Discover
the Museumsin Shiga

Publishing in March 2014

An essential guide to museums of
the Lake Country, covering Arts,
History, Nature, Science and Culture

The Shiga History/Art Museums
Guidebook Editing CommitteePublishing in March 2014

back cover
Photographed by:

Koji Tsujimura

Discover the Museums in Shiga
An essential guide to museums of the Lake Country, covering Arts,
History, Nature, Science and Culture

March, 7, 2014
Edited by:

The Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook Editing Committee
Cooperated:

Shiga Association of Museums
The Kambiwako University Regional Consortium
Robin Smith James (Lake Biwa Museum)
Satoshi Nawamoto (The Kambiwako University Regional Consortium)
Maki Tanigawa (Lake Biwa Museum)
Designed and Produced by:Sunrise publisher
Published by:

The Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook Editing Committee
Secretarist:

Lake Biwa Museum, 1091 Oroshimo, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-0001
Tel:+81-77-568-4811 Fax:+81-77-568-4850ⒸThe Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook Editing Committee, 2014
Printed in Japan
This guidebook is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs Government of Japan (fiscal year 2013)

Publishing in March 2014

Foreword

Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and is located in Shiga Prefecture, in the middle of Japan. There are hundreds of rivers flowing from the 1000 m + mountain ranges in thenorth, east and west, and these moisten the plains before flowing into the lake. The water in thelake flows out via the Seta River, at the southern end of the lake, and downstream it becomesthe Yodogawa River, before flowing into the sea. Without Lake Biwa, Shiga’s unique nature,
history and culture could have never developed. Everything started from the lake.
Today you can travel around the lake by train or car, and many people enjoy walking or cycling along the lakeshore to maintain good health. In the winter the lake is home to large numbers of migratory birds, while in summer the lake is popular with anglers. Kyoto, the ancient
capital of Japan for about 1000 years, is a famous sightseeing location, but Shiga’s nature, history and culture can rival those of Kyoto. Shiga’s typical Japanese countryside villages and thebeautiful lake scenery are complimented with more than 80 museums located around the lake.
We produced this guidebook to introduce Shiga’s nature, history and culture to people whoare visiting Japan for sightseeing, study, and business, as well as local foreign residents. If you
want to know about Japanese culture, history and nature, we hope this book will entice you tovisit Shiga. We are sure it will be of great help for those searching for a wonderful and meaningful encounter with Japanese culture.
This guidebook was edited by The Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook Editing Committee, and financially supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs Government of Japan (fiscal
year 2013). The Shiga Association of Museums cooperated with The Kambiwako University
Regional Consortium, so foreign university students studying in Japan wrote and translated themanuscripts. We’d like to thank everybody who supported and cooperated with us.
Thank you very much.

Toru Shinohara(President of The Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook
Editing Committee, Director of the Lake Biwa Museum)Takaaki Niren(Subpresident of The Shiga History/Art Museums Guidebook Editing Committee, Subpresident of the Universityof Shiga Prefecture)3

Publishing in March 2014

Table of contents
Foreword.............................................................................................................................. 3
Welcome to Shiga, the Lake Country .............................................................................. 7
Map of Shiga Prefecture .................................................................................................... 8

Recommend museums in Shiga ────────────────── 9
Otsu Area/Koto Area/Kohoku Area/Kosei Area/Koka Area

Otsu Area ───────────────────────────── 29
1 Ikadachi “Kaori no Sato” Museum .......................................................................... 30
2 Kokuhoden Museum, Mt. Hiei ................................................................................. 31
3 Omi Shrine Clock and Treasure Museum ............................................................... 32
4 Kinoshita Museum of Art .......................................................................................... 33
5 Otsu City Museum of History ................................................................................... 34
6 Otsu-e Art Museum .................................................................................................... 35
7 Nagara Crafts Pavilion and

Mitsuhashi Setsuko Art Museum .............................................................................. 36

8 Otsu Festival Float Exhibition Pavilion................................................................... 37
9 Toraijin History Museum........................................................................................... 38
10 The Museum of Shiga Prefecture,

Biwako-Bunkakan ...................................................................................................... 39

11 Gichu Temple .............................................................................................................. 40
12 Otsu City Science Museum ....................................................................................... 41
13 Zeze-yaki Pottery Museum ....................................................................................... 42
14 Takebe Shrine Treasure Hall ..................................................................................... 43
15 The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga ......................................................................... 44
16 Tanakami Local Museum .......................................................................................... 45
17 Tanakami Mineral Museum ...................................................................................... 46

Konan Area──────────────────────────── 47
18 Kusatsu Post Town and Highway Community Museum....................................... 48
19 Ritto History Museum................................................................................................ 49
20 Osumi Residence and Wachusan Pharmacy ........................................................... 50
21 Dotaku Museum Yasu City History and Folk Museum......................................... 51
22 Moriyama Institute of Firefly's Woods .................................................................... 52
23 Lake Biwa Museum.................................................................................................... 53
24 Sagawa Art Museum .................................................................................................. 54
25 Moriyama City Archaeological Culture Center ...................................................... 55
26 Lake Biwa Art Gallery ............................................................................................... 56

4

Publishing in March 2014

Koka Area ───────────────────────────── 57
27 Tokaido Highway and Ishibe Post Town

History and Folk Museum ......................................................................................... 58
28 MIHO MUSEUM ....................................................................................................... 59
29 Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, andShigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park .............................................................................. 60

30 Shigaraki Traditional Craft Center ........................................................................... 61
31 Koka Ninja Estate .......................................................................................................62
32 Koka City Kounan Fureai-no-Yakata....................................................................... 63
33 Koka Ninja Museum .................................................................................................. 64
34 Tsuchiyama History and Folk Museum ................................................................... 65
35 Minakuchi History and Folk Museum ..................................................................... 66
36 Minakuchi Children's Forest

Nature Park and Museum .......................................................................................... 67

Profile of Shiga ................................................................................................................. 68

Higashiomi Area ───────────────────────── 71
37 Roof Tile Museum ...................................................................................................... 72
38 Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum .................................................................. 73
39 Omi Merchant Museum ............................................................................................. 74
40 Kampo Museum .......................................................................................................... 75
41 World Kite Museum andHigashiomi Oodako Hall ........................................................................................... 76
42 Omi Hino Shonin-kan ................................................................................................ 77
43 Shiga Peace Museum ................................................................................................. 78
44 Hitomi Museum of Art ............................................................................................... 79
45 Wood-turning Craft Museum .................................................................................... 80

