{"id":4901,"date":"2017-04-29T04:36:18","date_gmt":"2017-04-28T19:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/?p=4901"},"modified":"2025-04-26T12:31:29","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T03:31:29","slug":"videos-of-golden-week-festivals-in-shiga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2017\/04\/videos-of-golden-week-festivals-in-shiga\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring and Golden Week festivals in Shiga"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Updated: April 25, 202<\/em>5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Golden Week<\/strong> is Japan&#8217;s spring vacation from late April to early May with a string of national holidays. April 29 is Showa Day, May 3 is Constitution Day, May 4 Greenery Day, and May 5 Children&#8217;s Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&nbsp;is prime time for <em>matsuri<\/em> festivals in Japan and Shiga has a load of them.&nbsp;There are so many <em>matsuri<\/em> in Shiga during this time that it took me at least 4 or 5 years to see most of them because many are held at the same time. You really have to decide which one to see. In 2024, it will be the first Golden Week since Japan fully reopened to tourists from overseas. The favorable currency exchange rate is also attracting many tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a list of&nbsp;spring and Golden Week festivals&nbsp;in Shiga I recommend. A wide variety for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#hiki\">April 13\u201316 (Main day 15th): Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sanno\">April 12-15: Sanno-sai Festival<\/a>, Otsu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hachi\">April 14: Hachiman Matsuri<\/a>, Omi-Hachiman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#taga\">April 22: Taga Matsuri<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#kusatsu\">April 27: Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sakata\">April 29: Sakata Shinmeigu Yakko-buri Procession<\/a>, Maibara<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#kaizu\">April 29 (canceled in 2023): Kaizu Rikishi Matsuri<\/a>, Takashima<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hino\">May 3: Hino Matsuri<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#taki\">May 3: Taki Shrine Kenketo Odori<\/a>, Tsuchiyama, Koka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#kenketo\">May 3: Kenketo Festival<\/a>, Ryuo and Higashi-Omi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#shichikawa\">May 4: Shichikawa Matsuri<\/a>, Takashima<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#omizo\">May 4: Omizo Matsuri<\/a>, Takashima<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#iba\">May 4: Iba-no-saka-kudashi Matsuri<\/a>, Higashi-Omi,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#shinoda\">May 4: Shinoda Fireworks<\/a>, Omi-Hachiman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#misaki\">May 4: Misaki Shrine Fire Festival<\/a>, Aisho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#nyu\">May 4 (once every several years, not in 2023): Nyu Chawan Matsuri<\/a>, Yogo Nagahama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#hyozu\">May 5: Hyozu Matsuri<\/a>, Yasu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sushi\">May 5: Sushi-kiri Matsuri<\/a>, Moriyama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#naginata\">May 5: Naginata Odori Matsuri<\/a>, Moriyama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sekku\">May 5: Sekku Matsuri Festival<\/a>, Ryuo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#odako\">Last Sun. in May (currently suspended): Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival<\/a>, Higashi-Omi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#vories\">April 29\u2013May 7, 2023: Vories Architecture Tour<\/a>, Omi-Hachiman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#byobu\">April 20\u2013May 16, 2023: Hikone Byobu folding screen<\/a> exhibition, Hikone Castle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"hiki\"><strong>April 13\u201316 (Main day 15th):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=9\">Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri<\/a> (\u9577\u6d5c\u66f3\u5c71\u796d), Nagahama Hachiman Shrine, <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Nagahama,_Shiga\">Nagahama<\/a><br>Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri gained international recognition in Dec. 2016 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity being one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;33 \u201c<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.unesco.org\/culture\/ich\/en\/RL\/yama-hoko-yatai-float-festivals-in-japan-01059\" target=\"_blank\">Yama, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals in Japan<\/a>.\u201d The festival&#8217;s main attraction is child kabuki performed on four ornate floats (<em>hikiyama<\/em>) having a small stage. The authentic kabuki plays are performed by grade school boys.  