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Jan. 2020

Sightseeing in Shiga While Wearing a Kimono

Kyoto isn’t the only place that tourists can get dressed up in a kimono. Shiga also offers plenty of spots where visitors can take commemorative photos or enjoy a stroll while wearing traditional Japanese garments. Here’s an introduction to a few of them. *Hikone Romantic Walk Enjoy an extraordinary experience as you stroll through Hikone dressed in a hakama. Adults: \4,000 (men \5,000) http://japan.oh-mi.org/hikone-romantic-walk *Omi Jingu Twelve-layered Ceremonial Kimono Wearing Experience A wonderful experience best offered by Otsu, the mecca of the Japanese card game called karuta. You can even take a commemorative photo that looks just like a karuta card. \1000 per person. http://oumijingu.org/
Jan. 2020

Enjoy an Auspicious Latté at a World Heritage Site

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is a registered World Heritage site. At the Enryakuji Temple Kaikan located in the grounds, if you let the staff know your Chinese zodiac while placing your order, you can enjoy a latté adorned with Siddham script art relating to your guardian deity. Three types are available - caffé latté, green tea, and caramel. Each for \700 (including tax). Hieizan Enryakuji Temple Kaikan “Kissa Reiho” Address: 4220 Sakamotohoncho, Otsu City https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/112
Jan. 2020

Let the Strawberry Picking Start!

Shiga is a treasure-trove of fruit-picking opportunities. The earliest strawberries can be harvested from around the start of January. Roadside Station Aguri Park Ryuo All you can eat for 30 minutes Adults \1800, children \1600, infants \1400 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/165 Strawberry & Blueberry Farm Felice All you can eat for 30 minutes Adults \1600, children \1400, infants \1000 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/10
Nov. 2019

Recommended Hatsumode Spots in Shiga

At the start of a brand new year, why not make your traditional Hatsumode (first shrine visit) in Shiga? Here’s an introduction to some of our top picks to visit! Shirahige-jinja Shrine Visits for Hatsumode can be performed at any time. The shrine shop (selling protective amulets and other items) is open from 0:00 - 17:00 on Jan 1, and 8:00 - 17:00 on Jan 2 - 5. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/306 Omi Jingu Shrine Protective amulets and other items are available from 0:00 until around 18:00 on Jan 1 and 9:00 - 17:00 from Jan 2 onward, with the New Year’s lottery held between Jan 1 - 3 and sweet sake on offer until Jan 5. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/78 Tachiki-kannon Temple Reception is open all day Dec 31, right up until 22:00 on Jan 1. On Jan 2 it is open 6:00 - 21:00, and then 6:00 - 20:00 on Jan 3. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/66 You can find out about other Hatsumode spots here: https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/news/detail/605
Nov. 2019

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. 1 Day Lift Ticket: Adult 4,100yen, child 3,300yen, senior citizen 3,300yen 1 Day Rental: Ski set 5,000yen 　　　　　　 Snowboard set 5,000yen http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/82 <Okubuki Ski and Snowboard> 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. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1 Day Ticket: Weekdays Adult 4,000yen 　　　　 Weekends and Holidays: Adults 4,500yen 1 Day Rental Full Set: Adult 7,000yen, Child 4,500yen 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. 1 Day Gondola and Lift Set Ticket: Adult 4,800yen, child 3,500yen, senior citizen 3,800yen Set + Wear: Adult 6,500yen, child 4,500yen http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/302
Nov. 2019

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 2019 [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 500yen, elementary or junior high student 200yen, 10% discount for groups of 15 or more [URL]http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/event/detail/3
Oct. 2019

Stay in Traditional Homes in Shiga

There are probably many who don’t know of Shiga Prefecture, but in fact Otsu, the city where the Shiga Prefectural Office is located, is just two stations and 9 minutes from Kyoto Station. Kyoto is so packed with tourists, and if you stay there and sightsee there, it may be difficult to achieve a true feeling of relaxation amid all the crowds of people. If you want to see Kyoto, but are also looking for lodgings where you can really relax, why not stay in Shiga Prefecture? Here’s an information-packed introduction to a selection of Shiga lodging facilities that have been created by refurbishing traditional homes. Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho Lodgings created by refurbishing a number of old homes, and conveniently located close to JR Otsu Station. A nationally registered tangible cultural property. Stylish lodgings that fuse Japanese traditional culture with the modern. http://hotel-koo.com/ Japanesque Villa Ichien This is your chance to stay in a building that’s a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Take a relaxing break in a peaceful mountain village. Requires prior booking and only operates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and during the spring and summer holiday periods. https://www.ichienyashiki.jp/ Guesthouse Mio A lodging facility created by refurbishing a house of around 100 years in the city of Omihachiman. The entire house is offered to just a single party at a time. You can watch the boats sailing the Hachiman Canals right from your window, and during the spring blossom season you can also enjoy the cherry blooming along the water. https://guesthousemio.weebly.com/ Chojian Lodgings in an old-time traditional Japanese house with a striking thatched roof, as though you’ve slipped back into history. The owners will also provide meals, made with the best seasonal ingredients and delicious rice. http://chojian.com/
Oct. 2019