Koto Area ───────────────────────────── 81
46 Echigawa Bintemari Handicraft Museum ............................................................... 82
47 Yutaka Merchant History and Folk Museum .......................................................... 83
48 Kongoen Handweaving Center ................................................................................. 84
49 Aisho-cho Historical Museum .................................................................................. 85
50 Dynic Astronomical Observatory"TENKYUKAN" ........................................................................................................ 86

51 Taga Town Museum ................................................................................................... 87
52 Hikone Castle Museum .............................................................................................. 88

5

Publishing in March 2014

Kohoku Area ─────────────────────────── 89
53 Maibara Omi Haniwa Earthenware Museum ......................................................... 90
54 Samegai Post Town Museum .................................................................................... 91
55 Samegai Woodcarving Art Museum ........................................................................ 92
56 Kashiwabara Inn History Museum ........................................................................... 93
57 Mt. Ibuki Museum ...................................................................................................... 94
58 Musée Narita ............................................................................................................... 95
59 Nagahama Railway Museum .................................................................................... 96
60 YANMAR MUSEUM ................................................................................................ 97
61 Nagahama Castle History Museum .......................................................................... 98
62 Nagahama Hikiyama Museum.................................................................................. 99
63 Kunitomo Historic Firearms Museum ................................................................... 100
64 Kohoku Wild Bird Center ........................................................................................ 101
65 Chikubu Island Hogon Temple Treasure House.................................................. 102
66 Reisui Temple Tainai Buddha Museum ................................................................. 103
67 Fuse Art Museum...................................................................................................... 104

Kosei Area ─────────────────────────── 105
68 Shiratani History and Folk Museum ...................................................................... 106
69 Takashima History and Folk Museum ................................................................... 107
70 Hira Art Museum ...................................................................................................... 108

Other museums ............................................................................................................... 109

LegendColor codes for this book’s sections are as follows.
■ Otsu area
■ Konan area
■ Koka area
■ Higashiomi area
■ Koto area
■ Kohoku area
■ Kosei area
QR cordes :The web address of each museum is available
via the QR code to the right side of the museum’s name, and the location of each museum isdisplayed with Google Maps in the lower righthand side of each page.
6

In some case, information and explanations of
exhibitions and facilities are only available inJapanese.
Exhibits featured in this guidebook may not be
on display due to exhibit rotation and loans toother museums, etc.
Museums may be closed on scheduled open
days for setting up of new exhibitions, etc.
The information in this guidebook is current asof March 2014.

Publishing in March 2014

Welcome to Shiga, the Lake Country
With this guidebook’s introductions to 70 museums and art museums in Shiga Prefecture, you can experience the history, art, nature, and culture of the Lake Country.
This book is arranged according to the seven areas of Shiga: Otsu, Konan, Koka, Higashiomi, Koto, Kohoku, and Kosei.

Location
Shiga Prefecture is located in the center of the Japanese archipelago. It is bordered by Fukui
in the north, Gifu in the east, Mie in the southeast, and Kyoto in the west. Shiga is surroundedby the Ibuki, Suzuka, Hira, and Hiei mountain ranges, and in the middle of the basin, there is
the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko), one of the world’s few ancient lakes. Lake
Biwa covers one-sixth of Shiga’s total area and is fed by over 120 rivers from the neighboring
mountains. In the beautiful and bountiful landscape of Lake Biwa and the surrounding land
and mountains, a diverse culture has developed, with strong historic links with Tokyo andKyoto.
Shiga Prefecture consists of 13 cities and 6 towns, and currently has a population of 1.4 million. The cities of Kusatsu, Nagahama, Higashiomi, and Hikone have more than 100,000 people, while the population of Otsu City exceeds 330,000 people.

AccessThere is direct access between Shiga Prefecture and Kansai International Airport, and transit
time is about one and a half hours from the airport by the JR Haruka Special Express. Shigais next to Kyoto, and 10 minutes to within one hour from Kyoto Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen and JR Biwako and Kosei Lines.
You can also visit Shiga from Chubu Centrair International Airport. Nagoya is only 28 minutes away from the airport via the Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu Line). From Nagoya Station the
Tokaido Shinkansen Line can be taken to JR Maibara Station, from where connections can bemade to the Biwako and Hokkoku Lines.

Shiga
Lake
Biwa

MaibaraNagoya

Kyoto

Japan
Kyoto

Osaka

Shin Osaka

Tokaido Linen
Shinkanse

Chubu Centrair
International Airport

Tokyo
NagoyaKansaiInternational Airport
7

Publishing in March 2014

若狭湾

Map of Shiga Prefecture

N
Takatoki River

u
Hok
riku

Bold color letter are the nanes of City and Town

exp

井

y(T
swa
r es

福

県

岐

阜

県

ool

Omishiotsu

roa
d)

Lake
Yogo

Kinomoto

Kohoku Area

Kinomoto IC

Tajatsuki

Kosei Areaa aha aMakinori
Hoku

Omiimazu

a ashi a

e

ne r
A ive
R

Chikubu Island

Mt.Ibuki▲ku Lin

er

a Riv

Ishid

Nagahama
IC

Nagahamaeaido
Tok sen Lin
kan

Shin

Ad

Adigawa

oR

ive

r

Samegai
MaiharaIC
MaibaraMaiharaIJCTSeri River
HikoneHikone IC

ko

se

iL

in

e

Inukami Rivereini one ido L

Echi River

Taga

a a

ka

To

Oki IslandKorao osatoToyosato

京

Lake
Nishino

Hino
River

都

Aisho

GokashoAzuchiiha hi an

Yasu
River

Katata

ay

sw
es
pr d)
ex oa
n ll rihis (toOmihachiman
Yokaichiori a aSakamotoasu
Yasu

Konan Area

Ritto IC

Ishibe

itto

Ku

ts

u

Lin

Konan

e

Kibukawa

sw

s
re

tsu

HIno

sa

xp

Kusatsu
Jct
Kusatsutanakami
ICIshiyamadera
S hi n - M e i s
Setahigashi IC
hinsse
Setanishi ICpa
By d)iji roa Setae
K Toll
River
(

ino

e

Kusatsu

Ryuo ICLinkei
Li hann
Otsu e
Zeze
Otsu
seta
IC
京都東IC
Ishiyamaa y ( tol l road)
Shigaraki IC

Minakuchi
jonan

Ko a

Konan
Konan
IC
Shigarakigushi

Koka
AburahiShigaraki

8i asio i

Higashiomi Area

ad
ilro

Kusatsuuo

Mt.Mikami▲
TeharaM

Ra

Moriyamae

Yokaichi
IC
i
Om

Mt.
Hiei
▲

Koto Area

Echigawa

Notogawa

府

aibaraTake Island

Omi takashima

Otsu Area

Kashiwabara

SakataLake Biwa

Kokatsuchiyama
IC

Koka Area

三重県

Publishing in March 2014

Recommend
museums in Shiga
Foreign students studying at the University of Shiga
Prefecture, Ritsumeikan University, and Ryukoku University introduce special attractions of the museums andart galleries in Shiga.

