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Jun. 2018

Lake Biwa Flower Fountain

The Lake Biwa Flower Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world, located in the offing at Otsu Port, the gateway to Lake Biwa tourism. Completed in March of 1995, it has become beloved by many locals and visitors alike. Against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Biwa, the water reaches heights of up to 40m into the air, with varying volumes and angles depicting all sorts of shapes. During the daytime you can enjoy the cool and refreshing scenery, while at night a fantastical world of colorful illumination is created. [Time Held] Afternoon: 12:00 - 13:00 Evening (Sat, Sun, Holidays): 15:00 - 16:00 *Not on weekdays Night: Between 18:00 - 21:00 *Changes depending on the day. The fountain is also illuminated. [Access] 4 min. on foot from Keihan Biwako Hamaotsu Station [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/100
Jun. 2018

Special Activities in Shiga

List of facilities recommended for the season of fresh greenery! ■Zip-line 【Open】 28 Apr (Tur)～6 Nov (Fri) ※Closed for maintenance at certain times Seven Views! Seven Thrills! All-day fun with many more attractions 【Fees】　 ¥ 3,200 (7 Lines) 　　　　　　※Fees for cable car (Adult: ¥1900 for round-trip) required separately 【Open】　Weekend and Holidays 9:30～15:00 (Every 30 minutes), 　　　　Weekdays 10：00～14：30 (4 times a day) 　　　　Weekdays during Summer Holidays (Except Bon Holidays) 10：00～15：00(Every 1 hour) 【Inquiry】　Biwako Valley 　077-592-1155 【URL】　www.biwako-valley.com 【Adress】　1547-1 Kido, Otsu 【Access】　About 10 min. ride of Kojyaku Bus from the Shiga Sta.(JR Kosei Line) ■Dune Buggy■ 【Open】24 Jun(Fri)～31 Aug (Wed), 10 Sep(Sat)～10 Oct(Mon) For adults and children, enjoy off-road buggies at the top of the mountain! 【Fees for 2 rounds】　19 and older¥1,500 　 Young Children to High School Students¥1,000 　 ※Children need to be at least 120 cm tall 　※Entrance fees (Adult: ¥1850) required separately 【Gondola Hours】　 9：00～Outward16：30・Return17：00 【Inquiry】　 Hakodateyama 　0740-22-2486 【URL】　 www.hakodateyama.com 【Adress】　4201-4 Imazucho-hiokimae, Takashima 【Access】　 About 20 min. ride with an Imazu Community Bus from the Imazu Sta.(JR Kosei Line) ■Adventure Course■ 【Open】5 Mar (Sat)～Early Dec Midair Athletics next to a Large Shopping Mall! 【Fees(All course day pass including zip-line)】 Adults¥4,600 Children¥3,600 【Open】　Weekdays 10：00～18：00 Weekend and Holidays 10：00～21：00 【Closed】　irregular holidays ※Check with our website 【Inquiry】　Biwako SKY Adventure 　077-585-0122 【URL】　 www.biwakosky.com 【Adress】　2620-5 Imahamacho, Moriyama 【Access】　 [Car] Turn left at Biwako Ohashi tollgate exit
Jun. 2018

Stay in a Popular Old Folk House!

■Hitomi Sanso■ very special place to lodge can be found in Higashi Omi City. A place of healing, surrounded by nature. This reed thatched old house was built 300 years ago, and moved to its current location from Eigenji Dam about 50 years ago. They only accept reservations for one party of guests per day. You can enjoy homegrown vegetables, miso paste, and pickles, dishes made using local ingredients, and local sake and wine. Sitting around the hearth and sharing a wonderful time with your family and friends will surely become a treasured memory. Furthermore, the vicinity of the house allows you to enjoy seasonal scenery, with plum flowers and cherry blossoms in the spring or bathing in the nearby Echigawa River and fireflies in the summer. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/173
May. 2018