An Introduction to Facilities Supporting Muslim Visitors to Shiga

In order to allow those of the Islamic faith to also enjoy travelling within Shiga Prefecture, here’s an introduction to some of the prefecture’s facilities that support Muslim visitors. Shiga Mosque There’s a mosque in Kusatsu City, Shiga, found in a normal residential home. http://shigamosque.com/ Mt. Hakodateyama Ski Resort As the number of Islamic visitors continue to increase, this year a new prayer room has been created. It is located on the west side of the summit station for the gondola going up Mt. Hakodateyama. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/302 Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso The hot spring hotel Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso, located in Ogoto Onsen in Otsu City, has acquired halal certification. They have plans that combine halal cooking for Muslims with lodgings. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/79 Hieiyuba Moriyama “Yuba,” made from the skin of boiled soybean milk, is a vital component of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Hieiyuba, a store making this specialty of Shiga, has halal certification and creates yuba that Muslims can eat. http://hieiyuba.jp/ Here’s an introduction to restaurants that can provide halal food. Indian Restaurant RAJU https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2447 Halal Café Cheema Aunty https://cheemaaunty.wixsite.com/shop
Oct. 2019

A Sea of Clouds at Mysterious Onyudani-toge

The “sea of clouds” is a phenomena you can only see on cold, early mornings during November, at the start of winter. Onyudani-toge in Takashima City, Shiga is known as a particularly mysterious spot to view the sea of clouds. If you get lucky you may even be able to capture the perfect photo of this incredible sight. All due care should be taken as cold mornings from November onward can cause the road surface to freeze. Address: Kutsuki Onyudani, Takashima shi, Shiga Prefecture, 520-1443 Access: Approx. 90 mins by car from JR Adogawa Station, approx. 60 mins by car from Roadside Station Kutsuki Shin-Honjin Inquiries: biwako@takashima-kanko.jp
Oct. 2019

A Sea of Clouds at Mysterious Onyudani-toge

The “sea of clouds” is a phenomena you can only see on cold, early mornings during November, at the start of winter. Onyudani-toge in Takashima City, Shiga is known as a particularly mysterious spot to view the sea of clouds. If you get lucky you may even be able to capture the perfect photo of this incredible sight. All due care should be taken as cold mornings from November onward can cause the road surface to freeze. Address: Kutsuki Onyudani, Takashima shi, Shiga Prefecture, 520-1443 Access: Approx. 90 mins by car from JR Adogawa Station, approx. 60 mins by car from Roadside Station Kutsuki Shin-Honjin Inquiries: biwako@takashima-kanko.jp
Oct. 2019

Enjoy the Changing of the Leaves in Shiga! (1)

Many people enjoy the changing of the leaves during fall in Japan, and Shiga Prefecture has many spots famous for their crimson foliage. Numerous events, including illuminations, are also held during this period. Come to Shiga to see the leaves! Hieizan Enryakuji - The Maple of Hiei Until November 25 The leaves at Yokogawa are said to be particularly special, even for Mt. Hiei, and a variety of events are held here. https://www.hieizan.or.jp/ Hiyoshitaisha Maple Festival November 1 - 30, 2018 As well as illuminations of the leaves during this period, there are also performances for Noh and Kyogen theater and a chrysanthemum exhibition. http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ Kotosanzan Original Goshuin Paper Special Goshuin stamped paper can be purchased for \500 until December 2018. http://www.kotousanzan.jp/
Oct. 2019

Enjoy the Changing of the Leaves in Shiga! (2)

Keisokuji From November 10 - November 27, \200 charge during the changing leaves period An old temple originally opened in 735, with the Sando (path leading to the temple) dazzling in crimson during the changing of the leaves, making it a popular spot to take photos. http://kitabiwako.jp/spot/spot_967/ Ishiyamadera - Atarayo Maple The maple at Ishiyamadera are best viewed from mid-November. You can also enjoy illusory illuminations. From November 16 - December 2, 2018. https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/ Konansanzan - Divine Favor Wooden Plaque Tour Konansanzan is a spot renowned for its crimson foliage among those in the know, and also offers special wooden plaques with Goshuin stamp. The Goshuin stamp costs \2500 (which includes admission fee). http://www.burari-konan.jp/ Hikone City - Genkyuen Garden Illuminations 18:00 - 21:00, From November 17 - December 2, 2018. During this period, Hikonyan will make an appearance on November 17, 21, and December 2. http://www.hikoneshi.com/jp/event/articles/c/kinshu

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