{"id":2665,"date":"2013-10-30T22:04:13","date_gmt":"2013-10-30T13:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/?p=2665"},"modified":"2018-01-29T21:07:16","modified_gmt":"2018-01-29T12:07:16","slug":"autumn-festivals-and-foliage-november-2013-in-shiga-prefecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2013\/10\/autumn-festivals-and-foliage-november-2013-in-shiga-prefecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn festivals and foliage November 2013 in Shiga Prefecture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recommended festivals, events, exhibitions, and autumn leaves in Shiga Prefecture in November 2013. (Most official Web sites are in Japanese only.) Compiled by Philbert Ono.<\/p>\n

\"20131027-8443\"<\/a>
Kunimasu trout at Lake Biwa Museum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oct. 26 – November 24, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Kunimasu Trout Special Exhibit<\/strong>, Lake Biwa Museum<\/a>, Kusatsu<\/a>, 9:30 am \u2013 5:00 pm
\nA special and rare exhibit\u00a0(the first in western Japan) of live\u00a0kunimasu<\/em> trout (Oncorhynchus kawamurae or black kokanee), previously thought to have gone extinct in the 1940s. Kunimasu was an endemic fish found only in Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture, but became extinct (along with most other fish species in the lake) in the 1940s when the water became too acidic. The acidic water came from nearby Tamagawa hot springs. In 1940, they allowed the hot spring’s highly acidic water to flow into the lake for a hydroelectric power plant and for diluting the hot spring’s acidity. The war effort was Japan’s top priority at the time, and they didn’t care about the environment and some fish becoming extinct. A far cry from today. The lake still has not fully recovered from its acidic water.<\/p>\n

In 1930, kunimasu fish eggs were sent to a number of lakes in Nagano, Yamanashi, and Toyama Prefectures as an experiment to see if they could be hatched and bred artificially. Sending fish eggs to other places was done to increase stocks of food fish. In 1935, the eggs were sent to Lake Saiko and Lake Motosu near Mt. Fuji and even to Shiga Prefecture’s Samegai Trout Farm in Maibara. The hatching experiment was deemed to have failed since no kunimasu were ever caught outside Lake Tazawa. In 1997-98, the Lake Tazawa Tourist Association offered a 5 million yen cash reward for any kunimasu caught in Japan. But no luck.<\/p>\n

Then in 2010, Kyoto University professor Nakabo Tetsuji (\u4e2d\u574a \u5fb9\u6b21) requested a fish fanatic celebrity and illustrator, nicknamed Sakana-kun<\/a>, to draw an illustration of a kunimasu. To help him draw this “extinct” fish, Sakana-kun had people send him specimens of himemasu<\/em> (Oncorhynchus nerka or kokanee) which is a close relative of kunimasu. Then one fish sent from Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture caught Sakana-kun’s attention since it looked like kunimasu. He sent it to Professor Nakabo who examined and checked the DNA. He and his research team confirmed it to be kunimasu in mid-December 2010. They announced the find to the press and it was Japan’s fish story of the century.<\/p>\n

It turned out that fishermen at Lake Saiko had been catching kunimasu all along, but called it kuromasu<\/em> because it turned black (kuro means “black”) before spawning. It was relatively common to catch even among sport fishermen. People who dared to eat the black fish found it to be very delicious. Lake Saiko now retricts fishing in areas where the deep-water kunimasu is thought to dwell. And Lake Tazawa is working to cleanse its acidic water to allow kunimasu back to its original home.<\/p>\n

Five artificially-hatched kunimasu are displayed in the Lake Biwa Museum aquarium’s special exhibition room. Museum admission for adults is 750 yen (kids free), but it will be free for all on Nov. 16-17 as part of Kansai Culture Day<\/a> when most museums in Shiga and neighboring prefectures will be free.<\/p>\n

