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Nov. 2018

Try Funazushi!

Fermented food products are said to be good for your health, and perhaps the ultimate example is Shiga Prefecture’s unique Funazushi. Funazushi is made from the Nigoro-buna fish, also known as the “round crucian carp”, which is only found in Lake Biwa. Combined with rice, it is then fermented, and is also said to be the origin of sushi. It was created as a way to preserve fish in a time before refrigerators existed, and seems to be eaten during the Heian period (794 - 1185). Although some people don’t like its unique smell, it can be enjoyed accompanied with some Japanese sake, just like blue cheese! List to stores where funazushi can be purchased: Sakamotoya https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/47 Hisagozushi https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/174 A video from Only in Japan “This is Funazushi!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI5Jv5PCctA
Nov. 2018

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
Nov. 2018

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
Oct. 2018

Seeking entries for the Kawarake-nage (ceramic plates throwing) Championship

Chikubushima island is famous for its powerful spiritual energy. It is said that if you can throw kawarake (ceramic plates) from here to pass through the torii gate jutting out into Lake Biwa, your wish will come true. That just might be the case, if your wish is to win some fabulous prizes, because the Kawarake Throwing Championship is now looking for participants! Date: November 18 (Sun) 2018 10:00 - 15:00 Participation fees: Foreigners may enter for free under certain conditions (must post the events of the day to social media) Japanese people may enter for \3000. This includes boat passage, lunch, and entry to the island. Applications: Nagahama Tourism Association Tel: +81-749-65-6521 Mail: kankou@city.nagahama.shiga.jp
Oct. 2018

Enjoy the long fall nights in Shiga

Shiga Prefecture has plenty of night events to let you enjoy the longer nights of the fall! Omi Taga “Kami Akari” From sunset until 21:00 Mystical illuminations will light up Taga Taisha Shrine until November 30, 2018. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/234 Moon Watching Evenings 18:00 - 21:00 Relax and simply enjoy the passage of time in the Genkyu Rakurakuen garden, taking in the view of Hikone Castle and the beautiful moon. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/217
Oct. 2018

Lodgings in Shiga temples! Become a monk for one night

So-called “monk’s quarters” are popular lodging facilities found in Japanese temples, allowing you to stay the night and experience what it is like to train as a monk, and such temples offering lodgings to the general public can also be found in Shiga. While spending the night, you can practice Zen meditation, copy scripture, and eat the same vegetarian food as the monks, resulting in an experience that’s healthy and spiritual for both body and mind! Hieizan Enryakuji Kaikan http://syukubo.jp/ (Japanese only) Stay at the World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji! Miidera https://terahaku.jp/en_miideraonjoji/ The lodgings here take the form of a single building rented to one group per day, making it perfect for families or groups. Enman-in https://enman-inn.com/en/ While staying at the lodgings here, you can also experience Japanese culture such as the tea ceremony etc. Saikyo-ji http://saikyoji.org/publics/index/19/ Shares facilities with the Youth Hostel Saikyoji (http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/i.php?jyhno=5108)
Sep. 2018

Asamiya Tea, One of the top five Tea brands of Japan

Have you ever heard of “Asamiya Tea”? It is counted as one of the top five tea brands of Japan, with a history of 1200 years. Said to be the oldest tea in Japan, when compared to tea produced in other regions Asamiya has larger, thicker leaves that are yellow rather than green, and is characterized by a flavor that blends bitterness and sweetness. [Places to Enjoy Asamiya Tea] Yamamotoen With Tea Enjoy a menu packed with unique items, including Asamiya tea smoothies. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/334 Cha-no-Miyagura The roll-cake made with Asamiya tea is especially popular. 39-1 Shigarakicho Shimoasamiya, Koga City, Shiga, 529-1842
Sep. 2018

Lodgings in Shiga that welcome your beloved pet dog

If you’re bringing the whole family to Shiga, surely you don’t want your pet pooch to miss out. The good news is, they don’t have to! Take a look at this introduction to lodging facilities were dogs are also welcome guests. Dantokan Kikunoya https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/115 L' Hôtel Du Lac https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/273 Regina Resort Biwako Nagahama https://www.regina-resorts.com/nagahama/withdogs/ Royal Oak Hotel Spa & Gardens https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/116 Note: Has a separate pet hotel on the grounds.
Sep. 2018

Glamping in Shiga!

Introduction to facilities on Lake Biwa and in the surrounding area where you can enjoy some glamping. L' Hôtel Du Lac Experience glamping while looking out over Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/273 Okubiwako Makino Grand Park Hotel Enjoy standup paddle boarding and kayaking on a private beach. http://www.gphotels.jp/glamping/ Viwako Glastar Glamping facilities that allow BBQs and standup paddle board yoga to be enjoyed without the need to bring in any of your own equipment. http://glastar.jp/ Glamp Element The largest glamping facility in Shiga. http://www.glamp-element.jp/
Aug. 2018

Take a Look Around Hikone-jo Castle at Night with Hikone-jo Castle Night Fun

Hikone-jo Castle Night Fun is an annual event that allows the castle to be enjoyed at night, something that isn’t normally possible. You can look out over the nightlights of the castle town of Hikone from the castle tower square, experiencing something that you can’t normally do except on this one special day. The theme this year is “feudal cosplay,” and we are looking for people willing to participate dressed in costumes from Japan’s turbulent feudal period. Date & Time September 29 (Sat) 2018, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.) Location Hikone Castle Participation Fee Entry Free You can apply for Feudal Cosplay here: http://www.hikoneshi.com/jp/yagaku-cp/apply *Japanese only
Aug. 2018

Three Islands on Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, has three islands that can be visited, with regular routes sailing between them and the mainland. Chikubushima A place of worship since ancient times, and also more recently popular as a spiritual power spot. It’s said that if you write a wish on a small tile and manage to throw it through the Torii gate then that wish will come true. Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Imazu Station, approx. 15 min. by ship from Omi-Imazu Port Charges: Adult 2,590 yen, elementary school child 1,300 yen 10 min. on foot from JR Nagahama Station, approx. 30 min. by ship from Nagahama Port Charges: Adult 3,070 yen, elementary school child 1,540 yen Okishima The only inhabited lake island in Japan. With no cars and no supermarket on the island, it allows you to take a look at life from olden times. Also famous for food using fish from Lake Biwa. Access: Take the Kyukamura-bound bus via Chomeiji Temple and alight at the Horikiriko bus stop. Approx. 10 min. by ship from Horikiri Port. Charges: 500 yen one way. Takeshima An uninhabited island with sheer cliffs, the entire island is said to be a spiritual power spot. There are numerous famous places to see, including the Nichiren school Kentoji Temple and the stone monument said to have oozed blood when key Shogunate figure Naosuke Ii was assassinated. Access: Approx. 10 min. by free bus from JR Hikone Station, approx. 20 min. by ship from Hikone Port. Charges: Without landing on the island 1,000 yen With landing on the island 1,500 yen *Children half price.
Aug. 2018

Summertime Fun with the Kids in Shiga

Shiga is a great place to spend your summer holidays! Here’s an introduction to sightseeing spots you can enjoy along with your kids. Blumen Hugel http://www.blumenooka.jp/ Yanmar Museum You can also experience a simulator of Yanmar construction machinery. https://www.yanmar.com/jp/museum/ Rosa & Berry Tawada Ride a steam train and play with ponies, sheep for a full day of fun. http://www.rb-tawada.com/ Planetarium “Digital Star Dome Hotaru” Located inside the Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel. The Pocket Monster program is particularly popular. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/osalb-lake-biwa-marriott-hotel/

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