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Shiga
Hikone Castle
Location:
Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
This castle was built under orders from Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu over the course of approximately 20 years from 1604. The castle is well-preserved, looking much like its original form, a rarity for Japanese castles. It is also a designated national treasure. The castle keep looks out over Lake Biwa, and it is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring, and when the autumn leaves turn red. It is also known for its mascot, one of the most popular in Japan, Hiko-nyan. Come to the castle and meet the adorable Hiko-nyan.
Enryaku-ji temple on Mt. Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai Sect, with over 1200 years of history, and it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994. Enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn, and look out on Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, also known as the Pond of the Healing Buddha. In this atmosphere full of gravity as the training ground for Tendai Sect members, visitors can enjoy a serene and quiet moment trying zazen meditation and copying Buddhist scripture.
MIHO Museum
Location:
Koka City, Shiga Prefecture
World-famous architect IM Pei designed this museum built on the theme of the harmony of nature, architecture, and works of art, in the image of Shangri-la. It features a collection of approximately 2000 antique works of art and tea instruments from Egypt to the Middle East and all along the Silk Road to Japan, with 250 items on regular display. Enjoy cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and other seasonal changes in the vast natural scenery while viewing the many works of art.
Kano Shojuan – Sunai no Sato
Location:
Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
On the banks of the Setagawa river, the only river that emerges from Lake Biwa, find Sunai no Sato, a hilly spot of nearly 21 hectares. Here, plum and citron trees grow, and the farmers pursue the ideal in traditional Japanese sweets-making. The village uses the natural mountain stream, and the forested area is used as a walking trail, and many hundreds of wild flowers bloom here to calm the spirits of those who visit. In addition to walking, visitors can also stay for a meal. There are many souvenirs for sale here that are not available elsewhere.
A regular favorite among Japanese cycling fans is the course around Lake Biwa. Recently, visitors from overseas bring their bicycles here and enjoy the beautiful scenery and streetscapes as well as delicious food while biking around the lake. A trip around Lake Biwa is a perfect way to experience a condensed "Japan".
Shakudo-ji, Keisoku-ji Route
Location:
Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
The statue of Buddha in Shakudo-ji temple is made from a single zelkova tree, and the red of the lips remain today. It is said that in ancient times it was a brightly colored statue. The gently curved figure clothed in flowing robes has always given visitors an impression of mildness and calm. Keisoku-ji temple is known as the most famous spot for autumn leaves in the Omi region, with gently sloped stone steps leading up to the temple flanked on either side by moss-covered stone walls, and over 200 old Japanese maple trees.
Omihachiman Suigo Meguri (SUKIYAKI)
Location:
Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
The origin of suigo meguri can be traced back four hundred years to when Toyotomi Hidetsugu, a nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi went boating, a recreational activity often enjoyed by the imperial court. Look out on clumps of reeds, listen to the oars and the chirping of birds, smell the water and reeds, and feel the rocking of the rowboat...experience nature while eating piping hot sukiyaki on board the boat. Sukiyaki served on the Suigo Meguri is popular at any time of year.
A legacy of the Dutch engineer, De Rijke. Even now, after one hundred years, the soil-saving dam still fulfills its role as it did when it was built. The rich green natural forest is a favorite spot for many water-lovers. In particular, it's a lively spot in summer as a location for barbecues and camping.
National Treasure Cherry Blossoms at Hikone Castle
Location:
Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
In spring, 1,200 cherry trees blossom around Hikone Castle, and it is the most beautiful time of year around the castle. In particular, the fan-shaped cherry blossoms that are reflected in the water are breathtakingly beautiful. Experience a moving experience at Hikone Castle, a landmark with over 400 years of history.
Ski Hill with a view of Lake Biwa (Biwako Valley, Hakodateyama Ski Area)
Location:
Takashima City, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Experience how close together beautiful mountains are to beautiful Lake Biwa while enjoying winter sports. Biwako Valley is one of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region. It is popular as a local ski spot for Kansai residents because it is so easy to access and to start skiing immediately. Mt. Hakodateyama Ski Resort also has many slopes as a slope paradise. The excitement is off the charts!
Lake Biwa – Chikubu Island (kawarake-nage)
Location:
Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
One of Lake Biwa's eight picturesque sights, Chikubu Island is also known as the "Island where Gods Live". The best scenery on Chikubu Island is the Ryujin Haisho. Amongst this beautiful scenery, visitors can throw small clay plates with wishes written on them. It is said that if the plate lands inside the torii gate, the wish will come true. Come entrust your wish to Lake Biwa on the Island of the Gods.
Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival
Location:
Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
The soul-stirring backdrop of Lake Biwa and the beautiful reflection in the lake surface are what makes this fireworks festival special. Approximately 10,000 fireworks of varying sizes are launched, lighting up the night sky with bright colors. The half-sphere shaped star mines that spread out above the lake's surface, the star mines that are launched diagonally, and the giant star mines that feature in the finale are made extra special because of the lake's surface. The fireworks with lights reflecting in the lake surface make it a beautiful and magical festival. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this seasonal tradition on Lake Biwa.
A Potter’s Townscape – Shigaraki Lifestyle – Stroll Among the Kilns
Location:
Koka City, Shiga
Tour the kilns that dot the town, while discovering scenes that are unique to this shigaraki-producing pottery town. Noborigama kilns, chimneys, and pottery works arranged at random... Experience the everyday pottery lifestyle with Shigaraki.
National Historic Site Kusatsu-juku Honjin
Location:
Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Kusatsu was the point where the Tokaido Road and the Nakasendo Road merged, and in ancient times it was an important transportation point, with many inns. Kusatsu-juku Honjin was where Daimyo lords stayed, and it is a symbol of this history. The largest honjin still standing today has been revived to its original state. Many name plates, and an account book filled with names such as Asanotakuminokami and Kirakozukenosuke. With advance reservations, visitors can try on the clothing of a princess or a lord, and feel as though they have slipped back to the Edo period.
National Treasure Konan Sanzan Meguri
Location:
Konan City, Shiga Prefecture
Konan City is home to many temples and shrines. Among these, three Tendai Sect temples built during the Wadou Era (708-715), Jorakuji, Chojuji, and Zensuiji are known as the Konan Sanzan, and are some of the most famous temples, designated national treasures. Not only do they have a long history, but the architecture of each temple's buildings is solemn and quiet, and they house many important cultural properties such as buddhist statues and art pieces. A trip to see the Konan Sanzan is a trip full of encounters with wonderful treasures. This will surely be a way to feel the ancient Buddhism that produced Japan's forward-thinking culture.
Filled with water that supports the lives of 14 million Kansai residents, Lake Biwa is a true treasure of Japan. The water is incredibly clean, so much that one can drink directly from the lake. Refresh body and mind on Lake Biwa with beautiful views of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes throughout the year, and water sports such as cruising while an invigorating wind blows, or walking or cycling along the lake shore.
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