Kohoku Area❸

Kosei Area❹

Koto Area❷

Higashiomi Area
Konan
Area
Otsu Area❶

Koka Area❺

Recommend museums in Shiga ❶Publishing in March 2014

Otsu Area

Here in the Otsu-e Art Museum we played
Tosenkyo (a traditional Japanese game ofhitting a target with an open fan).

The City, lake and mountain
This route in Otsu, a city next to Kyoto, is a good choice for those who have interestsin the history, art and religion of the Omi Area. Through this route, one can not only
enjoy the amazing scenery of this charming city, but also get a deeper understanding ofancient Japanese life.

Travel Reporter

Kokuhoden Museum, Mt. HieiR

JR KosSakamoto IC
Sakamoto

ei LineMiranda Yan (China)

Lake Biwa

Otsu City Museum of History Keih
L an
Otsu ine
Otsu-e Art Museum

Zeze

京都東IC

ine
o L e)
kaid Lin
To ko
JR Biwa(

Otsu
IC

to Kyoto

IshiyamaR

seta

Ishiyamadera

10

パス
バイ

京滋

瀬田西IC

Publishing in March 2014

5

Otsu City Museum of History

P.34

This museum introduces the history of Otsu in a choronologic order, and the dwellingsof ancient people are presented in vivid models and pictures. By visiting this museum,
one can get a better understanding of the development of this city. What fansinated memost is the art works of the eight views of Omi, which was inspired by the eight viewsof Xiaoxiang in China.

⬆ The museum shows ancient people’s lives using equisite models.

⬆ In the Edo period, people used tostay in Otsu for a night on their way to
Kyoto, thus a lot of hotels were needed.

⬆ The staff of the museum is
explaining the history of the 8
views of Omi.
➡ Here is the real view of Night
Rain of Karasaki. Though it was
not a rainy night, the view wassuperb, with the pines seemly
floating on Biwa Lake.

⬆ Night Rain of Karasaki,
one spot of the eight views ofOmi, where I got a chance tovisit later.
11

Publishing in March 2014

6

Otsu-e Art Museum

P.35

The one I like most is the Otsu-e Art Museum, which displays Otsu-style paintings(Otsu-e) of the Edo period and some articles of daily use at that time. Otsu-e is famous
for its humor and sarcasm. Starting with Buddhist paintings, it developed into secular
paintings and was produced in large quantities to be sold as a specialty of Otsu. Thosepainting make one laugh and think. Besides those fascinating paintings, I have to mention the delicate architecture and the well-arranged garden of this museum. It has theauthentic beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.

⬆➡ Architecture of the museum is full of the Japanese taste, nostalgic and tranquil.
⬅ The fan with Otsu paintings onthem.
➡ One can buy post cards withinteresting Otsu paintings. What I
have is the postcard in which thetheme “Fuji Musume (wisteria girl)”of the picture supposed that a good
marriage is caused was drawn.
⬇ The real Otsu paintings andother artistic works are presented
here.

12

Publishing in March 2014

2

Kokuhoden Museum, Mt. Hiei

P.31

The Kokuhoden Museum is located on the top of Mt.Hiei, from where one can see a
panoramic view of Lake Biwa and its surrounding cities. This museum preserves anddisplays many cultural assets, including Buddhist statues, paintings and calligraphiesfrom different ages and shows the history of Mt. Hiei.

⬆ From Mt. Hiei, we can see panoramic view of the Biwa Lake.
⬅ In autumn, the view of momiji (maple) on Mt. Hiei is terrific.
⬅ We can see the wholeview of the building’s architecture from the hill behind it.
➡ It is the Senju-kannon(Thousand Armed Avalokitesvara) image regarded as mybeing the most beautiful inmany Buddha statues.

⬇ The exhibition gallery withall the statues and paintings
has an air of dignity. Here wesee statues of different Gods
and how their looks changed
with time.

13

Recommend museums in Shiga ❷Publishing in March 2014

Koto Area

The snowy landscape of Hikone Castle.

From Japan’s land to the sky
This route sets off on a journey through nature, emphasizing the past existence of elephants in Japan, ancient traditions of Hikone Castle centering around an unrestored
theatre (made of only wood!) built in the 1800’s for of Noh performances, and multiple
remarkable architectural drawings of the Edo period, and sky observations at Dynic Astro Park.

Travel Reporters

Jitsupa Thonhongsa（Thailand）, Choy Chee Ken（Malaysia）,
Damith Chanthuranga（Sri Lanka）
Lake
Biwa

MaibaraMaibaraex Meispre hinssw
ay

Hikone Castle Museum
Hikone

JR
(B T
iw ok
ak aid
o o
Li Li
ne ne
)

HikoneR8

Hikone ICR

Ra Omiilr
Lin oad
e

Taga

Taga

Taga Town Museum
R

Toyosato

14

Dynic Astronomical
Observatory "TENKYUUKAN"

Publishing in March 2014

52

Hikone Castle Museum

P.88

Hikone Castle Museum is on the grounds of Hikone Castle that has the National
Treasure castle tower. Displays include Ii family history (Lords of Hikone), antiques,samurai clans, Noh artifacts, a beautifully preserved garden, unusually detailed plans
drawn 200 years ago, and restored historical buildings. Visitors also get to experience
the traditional tea ceremony served with a sweet while viewing the Noh theatre!
➡ The museum exhibits beautiful decorative
Kimono for playing the Noh.
⬇ Explanation of the famous red armor of Hikone.

➡ Tea ceremony room,
restored to its former glory.

⬇ You can walk around the Ii
family’s residence area.

⬇ Garden of Lord Ii's residence,
beautiful and serene.