They undergo weeks-long rigorous training in voice and acting to put on a kabuki play during the festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you cannot understand what they are saying, just looking at their makeup, costumes, and acting will delight. The kabuki performances start at the shrine at 9:45 am and end at around 2 pm. Then the floats are pulled to other spots across&nbsp;central Nagahama (Otemon-dori shopping arcade) where the boys perform again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the evening, all the floats gather at the Otabisho rest place across town (near Hokoku Shrine) for more revelry until 9:30 pm when it ends. Although it gets crowded in front of the float, you can usually see the kabuki actors because they are elevated on the float. Although April 15 is the main festival day, they also have other festival events on adjacent days and kabuki is performed on April 13, 14, 15, and 16 as well. <a href=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2018\/03\/nagahama-hikiyama-matsuri-festival-schedule-2\/\">Festival and more info<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PJiBtIR6Zak\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/nagahama-hikiyama.or.jp\/presently\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/gqlRs\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri in English! \u9577\u6d5c\u66f3\u5c71\u796d 2016\u5e74\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3zYuarHUHXs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/3zYuarHUHXs\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/3zYuarHUHXs<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"sanno\"><strong>April 12-15:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=11\">Sanno-sai Festival<\/a> (\u5c71\u738b\u796d), Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Otsu,_Shiga\">Otsu<\/a><br>Held by Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in western Otsu at the foot of Mt. Hiei. This is perhaps Shiga Prefecture&#8217;s largest festival in terms of participants and the number of events. Held over a few days, you can see diverse events and rituals like an evening torch procession, thunderous rocking of portable shrines, and even a boat procession on the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing I like is the joint cooperation of Shinto and Buddhist priests in the ceremonies. You can see and hear both Shinto priests and Tendai Buddhist priests from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=111\">Enryakuji temple<\/a> praying or chanting at the same ceremony during the festival.&nbsp;So it&#8217;s not entirely a Shinto festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine was historically affiliated with Enryakuji&nbsp;temple until the state required that Shinto and Buddhism be separate organizations. It&#8217;s up to you to decide which day and what time to see the festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click on the link above to see my photos of the festival (taken on April 13-15) to decide what you want to see. I saw and photographed all the major festival events except on the first day when they brought down the portable shrine from a low mountain. If it&#8217;s one festival that wore me out after three days, it&#8217;s this one. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=waDS12Umx5E\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/hiyoshitaisha.jp\/event\/sannou\/\" target=\"_blank\">Website<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/JOeqn\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hiyoshi Taisha Sanno-sai Festival Part 1\/2 \u5c71\u738b\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZwaS6fxHhb0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZwaS6fxHhb0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZwaS6fxHhb0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hiyoshi Taisha Sanno-sai Festival Part 2\/2 \u5c71\u738b\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/waDS12Umx5E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/waDS12Umx5E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/waDS12Umx5E<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"hachi\"><strong>April 14:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=755\">Hachiman Matsuri<\/a> (\u516b\u5e61\u307e\u3064\u308a), Himure Hachimangu Shrine, <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Omihachiman,_Shiga\">Omi-Hachiman<\/a><br>Shiga&#8217;s biggest fire festival featuring several tall straw torches (as high as 10 meters) that are lit from 8 pm. If you have time during the day, you should come and look at the torches which are great works of art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The festival is prayer for an abundant harvest. They light the torches one by one. This festival is usually billed together with the <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=150\">Sagicho Matsuri<\/a> another fire festival held in March. Sagicho Matsuri is still my favorite festival in Omi-Hachiman.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VcPg0WcY0Gs&amp;feature=player_embedded\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omi8.com\/omihachiman\/festival\/hachiman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/ugN0W\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hachiman Matsuri 2011 \u516b\u5e61\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VcPg0WcY0Gs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VcPg0WcY0Gs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/VcPg0WcY0Gs<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"taga\"><strong>April 22:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=36\">Taga Matsuri<\/a> (\u591a\u8cc0\u307e\u3064\u308a), Taga Taisha Shrine, Taga<br>If you like horses and traditional costumes, see this festival. They have a long procession featuring Shinto priests, children in costume, women warriors, and more people on 40 horses. A total of 500 people are in the procession. This festival has been held since the Kamakura Period () as a prayer for rich harvests in the coming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a morning procession leaving Taga Taisha at 10:30 am for Totonomiya Shrine deep in Taga&#8217;s countryside arriving at 11:30 am and leaving at 1 pm, and an afternoon (main) procession leaving Taga Taisha at 2 pm for the Otabisho rest place, a short distance away from Taga Taisha. Walkable from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Taga_Taisha-mae_Station\">Taga Taisha-mae Station<\/a>. Total procession walk is about 10 km.