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SHIGA
News & Events
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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/
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Sep. 2020
- 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
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Sep. 2020
- 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
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Sep. 2020
- Ishiyama-dera Temple Fall Moon Festival
- It is said that Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, visited Ishiyama-dera Temple around 1,000 years ago and started to write The Tale of Genji while looking at the full moon reflected in the waters of Lake Biwa. This has led to Ishiyama-dera Temple holding their Fall Moon Festival around the time of the harvest moon each year. More than 2,000 lanterns create an illusory and ethereal world inside the temple grounds, while the two storied pagoda National Treasure is wonderfully floodlit. A variety of events are also held during the period of the festival, including events related to The Tale of Genji in the main temple. [Date] September 25, 26, 27 18:00 - 21:00 [Location Held] Ishiyama-dera Temple (1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu City, Shiga) [Access] 10 min. on foot from Keihan Ishiyamadera Station [Admission Charges] 600 JPY http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/108
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Aug. 2020
- Friendship Adventures Water Sports Experience
- At Friendship Adventures you can enjoy leisure water sports throughout the year. Particularly popular are the water sports on the Setagawa River during summer! <<Water Sports>> ■Setagawa River Rafting: Shiga is excellently located for access from across the Kansai region, making this rafting course on the Setagawa River the perfect way to enjoy a thrill ride with family and friends! ■Water Tubing: The explosively popular number one attraction! A heart-stopping adventure that takes you over waves and between rocks! This is the only place in all of Kansai to experience it! ■River Bugging: A new river sport fresh from New Zealand. Having first arrived in Japan in 2012, this is still the only place in the entire country to experience it! http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/87
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Aug. 2020
- Water Sports Experience at J and F Sports
- Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is the perfect place to experience the latest marine sports fresh from America. The jetpack and jet blade are propelled into the air by jets of water, provided through a hose connected to them from a jet ski. With water streaming from your shoulders and legs, experience what it's like to fly freely through the air. People who aren't strong swimmers or beginners can still easily get up into the air, with additional instruction provided by an experienced instructor, meaning that anyone age 12 and over can give it a go! [Reservations] URL: http://axell-jandf.com/ TEL: +81-6-6415-9692 [Other] Some items available for rental (wetsuit / drysuit: 10,000 yen) (Lifejacket / helmet: free) [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/42
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Aug. 2020
- O'pal Water Sports Experience
- A sports facility located on the shores of the lake at Ogoto. Here you can enjoy a wide range of lake-based marine sports, under the skilled and watchful eye of an instructor. [Use by Schools for School Trips etc.] Offers Lake Biwa Experience Courses aimed at school trips, out of school learning, and integrated learning. All sorts of courses are available, including learning about the environment along the shores of Lake Biwa or experiencing water sports. Plans can be tailored to suit the requirements of each school. * Capacity for 20 - 300 participants. [Use by Families and Friends] A marine sports school that caters to all, even beginners. Skilled instructors lead you safely through a range of possible experiences, including canoes, SUPs and yachts. [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/88