 Most viewed - Otsu 大津市 |
Wooden staircase on the Michigan paddlewheel boat.83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
B-grade food festivals have proven to be popular in various parts of Japan and Shiga finally started its own. With an estimated 120,000 attendees over the two-day period, Shiga's first B-class food fest was wildly popular as you can see by this crowd83 views
|
|
Cold noodles with Omi beef.83 views
|
|
Reserved seating available for a few hundred yen.83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
Keihan train at Karahashi-mae Station.83 views
|
|
As of spring 2023, Ishiyama-dera's head priest is a woman, the 53rd zasu abbot. Washio Ryuge (鷲尾龍華) is Ishiyama-dera's first woman abbot taking over from her father who preceded her. She's in her mid-30s..83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
Room of Genji (源氏の間)83 views
|
|
Ishiyama-dera is also noted for autumn leaves.83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
83 views
|
|
TripAdvisor certificate displayed at Ishiyama-dera.83 views
|
|
One of the main events, the 4-man boat race between Todai and Kyodai on a 3200-meter course.82 views
|
|
Awards ceremony82 views
|
|
JR Tokaido Line train tracks crossing Seta River82 views
|
|
Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD presented to a winner. A CD was also presented to the regatta's youngest and oldest rower.82 views
|
|
On the left of the Kancho-do is the Chonichi Goma-do Hall. Important Cultural Property. 長日護摩堂82 views
|
|
Map showing Sakamoto's historic preservation area. Sakamoto is a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).82 views
|
|
Inside Saikyoji's Hondo hall.82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
Saikyoji temple cemetary.82 views
|
|
Torii at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Two of the shrine's main structures are National Treasures.82 views
|
|
Another torii on the Sando road leading to Hiyoshi Taisha. This neighborhood is called Sakamoto which is noted for traditional architecture.82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
The Gongen-zukuri architectural style is employed. This shrine was the inspiration for the more famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko (Tochigi) and Kunozan Shrine in Nihondaira, Shizuoka.82 views
|
|
About Toshogu Shrine in Japanese.82 views
|
|
Next to the Kondo hall is the famous Mii Bell Pavilion (Mii-no-Bansho). It is one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) depicted in ukiyoe woodblock prints. Dating from the Momoyama period, it is an Important Cultural Property.82 views
|
|
Previously, they held day-trip voyages for the public once or twice a year. We had to send in a postcard to apply. Usually over 500 people applied and only about 115 could get in. Now, due to a tight budget, they only hold these open house tours at port.82 views
|
|
Open deck.82 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Night Rain in Karasaki from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. 82 views
|
|
About the water clock.82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
Golf practice range in Katata.82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
After staying in the temple for seven days, this is the room where Lady Murasaki Shikibu got inspired by an autumn moonlit night and started writing Genji Monogatari.82 views
|
|
Omikuji paper fortunes82 views
|
|
During Ishiyama-dera's display of the hidden Kannon Buddha, they also allowed the public to ring the temple bell for a small fee.82 views
|
|
Inside the Tahoto is this altar for Dainichi Nyorai. 大日如来82 views
|
|
82 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
There is a small opening where you can enter the bell pavilion to ring the gong. 鐘楼81 views
|
|
It costs 300 yen to ring this bell once. (Not supposed to ring it more than once unless you pay again.) Also see my YouTube video here. 三井晩鐘81 views
|
|
Inside Kannon-do Hall81 views
|
|
Incense burner inside Kannon-do Hall81 views
|
|
In front of the Kannon-do Hall is the water basin for purification.81 views
|
|
The dance area is very big. Many of the dance groups are from local companies.81 views
|
|
浜大津と大津港の近辺では非常に不快感でした。柵で閉鎖されて有料の観客席だけ。最低の花火会場。81 views
|
|
Otsu lakefront as seen from Top of Otsu.81 views
|
|
Monument for Otsu-juku, where Emperor Meiji once lodged.81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Omiya Bridge happens to be an Important Cultural Property. 大宮橋81 views
|
|
Approaching Sanno Torii81 views
|
|
Way to Shirayama-gu Shrine.81 views
|
|
Mt. Mikami (Omi-Fuji).81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Biwako Ohashi Bridge 81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
This giant ferris wheel was a landmark in Katata until it was finally dismantled.81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
The gateway to the Seta area is Karahashi-mae Station.81 views
|
|
Path to Ishiyama-dera in autumn.81 views
|
|
The large, hidden Buddha also had smaller Kannon statues inside. These were also displayed.81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Hondo81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Statue of Lady Murasaki writing Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).81 views