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M_Gg3rMEex4\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tagataisya.or.jp\/event\/%E5%8F%A4%E4%BE%8B%E5%A4%A7%E7%A5%AD%EF%BC%88%E3%81%93%E3%82%8C%E3%81%84%E3%81%9F%E3%81%84%E3%81%95%E3%81%84%EF%BC%89%EF%BC%BB%E5%A4%9A%E8%B3%80%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A4%E3%82%8A%EF%BC%BD\/\" target=\"_blank\">Website<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/IGgq3\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Taga Matsuri Festival \u591a\u8cc0\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/M_Gg3rMEex4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/M_Gg3rMEex4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/M_Gg3rMEex4<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"kusatsu\"><strong>April 27 (Sun.) from 10 am to 3 pm:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=359\">Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri<\/a>\u00a0(\u8349\u6d25\u5bbf\u5834\u307e\u3064\u308a) celebrates <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Kusatsu,_Shiga\">Kusatsu&#8217;s<\/a> history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street &amp; stage performances, and Japanese dances on the riverside park. The main highlight is the <em>Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu<\/em> mini procession of people dressed in historical costumes from 11:00 am along the old Tokaido Road from Kusatsu Riverbank Park Deai Hiroba (\u8349\u6d25\u5ddd\u8de1\u5730\u516c\u5712de\u611b\u3072\u308d\u3070) to the Oiwake road marker (\u8ffd\u5206\u9053\u6a19). They will parade on the road in front of the <em>Kusatsu Honjin<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/dq8mwQZXAzoUgAKs7\">route map here<\/a>). Near <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Kusatsu_Station\">JR Kusatsu Station<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=359\">Photos<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.932matsuri.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Official site<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/LrWqc6\">Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga \u8349\u6d25\u5bbf\u5834\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CzLvxfAJkQc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/CzLvxfAJkQc\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/CzLvxfAJkQc<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"sakata\"><strong>April 29:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=800\">Sakata Shinmeigu Keri Yakko-buri Procession<\/a> (\u5742\u7530\u795e\u660e\u5bae\u306e\u8e74\u308a\u5974\u632f\u308a), <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Maibara,_Shiga\">Maibara<\/a><br>This reenacts the procession of Lord Ii Naonobu from Hikone when he came to worship at Sakata Shinmeigu Shrine (\u5742\u7530\u795e\u660e\u5bae) in 1733 in Maibara. The <em>yakko<\/em> men walk with a stylized, kicking action (<em>keri<\/em>). <em>Yakko<\/em> are samurai laborers. It starts with a Shinto ceremony at 1 p.m. which includes dancing by shrine maidens. The procession starts\u00a0at 2 p.m. at Sakata\u00a0Shinmeigu Shrine near <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Sakata_Station\">JR Sakata Station<\/a> (Hokuriku Line). <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=800\">Photos<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.city.maibara.lg.jp\/soshiki\/keizai_kankyo\/shoko_kanko\/kanko_info\/spot\/saiji\/3501.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/DKYHhJ\">Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sakata Shinmeigu Yakko-buri Procession in Maibara \u5742\u7530\u795e\u660e\u5bae\u306e\u8e74\u308a\u5974\u632f\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xYQujzeDO8o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xYQujzeDO8o\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/xYQujzeDO8o<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"kaizu\"><strong>April 29:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=140\">Kaizu Rikishi Matsuri<\/a>&nbsp;(\u6d77\u6d25\u529b\u58eb\u307e\u3064\u308a) features men dressed as sumo wrestlers (rikishi) carrying two mikoshi portable shrines around their respective lakeside neighborhoods near <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Makino_Station\">JR Makino Station<\/a>&nbsp;in northern <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Takashima,_Shiga\">Takashima<\/a>. They wear <em>kesho mawashi <\/em>ceremonial aprons. They jostle the mikoshi during the day from 1 pm to 3 pm, and then from 5 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At around 8 pm, they proceed to Kaizuten Jinja Shrine (\u6d77\u6d25\u5929\u795e\u793e) for the festival climax with lit torches. They carry and jostle the portable shrines. Be aware that the festival goes on until after 10 pm which may be past your last train home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, if you&#8217;re walking back to Makino Station from the shrine, be careful as part of the highway has no sidewalk. Bring a flashlight (or lit-up smartphone) so the cars (and big trucks) can see you on the road at night. Otherwise, it&#8217;s very hazardous.