By train, get off at JR Kusatsu Station<\/a> on the Tokaido\/Biwako Line. Get out the Nishi-guchi west exit and wait at bus stop 2. Take the bus going to Karasuma Hanto (peninsula) and get off at Biwako Hakubutsukan (\u7435\u7436\u6e56\u535a\u7269\u9928). About 25 min. Buses run about twice an hour on weekends and once an hour on weekdays. Bus fare 420 yen. Bus schedule here<\/a>.\u00a0Google Map<\/a>
\n\u7435\u7436\u6e56\u535a\u7269\u9928 \u3088\u307f\u304c\u3048\u3063\u305f\u9b5a\u3000\u30af\u30cb\u30de\u30b9
\nhttp:\/\/www.lbm.go.jp\/tenji\/ex_suizoku\/s_topic_131026_kunimasu.html<\/a><\/p>\n

\"dotaku2013\"<\/a>
Japan’s largest dotaku bell in Yasu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

October 5-Nov. 24, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Homecoming Exhibition for Japan’s Largest Bronze Bell and Yayoi no Mori Foliage Illumination<\/strong>, Dotaku Bronze Bell Museum<\/a> (Yasu Folk History Museum) (Yasu Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan \u9285\u9438\u535a\u7269\u9928 \u91ce\u6d32\u5e02\u6b74\u53f2\u6c11\u4fd7\u535a\u7269\u9928), Yasu, 9:00 am \u2013 5:00 pm (till 9 pm on Nov. 16-17), closed Oct. 15 and Nov. 5
\nYayoi no Mori Foliage Illumination<\/a><\/strong> on Nov. 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 at 5:45 pm – 9 pm (enter by 8:30 pm).
\nA very special and rare exhibit of Japan’s largest ancient bronze bell (called dotaku) found near the museum in Yasu<\/a>. The bell, designated as an Important Cultural Property, is owned by the Tokyo National Museum where it is normally exhibited. This is the first time this bell will be exhibited in its hometown of Yasu since it was unearthed in 1881. A smaller dotaku on loan from the Tokyo National Museum and numerous replica dotaku bells are also on display.<\/p>\n

On Aug. 20, 1881, two young lads were playing on nearby Mt. Oiwa when they stumbled across three dotaku bells partially exposed in the ground. The next day, eleven more dotaku were discovered in the same area. The bells are dated from around 100 BC to 300 AD (Japan’s Yayoi Period). The bells were not really used as bells. They were more for decorative and religious purposes. Two of the dotaku were acquired by the Tokyo National Museum<\/a>. The remaining dotaku were scattered among various people. Their whereabouts were unknown until an investigation found 12 of them at temples and Japanese and overseas museums. It’s frustrating that none of the original dotaku discovered in Yasu are in Yasu. Another case of bungling and ineptness by local officials who couldn’t recognize a good thing when they saw it. Near the museum, there’s a monument where the large bell was found. Yasu’s official mascot, Dotaku-kun<\/a>, is modeled after this bell.<\/p>\n

Also, the museum has Yayoi no Mori, an outdoor display of Yayoi-Period grass shacks and garden of autumn foliage that will be illuminated in the evening on the days listed above. The museum will also be open till 9 pm on Nov. 16-17.\u00a0Museum admission 200 yen for adults. Free admission for Yasu residents and free for all on Nov. 16-17 for Kansai Culture Day.<\/p>\n

From JR Yasu Station’s<\/a> South exit (Minami-guchi), take a bus going to Karyoku Koen (\u82b1\u7dd1\u516c\u5712) or Murata Seisakusho (via Nishi Gate \u897f\u30b2\u30fc\u30c8\u7d4c\u7531 \u6751\u7530\u88fd\u4f5c\u6240\u884c\u304d) and get off at Dotaku Hakubutsukan-mae (\u9285\u9438\u535a\u7269\u9928\u524d). Bus ride is only a few minutes. From bus stop, cross the road to get to the museum. The bus stop to go back to Yasu Station is up the slope on the other side of the road where you got off. You can ask the museum about the bus times to go back. Buses run infrequently. Bus schedule for weekdays<\/a>,\u00a0Sat.<\/a>\u00a0and Sun.<\/a> here. Or 10 min. by taxi.\u00a0Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n

