 Most viewed - Nagahama 長浜市 |
Battle map showing the position of the opposing armies.131 views
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Statue of the goddess Benzaiten at Hogonji, Chikubushima. Benzaiten is the goddess of everything that flows: Water, rivers, music, etc. 弁才天131 views
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Glass artists make their works.130 views
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Inside Kawake Station.130 views
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Welcome sign and phone No. for a volunteer tour guide. But even if you call, you have to make reservations and it makes no sense if you're already there.130 views
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Illustration of the Ochaya (on the lower left terrace). The area was divided into two by a dirt wall and had an L shape. It was a military outpost and included a small garden. 御茶屋跡130 views
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Illustration of the Ouma-ya Horse Stable (center terrace). You can see the two Horse-washing Ponds at the foot of the stone wall.130 views
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Memorial for the Azai clan in the Sakura-no-Baba. It's not a grave. Azai Nagamasa's grave (along with this father and grandfather's graves) is at Tokushoji temple in central Nagahama (photos at bottom).130 views
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Inside Benzai Tendo129 views
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In Nov. 2001, part of the land was flooded with water as an experiment, and the ensuing plant and wildlife were observed. MAP129 views
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View from Oku Biwako Parkway129 views
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If you're walking up Mt. Odani, this is one of the best scenic viewpoints on Odani. Good place to rest too. 129 views
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Kannondo Temple128 views
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Northern Lake Biwa, looking toward Sugaura. Seen from Mt. Shizugatake.128 views
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Illustration of Bansho guard house.128 views
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Yanmar Museum is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (enter by 5 pm), Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday is a national holiday) and from December 29 to January 3.128 views
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Throwing mochi rice cakes on Toka Ebisu, Hokoku Shrine, Nagahama, Shiga Pref.127 views
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Ura-Jizo (Rear Jizo) at the back of the Hondo, now open to the public from Jan. 2007. 裏地蔵尊126 views
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Nagahara Station on the JR Kosei Line. A nice, loghouse station building. JR湖西線、永原駅125 views
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Benzai Tendo125 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial 石田三成供養塔125 views
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Lake Yogo has a nice lakeshore road going completely around the lake. Going counterclockwise is recommended since you'll be closer to the lake edge on the road. In winter, only part of the road is cleared of snow. 125 viewsThe photos below follow a counterclockwise route.
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Illustration of the Akao Yashiki residence.125 views
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Illustration of Kyogoku-maru which was the second largest bailey in Odani Castle after O-hiroma.125 views
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Straw blind124 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial124 views
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Sumo wrestler monument dedicated to Yokozuna Hitachiyama, a great Yokozuna during the Meiji Period. Built by Asami Matazo who built the Keiunkan. 力士碑 横綱常陸山124 views
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View from Oku Biwako Parkway124 views
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Kabuki performance in the shopping arcade.124 views
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The kabuki boys are placed on the hikiyama floats.124 views
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2nd floor of Keiunkan123 views
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Otemichi path is apparently an alternate way up, but it is closed off to visitors.123 views
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Illustration of O-hiroma hall that was next to the Honmaru seen on the left.123 views
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Basho Haiku Monument 「蓬莱にきかはや伊勢の初たより はせを」芭蕉の句碑122 views
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In spring.122 views
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Shimmering waters of Lake Biwa.122 views
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Odani Castle stone marker near the entrance to the paved road going up the mountain.122 views
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Glassware workshop121 views
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NHK Taiga Drama "Komyo ga Tsuji" souvenirs.121 views
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Marker of Ishida Mitsunari's estate121 views
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Kogenji Temple in Takatsuki, Nagahama belongs to the Buddhist Jodo Shinshu Sect (Otani school). On the left of this main hall is the Doganji Kannon Hall where the 11-face Kannon statue (National Treasure) can be viewed. 渡岸寺観音堂（向源寺）121 views
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Rest house at foot of Mt. Odani.121 views
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Steamship which carried train cars on Lake Biwa.120 views
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A number of attached lakes in Shiga were reclaimed to make rice paddies amid a shortage of food after the war. This has proven to be detrimental to Lake Biwa's ecology, and now Shiga wants to restore Hayasaki's reclaimed land back to an attached120 views
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I visited the park in April 2009 in the early morning before the crowds arrived. It truly was a peaceful beauty.120 views
