place. You are sure to feel this incredible power as you walk its slopes. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/260

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