15

Publishing in March 2014

51

Taga Town Museum

P.87

The story of this museum starts with the discovery of ancient relative of the elephant(Stegodon aurorae) approximately 20 years ago during an excavation on the hillside (Itis rare that the fossil skeleton of animal preserved with completely). Actual fossil bones
are preserved and displayed for visitors together with other various local specimens,such as plants and insects, and exhibits about caves and geology.

⬆ Mounted skeleton of the Stegodon ourorae. It is small
compared to Asian and African elephants.
➡ The actual fossil bones of the Stegodon ourorae (1,800,000 years go).

⬇ Many types of exotic butterflies are showcased in themuseum.

⬆ Japanese serow. It is endemic
species of Japan.
16⬆ The stuffed animal, cute andtouch freely!

Publishing in March 201450

Dynic Astronomical Observatory"TENKYUUKAN"

P.86

This observatory, displays models of different planets, stars, and asteroids, and allows
visitors to have a chance to observe the skies by themselves using the biggest stateof-the-art telescope in Shiga! During the day, one can directly observe the sun using atelescope with solar filter, while at night beautiful planets and stars can be viewed.

⬆ Telescope with a 60cm diameter mirror, biggest in Shiga!

⬇ Staff explained to us about thesun, its spots and solar flares.

⬆ Can’t leave without taking a photo of theclose-up view of the sun! (A peak season
may be unable to be photoed.)⬆ Specimens of meteorites are also displayed.
17

Recommend museums in Shiga ❸Publishing in March 2014

Kohoku Area

A Tale of Kohoku

Approaching Chikubu Island

This route sets off on a journey through Japanese traditional and historical beliefs, including the shrine on Chikubu Island that tells the story of Emperor Shomu, gods３０and
３goddesses; Azai folk culture, tradition８and history; ３６andthe spectacular Kabuki of Shiga,
５
北performed by talented young children.
陸
３０３
福

井

県

自
動
車
道

１６１
８

高
時
川

おうみしおつ
▲己高山

余
呉
湖
きのもと

白谷荘民俗資料館

木之本IC

Travel Reporters

takatsuki

３０３

oku

３０３

JR H

マキノ資料館
Jitsupa Thonhongsa(Thailand),マキノ
Choy Chee Ken (Malaysia), Miranda Yan (China)

R

riku

Chikubu Island Hogon Temple
Treasure HouseLine

Chikubu island

Azai Historical Folk Museum

R8

石田川

Nagahama IC

おうみいまづ

expre
sswa

３６７

y

Lake Biwa

１６１

Nagahamariku

Nagahama

Hoku

姉川 Hikiyama Museum
Nagahama

琵琶湖周航の歌資料館

高島市

Sakataido
Tokasen Line
kan

Shin

MaibaraSamegai

あどがわ

高島歴史民俗資料館

安曇川

Maibara良美術館
18
おうみたかしま岐

多景島

MaibaraIC

21

KPublishing in March 2014

65

Chikubu Island Hogon Temple Treasure House

P.102

The origin of the shrine dates back to the reign of Emperor Shomu (724-749) when hereceived a divine message from the sun goddess, Amaterasu’O’Mikami, that the god of
wealth, music and eloquence, Benzaiten, has descended onto Earth on Chikubu Island,and building a shrine will drive the land towards prosperity. The shrine now preserves
the relics, deities, scriptures and constructs of the past.

⬆ The view of the prayer hall....what's this? A pile of miniature red dolls! With a small donation you can write
your wish behind it.
⬇ A totem with all of
the 12 Chinese zodiac
animals.

⬇ ➡ Here we standing outside of
the 3-layer red pagoda, cheese!

⬇ The deity, god of wealth, art and eloquence,“Benzaiten”, whom descended on Chikubu
Island.

19

Publishing in March 2014

Azai Historical Folk Museum

P.110

Situated in Nagahama City, the museum preserves the history of the Azai clan (a line ofdaimyo (feudal lords) during Japan’s Sengoku period), farming tools, Azai’s silk production, traditional garbs of lords (kimono, hakama and haori) and ladies (ceremonial
kimonos), and homes dating back to more than 200 years ago, during the age of Nobunaga, Oda and the Battle of Anegawa during the 16th century.
⬇ A look inside the Azai silk
production house, hey..that"person" look so real!

⬆ I’m in a farmer outfit and grinding "Kina- ⬆ The bathroom back in Azai
ko", a type of soy bean like in the old times. times consisting of a giant barrel.
It is actually something like a bath
⬇ Hmm... we put on the kimonos
tub where you can sit inside.
and... we look like real Azai lords➡ Us putting on the farmer gear!
and ladies now!

20

Publishing in March 2014

62

Nagahama Hikiyama Museum

P.99

The Hikiyama Museum exhibits the present Kabuki tradition of Hikiyama, displaying
the grand floats that serves as a stage for young children from 5 6 years old and 12 13
years old who perform Kabuki in the Annual ikiyama Festival. ach float (12 in total)
is artistically decorated and is 6 meters in height with a weight of about 4.6 tons.

⬆ ”Hikiyama” being moved out from its store
house on the day of the Hikiyama Festival.

⬆ The big moving theater
float or “dasi” on display,which is still being used in
the Shiga kabuki festival held
annually around April.

➡ Inside the museum, we
get to see a detailed video
documentary about the
Hikiyama festival.

⬇ Talented children aged from 7 to 12 performing
in a kabuki performance it is very touching.

➡⬆ Hey, look!
I looked like a kabuki
performer too!

21

Recommend museums in Shiga ❹Publishing in March 2014

Kosei Area

The Kaizu Ōsaki peninsula, a renowned
cherry blossom viewing area on the
shore of Lake Biwa

Aspects of the History of
Education in Japan
This route explores museums in the area west of Lake Biwa (Takashima municipality),a sparsely populated district with abundant natural areas and a relaxed pace of life. Bychance, this area includes a set of museums linked to education, with the themes of old
textbooks, a popular song written by students, and a great educator.

Shiratani History and Folk Museum

MakinoTravel Reporter

JR KoseiLine

Shunsuke Kataoka (Japan), Manaka Koike (Japan),
Masaharu Sano (Japan)

Ohmiimazu

Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum

Lake
biwa

R

R

TakashimaAdoAdogawa

Nakae Toju Memorial Museum

22

riv

er

Publishing in March 2014

68

Shiratani History and Folk Museum

P.106

Occupying parts of the former residence of the Omura family, who served as village
headmen during the Edo period, the museum displays textbooks, articles from daily
life in the past, and old documents collected by successive generations of the family. In
particular, the collection of textbooks and study-aid materials for elementary school use
is recogni ed as one of the finest in Japan. As the display areas are in the upper part ofthe old house and the white-walled storehouse building, the visitor will also experience
traditional architecture while viewing the exhibits.