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Marker for the Battle of Shizugatake and the famous "Seven Spears" which refer to Hideyoshi's top generals in the battle.120 views
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View of Lake Yogo from the hiking trail from Mt. Shizugatake.120 views
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Beware of wild goats (kamoshika) on Mt. Odani.120 views
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What's left of the large stone wall. It was 5 meters tall and the largest stone wall at Odani Castle, even larger than the Honmaru's stone wall.120 views
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A more modern train ferry on Lake Biwa.119 views
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Outside on the terrace facing south at Nagahama Station. The small waiting room has been removed and replaced by a walkway to the new Mondecool Heiwado store.119 views
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Stone foundation of original Nagahama castle tower. It is just slightly behind the current castle building is this small hill with stone walls.119 views
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O-hiroma is Odani Castle's largest bailey. The site of a large hall where Azai Nagamasa and Ichi held their wedding. See the illustration. On the far end is the Honmaru.119 views
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Maruko-bune Museum (Maruko-bune no Yakata). The maruko-bune was commonly used to transport cargo over the lake from the Hokuriku region to the Kyoto-Osaka region during the 17th and 18th c. MAP118 viewsThe museum is a short bicycle ride from Nagahara Station (JR Kosei Line). 滋賀県西浅井町大浦582 丸子船の館
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Japan's first train ferry started on Lake Biwa, linking Otsu and Nagahama. In operation until the train line opened.118 views
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Small Jizo statues118 views
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For current information on the Bonbaiten exhibition, see the official website (English).118 viewsThe Keiunkan is near Nagahama Station's west exit, toward the south end. It is across from Nagahama Railroad Square. This is the gate to Keiunkan guesthouse.
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Inside Kohoku Wild Bird Center. It has large picture windows facing Lake Biwa and high-powered binoculars enabling you to clearly see the waterfowl. 湖北野鳥センター118 views
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Panorama from the top of Nagahama Castle, looking south.118 views
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Memorial for Yogo's war dead.118 views
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Entrance to the paved road going up the mountain. There's a small parking lot, small park, restrooms, and resthouse here.118 views
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The expo focuses on the Battle of Anegawa, but it does not provide shuttle buses to the battle site and this battle memorial.118 views
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Slightly south of Hayasaki Naiko Biotope along the shore is Oku Biwa Sports no Mori. This is a nice outdoor sports complex. Outdoor pool is great for kids in summer.117 views
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That's Chikubushima island on the left.117 views
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Lake Yogo is also noted for the swan maiden legend. There's even a statue monument for her. The pedestal is engraved with "Yogo-ko" (Lake Yogo).117 views
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Swan maiden's tree. A sign next to it explains the legend. Lake Yogo is Japan's most noted lake for the swan maiden story. 余呉湖の衣掛柳117 views
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In central Nagahama (walkable from Nagahama Station) is Tokushoji temple (徳勝寺), the location of the graves of Lord Azai Nagamasa and his father Hisamasa and grandfather Sukemasa.117 views
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Anegawa River ran red with the blood of fallen warriors in Aug. 1570.116 views
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Sanbaso dancer is the first to perform.116 views
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Men wearing sumo aprons also arrive at the shrine.116 views
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The hikiyama floats were then pulled into position for the day's first kabuki performances.116 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island.116 views
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The trail is pretty level most of the way. It's not a strenuous tour.116 views
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Front of old Nagahama Station115 views
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Monument and bus stop115 views
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Samurai statue on Mt. Shizugatake115 views
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Autumn wildflowers at Lake Yogo.115 views
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Illustration of Nakanomaru. You can see the three terraces of Nakanomaru. The Honmaru is on the right, separated from Nakanomaru by the large moat.115 views
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Also not included in the expo is Ishida Mitsunari's birthplace in Nagahama. Accessible by bus from Nagahama Station. A short ride. More birthplace photos here.115 views
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Torahime manhole.115 views
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Entrance to Otemon-dori shopping arcade. It is right near Kurokabe Glass Shop. See shops and restaurants. 大手門通り114 views
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They use microphones so we can hear them speak. Very authentic style, and they practiced a lot for this festival.114 views
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Nagahama Hikiyama poster for an earlier year. The official festival poster changes every year and is always well designed.114 views
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The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1983. It serves as a local history museum.114 views
