 Most viewed - Otsu 大津市 |
Lyrics of Kibo no Fune--Uminoko Shukoka (Ship of Hope--Lake Child Cruise Song). They created a song just for the boat in 1984. 希望の船--湖の子周航歌2440 viewsThis is the 1st verse:
朝もやはれて さわやかに
さざ波光る びわのうみ
ぼくらわたしら 滋賀の子が
湖上たのしく めぐりつつ
郷土の知識 たかめあう
希望の船よ 希望の船よ
湖の子よ
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Great summer day for the beach at Omi-Maiko, one of the most popular and whitest beaches on Lake Biwa.1186 views
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Otsu Matsuri is one of Shiga's major festivals featuring thirteen ornate floats displayed and paraded around central Otsu over two days before Sports Day, a national holiday around Oct. 10.906 views
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White sands at Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.898 views
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Beachgoers frolick in the lake as the rowing boats arrive.864 views
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Clear waters and beautiful Lake Biwa beach at Omi-Maiko808 views
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Sleek racing row boats and traditional yakata picnic boats on upper right686 views
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The Sanno-sai Festival is held annually on April 12-15 at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. Not to be confused with the Sanno Matsuri held by Hie Shrine in Tokyo. It centers on April 14, the shrine's most important day called Reisai.604 views
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Main entrance to Miidera (Onjoji) temple. It is the headquarters temple of the Tendai Jimon Buddhist Sect (founded by Priest Enchin) and former rival of Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei, also in Shiga. MAP554 views
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Omi-Maiko Station on JR Kosei Line. It makes it easy for people in Kyoto to visit Omi-Maiko. MAP521 viewsSign says "Welcome to Omi-Maiko." Omi-Maiko was in the former town of Shiga-cho that merged into Otsu.
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Headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist sect, Enryakuji is a large complex of temples, halls, buildings, and monuments on Mt. Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It boasts buildings which are National Treasures. MAP516 views
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Green pine and white sand of Omi-Maiko, Lake Biwa.451 views
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Kyoto University's winning rowing crew436 views
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420 views
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Ishiyama-dera temple is a 10-min. walk from Ishiyama-dera Station on the Keihan Ishisaka Line. You can transfer to the Keihan Line at JR Ishiyama Station on the Tokaido Line.408 views
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu.403 views
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Go left or right...400 viewsDisobey the sign and go right to visit the main beach.
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Close-up of rowers at Asahi Regatta397 views
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Map of central Otsu and lakefront. It is quite easy to walk or bicycle along the lake shore in central Otsu, starting from Hama-Otsu.392 views
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387 views
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Entrance to Ukimido Floating Temple, which is actually Mangetsu-ji temple. Admission is 300 yen. Hours: 8 am - 5 pm. Buses run from Katata Station. Parking available. 満月寺 浮御堂 MAP385 views
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Otsu Festival poster380 views
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376 views
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Cherry blossoms along Seta River in Otsu, Lake Biwa's only outflowing river.374 views
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The two Biwako Otsu Tourist Ambassadors for 2010, Inoue Madoka and Nagata Megumi. Selected from among 21 applicants in April 2010. For one year, their job is to promote tourism in Otsu. びわ湖大津観光大使：井上まどか、永田めぐみ374 views
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Parking lot entrance368 views
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Karuta Festival. The narrator (standing) recites one of the poems and the contestants must search for and claim the card written with the poem.367 views
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Operated by Shiga Prefecture's Board of Education, the Uminoko "Biwako Floating School" is an educational boat going on overnight voyages year-round on Lake Biwa, taking Shiga's 5th graders.364 viewsThis first and original Uminoko ship was in operation from Aug. 2, 1983 to spring 2018 when it was retired. It was replaced by a new Uminoko ship (same name) in May 2018. The following photos are of the old Uminoko ship inside and outside when it was open to the public in Aug. 2010.
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Carrying back a single sculling boat363 views
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Karasaki Pine Tree (One of the Eight Views of Omi or Omi Hakkei) as seen from Lake Biwa. 唐崎の松（近江八景）356 views
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Panoramic view of Lake Biwa from Mt. Hiei.352 views
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Omi-Maiko349 views
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Azaleas in full bloom along the lake edge342 views
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Karasuma Peninsula in Kusatsu. There is a large lotus pond behind the windmill. About 20 min. by bus from JR Kusatsu Station.341 views
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Look at how many chimaki this girl caught!!!339 views
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334 views
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Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta).330 viewsIn June 1917, a song called Biwako Shuko no Uta (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) was composed by college student Taro Oguchi during a boat rowing trip around Lake Biwa. He was a member of the rowing club at Dai-san High School (now Kyoto University). He composed it in Imazu, Shiga Prefecture during the second night of the trip.