⬆ Textbooks and workbooks used in elementary
schools more than 100 years ago. Old graffiti on
the books is also interesting (items from the collection were specially arranged for this photo).
⬇ Relaxing together arounda traditional irori hearth.
⬇ The immense white-walled storehouse formerly served as a navigation
landmark for boats on Lake Biwa.

⬆ Items from daily life in former times
are displayed on the top floor of thehouse, in an exhibit prepared mainly by
students of Shiga Prefectural University.

⬇ The dragon relief adorning
the entrance shows excellent
craftsmanship.

23

Publishing in March 2014

Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum

P.110

The Lake Biwa Rowing Song, with lyrics mentioning various Lake Biwa locations, is
one of the most famous songs of this area. During a boat trip around the lake in 1917,
secondary school student Taro Oguchi, showed the lyrics he had written to his friends
at a hostel in Imazu, and one of them set the lyrics to music written by Chiaki Yoshida. Well-known singers and musicians began performing the song and it became very
popular throughout Japan for many years. It is still often sung in Shiga. The museum
recounts the story behind the creation of the song.
We’re children of the lake, off to wander ‘round This journey fills my heartwith intense happiness . . .
(An English-language CD recording of the song is available at the museum)At Imazu Harbor, near the museum, a stone inscribed with the lyrics of theLake Biwa Rowing Song stands near the tour boat boarding area.

⬇ Model of theboat used in 1917
by students of theThird Old-Education-System HighSchool (present
Kyoto University)⬅ Versions of thesong by different singers and musicians
can be heard andcompared throughheadphones in thelistening booth.
24⬆ The Lake Biwa Rowing Song was
created by matching new lyrics withthe song Hitsujigusa composed by
Chiaki Yoshida. A hitsujigusa is asmall white water lily.

Publishing in March 2014

Nakae Toju Memorial Museum

P.111

Toju Nakae (1608-1648) was a samurai in Iyo (present-day Ehime Prefecture) who later
returned to his hometown in Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture) and opened a private
school where he taught Confucian moral philosophy to one hundred students. After his
early death he became known as “The Sage of Omi,” and his philosophy continued tohave a strong influence on education in Japan. The memorial Museum displays materials about his life and work.

Okina mondo (Dialogue with the elder) by Nakae Toju, published about 1650. The
dialogue in the book makes moral philosophy easily accessible to any reader.

⬆ The exhibits inside the memorial museum include articles used by Toju Nakae and his students.
⬇ The Toju Study, site of the school, as it was
rebuilt after the original structure burned in 1880.

⬆ Yang Ming Garden is a Chinese garden was built in1986 as a symbol that Zhejiang Province where Wang
Yang Ming was born and Adogawa Town (present-day
Takashima City) where Toju Nakae was born are friendly exchanges.
➡ An exhibit forchildren with dolls
enacting an episodefrom the teachingsof Toju Nakae.
25

Recommend museums in Shiga ❺Publishing in March 2014

Koka Area

Home of the Ninja

Scaling a wall like ninjas

The famous mercenaries “Ninja”, hired by the elite in feudal Japan for spying, are amust to explore. In Koka, an hour away from Kyoto, there are two ninja museums that
depict the life of the ninja clans and how they trained and operated in secrecy.

Travel Reporters

Damith Suresh（Sri Lanka）, Nguyen Huu Quy（Vietnam）,
Liang Yuan（China）

Om

ad

ilro

a
iR

e

Lin

Kibukawa

Koka
Terasho
Konan
IC

Ku

sa

ts

u

eishinShin-M way
ss
Expre

Li

ne

Koka Ninja Estate

Koka Ninja Museum
koka
Aburahi

26

KokaTsuchiyamaICPublishing in March 201433

Koka Ninja Museum

P.64

About 300 years ago a famous nin a clan lived in the Shiga area taking hit orders fromfeudal lords and the elite. If you go to Koka, you can get a small glimpse of the way
shinobi (ninja) lived and operated at the Koka Ninja Museum.

⬆ Hand signs are a part of the ninja tradition. We learnt a few hand signs.
⬇ We learnt to throw shuriken in the practice area. It is not as easy as it seems.

⬇ Dressing up likea ninja is part of theexperience.

⬆ We were locked inside this cell likeprisoners.

⬆ The guide explained about the weaponsand equipment that the ninja used.
27

Publishing in March 201431

Koka Ninja Estate

P.62

To an outsider, it is a typical farm house. But when you look closely it is filled withsecret passages, rooms and stored weapons. This was home to the Mochizuki clan, agroup of people trained in martial arts and who made a livelihood from espionage andbeing mercenaries in feudal Japan.

⬆ There is a large collection of ninja weapons showcased in the museum.
➡ A mannequin of a ninja perched on theroof beams to depict how they operated instealth.
⬇ Inside the house there are many secretdoors and rooms to hide or trap people.

⬇ A deep well inside the house to keep
prisoners. It was hidden so that no one
could find it.

⬆ The museum showcases many disguises
and weapons used by ninjas.
28

Publishing in March 2014
Hira

R

Shiga

Horai

R

Lake Biwa

R

Otsu Area

Kosei freeway

JR Kosei Line

Wani

R

Ikadachi “Kaori no Sato” Museum

Ono

Katata

Biwa

ko B

Otsu

iei

u-h

Ok

Kokuhoden Museum,Mt. Hiei

Enryaku-ji
TempleDr

Ogotoonsen

Hiyoshi
ShrineSakamoto

Yasu

HieisakamotoMoriyama
City Oﬃce

Line

Omi Shrine Clock andTreasure Museum

iha

n

●

Ke

y

Karasaki●Zeze-yaki Pottery Museum

Seta

R1

Ishiyama

o

)
(T
o

ll

ro

Sh
in

Ritto

KusatsuJctpy

Kusatsutanakami
IC

TatebeShrineIshiyamadera
Ishiyama SetanishiIC
TempleadkaOtsu Festival Float
Exhibition Pavilion
Toraijin History Museum

