{"id":6667,"date":"2018-11-04T19:37:30","date_gmt":"2018-11-04T10:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/?p=6667"},"modified":"2020-02-11T15:09:57","modified_gmt":"2020-02-11T06:09:57","slug":"autumn-festivals-and-foliage-november-2018-in-shiga-prefecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/autumn-festivals-and-foliage-november-2018-in-shiga-prefecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn festivals and foliage November 2018 in Shiga Prefecture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recommended festivals (matsuri), events, exhibitions, and fall leaves in Shiga Prefecture in November\u2013December 2018. (Most official Web sites are in Japanese only.)<\/p>\n

Compiled by Philbert Ono. Updated: Nov. 14, 2018<\/em><\/p>\n

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

November 3, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Little 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 matchlock gun demo<\/a> (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. Map<\/a> | Video<\/a> | Photos<\/a>
\n\u5c0f\u6c5f\u6238\u5f66\u6839\u306e\u57ce\u307e\u3064\u308a\u30d1\u30ec\u30fc\u30c9
\nEnglish: http:\/\/www.hikoneshi.com\/en\/event\/articles\/220<\/a>
\nJapanese: http:\/\/www.hikoneshi.com\/jp\/event\/articles\/c\/parade<\/a><\/p>\n

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

November 18th-25th, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Koto Sanzan Temple Trio autumn foliage<\/a><\/strong>, Kora<\/a>, Aisho<\/a>, and Higashi-Omi<\/a>
\nKoto Sanzan<\/em> (\u6e56\u6771\u4e09\u5c71) is a trio of large Tendai Buddhist<\/a> temples famous for autumn leaves in eastern Shiga. They are Saimyoji<\/a><\/strong> (\u897f\u660e\u5bfa) in Kora<\/a>, Kongorinji<\/a><\/strong> (\u91d1\u525b\u8f2a\u5bfa) in Aisho<\/a>, and Hyakusaiji<\/a><\/strong> (\u767e\u6e08\u5bfa) in Higashi-Omi<\/a> (see map below). They are also famous for structures that are National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.<\/p>\n

During the autumn foliage period, convenient shuttle buses (Koto Sanzan Shuttle Bus) run every day between Hikone Station<\/a> and these three temples. For more details and the shuttle bus schedule in English, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

November 3rd-30th, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Eigenji Temple Autumn Foliage<\/a> and Light-up<\/strong>, Higashi-Omi, 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. Impressive 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, 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). Takes about 35 min. Bus schedule (in Japanese) from Yokaichi Station on weekdays<\/a> | Saturday<\/a> | Sunday<\/a>. Note that from Eigenji-mae, the last bus for Yokaichi Station leaves at 7:16 pm on Sat.\/Sun. and 8:27 pm on weekdays. Map<\/a>
\n\u6c38\u6e90\u5bfa \u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nJapanese: http:\/\/eigenji-t.jp<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Zensuiji\"<\/a>
Zensuiji and maples.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 10\u2013December 2, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Konan Sanzan Temple Trio Autumn Tour<\/strong>, Konan, all day
\nNot to be confused with Koto Sanzan, Konan Sanzan is a trio of Tendai Buddhist temples in the city of Konan<\/a>. 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 Meguru-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<\/a> one stop away.<\/p>\n

From JR Kosei Station, take the bus to Zensuiji (get off at the “Iwane” stop). The last bus leaves Zensuiji (Iwane) at 5:16 pm for JR Kosei Station. You can also tour the temples in reverse order, starting with Zensuiji.<\/p>\n

In the morning, buses leave JR Kosei Station (north exit Kita-guchi) for Zensuiji at 8:28 am, 9:25 am, 10:15 am, 12:20 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:50 pm (except on weekends and holidays). Bus fare is \u00a5250 per ride for adults. \u00a5130 for kids.
\nKonan Sanzan info and bus schedule in Japanese <\/a>| Map<\/a>
\n\u6e56\u5357\u4e09\u5c71\u3081\u3050\u308a<\/p>\n

