{"id":6886,"date":"2019-05-06T19:11:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-06T10:11:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/?p=6886"},"modified":"2023-11-08T12:38:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T03:38:02","slug":"monster-centipede-on-mt-mikami","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/monster-centipede-on-mt-mikami\/","title":{"rendered":"Monster Centipede on Mt. Mikami"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tawara-no-Tota Hidesato Slaying the Giant Centipede<\/strong><br>\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a\u79c0\u90f7\u30e0\u30ab\u30c7\u9000\u6cbb\uff08\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a\u7269\u8a9e\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Adapted in English by Philbert Ono based on an old folktale. Updated: July 21, 2023.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_ArrowMukade.jpg\" alt=\"Hidesato shoots the fatal arrow at the monster centipede.\" class=\"wp-image-8615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_ArrowMukade.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_ArrowMukade-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_ArrowMukade-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hidesato shoots the fatal arrow at the monster centipede.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*Audio version (5 min.) of this story is now available! Click the play button below. \uff08\u97f3\u58f0\u3067\u805e\u3051\u307e\u3059\u3002\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio aligncenter\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MonsterCentipedeOnMtMikami-2023-07-21low.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once upon a time during Japan&#8217;s Heian Period in the 10th century when Kyoto was the capital of Japan, there was a young warrior prince named <strong>Fujiwara Hidesato<\/strong> (\u85e4\u539f \u79c0\u90f7), also known as <em>Tawara-no-Toda<\/em> (\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a). (This prince is actually the earliest ancestor of the Sato family lineage, now Japan\u2019s most common surname.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One day, when Hidesato was going to cross the <strong><em>Seta-no-Karahashi<\/em>&nbsp;Bridge<\/strong> over Seta River, Lake Biwa\u2019s sole outflowing river in the city of Otsu, he saw a commotion of people near the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;How awful!! What shall we do??&#8221; &#8220;Look at how big it is!!&#8221; &#8220;I&#8217;m too frightened to cross the bridge!&#8221; The large crowd was fraught with fear and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Hidesato looked at the bridge, he saw a giant dragon-serpent (<em>orochi<\/em>) sleeping on the middle of the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"8629\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/samurai_7a.jpg\" alt=\"Fujiwara Hidesato\" class=\"wp-image-8629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/samurai_7a.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/samurai_7a-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/samurai_7a-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"8588\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_32.jpg\" alt=\"Dragon-serpent (orochi) sleeping on the bridge.\" class=\"wp-image-8588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_32.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_32-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_32-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Hidesato looked at the giant <em>orochi<\/em> sleeping on the bridge and was not scared at all.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Oh, I see. Well, it doesn&#8217;t scare me at all,&#8221; thought Hidesato. He then started walking across the bridge. Everyone gasped as they watched him. &#8220;Who is that?? He is either very brave or absolutely CRAZY!!&#8221; said one man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hidesato was fearless as he approached the giant <em>orochi<\/em>. He then shocked everyone by climbing and walking over the 66-meter-long giant serpent to the other end of the bridge. The giant serpent did nothing and everyone was amazed. &#8220;He&#8217;s the bravest man in Omi!!&#8221; shouted one man. The dragon-serpent slithered back into the river.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_bridge.jpg\" alt=\"Hidesato walked right over the orochi.\" class=\"wp-image-8642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_bridge.jpg 499w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_bridge-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MikamiCentipede_bridge-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hidesato walked right over the <em>orochi<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That evening, Hidesato stayed at a lakeside inn. When he was about to sleep, a beautiful, radiant maiden appeared before him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a heavenly voice, she spoke, &#8220;I am the daughter of the <strong>Dragon King<\/strong>, the god of water and all creatures in <strong>Lake Biwa<\/strong>. I have come to request a big favor. A monster centipede (<em><strong>omukade<\/strong><\/em>) on <strong>Mt. Mikami<\/strong> has been killing and eating our native lake fish like <em><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=118&amp;pid=54842#top_display_media\">nigorobuna<\/a><\/em> and <em><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=118&amp;pid=54843#top_display_media\">gengorobuna<\/a><\/em> carp that are the Dragon King&#8217;s sons and daughters. It greatly affects the food supply for people too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were looking for a strong and brave warrior who could get rid of the monster centipede. So I disguised myself as a giant dragon-serpent on Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge and waited for someone brave like you. Without fear, you walked over me and crossed the bridge. I was so impressed by your courage. Can you please help us get rid of the monster centipede? It can wrap itself around Mt. Mikami seven and a half times. It&#8217;s huge.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/MikamiCentipede_05.jpg\" alt=\"Hidesato listens to the princess.