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Stone marker indicating the place where Azai Nagamasa committed seppuku on Sept. 1, 1573 at age 29. Under siege by Nobunaga's forces, Nagamasa was unable to get back to the Honmaru and instead entered the Akao residence to cut his belly.114 views
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Illustration of the Sannomaru. The center section was the highest where there was the Sanno Shrine dedicated to the mountain god. You can see also how the Large Stone Wall looked, part of it remains on the upper right. 114 views
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Depiction of Oichi and her daughters being allowed to escape Odani Castle while it was under attack by Oda Nobunaga in 1573.114 views
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Site of Ishida Mitsunari's former residence. 石田三成屋敷跡113 views
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Entrance hall113 views
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Position of Oda Nobunaga's forces, the river is on the left.113 views
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Naginata sword bearers standby near the hikiyama floats.113 views
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The hikiyama floats await at the shrine as everyone arrive. The hikiyama are about 7 meters high.113 views
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View of Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island from Mt. Odani.113 views
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The first thing we saw was this, the Kingo-maru keep, a hill. Named after Asakura Norikage (Soteki) (朝倉 教景) who was stationed here while defending the castle against Rokkaku Takayori (六角高頼) in 1525.113 views
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Head Display Stone is where Azai Sukemasa (first lord of Odani Castle) displayed the beheaded head of a traitor (Imai Hidenobu 今井秀信) among his samurai retainers in 1533. 首据石113 views
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Now here is Sakura-no-Baba or Sakura Horse Grounds. This is one of the main highlights of Odani Castle due to its scenic views.113 views
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Maruko-bune wooden boat which was a common sight on Lake Biwa in the old days before trains came to fore. Near this area was a major maruko-bune port called Oura.112 views
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Perfumed water?112 views
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A ceremony is conducted before the kabuki plays started.112 views
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They run around with the mikoshi, making a big ruckus.112 views
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The kabuki performances then started at around 10 am on one of the hikiyama floats. The kabuki performances are held as offerings to Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.112 views
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In April, numerous cherry trees around the castle in Hokoen Park bloom spectacularly. The best time to visit Nagahama Castle.112 views
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Bansho guard house site at Odani Castle. It was a security gate for castle visitors.112 views
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View of Mt. Toragozen (near Torahime Station on the JR Hokuriku Line) where Oda Nobunaga's troops were perched prior to their attack on Odani Castle in 1573.112 views
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Next to the Horse-washing Pond is a large area called the Ouma-ya or Horse Stable. It is not known if there actually was a horse stable here. This was enclosed on three sides by high earthen walls.112 views
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Illustration of Sakura-no-Baba Horse Grounds, seen on the slender terrace on the right, overlooking the Ouma-ya.112 views
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Azai Nagamasa, wife Oichi, son Manpukumaru (left), Chacha in the middle, Hatsu on the right, and Go in Oichi's arms.112 views
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Entrance to Ishida Shrine 石田神社 供養塔111 views
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Shedding real tears...111 views
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Plaque proclaiming Hokoen Park as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots.111 views
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Nagahama Kimono Garden Party in mid-Oct. in Shiga Prefecture.111 views
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Belfry surrounded by a pond110 views
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Poem about Ishida Mitsunari110 views
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Guide map to places in the area related to Ishida Mitsunari.110 views
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Ishida Mitsunari Memorial110 views
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At the end of the arrow tip is where the fish eventually gather so fisherman can just scoop up the fish. The fish don't backtrack and so they don't escape this place.110 views
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Large crowd watching kabuki by boys at Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.110 views
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Lake Yogo as seen from Yogo Station. The tree where the swan maiden hung her clothing to bathe in the lake is on the right.110 views
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In 2011, the Go and Azai Sisters Expo is publicized everywhere in Nagahama. This is the east side of Nagahama Station.110 views
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The 1,000 yen ticket includes admission to all three pavilions and roundtrip shuttle bus fare. Best to go the Odani pavilion first, then take another shuttle bus to Odani Castle.110 views
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Sign explaining about Hayasaki (Hayazaki) Naiko Biotope. It was an attached lake to Lake Biwa until it was filled in as reclaimed land in 1970.109 views
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He's such a good actor that he shed real tears.109 views
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The next kabuki play started on another hikiyama. Amazing how a boy can look so feminine.109 views