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

November 10th\u201325th, 2018, 5 pm\u20138:30 pm<\/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 3,000 maple trees lit up at night 5:00 pm\u20138:30 pm during this period. Even the green leaves look great against the dark sky. The shrine also has a chrysanthemum display around the same time. 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>. Map<\/a> | Photos<\/a>
\n\u3082\u307f\u3058\u796d
\nhttp:\/\/hiyoshitaisha.jp\/event\/momiji\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Ishiyama-dera\"<\/a>
Ishiyama-dera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 16\u2013December 2, 2018
\n\u2666 Ishiyama-dera Temple Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/a><\/strong>, Otsu, 5:30 pm \u2013 9:00 pm (enter by 8:30 pm)
\nFounded in 749, Ishiyama-dera, belonging to the Shingon Buddhist Sect, is the 13th Temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage. The temple is noted for National Treasure architecture, cherry blossoms, and fall leaves. The maples are nice even during the day, but the evenings will include LED lights. Mini-concerts on weekends at 6:30 p.m. Admission \u00a5600. Map
\n\u4e09\u4e95\u5bfa \u79cb\u306e\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nEnglish:
\nJapanese: https:\/\/www.ishiyamadera.or.jp\/guide\/event\/atarayo<\/a><\/p>\n

November ??, 2018
\n\u2666 Miidera Temple Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Otsu, 5:00 pm \u2013 9:00 pm (enter by 8:30 pm)
\nEstablished in the 7th century, Miidera temple, or Onjoji, is one of Otsu’s major temples and one of Japan’s four largest temples. It is the headquarters temple of the Tendai Jimon Buddhist Sect and former rival of Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei. It is a complex of numerous structures including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The temple bell is famous for being one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) depicted in ukiyoe prints. During this period, the temple’s three-story pagoda will also be open to the public. Map
\n\u4e09\u4e95\u5bfa \u79cb\u306e\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nEnglish:
\nJapanese:<\/p>\n

\"Hyozu<\/a>
Hyozu Taisha garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November ??, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Hyozu Taisha Shrine<\/a> Garden Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Yasu, 5:00 pm \u2013 8:30 pm (until 9 pm on weekends and holidays)
\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. Events and merchandise booths will be held on weekends.<\/p>\n

A short bus ride from JR Yasu Station’s 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 around 9:02 pm on weekdays and around 7:17 pm on Sat.\/Sun. Or take a taxi (costing about 2,000 yen from Yasu Station). Map<\/a>
\n\u5175\u4e3b\u5927\u793e\u5ead\u5712\u7d05\u8449\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nJapanese: http:\/\/www.yasu-kankou.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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

November 17\u2013December 2, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Genkyuen Garden<\/a> Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/strong>, Hikone, 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. 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 \u00a5700 (\u00a5350 for jr high and younger). Short walk from JR Hikone Station. Map<\/a>
\n\u9326\u79cb\u306e\u7384\u5bae\u5712\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7
\nEnglish:
\nJapanese: http:\/\/www.hikoneshi.com\/jp\/event\/articles\/c\/kinshu<\/a><\/p>\n

November 15\u2013December 5, 2018, 5:30 pm\u20137 pm (enter by 6:30 pm)<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Kyorinbo Garden Autumn Foliage Light-up<\/a><\/strong>, Azuchi, Omi-Hachiman
\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 and food are not allowed. No photography inside the buildings. The garden is usually open only on weekends and holidays, but it will be open every day during the evening light-up days. Admission 600 yen (200 yen for jr high and younger). From JR Azuchi Station, 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<\/p>\n

\"Toyosato\"<\/a>
Toyosato Elementary School (Image: toyosato-kanko.jp)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 24\u2013December 25, 2018, 5 pm\u201310 pm<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Former Toyosato Elementary School Evening Illumination<\/strong>, Toyosato
\nPretty outdoor and building illumination in the evening. Christmas concert on Dec. 22 at 3 pm in the hall. Designed by William Merrell Vories the school has become nationally famous as the backdrop for the popular K-ON! anime\/manga series. For groups of four or more, guided tours of the old school are provided for a fee.
\nJapanese: http:\/\/toyosato-kanko.jp\/event\/illumi2017\/<\/a>
\n\u8c4a\u90f7\u5c0f\u5b66\u6821\u65e7\u6821\u820e\u7fa4\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7\uff06\u30a4\u30eb\u30df\u30cd\u30fc\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3<\/p>\n