\" class=\"wp-image-8590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/MikamiCentipede_05.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/MikamiCentipede_05-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/MikamiCentipede_05-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hidesato listens to the princess&#8217; request.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hidesato was very taken by the lake princess. &#8220;Yes, I would be happy to do it. I love great challenges. Life would be boring without any challenges.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He then took a bow and large arrows and marched to Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge. He gazed at Mt. Mikami and could hardly wait for the monster centipede to show itself. Hidesato was an expert archer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As he waited, the late-night dark sky soon filled with a terrible thunderstorm. The lake swelled with rough waves, and the earth started to shake and rumble. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Mikami-mukade.jpg\" alt=\"With flaming eyes and legs, monster centipede on Mt. Mikami.\" class=\"wp-image-8610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Mikami-mukade.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Mikami-mukade-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Mikami-mukade-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With flaming eyes and legs, monster centipede on Mt. Mikami.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Mt. Mikami, a thousand little fires danced in the darkness led by two big fireballs. Hidesato didn&#8217;t have a good feeling about this. Very soon, a huge, dark body with many thick legs on both sides appeared and coiled around the mountain. It was the monster centipede! Along with the thunder, it made a dreadful sound as it crawled slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hidesato got his thick arrow and shot it right between the two fireballs which were the centipede&#8217;s eyes, but it only bounced off the centipede. He shot another arrow, but again, nothing happened. &#8220;Whoops!! That didn&#8217;t work at all!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time in his life, he started to feel a little panicky. He had only one arrow left. He prayed to <em><strong>Hachiman,<\/strong><\/em> the guardian deity of the samurai and the god of archery. He then remembered that human saliva can penetrate and poison a centipede. He spit on his fingers and rubbed the saliva on the arrowhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He held the third arrow firmly and pulled back the bow string as much as he could. &#8220;OK you giant <em>mukade<\/em>, take that!!&#8221; He shouted, &#8220;YAHH!!&#8221; and let go of the string and shot the arrow at the centipede&#8217;s forehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrow whizzed through the dark rain and perfectly pierced the giant mukade. Hidesato pumped his fist into the air and rejoiced, &#8220;Alright I got him!!&#8221; His prayers were answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then suddenly, the thunderstorm cleared, the little fires stopped, the lake calmed, and the rumbling earth quieted. The monster <em>mukade<\/em> was finally dead. Hidesato gave a short prayer for the soul of the <em>omukade<\/em> so that it could rest in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few days later, the Dragon King&#8217;s daughter visited Hidesato. &#8220;Thank you very, very much for getting rid of the giant centipede! We are all so happy and relieved in Lake Biwa! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our unique, native fish found nowhere else in the world can now swim without fear. My father, the <strong>Dragon King<\/strong>, wants to invite you to his Dragon Palace in Lake Biwa and thank you personally.&#8221; Hidesato could not refuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They rode on <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=118&amp;pid=54846#top_display_media\">Lake Biwa giant catfish<\/a> and traveled deep down into the river and lake below Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge where even sunlight could not penetrate. The water was cold and dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then suddenly, colorful lights emerged from the lake bottom. It was the palace of the Dragon King who has been living here for over 2,000 years protecting Lake Biwa and all its creatures and plants to enrich Omi Province for all. All local fishermen worshipped him along with <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=18&amp;pid=55328#top_display_media\">Benzaiten<\/a>, the goddess of water and everything that flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f277bd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f28a01&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f28a01\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8594\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_06.jpg\" alt=\"Palace of the Dragon King\" class=\"wp-image-8594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_06.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_06-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_06-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f296f2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f296f2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8600\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/catfish_Biwa.jpg\" alt=\"Going to the Palace of the Dragon King\" class=\"wp-image-8600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/catfish_Biwa.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/catfish_Biwa-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/catfish_Biwa-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Riding on a Lake Biwa catfish, the princess guided Hidesato to the palace of the Dragon King on the lake bottom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dragon King was overjoyed that Hidesato was able to put down the monster mukade. In appreciation, the Dragon King held a grand banquet for Hidesato with delicious delicacies from Lake Biwa such as <em><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=search&amp;cat=0&amp;pid=67091#top_display_media\">funazushi<\/a><\/em> (fermented <em>nigorobuna<\/em> carp), <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/displayimage.php?album=118&amp;pid=54852#top_display_media\">Biwa salmon<\/a> (<em>Biwa masu<\/em>), and <em>Seta shijimi<\/em> clam soup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f29b38&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2b029&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f2b029\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8609\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryuo_01.jpg\" alt=\"Dragon King\" class=\"wp-image-8609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryuo_01.