\u9285\u9438\uff0d\u65e5\u672c\u6700\u5927\u9285\u9438\u306e\u91cc\u5e30\u308a\uff0d
\nhttp:\/\/www.city.yasu.lg.jp\/doc\/kyouikubu\/hakubutukan\/2013doutaku.html<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hikone<\/a>
Hikone Castle Festival Parade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 3, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666\u00a0Little Edo Hikone Castle Festival Parade<\/a><\/strong>, Hikone Castle<\/a>, 1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm
\nVery elaborate costume parade of mainly kids dressed as samurai and Edo-Period ladies. Highlights include the Hikone Gun Battalion giving a\u00a0matchlock gun demo<\/a>\u00a0(in front of Horse Stable), Ii Naosuke played by an actor on horseback, fireman acrobatics, and Sarugaku dancers. The parade route starts from Joto Elementary School and proceeds along the road to the castle and passes in front of the Umaya Horse Stable. Video here<\/a>. Short walk from JR Hikone Station<\/a>.\u00a0Google Map<\/a>
\n\u5c0f\u6c5f\u6238\u5f66\u6839\u306e\u57ce\u307e\u3064\u308a\u30d1\u30ec\u30fc\u30c9
\nhttp:\/\/www.city.hikone.shiga.jp\/kanko\/event\/event111103.html<\/a><\/p>\n

November 3, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Omi Jingu Shrine Yabusame Horseback Archery<\/strong>, Otsu<\/a>, 12:30 pm \u2013 2:00 pm
\nOne of Shiga’s largest shrines,\u00a0Omi Jingu<\/a>\u00a0will hold horseback archery on this national holiday known as Culture Day. The festival starts with a ceremony at 12:30 pm and the archery begins at 1 pm along the main path. Reserved seating is also available for 500 yen. Call the shrine at 077-522-3725 to make reservations. Otherwise, get there early to get a good spot. The shrine is also famous for clocks and karuta tournaments. Near Omi Jingu-mae Station<\/a> on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line.\u00a0Google Map<\/a>
\n\u8fd1\u6c5f\u795e\u5bae\u6d41\u93d1\u99ac\u795e\u4e8b
\nhttp:\/\/oumijingu.org\/publics\/index\/134\/<\/a><\/p>\n

November 9, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Traditional Fireworks Summit in Koka<\/strong>, Koka-shi Minakuchi Sports No Mori (soccer field), 5:00 pm
\nAwesome display of ground fireworks from masters all over Japan. If seeing fireworks in summer is too hot for you, this would be good. Free admission.
\n20-min. walk from Minakuchi Jonan Station<\/a> on the Ohmi Railways. Or from Kibukawa Station<\/a>, take the Heart bus and get off at Sports no Mori.\u00a0Google Map<\/a>
\n\u7b2c14\u56de\u5168\u56fd\u4f1d\u7d71\u82b1\u706b\u30b5\u30df\u30c3\u30c8in\u7532\u8cc0
\nhttp:\/\/www.koka-kanko.org\/res\/?evid=325<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hiyoshi Taisha torii lit up in autumn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 10-December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine<\/a> Maple Festival Light-up<\/strong>, Otsu<\/a>
\nHiyoshi 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). The spacious grounds includes two shrines that are National Treasures and\u00a03,000 maple trees lit up at night 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm during this period. Even the green leaves look great against the dark sky. Highly recommended if you’re in that part of the city. Near Hiezan Sakamoto Station<\/a> on the JR Kosei Line and Keihan Line’s Sakamoto Station<\/a>.\u00a0Google Map<\/a>
\n\u3082\u307f\u3058\u796d
\nhttp:\/\/hiyoshitaisha.jp\/event\/momiji\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Kongorinji\"<\/a>
Kongorinji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 16-December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Koto Sanzan Temple Trio autumn foliage<\/strong>, Kora<\/a>, Aisho<\/a>, and Higashi-Omi<\/a>
\nKoto Sanzan (\u6e56\u6771\u4e09\u5c71) is a trio of large Tendai Buddhist temples in eastern Shiga: Saimyoji<\/a> (\u897f\u660e\u5bfa) in Kora, Kongorinji<\/a> (\u91d1\u525b\u8f2a\u5bfa) in Aisho, and Hyakusaiji<\/a> (\u767e\u6e08\u5bfa) in Higashi-Omi. They are famous for autumn leaves and structures that are National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. Each temple also has its own unique characteristics. Saimyoji has a National Treasure Hondo worship hall and National Treasure pagoda that you can enter. It’s also deservedly one of Japan’s 100 Grand Autumn Foliage Sites<\/a>. Kongorinji has many little Jizo statues and\u00a0a National Treasure Hondo main hall housing an 11-faced Kannon statue and 13 other statues that are Important Cultural Properties. Hyakusaiji is famous for giant straw sandals on a gate and a Japanese garden.\u00a0Established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, Hyakusaiji\u00a0is Shiga Prefecture’s oldest temple and one of Japan’s oldest.\u00a0The Hondo temple hall has an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi, a prince credited with spreading Buddhism in Japan.<\/p>\n

