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Dec. 2016
- 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
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Dec. 2016
- Kannon Villages
- Nagahama City in Shiga is a treasure trove of Buddhist cultural artifacts, among which many are statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva (called Kannon in Japanese). In fact, there are almost as many statues as there are separate settlements, and all of them are still reverently protected by the villagers to this day. ■Shakudoji Temple Statue of Eleven-faced Kannon (Important Cultural Property) The statue of Eleven-faced Kannon kept here, said to have been created toward the end of the Heian period (794 - 1185), is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Carved from a single block of Zelkova wood, the crimson that remains on its lips even today is an indicator of the vivid colors that once adorned it. Admission Times： 9:00 - 16:00 Admission Charges： ￥300 URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/166 ■Keisokuji Temple Statue of Eleven-faced Kannon (Important Cultural Property) The main statue of Keisokuji Temple, a bold piece created from a single piece of Japanese cypress, still has its lacquer color basecoat intact. It is thought to have been carved at some point between the start and the middle of the Heian period (794 - 1185). Admission Times： 9:00 - 17:00 (April - November)、9:00 - 16:00 （December - March) Admission Charges： ￥500 URL：http://kitabiwako.jp/spot/spot_967/
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Dec. 2016
- Recuperate in a Foot Bath!
- The Ogoto Onsen Sightseeing Park in Otsu City has a healing foot bath where you can wash away the exhaustion of your travels! Foot baths allow you to enjoy some of the hot spring experience without having to strip all the way down! Rather than submerging your entire body, here you only bathe your feet and lower legs, meaning you're also far less likely to get dizzy after bathing. As you have large veins in your feet, it's also a great way to warm up your entire body! The water here has a pH of 9, making it very mellow and relaxing. [Effective For] Nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, bruises, chronic digestive disease, poor circulation, fatigue etc., also has skin beautification properties Foot Bath, Ogoto Onsen Sightseeing Park, Otsu City ■Open：8:00 - 18:00 ■Usage Charges：Free ■Access：20 min. on foot from JR Ogoto Onsen Station ■URL：http://www.ogotoonsen.com/english
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Nov. 2016
- 40th Lake Biwa Crossing
- An event held around the end of November and start of December each year, and involving crossing the stunning natural environment of Lake Biwa using the wind that blows across it from west to east. 20 hot air balloons fly over the lake, racing to reach Nodogawa on the opposite bank over the course of about one hour. This event is popular with balloon lovers from across Japan, and the number of tourists thronging the shores of the lake in order to see the colorful balloons in flight has also increased each year. Some years you can even experience going up in a balloon yourself! 【Date】December 3~4, 2016 early morning from around 6:30 【Pleace】Omi-Shirahama Beach (take-off point), Adogawa-cho, Takashima City, Shiga
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Nov. 2016
- 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
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Nov. 2016
- Koto Sanzan
- Saimyoji Temple, Kongourinji Temple and Hyakusaiji Temple stand on the east side of Lake Biwa in Shiga. Together these three Tendai Sect temples are called the "Koto Sanzan," and each of them is a famous and historic site of more than 1000 years. Inside the grounds you can enjoy Buddhist architecture and famous gardens that fully impart the Japanese beauty aesthetic, while also taking in stunning seasonal scenery. Fall is particularly impressive, selected as one of the top 100 places in Japan for viewing of the fall leaves, and the temples always throng with visitors at this time of year. ■Saimyoji Temple 【Admission Charges】Adults \500 / Junior High School Students \300 / Elementary School Students \100 【Admission Times】8:00 - 17:00 【URL】http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/221 ■Kongourinji Temple 【Admission Charges】Adults \500 / Junior High School Students \300 / Elementary School Students \100 【Admission Times】8:30 - 17:00 【URL】http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/205 ■Hyakusaiji Temple 【Admission Charges】Adults \500 / Junior High School Students \300 / Elementary School Students \100 【Admission Times】8:00 - 17:00 【URL】http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/182
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Oct. 2016
- 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
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Oct. 2016
- Pottery Wheel Ceramics Experience!
- The two Mizuguki-yaki studios allow you to experience making ceramics using a pottery wheel. Why not make your own unique piece? With locations in the popular sightseeing spots of Nagahama and Omi-Hachiman, this is the perfect way to create a memento of your visit. Even better, so long as there's an open seat you can take part at any time! *Large groups require prior registration. <<Electric Pottery Wheel Course>> Use an electric pottery wheel and the results could very well look completely professional! Backed up with support from a skilled instructor, even beginners can get in on the action. <<Manual Pottery Wheel Course>> Create whatever piece you like while using a pottery wheel driven by hand. Make something unique and completely your own! ■Togei no Sato [Capacity] 400 people [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/167 ■Hokkokugama [Capacity] 80 people [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/259
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Oct. 2016
- National Treasures and Cultural Assets of Shiga - Yasu Area -
- Shiga Prefecture boasts a trove of cultural assets. So much so, in fact, that the region ranks third in Japan for the number of buildings designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Assets. Here's an introduction to two shrines in the Yasu region. ■Mikami-jinja Shrine The main shrine at Mikami-jinja is the first National Treasure for shrine construction in the prefecture. Approximately 700 years old, it uses so-called "Mikami construction," combining shrine, temple and palace styles in one. The shrine construction is fused with numerous elements you would be more likely to see on a Buddhist temple, including a gabled, hipped roof, plaster walls and lattice windows. Though simple, its striking appearance makes it truly representative of shrine construction in the middle ages. ■Osasahara-jinja Shrine Osasahara-jinja Shrine is said to have been founded in 986, but the plaque in the National Treasure main shrine states that it was constructed in 1414. The use of a front chamber and the plane format, with a pronounced edge around the four sides and then a second edge one step lower, is common among the shrines from the middle ages that remain in Shiga. The attention to detail on the carvings is also truly breathtaking. 【URL】http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/13
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Sep. 2016
- 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
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Sep. 2016
- Experience Rural Life in Shiga
- How about experiencing a home-stay or life in a farming village amid the rich nature of Shiga? You're sure to experience something that can only be found here. ■Koka City Countryside Experience Koka City offers a "Countryside Experience in the Koka Ninja Village," aimed at educational trips (school trips, outside activities) and allowing junior high and high school students to experience life in agricultural villages and home-stays. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/337 ■Higashi Omi City Countryside Experience In Higashi Omi City you can experience traditional family businesses, cooking, planting and harvesting. Warm interaction with the household that takes you in will provide a precious experience that you can't get in the city. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/189 ■Omi Hino Countryside Experience Requests for educational trips, training trips and just simple visits are proactively accepted. The Omi Hino Countryside Experience is also open to the general public. You can experience life in an agricultural village and a home-stay. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/190
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Sep. 2016
- 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