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryuo_01-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryuo_01-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2ba20&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f2ba20\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8608\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryugu_01.jpg\" alt=\"Banquet for Hidesato at the Dragon King's Palace.\" class=\"wp-image-8608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryugu_01.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryugu_01-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ryugu_01-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">L: The Dragon King. <br>R: Banquet for Hidesato at the Dragon King&#8217;s Palace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also showered Hidesato with many magical gifts including a straw bale of rice that never ran out of <em>Omi<\/em> rice, a roll of silk cloth that never ran out of silk, a hot pot that never ran out of simmering food, a sword, and a temple bell that was made while the Buddha was alive. The straw bale of inexhaustible rice gave Hidesato his nickname of &#8220;Tawara Tota&#8221; (\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a) meaning Bale of Rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2bddb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2ce3e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f2ce3e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8593\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_rice.jpg\" alt=\"Rice which never ran out.\" class=\"wp-image-8593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_rice.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_rice-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_rice-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2df34&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f2df34\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8591\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_silk.jpg\" alt=\"silk which never ran out.\" class=\"wp-image-8591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_silk.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_silk-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_silk-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2e64c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f2e64c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8592\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_hotpot.jpg\" alt=\"hot food which never ran out.\" class=\"wp-image-8592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_hotpot.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_hotpot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hidesato_hotpot-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Rice, silk, and hot pot which never run out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dragon King&#8217;s servants carried all these gifts to Hidesato&#8217;s home. Since he had no use for the bell, Hidesato donated the bell to <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=131\">Miidera Temple<\/a> in Otsu which became the temple&#8217;s first bell. With the other gifts, Hidesato led a happy and prosperous life and married the Dragon King&#8217;s daughter.<br><strong>THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Although there is no real monster centipede eating Lake Biwa&#8217;s fish, there are other little monsters (invasive species) eating or killing the fish and pollution making the lake dirty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The bronze bell given to Miidera Temple was later famously stolen about 200 years later by the warrior monk Benkei (12th c.) who dragged it up to rival temple Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei. The bell was returned and is now quietly retired and publicly displayed at Miidera Temple in Otsu (photo below).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sword the Dragon King gave Hidesato is kept at <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=869\">Ise Jingu Grand Shrines<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Mie_Prefecture\">Mie Prefecture<\/a> and nicknamed &#8220;Mukade-cutting sword&#8221; (\u8708\u86a3\u5207).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> The whereabouts of Hidesato&#8217;s other gifts are unknown, but whoever possesses them is enjoying great riches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As with most Japanese legends\/folktales, there are different versions of this story, but the above covers the basic gist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perhaps the most well-known, but archaic, English translation of this folktale is <em>My Lord Bag of Rice<\/em> by Yei Theodora Ozaki in 1908. The &#8220;bag of rice&#8221; refers to the straw bale of inexhaustible rice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related places of interest<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20161126-0362s.jpg\" alt=\"Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge (\u702c\u7530\u306e\u5510\u6a4b) today in southern Otsu\" class=\"wp-image-8621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20161126-0362s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20161126-0362s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge (\u702c\u7530\u306e\u5510\u6a4b) today in southern Otsu. It&#8217;s a historic site where a few historic incidents occurred. It used to be the only bridge over Seta River. Now there are other bridges for expressways and trains. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1979 and painted beige. Repainted in mustard yellow in 2012. Nearest train station is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Karahashi-mae_Station\" target=\"_blank\">Karahashi-mae Station<\/a> on the Keihan Line. If you visit, also visit <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=656\">Ishiyama-dera Temple<\/a> nearby.