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=140\">Photos<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/takashima-kanko.jp\/spot\/2018\/06\/post_131.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/CrjEX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kaizu Rikishi Matsuri Festival \u6d77\u6d25\u529b\u58eb\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/86wY3dOgLEw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/86wY3dOgLEw\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/86wY3dOgLEw<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"hino\"><strong>May 3:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=324\">Hino Matsuri<\/a>&nbsp;(\u65e5\u91ce\u796d) in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Hino-cho,_Shiga\">Hino<\/a> is the largest festival in eastern Shiga Prefecture and one of Shiga&#8217;s grandest float festivals. Sixteen ornate floats and three portable shrines are paraded through the streets and gather at <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=325\">Umamioka Watamuki Shrine<\/a> amid festival music of flutes and taiko drums. It&#8217;s all day long from morning till late afternoon when the floats leave the shrine. The three portable shrines are taken across town to the Otabisho and back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also hold a festival eve on the evening of May 2. Buses run from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Hino_Station\">Hino Station<\/a> to Umamioka Watamuki Shrine.&nbsp;If you have time, I also highly recommend taking the bus from Hino Station to <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=848\" target=\"_blank\">Shakunage Gorge<\/a> (\u3057\u3083\u304f\u306a\u3052\u6e13) for a relaxing nature stroll in a gorge adorned with shakunage (rhododendron), Hino&#8217;s official flower. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=324\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/hino-kanko.jp\/festival\/hinomatsuri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/9utFV\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hino Matsuri Festival 2011, Shiga \u65e5\u91ce\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S5CG04vUdMA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/S5CG04vUdMA\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/S5CG04vUdMA<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"taki\"><strong>May 3:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=793\">Taki Shrine Kenketo Odori<\/a>&nbsp;(\u9f8d\u6a39\u795e\u793e\u30b1\u30f3\u30b1\u30c8\u8e0a\u308a) at Taki (Tag) Jinja Shrine (\u9f8d\u6a39\u795e\u793e) in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=689\">Tsuchiyama<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Koka,_Shiga\">Koka<\/a> is a dance performed by eight boys aged 7 to 12. The dance was originally started to ward off calamities. This <em>kenketo<\/em> dance became a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, one of the 41 <em>furyu-odori<\/em> folk dances in 24 Japanese prefectures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The boys wear tall peacock feathers on their heads. Starting in the early afternoon at the shrine, the delightful dance is a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The festival starts at 10 a.m. with a Shinto ceremony. The boys start to dance at the shrine at 2 p.m. From <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Kibukawa_Station\">Kibukawa Station<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Kusatsu_Line\">JR Kusatsu Line<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Ohmi_Railways\">Ohmi Railways<\/a>), catch the Aikuru Bus and get off at Higashi Maeno. The shrine is a short walk toward the river.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=793\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/koka-kanko.org\/see\/tagijinjya\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/ftKhd\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Taki Shrine Kenketo Odori Dance in Tsuchiyama, Koka \u7027\u6a39\u795e\u793e\u30b1\u30f3\u30b1\u30c8\u8e0a\u308a\uff08\u6ecb\u8cc0\u770c\u7532\u8cc0\u5e02\uff09\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/59UfQMWjkZY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/59UfQMWjkZY\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/59UfQMWjkZY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"kenketo\"><strong>May 3:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=583\">Kenketo Festival<\/a> (\u30b1\u30f3\u30b1\u30c8\u796d\u308a) is held at&nbsp;few Shinto shrines in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Ryuo-cho,_Shiga\">Ryuo<\/a> and neighboring <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Higashiomi,_Shiga\">Higashi-Omi<\/a>. It is mainly a naginata (pole sword) dance and procession by boys dressed in costume. From mid-morning, they travel to these different shrines and perform, but the main venue is Suginoki Shrine (\u6749\u4e4b\u6728\u795e\u793e) in Yamanoue (\u5c71\u4e4b\u4e0a), Ryuo town, Shiga. They perform there from mid-afternoon to late afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <em>kenketo<\/em> dance became a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, one of the 41 <em>furyu-odori<\/em> folk dances in 24 Japanese prefectures.  <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=583\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/ryuoh.org\/gyoji-matsuri\/kenketo-matsuri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/vIBKQ\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kenketo Matsuri Festival (Ryuo, Shiga ) \u30b1\u30f3\u30b1\u30c8\u796d\u308a\uff08\u6ecb\u8cc0\u770c\u7adc\u738b\u753a\uff09\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/isdfpgLUa54?