Otsu City Science Museum

Minamikusatsu

Omi Bridge

Ritto
IC

Ex

Otani

Zeze

To
ka
id

Keihanzeze

nsenGichu Temple

Otsu

Otsu
IC

City Oﬃcce

Ritto City Oﬃce

in

Hamaotsu●

Li
ne

The Museum of Shiga Prefecture,
Biwako-Bunkakan
Kusatsu

Otsu Port

Otsu-e Art Museum

JR Kusatsu Line

TeharaKusatsu

●

R8

Ritto

sh

Omjingumae

Onjo-ji
TempleKusatsu

Nagara Crafts Pavilion and
Mitsuhashi Setsuko
Art Museum

Omi
ShrineM
ei

Hieizan Dr
Wa

a
ne
Li e）
am
iy
do in
or
ai o L
k
M
To ak
w
JR Bi
（

Shiagasato

OtsukyoOtsu City Museumof HistoryeMoriyamay

Wa

Mt.Hiei

KinoshitaMuseum of Art

ridg

Setahigashi
IC

The Museum of Modern Art, ShigaSh卍

i n-Meis h in e x p r e s s w a y(To

Takebe Shrine
Treasure Hall

Ishiyama IC

ss
Keiji Bypa d)(Tool roa

Tanakami Local
MuseumR

Tanakami Mineral Museum
Nango IC

Seta River

ll r

oa

d)

Publishing in March 201401

Ikadachi “Kaori no Sato”Museum

Step back in time to ancient Ikadachi

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

In the Ikadachi valley between Mt. Hiei and Mt. Hira lie several atmospheric old hamlets surrounded by magnificent mountain slopes and fertile farm fields. In the old days, life in Ikadachi was much closer to nature than it is now. There was work in the hills cutting and planting
trees, fields to tend in all seasons, cows and chickens in one part of the farmhouse, and thefamily circle around the old fashioned cooking stove or open hearth, irori.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ The old-fashioned cooking stove,
irori.

▲ Workshop

Kosei■ Address: 1223-1 Ikadachishimozaijicho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Monday, public holidays, and over the New
Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-598-2005■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: From JR Katata Station (Kosei Line from
Kyoto Station), board the Kojaku Bus bound for
Tochu or Namazu, to the Shimosaiji bus stop, and30

The “Kaori no Sato” Museum
is a recreation of an old-time
Ikadachi minka (farmhouse)filled with authentic utensils
for cooking, eating andother activities, and tools foroutdoor work. The museum
takes us back in time to
the nostalgic warmth andsimplicity of the world of ourancestors.

walk for 2 minutes / By car, 7 minutes from theMano exit, or 15 minutes from Biwako Ohashi toll
BridgePublishing in March 2014

02

Kokuhoden Museum, Mt. Hiei

Konan
Higashiomi

Koka

nryaku i temple on Mt. iei possesses a large number of Buddhist statues, paintings anddocuments, writings by the founder, and other cultural assets. The museum was opened in
1992 to preserve these treasures and inform visitors about the long history of Mt. iei. The exhibits on the first and second floors include ational Treasures and are periodically refreshedwith selected works from the temple’s large collection. The name Kokuhoden (national treasure museum) comes from a famous sentence written by engyo aishi (Saicho), the founderof nryaku i temple and the Tendai sect of Buddhism Ichigu wo terasu brighten the world
at your corner is itself a national treasure.

Otsu

Cultural treasures of Enryaku-ji temple, a 1200-year-old World Heritage Site

■ Address: 4220 Sakamoto-honmachi, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: March to November, 8:30 - 16:30 (entry until
16:00); December to February, 9:00 - 16:00 (entry
until 15:30)■ Closed: Open every day (occasional exceptions
during bad weather or exhibit changes)■ Entrance Fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for middle
school students, ¥100 for elementary school students■ Inquiries: Phone 077-578-0001, Fax 077-578-0678■ Parking: 100 spaces at Enryaku-ji temple■ Access: At JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station (Kosei
Line from Kyoto Staion), cross to Cable Sakamoto
Station and take the cable car to Enryakuji Station,
and walk for 15 minutes / From JR Kyoto Station,
Keihan Sanjo Station and Keihan Demachiyanagi
Station, board a regular bus boundfor Hiei Sancho, to the Enryakuji Bus
Center stop

KohokuThe preeminent
treasure in themuseum is theset of statues of the Five
Great Wisdom Kings. The
installation of these statues in the Wisdom Kings
Hall of the Mudo-ji temple by the priest Soo athousand years ago established the▲ Five Great Wisseat of practice and training for the Tendai sect dom Kings (fourof Buddhism. As a grounding for the teachings statues of a setof the Great Wisdom Kings, the statues are rec- of seven)ognized as the foremost and most miraculous
images in the temples of Mt. Hiei.

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Seated Shakyamuni Buddha

31

Publishing in March 201403

Omi Shrine Clock and Treasure Museum

A collection of masterpieces and rarities to take us outside time

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Official timekeeping in Japan began during the reign of mperor Ten i (668 672) at his capital
Omi Otsu no Miya, with the building of a water clock to chime the hour with a bell and drum
(according to the ihon Shoki chronicle).
This museum opened in 1963 as the only clock museum in Japan. It was renovated and reopenedin 2010 as the Clock Museum and Treasure ouse in the Omi shrine. The first floor displays about
100 rare clocks from Asia and the West, ancient and modern, including a suspended globe clock
and a lantern clock, Yagura dokei, with many items donated by the family of Prince Takamatsu.
The second floor is the shrine museum, displaying outstanding works from the Omi shrine collection, including a reproduction of the Landscape with Tower screen painted by Shohaku Soga
(Important ational Cultural Property).

Kohoku

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

▲ Water clock

Kosei■ Address: 1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 16:30■ Closed: Monday (excluding public holidays)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for children(middle school or younger)■ Inquiries: Phone 077-522-3725, Fax 077-522-3860■ Parking: 100 spaces at Omi shrine■ Access: 7 minutes by taxi from JR Otsu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / 15 minutes walkor 3 minutes by taxi from JR Otsukyo Station (Kosei

32

This suspended
globe clock from theKansei era (17891801) is a type of
pendulum clock. It
was designed forcelestial observationby the astronomers
Goryu Asada andShigetomi Hazami,
and made by Tosaburo Toda. Amongthe four such clocks
existing in Japan, thisis the most complete.
It is designated as an
Important National
Cultural Property.