The song is about the boys rowing around Lake Biwa while mentioning famous places like Otsu (the starting point), Omi-Maiko (Omatsu), Imazu, Chikubushima, Nagahama, and Chomeiji.
Another boat mate matched Oguchi's lyrics to the melody based on the old song called Water Lilies as modified by a young Chiaki Yoshida. It soon became a popular dormitory song.
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PR poster323 views
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The floats proceed down Teramachi-dori.318 views
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Lake Biwa Canal and cherry blossoms in full bloom. They also light up the trees at night from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Beautiful and serene.314 views
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Kyoto Univ. alumni311 views
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Heading back through the Yume Kairo path.308 views
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Sculpture of Lady Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama-dera, Otsu, Shiga.307 views
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Nagata Megumi, Biwako Otsu Tourist Ambassador for 2010, was also in the procession. 永田めぐみ307 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha's Nishi Hongu Honden Hall, a National Treasure. It is only one of three buildings in Japan which represent the Hie-zukuri (日吉造り) architectural style. Higashi Hongu and Usagu and the two other shrines in this style.西本宮 306 views
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Ukimido floating temple in Katata, one of Shiga's most famous and picturesque buildings. One of the eight Omi Hakkei Views made famous by ukiyoe prints by Hiroshige.304 views
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Go left to visit the hotel303 views
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During early or mid-April, you can see cherry blossoms while walking from the station to the Ishiyama-dera along the Seta River.294 views
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Kyodai alumni in their 20s and 30s292 views
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Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line. Sakamoto is a short walk from this train station. MAP292 views
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289 views
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284 views
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Konpon Chudo Hall is a National Treasure and Enryakuji's main worship hall and largest building. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the buddha of healing and health. 根本中堂282 views
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Moon-viewing stage 勧月舞台 and cherry blossoms at Miidera with Lake Biwa in the background.282 views
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Nagara Jinja Shrine282 views
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Or go right to see the best beaches...279 views
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Seta Rowing Club's 2-story clubhouse located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. The club is a registered NPO. The club is named after Seta River at the southern tip of Lake Biwa. Regattas are also held on the river, Lake Biwa's sole outflowing river.278 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Otsu from Enryakuji Station.277 views
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Alumni race starting at Seta no Karahashi Bridge274 views
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Race course at the head of Seta River where it meets Lake Biwa. 1000-meter course with 6 lanes.272 views
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270 views
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Being my first regatta, I was at first daunted by the rowing terminology for the different types of boats.270 views
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Gate to Seta Castle, Otsu, Shiga Pref. 瀬田城跡269 views
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The oar handles overlap when you pull them. Often my hands bumped into each other.268 views
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Enryakuji has three temple complexes. The main and largest one is called Todo (Toto 東塔) seen on the left on this map. On the right is the Saito temple complex. The summit has a tourist attraction called Garden Museum Hiei which is not part of Enryakuj268 views東塔, 西塔, 横川
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The rowing lesson starts with an ergo workout.265 views
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Manyoshu Monument259 views
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Attached lake behind the beach257 views
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Otsu Hikaru-kun, official mascot of Otsu. He is based on the Hikaru Genji character in the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) novel. おおつ光ルくん257 views
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Todai and Kyodai coming round the bend256 views
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View of Seta River in spring from Ishiyama-dera. Ahead is Lake Biwa.256 views
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254 views
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Omi-Maiko Beach Management Office254 views
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250 views
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One of Otsu's Big Three Festivals, the Senko-sai is a portable shrine procession on boats going down Seta River from Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge to Nango sluice and back. Held annually on Aug. 17 by Takebe Taisha Shrine. The festival starts at 5 pm.250 views
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Yamashina map showing the exposed portion of the Lake Biwa Canal near JR Yamashina Station in Kyoto.249 views
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Seta River, Shiga Pref. 瀬田川249 views
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Bus service is also available along Hiei-zan Driveway.246 views
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Starting line243 views
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Ishiyama-dera's Moon-viewing Pavilion and cherry blossoms. Not open to the public. 月見亭243 views
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Kyoto Univ. goes on to win the main race of the day in 10 min. 11 sec., over 20 sec. ahead of Todai.242 views
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Four-man race starts with the cox at the front.242 views
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Three-day (Aug. 9-11, 2006) rowing route around the southern half of the lake by the Kyoto Univ. rowing club.242 views1st day: Home base in Seta River to Manohama (crew change), then to Omi-Maiko.
