The town of Hino (日野町) in eastern Shiga Prefecture, Japan has always had an active movement to preserve or restore its traditional buildings, especially the grand homes built by Hino… Read more
Updated: April 25, 2025 Golden Week is Japan’s spring vacation from late April to early May with a string of national holidays. April 29 is Showa Day, May 3 is… Read more
Last month in September 2015, I got a sneak peek and taste of a new Japanese dining experience that will start later this month on Oct. 20 at the Omi Hino Shonin… Read more
Updated: Feb. 27, 2014 After Japan’s biggest celebration called New Year’s, it’s back to work. But there’s still some fun left during this cold or freezing season. Here are some… Read more
Here’s the fireworks (hanabi) schedule for Shiga Prefecture in summer 2013 listed by date. If you want to see the schedule for 2013 summer festivals (matsuri) instead, click here. Essential… Read more
Updated: Aug. 2, 2025 April is a great month. Soon after the onslaught of cherry blossoms, we have an onslaught of festivals (matsuri). This is the time to go out… Read more
Congratulations to Miki Ito who won the World Cup dual moguls event today (Feb. 24, 2013) in Inawashiro, Fukushima. She is from Hino, Shiga Prefecture. It is her first freestyle… Read more