▲ Suspended globe clock

Line, second stop from Kyoto Station) / 10 minutes
walk from Keihan Omijingumae Station (Ishiyama
Sakamoto Line)Publishing in March 201404

Kinoshita Museum of Art

Konan
Higashiomi

Koka

A fine collection of ihon ga (modern Japanese style paintings), mainly from widely appreciatedKyoto artists, including Seiho Takeuchi, Shunkyo Yamamoto, Suiho ishiyama, Insho omoto,
Kansetsu ashimoto, Shoha Ito, isako Ohara, Taikan Yokoyama, Shunso ishida, Saburosuke
Okada, Chu Asai and aisaburo akamura.
In 2008 the Kinoshita Museum of Art moved to a new building in ieidaira, designed especially toreali e a new art museum concept. The goal is to make fine art more accessible, by bringing viewers closer to the museum in spaces that foster more intimacy and dialogue with the artworks. The
exhibition is changed each month and related reading materials are made available, in a perfectsetting for relaxed en oyment and conversations with other visitors.

Otsu

A tranquil and engaging museum of fine art◀ Chu Asai, “The samurai who draws
a bow”■ Address: 2 Chome-28-21 Hieidaira, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday (excluding public
holidays)■ Entrance Fee: ¥500
■ Inquiries: Phone 077-575-1148■ Parking: Available■ Access: From JR Otsukyo Station (Kosei Line from
Kyoto Station), board the Keihan Bus bound for Hieidaira, to the Hieidaira Ni-chome stop / From Sanjo

KohokuFollowing the museum
concept of making art
works more appealing and accessible,
there are no glass panels or other shields
between the exhibited works and theviewer. Viewers are encouraged to relax
and take their time, view books and catalogs, and enjoy coffee at no charge.

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Station in Kyoto (Keihan Line and Tozai SubwayLine), board the Keihan Bus bound for Hieidaira, tothe Hieidaira Ni-chome stop

Kosei

▲ Exhibit room

33

Publishing in March 201405

Otsu City Museum of History

Presenting the traditional charm of Otsu through authentic models, Otsu-e
folk paintings, and Hiroshige prints of Omi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The waterfront city of Otsu, lying between Lake Biwa and a chain of verdant mountains, has arich history and cultural properties, and has played an important role in Japan as a land and watertransport center. xhibits at the museum portray high points of Otsu history with authentic modelsof the 7th century imperial capital at Otsu, water transportation on Lake Biwa, a bustling post town
street in the do period, and the castles at Sakamoto, Otsu and e e. Also on display are treasuresfrom Buddhist temples at the foot of Mt. iei, Otsu e folk paintings from the do period, and iroshige’s woodblock print series ight iews of Omi.
The second story museum lobby has a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. The museum serves as themain information resource for several important historic sites located nearby, including the On o itemple (Mii dera) ad acent to the museum, the nryaku i temple, which is a World Cultural eritage Site, and the remains of the 7th century the imperial palace of Omi Otsu no Miya (Otsukyo).

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Hiroshige Utagawa, “Eight Views of Omi”
portraying the autumn moon at Ishiyama

KohokuDuring the Edo period (1603-1868), the mostpopular souvenirs along the Edo-Kyoto highway
between Oiwake to Otani were the paintingsof folk art characters known as Otsu-e. Thesehumorous and satirical images are still a delightto view today. Not to be missed are the woodblock prints by the master Hiroshige Utagawa,
dipicting the Eight Views of Omi in the first halfof the 19th century when it was rated as one of
the famous sightseeing area in Japan.

▲ Model of an old townscape street in the Central Otsu

Kosei

■ Address: 2-2 Goryocho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), theday after a public holiday (excluding Saturday and
Sunday), and over the New Year holiday (12/27 to
1/5)■ Entrance Fee: ¥270 for adults, ¥200 for highschool and university students, ¥130 for elementaryand middle school students

34■ Inquiries: Phone 077-521-2100, Fax 077-521-2666■ Parking: 70 spaces■ Access: 5 minutes walk from Keihan Bessho Station (Ishiyama Sakamoto Line) / 15 minutes walkfrom JR Otsukyo Station (Kosei Line from Kyoto
Station) / From JR Otsu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station), 10
minutes by Keihan Bus to the Bessho stop

Publishing in March 201406

Otsu-e Art Museum

Amulet functions of typical Otsu-e figures:“Oni no Nenbutsu” – Exorcism to stop demonsfrom wailing in the night“Fuji Musume” – Enhancing female charms tofind a good match“Raiko” – Protection against lightning“Yarimochi Yakko” – Safety and tranquility for
travelers◀ “Oni no Nenbutsu”■ Address: 33 Onjojicho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00■ Closed: No closed days
■ Entrance Fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for highschool students, no charge for younger children andpeople with disabilities■ Inquiries: Phone 077-522-3690, Fax 077-522-3150■ Parking: 30 spaces (no charge)■ Access: 5 minutes by taxi from JR Otsu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / 10 minutes walk

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

from Keihan Miidera Station (Ishiyama SakamotoLine) / 7 minutes walk from Keihan Bessho Station(Ishiyama Sakamoto Line) / 8 minutes drive northfrom the Meishin Expressway Otsu Interchange
Kosei▲ Otsu-e display area

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Otsu e, the popular drawings marketed to travelers along the Tokaido highway through much of
the do period, originated in the busy post town of Otsu. Recogni ed as a leading folk art genreof Japan, Otsu e portray popular story characters or humorous figures, such as Oni no enbutsu( emon Impersonating a enbutsu Prayer Reciter), Fu i Musume ( ancing Girl with Wisteria),
ato (Blind Masseur), or Yarimochi Yakko (Retainer Carrying a Pike in a aimyo Procession). The drawings were often used as amulets for protection or luck.
Beginning about 1690, a number of Otsu e artist studios and picture shops sprang up at Oiwake,the village on the outskirts of Otsu where the Fushimi highway branched from the Tokai highway.
As Basho Matsuo composed in aiku Otsu e no Fude no ha ime ha nanibotoke (the literal translation with what Amitabha did the Otsu e brush begin ), the drawings began as portrayals of Amitabha Buddhist themes, before other themes gradually appeared. Their fame was heightened by
Otsu e bushi , a folk song and dance based on the titles of typical Otsu e, which was very popularin Japan for many years from the early 19th century.

