During this rainy season, I’m staying at home to sort through the thousands of photos I took in Shiga during spring. Here are a few more festivals in Shiga which… Read more
Yogo town, home of Lake Yogo in northern Shiga, held an unusual festival called the Chawan Matsuri or Teacup Festival. It’s been 6 years since it was last held in… Read more
On March 29, 2009, I saw the Saio Princess Procession in Tsuchiyama, Koka (あいの土山斎王群行). It was very nice. The Saio princess was an unmarried, young Imperial princess, often the Emperor’s… Read more
Cherry blossoms at most of the major spots in Shiga are now in full bloom, as of April 7-8. Otsu, Hikone, Nagahama, Yasu, etc., are in full bloom. Only the… Read more
Video link: http://youtu.be/xeFw0Ld-NaU On Sun., May 25, I went to see the Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival. I got there after 1 pm, just when they were preparing to fly the giant… Read more
On May 27, 2007, I went to see the annual Yokaichi Odako Matsuri or Giant Kite Festival. Slightly past noon, they launched the first flight of the giant kite. What… Read more
Hino-cho will hold the Hino Matsuri on May 3. It is a parade of beautiful Hikiyama floats. I went last year and was very impressed. I will miss it this… Read more
Last weekend during March 17-18, 2007 (Year of the Boar), I saw the Sagicho Festival in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. It was great! I was very impressed by the colorful Sagicho floats… Read more