Biwaichi Cycling

Biwaichi Cycling allows you to cycle around the circumference of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan and the symbol of Shiga, while enjoying nature, history and sightseeing spots along the way. A full circuit of the lake is approximately 200km in length, taking experienced cyclists a full day. Others often take two days with one night's lodgings, but a three days, two nights plan actually comes highly recommended! There are lakeside spaces where you can enjoy varied and thrilling seasonal scenery, as well as many historical sites and famous spots along the shores, offering a whole range of fun things to do. The appeal of Lake Biwa is inexhaustible! Grab as much of it as you can from the back of a bicycle! Many of the stations and tourist facilities in Shiga offer renta-cycles, making it easy to get your wheels on the ground. How about sightseeing across Shiga from the back of a bicycle, proceeding entirely at your own leisurely pace? ◆Rent-a-Cycle MAP http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/search/rental/ ◆Pamphlet　download http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/pamphlet/
May. 2018

Firefly Viewing Place in Shiga　

■Moriyama Hotaru Park and Walk■ 19 May～27 May 2018 Approx. 3 km walk from Moriyama Institute of Firefly's Woods to Moriyama station is set up for firefly viewing. It is a feature of early summer in Moriyama. There are various events taking place during the festival. 【Place】　　Around Moriyama Institute of Firefly's Woods and various venues across Moriyama City , 　　　　　10 Miyakecho, Moriyama 　　　　　Take a free shuttle from the rotary at the west exit of the Moriyama sta. (JR Biwako Line) 【Inquiry】　Moriyama Hotaru Park and Walk Executive Committee 【TEL】　　077-583-8686 【FAX】　　077-558-5007 【URL】　　http://www.moriyamahotaru.com/ ■ Amano River Firefly Festival■ 1st Jun ～13 2018 Scheduled from shortly after 7:30 pm You can encounter many flying Luciola near the Amano River during the festival. During this time, lanterns will be installed along the walkway around the venue. Viewing spots offer you a view of the astral dance of the fireflies. Enjoy the soft glow of fireflies in the dark. (Fireflies emerge generally from the beginning to the middle of June. ) 【Place】　Around Nagaoka, Maibara , 　　　　　5 min. walk from the Omi-Nagaoka Sta. (JR Tokaido Main Line) 【Inquiry】　Maibara City Amano River Firefly Festival Executive Committee Secretariat 　　　　　(Within Maibara City Commerce and Tourism Division) 【TEL】　　0749-58-2227 【FAX】　　0749-58-1197
May. 2018

Rose Gardens of Shiga

<<Biwako Otsukan>> The venue for the "Autumn Rose Festa," during which 100 varieties and 2000 bulbs of fall roses reach the optimal time for viewing. Alongside the English garden roses, brilliant cosmos and amethyst sage also bloom in abundance. Enjoy this stunning collaboration between roses and other wonderful plants, all set against the epic backdrop of Lake Biwa. ●Address● 　 5-35 Yanagasaki, Otsu City, Shiga ●Access●　15 min. on foot from JR Otsukyo Station ●URL●　　http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/46 <<Moriyama Rose & Herb Garden>> A botanical garden spread across approximately 3,000㎡ and cultivating 82 varieties of rose and 1,300 stems. The fall roses reach the optimal time for viewing from mid-October to mid-November. They also cultivate more than 200 foliage plants across 60 different species. ●Address●　2840 Sazukawa-cho, Moriyama City, Shiga ●Access●　　Take a bus from JR Moriyama Station, 15 min. on foot after alighting at the "Sazukawa Minami" bus stop ●URL●　http://www.moriyamayamamori.jp/spot/320
Apr. 2018