|
|
81 views
|
|
Chojitsudo Hondo main hall 朝日堂80 views
|
|
Seta Karahashi Bridge from east end80 views
|
|
Free rides on this dragon boat were also provided.80 views
|
|
When the temple founder was crossing this bridge, a temple in China was ablaze. When he sprinkled water from a well, a mist arose from beneath the bridge and flew to extinguish the burning temple in China. 村雲橋80 views
|
|
Goho Zenjin-do Hall worships a guardian deity for children. Pray here for a safe childbirth and healthy growth of your kids. 護法善神堂80 views
|
|
Instead of going to Hama-Otsu Station, go to Shimanoseki Station (Keihan streetcar) to reach the free viewing area.80 views
|
|
Lake Biwa Canal No. 1. 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. 80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
Ninomiya Bridge leading to Higashi Hongu Shrine. 二宮橋80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
Hiyoshi Taisha's Toshogu Shrine is a lesser shrine (massha 末社), a short walk from the main area of Hiyoshi Taisha.80 views
|
|
Romon Gate to Higashi Hongu80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
The boat has four floors. The upper three floors are made of aluminum alloy to make the ship lighter. We first entered the 2nd floor where there was a small lobby for us to change into indoor shoes.80 views
|
|
There was hardly any crowd control nor crowd direction. We just had to work our way through the lines when moving to another booth. Some lines extended all the way to the hotel behind the park.80 views
|
|
The university also has a pleasant cafeteria called “Yui” near the lake shore where you can have lunch.80 views
|
|
I came to see this to pray for a good Year of the Horse in 2014, the following year.80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
Lots of autumn colors in Ishiyama-dera.80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
80 views
|
|
Kyoto Univ. is unable to correct their misdirection79 views
|
|
Kyodai's 4-man crew rowing with dark-blue blades79 views
|
|
Kyodai is clearly in the lead79 views
|
|
Carrying the boat back79 views
|
|
Celebrations79 views
|
|
Rowing on the dragon boat79 views
|
|
Gate to the To-in complex, Miidera's most sacred area where Enchin (Chisho-Daishi) is buried and enshrined. All the buildings are Important Cultural Properties. 唐院79 views
|
|
Soroban (Abacus) Monument79 views
|
|
Another gate to Goho Zenjin-do Hall79 views
|
|
Overall winner with two salmon at Otsu Summer Festival. 優勝作品79 views
|
|
The festival's highlight is a local bon dance called Goshu Ondo. Also see the video at YouTube.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Otsu Castle marker79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Gate to Saikyoji temple. Saikyoji is a 20-min. walk from central Sakamoto.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Temple belfry79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Entering Nishi Hongu Shrine.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Inside looks like brand new.79 views
|
|
Usa-gu Shrine is also in the Hie-zukuri style, but smaller than Nishi Hongu. Important Cultural Property built in 1598.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
A former student's art work is displayed. Made of corrugated cardboard.79 views
|
|
Top wooden deck on the 3rd floor. There was a water transparency demonstration amid cutter boats. ３階甲板79 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Night Rain in Karasaki from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. 79 views
|
|
However, I did manage to buy some food at a few booths, and all were very good. Tasty like I've never tasted before. Unique and original dishes I would say. This is red devil's tongue with gravied bread.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Biwako Ohashi Bridge is Shiga's longest bridge.79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Tahoto in autumn79 views
|
|
Inside the Tahoto is this altar for Dainichi Nyorai. 大日如来79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
79 views
|
|
Statue of Lady Murasaki writing Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) at Ishiyama-dera buddhist temple79 views
|
|
Keihan Line at Ishiyama Station.79 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
Todai's 4-man crew in the lead78 views
|
|
Lotus pond78 views
|
|
Ice sculpture contest78 views
|
|
Yukata with a logo of Lake Biwa.78 views
|
|
Pay money to watch the sky. I wonder if they actually filled up these seats. One of the most commercialized fireworks I've ever seen.78 views
|
|
Entrance to Biwako Bunkakan museum. A lookout deck is on the top of this tower.78 views
|
|
View from Biwako Bunkakan museum, looking east where Biwako Hall can be seen.78 views
|
|
Lake Biwa Canal No. 178 views
|
|
This is a must-see shrine. Very ornate and colorful, similar to Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Important Cultural Property.78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
About once a year, the old Uminoko was open to the public for free while moored at Otsu Port. You could freely go inside and look at most of the rooms. I went on Aug. 18, 2010. This is the flyer for the tour called Kengakukai.78 views