<br>Seta River is Lake Biwa&#8217;s sole outflowing river. It flows to Uji, Kyoto and merges with Osaka&#8217;s Yodo River. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=451\">More photos of the bridge here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f2ebec&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f30a64&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f30a64\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8622\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5289s.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5289s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5289s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f31851&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f31851\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8617\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5270s.jpg\" alt=\"Stone monument indicating the bridge as the site of the monster centipede legend.\" class=\"wp-image-8617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5270s.jpg 800w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5270s-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5270s-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Near the bridge is this stone monument indicating that the bridge is one of Japan&#8217;s Big Three Bridges. On the back, it indicates that the bridge is the site of the monster centipede legend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20170923_3503s.jpg\" alt=\"orochi performed by Iwami Kagura in Shimane Prefecture.\" class=\"wp-image-8620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20170923_3503s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20170923_3503s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Orochi<\/em> (\u5927\u86c7) is a giant dragon-serpent. Although the orochi supposed to have eight heads, it seems to have only one head in this folktale. Photo shows the orochi performed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kankou-shimane.com\/en\/highlights\/9637\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iwami Kagura<\/a> in Shimane Prefecture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5267s2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5267s2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5267s2-150x110.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Signboard near Seta Karahashi Bridge showing Fujiwara Hidesato shooting an arrow at the giant centipede on Mt. Mikami. Illustration by art students at Seian University of Art and Design in Otsu. Donated by Otsu Higashi Rotary Club in 2005.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5344s.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration donated by the Otsu Higashi Rotary Club. Near the Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge.\" class=\"wp-image-8611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5344s.jpg 800w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5344s-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5344s-768x493.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Another illustrated signboard donated by the Otsu Higashi Rotary Club. Synopsis of the legend is also written. Near the Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Yoshitoshi_Fujiwara_no_HidesatoS.jpg\" alt=\"Hidesato dabbing his saliva on the arrow tip before shooting the giant mukade\" class=\"wp-image-8619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Yoshitoshi_Fujiwara_no_HidesatoS.jpg 473w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Yoshitoshi_Fujiwara_no_HidesatoS-101x150.jpg 101w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fujiwara Hidesato aka <em>Tawara Tota<\/em> was an actual historical samurai in the 10th century. In this woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839\u20131892), it looks like Hidesato on Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge is dabbing his saliva on the arrow tip before shooting the giant centipede. Behind him is the dragon princess. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"386\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/PostcardShiga-legends033s.jpg\" alt=\"Postcard showing another print of Hidesato on Seta Karahashi shooting an arrow at the centipede.\" class=\"wp-image-8648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/PostcardShiga-legends033s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/PostcardShiga-legends033s-150x97.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Postcard showing another print of Hidesato on Seta Karahashi shooting an arrow at the centipede.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"387\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/099-07_Sunset_Seta.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6906\" style=\"width:387px;height:580px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/099-07_Sunset_Seta.jpg 387w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/099-07_Sunset_Seta-100x150.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Woodblock print by Hiroshige in showing Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge over Seta River with Mt. Mikami in the distance. 19th c.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f32cf2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f33332&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f33332\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8636\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20040728-IMG_6635as.jpg\" alt=\"Mt. Mikami\" class=\"wp-image-8636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20040728-IMG_6635as.