2nd day: Omi-Maiko to Manohama, then to Chomeiji.
3rd day: Chomeiji to Manohama where crew changes. Then to home base in Seta River.
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Wooden tanuki (raccoon dog) mask worn by Jihei, the man who started Otsu Matsuri.238 views
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235 views
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Four-man boat race. There were also foreign rowers from international schools.235 views
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Another ukiyoe woodblock print by Hiroshige showing "Descending Geese at Katata" with Ukimido in the background. 近江八景「堅田の落雁」235 views
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)235 views
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Eight-man race233 views
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Ukimido Floating Temple, one of the Eight Views of Omi (Omi Hakkei). 堅田 浮御堂（近江八景）233 views
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Goddess for lake safety231 views
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Marker for Omatsu230 viewsOmatsu is the old name for Omi-Maiko.
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Omi Jingu Shrine's Rōmon Gate (楼門)229 views
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Keage Incline postcard228 viewsThe Keage Incline was in operation until 1948.
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Four-man race with the cox at the stern227 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine at the foot of Mt. Hie in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture is the head shrine for all Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno Shrines in Japan (around 2,000). Hiezan Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line and Keihan Line's Sakamoto Station are nearest.226 views
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Map of canal route225 views
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225 views
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Mannequin of Lady Murasaki Shikibu writing Tale of Genji. 紫式部源氏の間225 views
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Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) and cherry blossoms. This is one of two canals which supply water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. National Historic Site225 views
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Barge loaded with mikoshi approaching Wakamiya Port. Sanno-sai Festival.225 views
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Monument for Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta)224 viewsThe song became a national hit in 1971 when singer Tokiko Kato recorded it. Numerous famous Japanese singers and groups have since released cover versions of the song. The town of Imazu even holds an annual song contest in June when choir groups from around Japan sing the song in a competition. The town even has a museum dedicated to the song.
One of the verses mentions Omatsu (now called Omi-Maiko). This monument commemorates the song and that verse.
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The word on her fan says it all. Otsu, Shiga.224 views
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Kyoto University's cheering section for the 8-man race222 viewsComplete with cheerleaders.
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Map of Saito complex in Enryakuji.222 views
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220 views
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Weeping cherry tree at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu.220 views
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Map of Enryakuji's Todo complex.218 views
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Keihan Ishiyama Station with a sign showing Lady Murasaki Shikubu saying "Welcome to Otsu, Lake Capital."217 views
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On this street corner is Otsu's Point Zero for its roadways.217 views
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Cherry blossoms and Tahoto pagoda at Ishiyama-dera.217 views
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Karuta cards with verses from famous poems216 views
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On the foot of Mt. Hie on the Shiga side is the temple town of Sakamoto. From here, take the cable car up to Enryakuji. Also accessible from Kyoto and by bus/car via the Hie-zan Driveway. Near JR Hiezan Sakamoto Station/Keihan Sakamoto Station.216 views
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The number of people who went on an Uminoko voyage this year is on top, and the total number who went on a voyage on Uminoko since 1983 on the bottom. The 432,401 people is equivalent to one-third of Shiga's population.216 views
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Rowing team from Nagahama215 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha is at the foot of Mt. Hiei (home of Enryakuji temple) and it worships the mountain god. The Sanno-sai festival is the shrine's biggest festival and one of Shiga's biggest festivals. MAP214 views
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Wakamiya Shrine near Wakamiya Port.213 views
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Michigan212 views
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Hokke Soji-in Toto pagoda on the left and the Amida-do Hall on the right. Enryakuji temple, Mt. Hiei, Otsu, Shiga.212 views
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The famous Karasaki pine tree as seen from Lake Biwa.211 views