During this period, convenient shuttle buses (Koto Sanzan Shuttle Bus) run every day between these three temples and a few train stations. The shuttle buses run most frequently from north to south, that is, from Saimyoji to Kongorinji and then to Hyakusaiji. Board the shuttle bus at JR Kawase Station<\/a> or Ohmi Railways Amago Station<\/a>. The bus will stop at Saimyoji first. Check the bus stop for bus departure times. After touring Saimyoji, catch another shuttle bus to the next temple, Kongorinji, and then Hyakusaiji. Shuttle buses also run from Hyakusaiji to Eigenji (listed below), another temple famous for foliage. From Hyakusaiji and Eigenji, buses go to Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station<\/a>. Buses depart once or twice an hour from 9:10 am at Kawase Station and 9:20 am at Amago Station. From Hyakusaiji, the last shuttle bus leaves at 4:35 pm for Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station arriving at 5 pm. Or you can catch the 5 pm shuttle bus for Amago Station (arrive 5:46 pm) or Kawase Station (arrive 5:56 pm).<\/p>\n

If you want to go from south to north, catch the shuttle bus at Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station at 9:35 am and get off at Hyakusaiji. From Saimyoji, the last shuttle bus leaves at 5:33 pm for Ohmi Railways Amago Station and JR Kawase Station. Buses also run between Ohmi Railways Taga Taisha-mae Station<\/a> and Saimyoji. See the bus schedule here<\/a> (in Japanese).
\nBus fare is 200 yen per ride which is only 10-20 min. They also offer a day pass called Momiji kippu<\/em>\u00a0(Maple ticket) for 1,650 yen. This day pass includes passage on all Koto Sanzan shuttle buses and all Ohmi Railways trains. A good deal if you plan to ride on Ohmi Railways. Each temple also charges admission of 500 yen. Note that if you like to take your time, you might not be able to see all three temples in one day.
\nSaimyoji Map<\/a>\u00a0| Kongorinji Map<\/a> | Hyakusaiji Map<\/a>
\n\u79cb\u306e\u6e56\u6771\u4e09\u5c71
\nhttp:\/\/www.ohmitetudo.co.jp\/bus\/event\/2013\/kotoushuttle\/images\/kouyou.pdf<\/a>
\nOfficial sites:\u00a0Saimyoji<\/a> | Kongorinji<\/a> | Hyakusaiji<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Eigenji\"<\/a>
Eigenji in autumn. Hondo on right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 9-30, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Eigenji Temple Autumn Foliage<\/a> and Light-up<\/strong>, Higashi-Omi<\/a>, 5:00 pm \u2013 8:30 pm for light-up
\nAlthough this temple is not one of the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio, it’s also famous for autumn leaves with 3,000 maple trees. Along with Saimyoji, Eigenji is also one of Japan’s 100 Grand Autumn Foliage Sites<\/a>. Established in 1361, Eigenji belongs to the Zen Rinzai Buddhist Sect (Eigenji School). Since it’s a different sect, Eigenji is not a member of the Koto Sanzan trio of Tendai Sect temples.\u00a0Impressive during the day, but also beautiful at night when the leaves are illuminated along with the walking paths. Admission 500 yen.<\/p>\n