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After the kabuki play ends, they pull and turn the hikiyama float and it goes toward central Nagahama through the shopping arcade where they will perform the same play again.109 views
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The last kabuki performance was a dance rather than a play.109 views
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Swan maiden's tree. Sadly, a strong typhoon knocked down this tree and it's no longer here.109 views
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Lake Yogo's swan maiden story.109 views
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Site of the Ochaya which was right above the Bansho. It was Odani Castle's first castle keep or bailey within the castle's central area. 御茶屋跡109 views
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About the Horse Washing Pond and Horse Stable in Japanese.109 views
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We soon came to the path leading to the Akao Yashiki residence where Azai Nagamasa committed suicide in the face of defeat by Oda Nobunaga in 1573.109 views
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It's almost like Coming-of-Age Day in mid-January when 20-year-olds wear kimono to the official ceremony. But these women can be older than 20. 109 viewsI believe most of them are from Shiga, but a good number are also from nearby prefectures like Gifu, Aichi, and Kyoto. A few were foreigners, probably local English teachers. Nagahama, Shiga.
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Tree108 views
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Monument marking Ishida Mitsunari's former residence.108 views
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Nomura-bashi bus stop. Get off here to visit the Anegawa River battle site.108 views
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The Chawan Matsuri festival was unique and very, very impressive. It was great.108 views
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This hikiyama is coming through the shopping arcade.108 views
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Boys act on a boat on the boat float.108 views
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Lake Yogo green with algae in late Sept.108 views
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Azaleas blooming around the Horse Stable in May.108 views
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Toragozen-yama cherry blossoms108 views
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The bow's tip is studded.107 views
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The property is now occupied by the Ishida Kaikan public hall and monuments. 石田三成屋敷跡 石田会館107 views
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Monument marking Ishida Mitsunari's former residence.107 views
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On the other side of this Anegawa River were Oda Nobunaga's forces.107 views
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Tapestry may have a western design.107 views
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This and the following pictures were taken in another year (not in 2009).107 views
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Turning the hikiyama's wheel.107 views
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The shuttle bus leaves once or twice an hour from Nagahama Castle. It comes with a bus guide. 107 views
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Bansho guard house site107 views
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About the Bansho in Japanese.107 views
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Trail blocked off.107 views
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Site of the Ouma-ya Horse Stable. This castle keep was used to defend the castle's Honmaru keep. There was a water well in the center.107 views
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Circle of rocks in Sannomaru. Not sure what it means.107 views
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Altar for the Chikubushima Dragon God.107 views
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Most of them come with friends or with their mother. Nagahama, Shiga.107 views
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This woman was nice because she had a traditional Japanese hairstyle (Shimada style) with her real hair which is rare. 107 viewsThere are hairdressers in Japan who are trying to learn, preserve, and promote traditional Japanese hairstyles. It's quite complicated to create and you need really long hair. Nagahama, Shiga.
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Canal106 views
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Inside public hall106 views
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Giant stone lantern106 views
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Scenic point at end of trail. Notice the hut.106 views
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Jizo statue106 views
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View from the Kohoku Wild Bird Center. 106 views
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At around 9 pm when the day's final kabuki performance ends, they take out the mikoshi and parade it around the Otabisho before they carry it back to Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine.106 views
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Footwear behind a float.106 views
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The defunct Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge at the southern tip of the lake. It had a scenic view of the lake. This was a national pension with affordable prices. 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘106 viewsSadly, after 40 years in business, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities that were too expensive to repair. It has been torn down.
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JR Yogo Station platform with Lake Yogo in the background. In Sept. after the rice was harvested.106 views
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About the Ochaya in Japanese.106 views
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View from the Ouma-ya. That's Yamamoto-yama in the distance.106 views
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Pulling out the first float out of Hachiman Shrine.105 views
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