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/isdfpgLUa54\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/isdfpgLUa54<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"shichikawa\"><strong>May 4:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=801\">Shichikawa Matsuri<\/a> (\u4e03\u5ddd\u796d) at Oarahiko Shrine in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Takashima,_Shiga\">Takashima<\/a> features a procession of <em>yakko-furi<\/em> samurai laborers carrying archery targets (photo), <em>yabusame<\/em> horse runs, and a portable shrine procession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the largest festival in the Kosei area (western Shiga) and the only one featuring horses in Kosei. Attracts a good crowd. The shrine is near <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Shin-Asahi_Station\">Shin-Asahi Station<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Kosei_Line\">JR Kosei Line<\/a>), but renting a bicycle at the station is recommended. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=801\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/takashima-kanko.jp\/spot\/2018\/06\/post_135.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/j5oeW\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Shichikawa Matsuri Festival 2010 \u4e03\u5ddd\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JW0sE2IXIQM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/JW0sE2IXIQM\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/JW0sE2IXIQM<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"omizo\"><strong>May 4:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=802\">Omizo Matsuri<\/a> (\u5927\u6e9d\u796d) has five ornate floats pulled around the neighborhood of JR <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Omi-Takashima_Station\">Omi-Takashima Station<\/a> (JR Kosei Line). The festival eve on May 3 from 6 p.m. has the floats festooned with lit paper lanterns as they are pulled around in the evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On May 4, they pull the floats around from 9:30 a.m. and gather at Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine from about 10:20 a.m. When entering the shrine, they dramatically run while pulling the float. A <em>mikoshi<\/em> portable shrine also arrives. From 12:15 p.m., they start to leave the shrine and parade around their neighborhoods. Float procession <a href=\"https:\/\/oomizomatsuri.jp\/images\/root\/2024honmiya.pdf\">route map here<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=802\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/oomizomatsuri.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/lr81a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Omizo Matsuri Festival 2010 \u5927\u6e9d\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/110DRdk9c5s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/110DRdk9c5s\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/110DRdk9c5s<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"iba\"><strong>May 4:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=829\">Iba-no-saka-kudashi Matsuri<\/a> (\u4f0a\u5ead\u306e\u5742\u4e0b\u3057\u796d), <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Higashiomi,_Shiga\">Higashi-Omi<\/a>, Shiga Prefecture<br>Held by Sanposan Shrine, a most unusual festival with three portable shrines hauled down a steep mountain (Kinugasa-yama \u7e56\u5c71) for about 500 meters. It doesn&#8217;t sound that far, but it&#8217;s all steep, rocky terrain. Held from noon to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mikoshi portable shrine bearers can easily get injured. This is also one of the hardest festivals to view. You have to climb up this steep, rocky mountain and perch on a ledge. One earthquake and you can fall. The locals have an easy time climbing up the mountain though, even with kids. Might be hard to climb with a lot of camera equipment. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=829\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.higashiomi.net\/media\/annual_events\/ibanosakakudashi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/UudYg\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps\/ms?ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=105501786212832952601.000444249a6c155e50530&amp;ll=35.117662,136.209183&amp;spn=0.197142,0.316887&amp;z=12&amp;om=0\" target=\"_blank\"><br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Iba-no-saka-kudashi Matsuri Festival 2011 \u4f0a\u5ead\u306e\u5742\u4e0b\u3057\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/r_FYQwW_l-4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/r_FYQwW_l-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/r_FYQwW_l-4<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"shinoda\"><strong>May 4 evening:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=530\">Shinoda Hanabi<\/a>&nbsp;(\u7be0\u7530\u306e\u82b1\u706b) is a super spectacular and artistic fireworks display at Shinoda Shrine in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Omihachiman,_Shiga\">Omi-Hachiman<\/a>. Torch fireworks, Niagara Falls, and panel-type fireworks provide an explosive, close-up experience. The fireworks are mounted on a large, outdoor wall 10 meters high and 22 meters wide. For people who cannot wait till summer to see fireworks. Beware of a forest of camera tripods and photographers in front. Get there early if you want to take good shots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not recommended if you don&#8217;t like sudden and loud explosions. Intangible Folk Cultural Property.