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Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) marker at Karasaki. Omi was the old name for Shiga. A woodblock print artist depicted the Eight Views of Omi. One of them was titled, "Night Rain at Karasaki" showing the big pine in the rain at night.209 views
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The Biwako Otsu Natsu Matsuri is an annual summer festival held on Aug. 1 at Hama-Otsu, near Otsu Port. びわ湖大津夏まつり Festival grounds208 views
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Karasaki Pine Tree is the third generation tree since the original one was planted 1,400 years ago. Current pine tree was planted in 1887. 207 views
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The Biwako Sosui or Lake Biwa Canal in Otsu is also noted for cherry blossoms.207 views
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Miidera's Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms in Otsu.207 views
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Cheering section for Nagahama205 views
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Race starts for Kyoto Univ. alumni203 views
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Kyoto Univ. rowing to victory203 views
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Omi rice made in Shiga.203 views
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In Sakamoto, Hiyoshi Baba road is lined with various cherry trees that bloom in mid-April.203 views
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On Karahashi Bridge202 views
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High school spectators near the finish line202 views
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Tokyo Univ. (Todai) crew return to land after a race201 views
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Kyoto Univ. alumni crew in dark blue T-shirts201 views
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The Biwako Ohashi Bridge spans the neck of Lake Biwa's panhandle between Moriyama and Katata, the lake's narrowest width. Completed in Sept. 1964, the bridge portion over the lake is 1.4 km long.200 views
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Saikyoji temple's Hondo main hall, in Otsu, Shiga. 西教寺 本堂200 views
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Saikyoji is noted for the grave of Akechi Mitsuhide, the lord of Sakamoto Castle and temple patron who helped to reconstruct the temple.200 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. The Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) supplies water from Lake Biwa in Otsu to Kyoto. After four years of monumental construction, the canal was completed in 1890.199 views
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The hump at the center is about 26.3 meters above the lake surface allowing boats to pass under. If you bicycle around Lake Biwa, you can cross this bridge as a short cut. But I recommend cycling all the way down to central Otsu.199 views
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The Otsu Matsuri has thirteen floats called hikiyama. Each one belongs to a different neighborhood in central Otsu. Each float has a name and features ornate carvings, tapestries, paintings, and other art work.199 views
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Map of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine at the foot of Mt. Hiei. It is a complex of the so-called Seven Sanno Shrines, including two shrines designated as National Treasures. There are also 14 lesser shrines. Most things are within easy walking distance.199 views
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Sanno-sai Festival, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture197 views
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Water intake for Lake Biwa Canal No. 2. Near Mihogasaki in Otsu, and adjacent to the boat racing arena.195 views
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Finish line 300 meters later195 views
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They carried the mikoshi on a rainy day on April 14, 2009.194 views
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Kompon Chudo temple194 views
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Keage today, incline is on the right of road193 views
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Steps to Rōmon Gate, the shrine's most outstanding structure. (楼門)193 views
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The scenic Ukimido has been the subject of ukiyoe woodblock prints (see below) by Hiroshige and other artists. You can walk on the short bridge to the Ukimido.193 views
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In 860, Miidera Founder Enchin worshipped this shrine as the guardian deity of Miidera.193 views
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Sanno-sai Festival, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture193 views
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Beach at the site of Sakamoto Castle.193 views
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Ready to row on a "quad" sculling race boat. Each person rows with two oars.192 viewsSorry for the small image.
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Ukiyoe woodblock print by Hiroshige showing "Descending Geese at Katata" with Ukimido in the foreground. 近江八景「堅田の落雁」192 views
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Ishiyama-dera's weeping cherries and azalea bushes to bloom in late April.192 views
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Monument for Biwako Hakkei. "Cool Breeze on White Sands of Omatsu" is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa as selected in 1949.191 views
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Keage Incline postcard191 viewsThe Keage Incline was in operation until 1948.