|
|
More cutter boats. They accommodate ten kids and two adults. They use these boats only in calm waters. カッター艇78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
Those international flags on the top deck weren't there when I went in Aug. 2010.78 views
|
|
2nd floor welcome mat.78 views
|
|
Bow of Michigan.78 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Otsu-juku from his "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road" series. 78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
Gehaiden Hall (Outer Haiden 外拝殿)78 views
|
|
Now a much smaller target.78 views
|
|
Biwako Ohashi Bridge is 1.35 km long connecting Moriyama and Katata across the neck of Lake Biwa.78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
78 views
|
|
Needs a new paint job.78 views
|
|
4-man crew alumni boat race77 views
|
|
Built in 1616, Bishamon-do Hall is an Important Cultural Property. 毘沙門堂77 views
|
|
Inside bell tower77 views
|
|
People used to place these vinyl mats to save a fireworks viewing spot as early as 2 weeks before the fireworks date. However, from Aug. 2010, the city no longer allows this. You can save a spot only on the day of the fireworks.77 views
|
|
View from Biwako Bunkakan museum, looking south toward the city.77 views
|
|
77 views
|
|
Gate to a temple in Sakamoto.77 views
|
|
|
The temple is full of other graves and monuments.77 views
|
|
Columbarium.77 views
|
|
Rear of Higashi Hongu Honden Hall. You can see that the veranda in the center is slightly elevated. This makes it different from Nishi Hongu.77 views
|
|
77 views
|
|
Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms.77 views
|
|
About Kangaku-in Hall.77 views
|
|
Going to board the Michigan paddlewheel boat.77 views
|
|
As the boat turns, the sun's striking area changes. People leave wherever the sun strikes in the heat of summer. 77 views
|
|
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Clearing Storm at Awazu from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. Zeze Castle can be clearly seen.77 views
|
|
Outdoor sculpture at Seian University of Art and Design in western Otsu (near Ogoto Onsen Station on the JR Kosei Line). Seian is Shiga's sole art college.77 views
|
|
Ema prayer tablet77 views
|
|
During Ishiyama-dera's display of the hidden Kannon Buddha, they also allowed the public to ring the temple bell for a small fee.77 views
|
|
心経堂77 views
|
|
Seta River76 views
|
|
Hydrangea in June76 views
|
|
Local dignitaries on stage, including Kada Yukiko, newly-elected governor of Shiga. 滋賀県知事 嘉田由紀子76 views
|
|
Shiga Prefectural Capitol (Shiga Kencho) is a short walk from Otsu Station. This original building was built in 1939. Newer wings have since been built. 滋賀県庁76 views
|
|
Directions to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and the cable car station.76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Stone marker indicating Saikyoji as the headquarters of the Tendai Shinsei Sect.76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Way to Hiyoshi Toshogu, in the same direction as the Hieizan cable car.76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Sleeping quarters are on the 1st floor. This room is for 20 girls. They sleep on the floor. There are 12 rooms similar to this one. A total of 240 kids can thus be accommodated.76 views
|
|
Sleeping quarters has orange life vests and blankets stored in the bins below. It's nice that all the sleeping quarters have real names instead of numbers like in a hotel.76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Torii at a Buddhist temple76 views
|
|
76 views
|
|
Kyodai's 4-man crew try to keep up75 views
|
|
Seta no Karahashi Bridge (stone sign) and Seta River. This was before the bridge got a new paint job in 2012. 瀬田の唐橋75 views
|
|
Seta Castle garden75 views
|
|
JR Tokaido Line train tracks crossing Seta River75 views
|
|
Writing names on award certificates.75 views
|
|
3rd place winner in the Masters Men's Category. マスターズ男子の部 3位 大歯大松籟会B75 views
|
|
Inside Issaikyo-zo Hall75 views
|
|
In the center of the To-in complex is the Kancho-do Hall. Its a dojo exercise hall for entering the priesthood and conducting Buddhist initiation ceremonies. 潅頂堂75 views
|
|
75 views
|
|
Steps leading to the Kannon-do Hall on a hill in the southern precinct of Miidera.75 views
|
|
Ema tablet pavilion75 views
|
|
Moon-viewing stage 勧月舞台75 views
|
|
75 views
|
|
At the top of Otsu Prince Hotel is a restaurant called Top of Otsu. See grand views of the city and Lake Biwa on sunny days. Order a soft drink which should be affordable. It's worth the views to be had.75 views
|
|
Otsu and Lake Biwa as seen from the top of Otsu Prince Hotel.75 views
|
|
75 views
|
|
Kondo Hall corner wood beam75 views
|
|
Path going to Saikyoji temple's Hondo hall. This would be pretty during cherry blossom season.75 views
|
|
Typical stone walls in Sakamoto75 views
|
|
Romon Gate rear75 views
|
|
Kannon-do on the left.75 views
|
|
View of central Otsu which is experiencing a building boom along the lake shore. This has prompted local residents to seek a building height limit, otherwise the lake would disappear from view.75 views
|
|
75 views
|
|
| 2449 files on 10 page(s) |
 |
|
7 | |
|
|