\"Shaka-do\"<\/a>
Shaka-do<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

October 27\u2013November 25, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Hie Momiji Matsuri Maple Festival<\/a><\/strong>, Otsu
\nIn the Yokawa complex of Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, lots of maple leaves in autumn. From the ropeway station, take the shuttle bus to Yokawa complex. \u6bd4\u53e1\u306e\u3082\u307f\u3058
\nJapanese: https:\/\/www.hieizan.or.jp\/archives\/3218<\/a><\/p>\n

November 23\u2013December 2, 2018<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Metasequoia (dawn redwood) trees<\/a><\/strong>, Makino, Takashima
\nA pretty road lined with Metasequoia trees turn color in autumn. At JR Makino Station, take the Makino Kogen bus and get off at the Makino Picland bus stop. \u30e1\u30bf\u30bb\u30b3\u30a4\u30a2\u4e26\u6728<\/span>
\nJapanese: https:\/\/takashima-kanko.jp\/2018\/07\/post_642.html<\/a><\/p>\n

November 25, 2018
\n\u2666 Tonda Ningyo Puppet Show<\/strong>, Nagahama, 1:30 pm
\nThe famous Tonda puppet troupe will perform three acts at Lute Plaza. Admission 1,200 yen at the door. For info, call 0749-63-7400.
\nAt JR Nagahama Station, 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.
\nJapanese: http:\/\/www.city.nagahama.lg.jp\/0000005315.html<\/a>
\nGoogle Map<\/a>
\n\u4eba\u5f62\u6d44\u7460\u7483\u300c\u51a8\u7530\u4eba\u5f62\u300d<\/p>\n

December ??, 2018, 6:30 am<\/strong>
\n\u2666 Hot Air Balloon Over Lake Biwa<\/a><\/strong>, Takashima, early morning
\nDramatic sight of hot-air balloons crossing Lake Biwa. They start off very early in the morning at Omi-Shirahama Beach so you would have stay near this beach in Takashima. The balloons aim to land in Notogawa in Higashi-Omi across the lake. Note that weather conditions can cancel the event.
\n\u71b1\u6c17\u7403\u7435\u7436\u6e56\u6a2a\u65ad
\nhttp:\/\/www.takashima-kanko.jp\/<\/p>\n

\"Tarobogu<\/a>
Tarobogu Shrine Fire Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 2, 2018
\n<\/strong>\u2666 Tarobogu Shrine Fire Festival<\/a><\/strong>, Higashi-Omi, Noon \u2013 4:00 pm
\n<\/span>Held annually on the first Sunday of December, the Tarobo Shrine Fire Festival burns a big pile of pine tree branches and 100,000 wooden prayer tablets called goma<\/em> (\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 and anyone can walk over the not-so-hot ashes. Very dramatic festival (photos<\/a>).
\nShort walk from Ohmi Railways Tarobogu-mae Station. Map<\/a>
\n\u592a\u90ce\u574a\u5bae\u304a\u706b\u711a\u5927\u796d
\nhttp:\/\/www.tarobo.sakura.ne.jp\/posts\/news7.html<\/a><\/p>\n

For art and museum exhibitions in Shiga, see <\/span>Kansai Art Beat’s exhibition schedule for Shiga museums<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recommended festivals (matsuri), events, exhibitions, and fall leaves in Shiga Prefecture in November\u2013December 2018. (Most official Web sites are in Japanese only.) Compiled by Philbert Ono. Updated: Nov. 14, 2018 November 3, 2018 \u2666 Little Edo Hikone Castle Festival Parade, Hikone… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6667","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=6667"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6956,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6667\/revisions\/6956"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}