&nbsp;Walk from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Omi-Hachiman_Station\">Omi-Hachiman Station<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=530\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.omi8.com\/omihachiman\/festival\/shinoda\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/Q7RGv\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/20090504_7571s.jpg\" alt=\"May 4: Shinoda Hanabi in Omi-Hachiman. Intangible Folk Cultural Property.\" class=\"wp-image-8319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/20090504_7571s.jpg 700w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/20090504_7571s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">May 4: Shinoda Hanabi in Omi-Hachiman. Intangible Folk Cultural Property.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"misaki\"><strong>May 4:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=364\">Misaki Shrine Fire Festival<\/a>&nbsp;(\u5fa1\u5d0e\u795e\u793e \u706b\u307e\u3064\u308a) in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Aisho-cho,_Shiga\">Aisho<\/a> climaxes with a towering clump of bamboo set afire to create a fire column well over 10 meters high. It starts at 7:30 pm when people carry 2-meter long torches from their homes to the shrine. A taiko drum is also carried and beaten. Very dramatic. The shrine is a 20-min. walk from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Inae_Station\">JR Inae Station<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=364\">Photos&nbsp;<\/a>| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.town.aisho.shiga.jp\/kankou\/event\/3746.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/azZPo\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Misaki Shrine Fire Festival \u5fa1\u5d0e\u795e\u793e \u706b\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lSjPZkbGhS4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/lSjPZkbGhS4\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/lSjPZkbGhS4<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"nyu\"><strong>May 4 (once every several years, not to be held in 2024):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=742\">Nyu Chawan Matsuri<\/a> (\u4e39\u751f \u8336\u308f\u3093\u796d\u308a), Nyu Shrine, Yogo (<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Nagahama,_Shiga\">Nagahama<\/a>)<br>Another of my all-time favorite festivals. They have three wooden floats topped with lofty &#8220;balancing act&#8221; <em>chawan<\/em> bowl decorations. They also hold beautiful sacred dances by boys dressed as girls. A procession of colorful flower umbrella dancers also provides a colorful accent to the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s held deep in a mountain valley of Yogo in northern Nagahama so the whole area is lush and peaceful. The only problem is that the festival is held only once every 5-6 years. As of spring 2023, there has been no announcement when the next time this festival will be held. Nyu also has the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/kitabiwako.jp\/spot\/spot_731\" target=\"_blank\">Chawan Matsuri Museum<\/a> (\u8336\u308f\u3093\u796d\u308a\u306e\u9928) open on weekends.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fIDZ0u6ne2I\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.zb.ztv.ne.jp\/tyawanmaturi.yakata\/\" target=\"_blank\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tyawanmaturi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/pzLVp\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nyu Chawan Matsuri Festival \u4e39\u751f \u8336\u308f\u3093\u796d\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fIDZ0u6ne2I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/fIDZ0u6ne2I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/fIDZ0u6ne2I<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"hyozu\"><strong>May 5:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=798\">Hyozu Matsuri<\/a>&nbsp;(\u5175\u4e3b\u796d) is Shiga&#8217;s preeminent <em>mikoshi<\/em> (portable shrine) festival with 35 mikoshi paraded around <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=167\">Hyozu Taisha Shrine<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Yasu,_Shiga\">Yasu<\/a>. Two of them are carried only by spunky young women called &#8220;Ayame,&#8221; meaning iris flowers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Very colorful and lively festival as they frequently stop, yell, and hold up the mikoshi high in the air. Beware that it can be dusty on the gravel paths. Other mikoshi are carried by children and men. They also recruit women to carry the two women-only Miyoshi. Apply by April 20 or so. See their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hyouzu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>. From JR Yasu Station&#8217;s north exit, take a bus for Hyozu Taisha-mae taking 15 min. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=798\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yasu-kankou.com\/tourist\/detail.php?id=92\" target=\"_blank\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/tuye7\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ayame Girls at Hyozu Matsuri 2010 \u5175\u4e3b\u796d\u3000\u3042\u3084\u3081\u795e\u8f3f\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XqVS_P7Nccg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/XqVS_P7Nccg\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/XqVS_P7Nccg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hyozu Matsuri Festival 2010 \u5175\u4e3b\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OtzUyyFVTdc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OtzUyyFVTdc\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/OtzUyyFVTdc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"sushi\"><strong>May 5:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=195\">Sushi-kiri Matsuri<\/a> (\u3059\u3057\u5207\u308a\u307e\u3064\u308a) sushi-cutting festival at Shimoniikawa Shrine in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Moriyama,_Shiga\">Moriyama<\/a> has two young lads very stylistically and meticulously cutting <em>funa-zushi<\/em> fermented fish (<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Lake_Biwa#Lake_Biwa.27s_Endemic_Species\">crucian carp native to Lake Biwa<\/a>) as an offering. All throughout, they are verbally heckled by some men. Not visually spectacular, but unusual and intriguing. The festival starts from around noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best part is at the end when they give free morsels of <em>funa-zushi<\/em> to spectators. (Not sure if they still do this.) Shiga&#8217;s best-known delicacy from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Lake_Biwa\">Lake Biwa<\/a>. From <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Moriyama_Station\">Moriyama Station<\/a>, take the&nbsp;bus and get off at &nbsp;Shimoniikawa Jinja.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=195\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/moriyamayamamori.jp\/spot\/spot-359\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/DcIHx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sushi-Cutting Matsuri Festival \u3059\u3057\u5207\u308a\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0_4CjYXHCls?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0_4CjYXHCls\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/0_4CjYXHCls<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"naginata\"><strong>May 5:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=128\">Naginata Odori Matsuri<\/a>&nbsp;(\u9577\u5200\u8e0a\u308a \u307e\u3064\u308a) at Ozu Jinja Shrine (\u5c0f\u6d25\u795e\u793e) in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Moriyama,_Shiga\">Moriyama<\/a> consists of colorful dances and music by children, taiko drumming, a naginata dance and acrobatics by boys using a pole sword. They conduct a roundtrip procession from Ozu Shrine to Ozu Wakamiya Shrine. A great variety of eye candy for Children&#8217;s Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <em>naginata<\/em> dance also became a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, one of the 41 <em>furyu-odori<\/em> folk dances in 24 Japanese prefectures. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=128\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;| <a href=\"https:\/\/moriyamayamamori.jp\/spot\/spot-350\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> |&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/49g0k\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Naginata Odori Festival in Moriyama, Shiga \u9577\u5200\u8e0a\u308a \u307e\u3064\u308a\uff08\u6ecb\u8cc0\u770c\u5b88\u5c71\u5e02\uff09\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1-Ti5JQTt_o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/1-Ti5JQTt_o\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/1-Ti5JQTt_o<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"sekku\"><strong>May 5:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=461\">Sekku Matsuri Festival<\/a> (\u82d7\u6751\u795e\u793e \u7bc0\u53e5\u796d) at Namura Shrine in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Ryuo-cho,_Shiga\">Ryuo<\/a> is for horse lovers. After children carry around a portable shrine from 3 pm, <em>yabusame<\/em> horseback archery is held in front of the shrine gate at 4 pm. Several horses make their runs, but only one of them shoots arrows at the targets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good excuse to visit this shrine noted for its elegant-looking, thatched-roof main gate and Nishi Honden hall which is a National Treasure. The shrine&#8217;s architecture is from the Kamakura Period. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=461\">Photos<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ryuoh.org\/gyoji-matsuri\/namura-yabusame\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/EGqlf\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps\/ms?ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;msa=0&amp;msid=105501786212832952601.000442be4e4d0e463e506&amp;z=15&amp;om=1\" target=\"_blank\"><br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Namura Shrine Sekkusai Festival 2011 \u82d7\u6751\u795e\u793e \u7bc0\u53e5\u796d\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PU7an9F3GdQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PU7an9F3GdQ\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/PU7an9F3GdQ<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"odako\"><strong><s>Last Sun. in May if held:<\/s><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=7\"> Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival<\/a>&nbsp;(\u6771\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5927\u51e7\u307e\u3064\u308a) (formerly Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival) (Odako Matsuri), <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Higashiomi,_Shiga\">Higashi-Omi<\/a><br><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>*Update:<\/strong> Due to a tragic kite crash in May 2015, the Odako Matsuri kite festival has been suspended from May 2016.