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Oars and boats stored on the bottom floor. The club offers 2-hour rowing lessons on Sundays during May to Nov. Address: 6-1 Ogaya, Otsu, Shiga 520-2144 Japan. Phone/Fax: 077-545-9961, Email: info@setarc.jp191 views
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Map of Miidera temple showing a variety of structures at the foot of Mt. Nagara (not Mt. Hiei). There are about 40 buildings, but you can enter only a few of them. It's not a huge complex, but allow at least 90 min. to see the major things.191 views
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Nagara Shrine Honden Hall. The original shrine was atop the mountain, but it was later moved here in 1054 at the foot of Mt. Nagara to make it more accessible to worshippers.190 views
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Rules on Uminoko: Safety first, Save water, No running, etc. During the current school year from April 2010 to Feb. 2011, Uminoko will go on over 90 overnight voyages.190 views
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Priest Enchin (Chisho-daishi) also used the sacred well water for a succession ceremony and called the temple, "Miidera" using the kanji for "three wells." The official name of "Onjoji" was given by Emperor Temmu. Back of Nio189 views
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On the 2nd floor toward the bow is the large Study Room where they hold lectures, tug of war, etc. Usually, 5th graders from two or more schools go on the overnight voyages. Besides learning about the lake environment, the kids get to meet other kids. 学189 views
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Ishiyama-dera from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series. Looking toward Lake Biwa.189 views
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Sailboats and Lake Biwa manhole for Shiga-cho in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.189 views
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Boat with the three portable shrines pass under Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge.188 views
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During the first day, the karakuri mechanical puppets are removed from the floats and displayed on street level. The karakuri ningyo puppets are a major highlight of the floats and festival. The puppets perform on the floats during the procession.187 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Otsu from Enryakuji Station. The conical Mt. Mikami in Yasu can be seen on the right.187 views
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At Ishiyama-dera, inside Room of Genji is a lifesize doll of Lady Murasaki Shikibu who wrote Tale of Genji, one of Japan's most famous novels.187 views
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The main mikoshi on the boat during the Senko-sai festival on Setagawa River in Otsu.187 views
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Kyoto Univ. alumni crew at start line186 views
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The first day of the festival has the floats parked and displayed on the streets and lit up at night. The first day of the festival is called Yoimiya. (This was Oct. 11, 2008.) 宵宮186 views
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Different boats on Lake Biwa.186 views
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Lakeside at Zeze Castle Park.186 views
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Basho Matsuo's grave at Gichuji temple, Otsu. 芭蕉の墓185 views
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Hiyoshi Baba road184 views
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Yokawa Chudo Hall in Enryakuji, Mt Hiei, Otsu, Shiga. 184 views
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Matcha shaved ice for dessert. I ended up buying two 1000-yen ticket books. Cheap food, but you want to try as much as possible and end up spending around 2,000 yen.184 views
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View from the bridge to Ukimido Floating Temple, Katata, Shiga. The building houses altars and 1,000 small Amida Buddha figures supposedly carved by Priest Enshin. Dedicated to transportation safety on the lake.183 views
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Shaka-do Hall, Enryakuji183 views
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View of Seta River race course, Karahashi Bridge on far left. Tokyo vs. Kyoto Univ. Regatta182 views
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Also on the 2nd floor is an information room about Lake Biwa and Shiga.182 views
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8-man crew alumni in their 20s and 30s at starting line180 views
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Gichuji temple is known for the grave of Haiku poet Basho Matsuo (1644-94). National Historic Site near JR Zeze Station, 300 meters from Gichuji JR膳所駅180 viewsGichuji is a short walk from Zeze Station.
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The stone in fall.180 views
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Lakeside at Zeze Castle Park with Omi Ohashi Bridge in the distance.180 views
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Kannon-do complex at Miidera temple, Shiga.178 views
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As well as Otsu Hikaru-kun, official mascot of Otsu. He is based on the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) character. おおつ光ルくん178 views
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The bridges are for the highway and shinkansen trains.178 views
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Senko-sai video (embedded).178 views
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Todai's 4-man crew rowing177 views
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Hiyoshi Baba road in central Sakamoto. On the right is Mt. Hachijoji. 日吉馬場177 views
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Tahoto's ground floor has a dome-shaped ceiling and a square pent roof, a round second floor and square roof.177 views
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PR poster designed by Tetsuo Oshiro176 viewsPoster for the race.
京都大学ボート部OBの尾城徹雄様に作成したポスター。大学内や大津市石山商店街などで張り出された。
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Kyodai's 4-man crew rowing175 views
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Official mascot greets visitors on the main path to Ishiyama-dera temple.175 views
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Biwako Ohashi Bridge175 views
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Further right of Saito is the third complex called Yokawa (横川). The three complexes are connected to each other by a road and walking path. It is possible to visit all three complexes in one day.175 viewsEnryakuji is also part of a World Heritage Site called Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
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Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall, a National Treasure. 本堂175 views
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Mt. Mikami across Lake Biwa from Karasaki.174 views
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Kyoto Univ. starts to veer off course174 views
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Many boats are made in Italy.174 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Otsu. Omi Ohashi Bridge in the background. The towering building is Otsu Prince Hotel.174 views
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Awards ceremony173 views
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After a neat rowing trip, the boat is lifted out of the water.173 views
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Near the rowing club is the Lake Biwa Rowing Course where regattas are held. 滋賀県立琵琶湖漕艇場173 views
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Biwako Ohashi Bridge is a toll road (200 yen for ordinary passenger cars), but free for bicycles and pedestrians who can go on the sidewalk. There are actually two parallel bridges, making it a four-lane bridge. The additional bridge was built in 1994.173 views
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Lookout point along Hie-zan Driveway. This was my favorite.173 views
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Empress Jingu173 views
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Lady Murasaki supposedly wrote the novel in this room at Ishiyama-dera in Otsu.173 views
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Seta Rowing Club's clubhouse. Boats are stored on the bottom floor, while the 2nd floor has office space, ergo machines, meeting room, locker room, etc. Web site here172 views
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Rowing exercise machines called "ergometers" or "ergo" or "indoor rower." In Japan, they call it "ergo." エルゴ172 viewsThe machine measures the energy you expend rowing. Also measures how fast and far you rowed if you were on water. They even have ergo rowing contests which is a sport itself.