Omi Jingu Shrine Kimono Wearing Experience

Omi Jingu Shrine is also known as the shrine of Karuta, a Japanese card game, and is the site of numerous competitive tournaments. You can even rent and wear Japanese-style outfits, kimono and hakama based on the popular Karuta-themed comic and anime "Chihayafuru." The kimono are designed to be easy to put on alone, even for a first-time wearer, and with a wide range of colors and patterns you can choose exactly the one that suits you. There are also clothes for men and children to wear, allowing families and friends to all enjoy the experience together. 【Location of Reception】Omi Jingu Shrine, Lobby of the Clock Museum 【Usage Charges】JPY1000 【Time Allowed】9:30 - 15:30 (Closed on regular Mondays) 【Other Details】・Please return the kimono within one hour. ・You are free to enjoy walking around the grounds and taking photos. (*You may only walk around the grounds of Omi Jingu Shrine) ・Parties of 10 people or more require a prior reservation. 【URL】http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/78
Apr. 2018

Famous Spots For Wisteria in Shiga

■Sandai Shrine■ the end of April ～ the beginning of May It is said that the trees were planted to pray for the prosperity of the Fujiwara family who was serving as Regent. After they burnt down in battle with Oda Nobunaga, they bloomed from the root again. It is a wisteria floribunda and since the ears can be as long as 2m, the trees are called “sand scuffing wisteria”. Once bloomed, beautiful purple flowers attract many visitors. Together with the wisterias at nearby Shina Shrine (Shinacho, Kusatsu) and Soja Shrine (Shinanakacho, Kusatsu), it is also known as three local wisteria groves in Shina. 【Address】　309 Shinacho, Kusatsu 【Access】　10 min. bus ride from the Kusatsu sta. (JR Biwako Line) to “Kitaogaya”. 　　　　　The Shrine is another 7 min. walk from the bus stop. 【Contact】　Kusatsu City Tourism Association TEL：077-566-3219 FAX：077-566-3219 【E-mail】　　shoro@city.kusatsu.lg.jp ■Shoho-ji Temple (Wisteria Temple)■ the beginning of May～Mid of May A dazzling wisteria tree over 300 years old resides by the main hall. The pendulous racemes can be longer than 1 meter and the best season is mid-May. The tree, also known as Gokofuji (Glory Wisteria) has 5 stems and the beautiful flowers fill the trellis in season. It is believed that Zen master, Duzen, who established the temple transplanted the seeding from Kyoto in the Edo period. 【Address】　2145 Kaigake, Hino 【Access】　30 min. bus ride from the Ohmi Railway Hino station to “Kaigake”. 　　　　　The temple is another 10 min. from the bus stop. 【Contact】　Hino Town Tourist Association TEL：0748-52-6577 FAX：0748-52-6017 【E-mail】　hino-k1@hino-kanko.jp
Apr. 2018

Spring Festivals in Shiga

【Sanno Festival】Apr. 12 ～ 14 Sanno Festival, one of the three big festivals of Shiga, takes place at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine for over a month and half, beginning on March 1st. The main attraction runs from April 12 to 14. The Umanojinji ritual, in which two portable shrines, representing the marriage between two gods, are brought down from Mt. Ushio on the 12th. The Yoimiya Otoshi ritual, where portable shrines are rocked vigorously to simulate gods being born is on the 13th. The Awazu-no-Goku ritual, in which seven portable shrines are loaded onto a boat to cross a portion of Lake Biwa is on the 14th. This Shinto festival is both dynamic and spectacular. Place：Around Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine 5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City Access：20 min. walk from JR Kosei Line Hieizan-sakamoto Sta. or,5 min. from Keihan Sakamoto Sta. Contact：Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine　TEL：077−578−0009 URL: http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ 【Nagahama Hikiyama Festival】Apr 9 ～ 16 (every year) Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the three largest float festivals in Japan as well as one of the three big festivals of Shiga, and has been designated one of the nation's intangible folklore cultural assets. The children’s kabuki theater, performed by 5 to 12 years old boys on the night of the 13th, morning of the 14th and throughout the days of the 15th and 16th, astounds adults and captivates entire audiences. The parade of the child actors in costume on the night of the 14th and all the four Hikiyama floats illuminated by lanterns on the night of the 15th are a sight to see. Place：Around Nagahama City 10 min. walk from JR Biwako Line Nagahama Sta. Contact：Nagahama city Tourism Promotion Division TEL：0749-65-6521 FAX：0749-64-0396 URL：http://www.nagahama-hikiyama.or.jp/ 【Kusatsu Post Town Festival】Apr 26 around 10：00～19：30 Kusatsu Post Town Festival is one of the main spring events in Shiga. It is the 48th festival this year and nearly 80,000 people visit every year. The main attraction is the Procession of the Age where people in exquisite costumes strolls through the beautiful historic town. With local gourmet foods, stage performances by local participants and more, the festival continues to expand. Place：Near 1 Kusatsu, Kusatsu City Along previous Tokaido and Nakasendo routes, and around Kusatsu City Office. Access：10 min. walk from JR Biwako Line Kusatsu Sta. Contact：Kusatsu Post Town Festival Executive Committee（Kusatsu City Tourism Association） TEL：077-566-3219 FAX：077-561-2486 Email：shoro@city.kusatsu.lg.jp URL： http://www.932matsuri.com/
Mar. 2018