From Ohmi Railways Yokaichi Station<\/a>, go to Bus stop 1 and take the bus going to Eigenji Shako (\u6c38\u6e90\u5bfa\u8eca\u5eab) and get off at Eigenji-mae (\u6c38\u6e90\u5bfa\u524d).\u00a0Takes about 35 min. Bus schedule from Yokaichi Station on weekdays<\/a> | Saturday<\/a> | Sunday<\/a>. Note that from Eigenji-mae, the last bus for Yokaichi Station leaves at 7:26 pm on Sat.\/Sun. and 8:27 pm on weekdays. Shuttle buses from Hyakusaiji also run to Eigenji during Nov. 16-Dec. 1. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u6c38\u6e90\u5bfa \u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nhttp:\/\/eigenji-t.jp<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hyozu<\/a>
Hyozu Taisha Shrine in autumn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Hyozu Taisha Shrine<\/a> Garden Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Yasu<\/a>, 5:45 pm \u2013 9:00 pm
\nEstablished in 717 (Nara Period), Hyozu Taisha Shrine<\/a> has a noted Japanese garden with a pond ringed by small rolling hills and autumn leaves. The fall leaves certainly look colorful and impressive when illuminated in the evenings and reflected in the pond. Mini concerts will be held during the foliage illumination in the evenings.<\/p>\n

A short bus ride from JR Yasu Station’s<\/a> North Exit (Kita-guchi). Take the Yoshikawa Line (going to Nishi Kawahara 2-chome \u897f\u6cb3\u539f\uff12\u4e01\u76ee or Ayame-hama \u3042\u3084\u3081\u6d5c) and get off at Hyozu Taisha \u5175\u4e3b\u5927\u793e. Buses are infrequent (schedule here<\/a>). The last bus leaving Hyozu Taisha for Yasu Station leaves at 9:02 pm on weekdays and 7:17 pm on Sat.\/Sun. Or take a taxi (costing about 2,000 yen from Yasu Station). Google Map<\/a>
\n\u5175\u4e3b\u5927\u793e\u5ead\u5712\u7d05\u8449\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7<\/p>\n

\"Genkyuen\"<\/a>
Genkyuen autumn foliage light-up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 15-December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Genkyuen Garden<\/a> Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Hikone<\/a>, 6:00 pm \u2013 9:00 pm (enter by 8:30 pm)
\nAdjacent to Hikone Castle, Genkyuen<\/a> was built as a castle garden in 1677 by Ii Naooki, the fourth lord of Hikone Castle<\/a>. I would call this Shiga’s best place to view autumn foliage illumination. The pond’s reflection of the colorful autumn leaves at night doubles the impact. Hikone Castle in the background is also lit up for a perfect night scene. Reminds me of a master painter using a black canvas. Admission 500 yen. Short walk from JR Hikone Station<\/a>. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u9326\u79cb\u306e\u7384\u5bae\u5712\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nhttp:\/\/www.hikoneshi.com\/jp\/event\/articles\/c\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chojuji in autumn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 16-December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Konan Sanzan Temple Trio Tour<\/strong>, Konan<\/a>, all day
\nNot to be confused with Koto Sanzan, Konan Sanzan is a trio of Tendai Buddhist temples in the city of Konan. A small city like Konan is lucky to have as many as four National-Treasure structures at the three Konan Sanzan temples. Like Koto Sanzan, Konan Sanzan temples are also noted for autumn leaves. During this period, a convenient shuttle bus plies between the temples and train stations.<\/p>\n

The temples are Jorakuji<\/a> \u5e38\u697d\u5bfa, Chojuji<\/a> \u9577\u5bff\u5bfa, and Zensuiji<\/a> \u5584\u6c34\u6642. Jorakuji has not one, but two buildings that are National Treasures: the Hondo main hall and three-story pagoda. Chojuji means, “Long Life Temple,” and its small, but distinctive Hondo hall is a National Treasure. Zensuiji has the largest and most impressive Hondo hall (National Treasure) bearing elegant roof lines. Not to be missed by architectural buffs. The three temples are all in quiet, rural neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

One thing you have to understand is that two of the temples (Jorakuji and Chojuji) are on one side of the train tracks and the third temple (Zensuiji) is farther away on the other side of the tracks. So there are two separate bus routes going to the three temples and there’s a train ride between Jorakuji\/Chojuji and Zensuiji.<\/p>\n