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20040728-IMG_6635as-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f33d22&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f33d22\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6890\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5954.jpg\" alt=\"Mt. Mikami\" class=\"wp-image-6890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5954.jpg 500w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5954-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_5954-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Mt. Mikami (\u4e09\u4e0a\u5c71) in <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Yasu,_Shiga\">Yasu<\/a> is nicknamed &#8220;Omi-Fuji&#8221; (Mt. Fuji of Shiga) since it has a conical shape like Mt. Fuji. It&#8217;s not right on the lake shore. There&#8217;s a hiking trail to the summit, taking about 80 min. Nearest train station is <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Yasu_Station\">JR Yasu Station<\/a>. Short bus ride to the foot of Mt. Mikami (get off at Yamade-mae \u5c71\u51fa\u524d). <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=652\">More photos of Mt. Mikami here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f3404d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f350a8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f350a8\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8612\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5338s.jpg\" alt=\"Ryuo-gu Hidesato-sha Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-8612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5338s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5338s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f35e64&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f35e64\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8613\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5340s.jpg\" alt=\"Ryuo-gu Hidesato-sha Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-8613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5340s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5340s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Near the east end of Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge is Ryuo-gu Hidesato-sha Shrine (\u9f8d\u738b\u5bae\u79c0\u90f7\u793e) dedicated to Hidesato and the Dragon King princess. Also called Hashimori Shrine (\u6a4b\u5b88\u795e\u793e).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f3618b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f371d4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f371d4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"395\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8630\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5291s.jpg\" alt=\"Unjuji Temple (\u96f2\u4f4f\u5bfa)\" class=\"wp-image-8630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5291s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5291s-150x99.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a58a46f37d8a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a58a46f37d8a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"8631\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5292s.jpg\" alt=\"Unjuji Temple (\u96f2\u4f4f\u5bfa)\" class=\"wp-image-8631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5292s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20060113_5292s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Also near Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge is Unjuji Temple (\u96f2\u4f4f\u5bfa) dedicated to Bishamonten. The temple was built by descendants of Hidesato to preserve his artifacts including swords, spearheads, and family records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20090409_8597s.jpg\" alt=\"Temple bell donated to Miidera Temple in Otsu by Hidesato\" class=\"wp-image-8614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20090409_8597s.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20090409_8597s-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Temple bell donated to Miidera Temple in Otsu by Hidesato. You can even see the bell scratch marks made when <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Benkei\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benkei<\/a> stole the bell. Established in the 7th century, Miidera Temple, or Onjoji, is one of Otsu&#8217;s major temples and one of Japan&#8217;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.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/txt\/Miidera_Station\">Miidera Station<\/a> on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line is the closest station. <a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=131\">More photos of Miidera here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"352\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/benkeiBell2UtagawaS.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/benkeiBell2UtagawaS.jpg 352w, https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/benkeiBell2UtagawaS-106x150.jpg 106w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Warrior Benkei stealing Miidera&#8217;s temple bell donated by Hidesato.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=451\">More photos of Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/pix\/thumbnails.php?album=652\">More photos of Mt. Mikami<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2014\/07\/the-birth-of-chikubushima\/\">Also read &#8220;The Birth of Chikubushima&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d13077.477752201903!2d135.897785828501!3d34.972409896617876!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x60016d54735df983%3A0x47ae03bb412bff0b!2sSeta%20no%20Karahashi%20Bridge!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sjp!4v1689918463171!5m2!1sen!2sjp\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tawara-no-Tota Hidesato Slaying the Giant Centipede\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a\u79c0\u90f7\u30e0\u30ab\u30c7\u9000\u6cbb\uff08\u4ff5\u85e4\u592a\u7269\u8a9e\uff09 Adapted in English by Philbert Ono based on an old folktale. Updated: July 21, 2023. *Audio version (5 min.) of this story is now available! Click the play button below. \uff08\u97f3\u58f0\u3067\u805e\u3051\u307e\u3059\u3002\uff09 Once upon a&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8615,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,53,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-otsu","category-shiga-legends-folktales","category-yasu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6886","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=6886"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6886\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8866,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6886\/revisions\/8866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6886"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6886"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6886"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}