Castles of Omi

Due to being close to Kyoto and a key point for travel, the Omi region saw numerous battles featuring famous feudal warlords, including Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. The importance of the region also led those seeking to unify Japan to build castles here. These are a few of the castles that are truly representative of Omi. 【Hikone-jo Castle】 Hikone-jo Castle is not only a National Treasure but is also exceptionally well preserved, even if all castles in Japan are considered, and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/212 【Azuchi-jo Castle】 Azuchi-jo Castle is said to have been the first wooden high-rise building in the world, but it was burnt down only three years after being built and now only the ruins remains. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/157 【Nagahama-jo Castle】 Nagahama-jo Castle is where feudal warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi spent the end of the warring states period. It was abandoned at the start of the Edo period (1603 - 1868) and is now an archeological museum featuring a restoration of the castle from its glory days. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/277
Mar. 2018

Kaizuosaki Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise

Kaizuosaki is one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan” and known as a late blooming spot in the Kinki area. The 4km row of cherry blossoms can also be seen from the lakeside. ※The schedule may change or be canceled depending on weather conditions. ※Blossom season may not coincide with the cruise schedule. 【Sakura Uraura】Departure and Arrival: Oura Port (Approx. 40min.) Apr. 2 (Sat)～17 (Sun)　(Charter service only from 4/2 to 4/8) Adult ¥3,000 4-12years old ¥1,500 Under 3 years old Free Oura Port～Nihonmatsu～Kaizuosaki～Oura Port ①10：00～ ②10：30～ ③11：00～ ④11：30～ ⑤12：30～ ⑥13：00～ ⑦13：30～ ⑧14：00～ Access：15 min. walk from JR Kosei Line Nagahara Sta. Contact / Reservation：Lakewest Kanko　 TEL：077-572-2114 FAX：077-573-9044 【Kaizuosaki Sakura Cruise】※Reservation required 《Departure and Arrival: Nagahama Port》・High-speed Boat（2h 30min／Daytime・Round-trip） Apr. 1 (Fri)～20 (Wed) Adult ¥3,090 Elementary school student ¥1,540 Nagahama Port～Strolling Kaizuosaki (30min.)～Nagahama Port ①9：20～ ②12：15～ ③15：00～・Vessel BIANCA（2h 40min.／Daytime・Round-trip） Apr. 5 (Tue)～19 (Tue) Adult ¥3,100 Elementary school student ¥1,550 Nagahama Port(14：20)～cruising Kaizuosaki ～ Nagahama Port ※Additional 11:00 am departure on 4/17,18 and 19 Access：10 min. walk from JR Hokuriku Main Line Nagahama Sta. Contact / Reservation：Biwako Kisen Nagahama Branch TEL：0749-62-3390 【Departure and Arrival: Imazu Port】Apr. 1 (Fri)～20 (Wed) ・Landing Course【1h 45min.】(Daytime・Round-trip) Adult ¥2,880 Elementary school student ¥1,440 Imazu Port～Strolling Kaizuosaki (30min.)～ Imazu Port ①9：25～ ②14：50～・Excursion Course【1h 20min.】(Daytime・Round-trip) Adult ¥2,670 Elementary school student ¥1,340 Imazu Port ～Cruising Kaizuosaki～ Imazu Port ①11：30～ ②13：15～ ③15：30 Access：5 min. walk from JR Kosei Line Ohmi-imazu Sta. Contact / Reservation：Biwako Kisen Imazu Branch TEL：0740-22-1747 【Kaizuosaki Cherry Blossom Viewing Boat】 Departure and Arrival: Hikone Port (2h 40min.) Apr. 1 (Fri)～20 (Wed) (Round-trip) Adult ¥3,500 Under 12years old ¥1,750 Hikone port～Viewing from the boat～Strolling Kaizuosaki(30min.)～Hikone port ①10：00～ ②13：00～ ③15：15～ Access：Approx. 12 min. taxi ride from the JR Maibara sta. (Tokaido Shinkansen) Or 5 min. taxi ride from the JR Biwako Line Hikone sta. west gate Contact / Reservation：Ohmi Marine Hikone Port　 TEL：0749-22-0619 FAX：0749-24-7999
Mar. 2018