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Lake Biwa Canal and cherry blossoms.172 views
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Otsu manhole showing Lake Biwa, Omi Ohashi Bridge, Otsu mascot Hikaru-kun, rowing, yachting, and Michigan boat.172 views
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Karakuri puppet from Ryumon Taki-yama on display. At Otsu Station, maps and pamphlets about the festival are available.171 views
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171 views
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Boat with the main portable shrine pass under Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge.171 views
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I was impressed with Seian University's slogan of being an ”Art Museum on Campus.” These colorful men are gazing at Lake Biwa.171 views
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Rowed all the way to Seta Karahashi Bridge and the shinkansen tracks. It was my first time rowing on a competitive rowing boat, and not too difficult even for a beginner.170 views
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One activity they held during the tour was plankton observations through a microscope, held in sleeping quarters for girls.170 views
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The Shiga University Education Dept. B team placed 3rd in the Women's Category. 一般女子の部 3位 滋賀大教育B169 views
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Finally we see Ishiyama-dera's beautiful Tahoto pagoda, a National Treasure in Otsu.169 views
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Near the entrance to the Hondo main hall is this Genji Monogatari folding screen replica.168 views
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With twin two-lane bridges, the 1.4-km north bridge (Katata to Moriyama traffic) was completed in 1994. The south bridge (1.35 km) was the original bridge completed in 1964 (for for Moriyama to Katata traffic).168 views
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Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine's boat dock is used during the Sanno Festival when they carry the portable mikoshi shrines on a boat.168 views
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168 views
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Otsu Port as seen from Hama-Otsu Station. It's a 3-min. walk from the station. MAP168 views
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Daytime view. The distinguishing feature of Otsu Matsuri floats is that they have three wheels instead of four (as with Kyoto's Gion Matsuri).167 views
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After passing through Todamon Gate, there is the Sando path leading to the temple complex. See fall leaves in Nov. 参道167 views
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Inside Ishiyama-dera's Hondo Hall 本堂167 views
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The float is associated with Empress Jingu of the 4th century. When she gestures to write some characters on a rock with her bow, and the characters magically appear.166 views
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166 views
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Zeze Castle Park, Otsu.166 views
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Kyodai alumni in their 20s and 30s165 views
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Daimon Gate (also called Niomon Gate) is the temple's front gate. Built in 1452 and transferred here from Jorakuji temple in Koka by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Important Cultural Property. 仁王門165 views
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Views of Lake Biwa from Hiei-zan Driveway. The city of Otsu.164 views
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Cable Enryakuji Station. This is the original Cable Enryakuji Station building that was used when the cable railway between Sakamoto and Mt. Hiei opened in 1927.164 viewsIt was Japan's longest cable car route (2025 meters) at the time. The first floor is the station, while the 2nd floor used to be a VIP room. The 2nd floor is now an exhibition hall and open to the public.
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Cherry blossoms and the Niomon Gate at night in April.163 views
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Inside the cable car station building. Enryakuji is also accessible from the other side of the mountain, on the Kyoto side via the Eizan Cable Car.163 views
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About the No. 4 High School (Yonko) cherry blossoms planted in 1977. 四高桜162 views
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Built in 1940, Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji who moved the capital to Otsu in 667 at the location of this shrine. Otsu was therefore once the capital of Japan. MAP161 views
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Carrying the boat back161 views
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Vintage postcard of Ukimido floating temple before 1937 when the building was rebuilt. Flimsy stilts in comparison.161 views
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