<\/span><br>The giant kite, made of washi paper and a bamboo frame, measures about 13 meters by 12 meters (size of 100 tatami mats) and weighs 700 kg. It is a work of art with a distinct shape, cutouts, and paint job featuring a traditional design of a large kanji character and twin animals. The design is selected from entries from the public and a new giant kite with a new design is made every three years. The public is also invited to <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=586\">help build the new kite<\/a> every three years during the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the festival day, the kite is flown on a riverbank a few times. It usually doesn&#8217;t stay aloft for very long unless there are strong winds. It can even crash so they clear the whole area whenever they fly the kite. You can also sign up to pull the kite. I did it once and they run at full speed. Kind of scary because if you trip and fall, you might get trampled. From 2013, the festival site shifted to the Fureai Undo Park in Notogawa. Free shuttle buses will run from <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Notogawa_Station\">Notogawa Station<\/a>. After (or before) the festival, be sure to check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=15\">Odako Kaikan Giant Kite museum<\/a>. Shuttle buses run to the museum.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/youtu.be\/Y6DMpluPV9k\" target=\"_blank\">My video<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/oXC8H\" target=\"_blank\">Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival, Japan 2013 \u6771\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5927\u51e7\u307e\u3064\u308a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y6DMpluPV9k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y6DMpluPV9k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y6DMpluPV9k<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Other Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\" id=\"vories\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" data-id=\"8334\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar139-20091009_4648.jpg\" alt=\"Andrews Memorial Hall\" class=\"wp-image-8334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar139-20091009_4648.jpg 400w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar139-20091009_4648-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andrews Memorial Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" data-id=\"8333\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar128-20091009_4620.jpg\" alt=\"former Vories residence\" class=\"wp-image-8333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar128-20091009_4620.jpg 400w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ar128-20091009_4620-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Former Vories residence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Vories buildings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>April 29\u2013May 7, 2023:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omi8.com\/welcome-e\/buildings-omihachiman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">William Vories Architecture Tour<\/a>, Omi-Hachiman<br>In central Omi-Hachiman, major Western-style buildings designed by William Vories will be open to the public. They include Andrews Memorial Hall and the former Vories residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in Kansas, Vories (1880-1964) moved to Omi-Hachiman in 1905 to work as an English teacher while engaging in Christian missionary activities. He opened his own architectural firm in Omi-Hachiman in 1908. He and his firm went on to design numerous buildings in Shiga and other places in Japan.&nbsp;Admission charged.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\" id=\"byobu\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/P1050963as.jpg\" alt=\"Hikone byobu\" class=\"wp-image-8207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/P1050963as.jpg 700w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/P1050963as-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hikone byobu<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>April 25\u2013May 14, 2024:<\/strong> Hikone Byobu folding screen exhibition, Hikone<br>Hikone Castle Museum will exhibit the Hikone Byobu folding screen during Golden Week. Dating from the 17th century, this folding screen is a National Treasure. <a href=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/hikone-byobu-national-treasure-folding-screen\/\">Details here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated: April 25, 2025 Golden Week is Japan&#8217;s spring vacation from late April to early May with a string of national holidays. April 29 is Showa Day, May 3 is Constitution Day, May 4 Greenery Day, and May 5 Children&#8217;s&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8319,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45,6,8,16,17,20,23,25,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spring","category-higashiomi","category-hino","category-maibara","category-moriyama","category-omihachiman","category-ryuo","category-takashima","category-yasu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901","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=4901"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9103,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901\/revisions\/9103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}