Spring Festivals in Shiga

【Sanno Festival】Apr. 12 ～ 14 Sanno Festival, one of the three big festivals of Shiga, takes place at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine for over a month and half, beginning on March 1st. The main attraction runs from April 12 to 14. The Umanojinji ritual, in which two portable shrines, representing the marriage between two gods, are brought down from Mt. Ushio on the 12th. The Yoimiya Otoshi ritual, where portable shrines are rocked vigorously to simulate gods being born is on the 13th. The Awazu-no-Goku ritual, in which seven portable shrines are loaded onto a boat to cross a portion of Lake Biwa is on the 14th. This Shinto festival is both dynamic and spectacular. Place：Around Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine 5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu City Access：20 min. walk from JR Kosei Line Hieizan-sakamoto Sta. or,5 min. from Keihan Sakamoto Sta. Contact：Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine　TEL：077−578−0009 URL: http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ 【Nagahama Hikiyama Festival】Apr 9 ～ 16 (every year) Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the three largest float festivals in Japan as well as one of the three big festivals of Shiga, and has been designated one of the nation's intangible folklore cultural assets. The children’s kabuki theater, performed by 5 to 12 years old boys on the night of the 13th, morning of the 14th and throughout the days of the 15th and 16th, astounds adults and captivates entire audiences. The parade of the child actors in costume on the night of the 14th and all the four Hikiyama floats illuminated by lanterns on the night of the 15th are a sight to see. Place：Around Nagahama City 10 min. walk from JR Biwako Line Nagahama Sta. Contact：Nagahama city Tourism Promotion Division TEL：0749-65-6521 FAX：0749-64-0396 URL：http://www.nagahama-hikiyama.or.jp/ 【Kusatsu Post Town Festival】Apr 26 around 10：00～19：30 Kusatsu Post Town Festival is one of the main spring events in Shiga. It is the 48th festival this year and nearly 80,000 people visit every year. The main attraction is the Procession of the Age where people in exquisite costumes strolls through the beautiful historic town. With local gourmet foods, stage performances by local participants and more, the festival continues to expand. Place：Near 1 Kusatsu, Kusatsu City Along previous Tokaido and Nakasendo routes, and around Kusatsu City Office. Access：10 min. walk from JR Biwako Line Kusatsu Sta. Contact：Kusatsu Post Town Festival Executive Committee（Kusatsu City Tourism Association） TEL：077-566-3219 FAX：077-561-2486 Email：shoro@city.kusatsu.lg.jp URL： http://www.932matsuri.com/

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