Culture Blessed Biwa Arlene Bastion Lake Biwa holds more than beauty. It also brings blessings as an object of worship according to both the Shinto and Buddhist belief...
Culture Muddled in Miidera Arlene Bastion Getting to and around Miidera is a bit puzzling. But persevere. The temples are embedded in verdant forests, and emanate a sense..
Museums Prefectural Calligraphy Exhibition Cathy Cawood Huge annual exhibition of calligraphy from all over Shiga Prefecture, held in Otsu Museum of History in February.
Historical Ishiyama-dera Ash Ishiyama-dera is a beautiful, peaceful temple Shiga Prefecture.It is said that Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji, began..
14 Temples & Shrines Plum Blossom at Ishiyamadera Cathy Cawood Plum blossom at a Shiga temple with a connection to the life of Murasaki Shikibu, the world's first novel writer.
9 Gardens & Parks Ishiyamadera's Muyu-en Pond Garden Cathy Cawood Muyu-en, a beautiful Japanese pond garden at Ishiyamadera in Otsu, has koi ponds, red bridges and a small waterfall.
12 Temples & Shrines Tachiki-Kannon Temple in Shiga Cathy Cawood Tachiki-Kannon Temple in Shiga Prefecture: stone lanterns, statue of Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi riding a deer, and many, many, many..