The Konan Community bus called Meguri-kun<\/em> runs from JR Ishibe Station<\/a> (JR Kusatsu Line) to Jorakuji and Chojuji once an hour from 8:24 am to 3:45 pm. From Jorakuji, you can take the bus to Chojuji. From Chojuji, take the bus back to JR Ishibe Station and catch the train to JR Kosei Station one stop away. From JR Kosei Station<\/a>, take the bus to Zensuiji. The last bus leaves Zensuiji at 5:17 pm for JR Kosei Station. You can also tour the temples in reverse order, starting with Zensuiji. In the morning, buses leave JR Kosei Station (north exit kita-guchi) for Zensuiji at 8:28 am, 9:20 am, 9:30 am, 10:15 am, and 11:25 am. Bus schedule here<\/a>. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u6e56\u5357\u4e09\u5c71\u3081\u3050\u308a
\nhttp:\/\/www.burari-konan.jp\/konan3zan\/<\/a><\/p>\n

November 16-December 8, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Kyorinbo Garden Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Azuchi, Omi-Hachiman<\/a>, 5:00 pm \u2013 9:00 pm
\nBeautiful Japanese garden designed by Kobori Enshu. Part of a temple at the foot of Mt. Kinugasa. Autumn foliage at night is reputed to be most beautiful. Of course, you can also go during the day. Tripods\/monopods not allowed. The garden is usually open only on weekends and holidays, but it will be open every day during Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Admission 500 yen. From JR Azuchi Station<\/a>, take a taxi for 10-min. ride. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u77f3\u306e\u5bfa\u3000\u6559\u6797\u574a \u7d05\u8449\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nhttp:\/\/www.d1.dion.ne.jp\/~marche\/kyourinbou\/<\/a><\/p>\n

December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Tonda Ningyo Bunraku Puppet Show<\/strong>, Lute Plaza, Nagahama<\/a>, 1:30 pm
\nThe famous Tonda Ningyo Bunraku puppet troupe will perform three acts. Admission 1,200 yen at the door.
\nAt JR Nagahama Station<\/a>, go to Bus stop 1 and take the bus at 12:27 pm going to Nagahama Shiyakusho Azai-shisho-mae (\u9577\u6d5c\u5e02\u5f79\u6240\u6d45\u4e95\u652f\u6240\u524d) and get off at Biwa Shisho-mae (\u3073\u308f\u652f\u6240\u524d). Takes about 20 min. Only three buses go there on Sunday. Or take a taxi if you’re rich or going with friends. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u4eba\u5f62\u6d44\u7460\u7483\u300c\u51a8\u7530\u4eba\u5f62\u300d
\nhttp:\/\/kitabiwako.jp\/event\/event_7133\/?month=2013\/12&area=nagahama<\/a><\/p>\n

December 1, 2013<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Tarobogu Shrine Fire Festival<\/strong>, Higashi-Omi, Noon \u2013 4:00 pm
\nHeld annually on the first Sunday of December, the Tarobo Shrine Fire Festival burns a big pile of 100,000 wooden prayer tablets called goma<\/em>\u00a0(\u8b77\u6469) collected from believers all over Japan. The tablet is written with the believer’s name, address, and prayer wish. The fire burns as a prayer for family health and safety. After the fire settles down, barefoot priests walk over the hot ashes. Very dramatic festival (photo here<\/a>).
\nShort walk from Ohmi Railways Tarobogu-mae Station<\/a>. Google Map<\/a>
\n\u592a\u90ce\u574a\u5bae\u304a\u706b\u711a\u5927\u796d
\nhttp:\/\/www1.ocn.ne.jp\/~tarobo\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recommended festivals, events, exhibitions, and autumn leaves in Shiga Prefecture in November 2013. (Most official Web sites are in Japanese only.) Compiled by Philbert Ono. Oct. 26 – November 24, 2013 \u2666 Kunimasu Trout Special Exhibit, Lake Biwa Museum, Kusatsu,… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,47,6,7,12,13,14,15,18,20,21,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aisho","category-autumn","category-higashiomi","category-hikone","category-koka","category-konan","category-kora","category-kusatsu","category-nagahama","category-omihachiman","category-otsu","category-yasu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2665"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6339,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665\/revisions\/6339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}