Otsu

Enjoy folk-art drawings from Edo times in a tatami-room setting

35

Publishing in March 2014

07

Nagara Crafts Pavilion ・Mitsuhashi Setsuko Art Museum

A space with a gorgeous setting for appreciating and creating art and crafts

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The agara area has been celebrated over the centuries for its outstanding beauty and seasonalchanges, and agara Park, established in 1903 on the slope of Mt. agara, is a popular site forcherry blossom viewing. The agara Crafts Pavilion opened in the park in 1995 as a place forthe general public to practice arts and crafts. Part of the facility is a museum that conserves anddisplays the paintings of Setsuko Mitsuhashi, whose life and art were deeply connected to the
agara area. After losing her good arm when a tumor was removed in 1973, Ms. Mitsuhashi
continued painting with her left hand and completed such works as anaore toge ( anaore
Pass) and Mii no Bansho (Curfew at Mii) before she passed away in 1975 aged 35.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Setsuko Mitsuhashi, “Hanaore-toge”

Kohoku▲ The last letter sent to children

Kosei■ Address: 1-1 Kozekicho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day) andthe day after a public holiday (except Sunday, inwhich case it is open)■ Entrance Fee: ¥270 for adults, ¥200 for highschool and university students, ¥130 for middle andelementary school students (group discounts available)

36

Seven hours before her death,w i t h d i ff i c u l t y b re a t h i n g ,Setsuko Mitsuhashi wrote a
postcard to children, reflecting
in a free and easy style on thelimits of life. It is on display.
There are also classroom facilities for various arts and crafts.
The pottery studio has a gas
reduction kiln.

■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-523-5101■ Parking: 10 spaces (no charge)■ Access: 10 minutes by taxi from JR Otsu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / Bicycles can berented near JR Otsu Station; please enter Nagara
Park and come to the Pavilion

Publishing in March 201408

Otsu Festival Float Exhibition Hall

Konan
Koka

With displays about the Otsu Festival, which is held each October and is one of the threelargest festivals in the Lake Biwa area, the museum presents the traditional culture of Otsu’s
neighborhoods. There is a full si e model of one of the large hikiyama festival floats, next to awall made into a traditional streetscape. Also on display are miniature models (made in 1938)of the 13 floats currently used in the annual festival, with explanatory panels. A large screen
shows videos of the festival eve events, the hikiyama float parade, and the festival’s uniquekarakuri (mechanical doll) performances. Presenting the brilliance of the festival scenes, thestrange beauty of the karakuri dolls, and the dynamism of chonin (neighborhood) culture, themuseum offers a genuine feel of Otsu Festival’s energy and merriment.

Otsu

Hikiyama floats, mechanical dolls, and showy neighborhood traditions■ Address: 1 Chome- ２- 27 Chuo, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (entry until 18:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-521-1013■ Parking: Nearby commercial parking facilities■ Access: From JR Otsu Station (Biwako Line), walkalong Chuo Odori Street toward the lake, turn left at

the third traﬃc signal, and walk about 400 m. The
lane to the museum is in the middle of a covered
shopping arcade

Kosei▲ Hikiyama float decorations

Displayed on the upper floor are
decorations from one of the hikiyama
festival floats, a different float every twomonths. On the first floor, guests areinvited to use hand gongs and taiko(Japanese drums) to practice hayashi(dance rhythms), and watch videos of
the Otsu Festival and hayashi dancing
and singing.

Kohoku▲ Model of a hikiyama float and a decorated street

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

37

Publishing in March 201409

Toraijin Historical Museum

Dedicated to accurate and objective presentation of East Asian history

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The people and culture of Japan did not form independently.
The bringers of rice cultivation and other technologies in the Jomon period, when the staple food
was nuts, and the cultural leaders of the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 A ) were immigrants to theJapanese archipelago from the Korean peninsula. In the late 16th century, there was another influxof Korean artisans, who developed the pottery techniques of Japan.
Today, in the wake of the Japanese annexation of Korea between 1910 and 1945, there are morethan 700,000 Japanese citi ens of recent Korean descent, as well as about 500,000 Koreans whoare special permanent residents of Japan. We encourage the people of Japan to directly face theirnational history, as a basis for rebuilding honest neighborly relations among ast Asian nations, asa step toward preventing the recurrence of unfortunate historical events, and to support a transformation of consciousness for the new global era.

KohokuKoto▲ Exhibits on Omi and Immigrants
and Historical Connections between
Japan and Korea

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

In the 1590s the Japanese leader Hideyoshi Toyotomi
sought to invade Korea, massacre her people andplunder her culture. The succeeding Tokugawa regime
in Japan sent embassies and restored relations, andthe Joseon diplomatic missions sent from
Korea periodically over the next 200 years
cultivated good neighborly relations
between the countries. We want
to increase public awareness ofthe historical facts and promotereflection on issues of war and▲ Joseon Diplomatic
peace.
Procession (reproduction)

Kosei■ Address: 2 Chome-4-6 Umebayashi, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday and Tuesday (group visits may bearranged)■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 (No charge for high school andyounger students)■ Inquiries: Phone 077-525-3030, Fax 077-525-3450■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Otsu Station (about
400 meters from the south exit toward Ishiyama)38

Publishing in March 201410

The Museum of Shiga Prefecture,
Biwako-Bunkakan

Konan
Koka

Opened in 1961, the museum holds about 7,800 pieces, mainly Buddhist art, including many
ational Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. After many years of operation withbroad public attendance, the museum began a period of closure to the public in 2008.
Parts of the collection are now displayed at other museums in Shiga, and an exhibition of masterworks, The Gods and Buddhas of Omi, is touring leading museums throughout Japan andin South Korea. The museum continues to investigate Shiga cultural properties and hold public
educational events.

Otsu

A storehouse of Buddhist art and other outstanding works from the Omi
cultural heritage

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

■ Address: Uchidehamachisaki, Otsu, Shiga■ No Data■ Closed from April 2008
■ No Data■ Inquiries: Phone 077-522-8179, Fax 077-522-9634■ Parking: available at nearby commercial lots
■ Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Otsu Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station)

KohokuKosei▲ Ryokai Mandara (Dual World Mandala), The Museum of Shiga Prefecture, Biwako-Bunkakan

The museum is recognized as one ofJapan’s main repositories of cultural
treasures, with the 6th largest holding ofImportant National Cultural Properties in
the country. The collections include one
tenth of the art and craft National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
located in Shiga Prefecture, and one
quarter of Shiga’s Prefectural Cultural
Properties.

Koto▲ Mt. Hiei, by Shohaku Soga

39

Publishing in March 201411

Gichu Temple

Resting place of the tragic hero Yoshinaka Kiso and the famous poet Basho

Koka

Konan

Otsu

This is the gravesite of Yoshinaka Kiso or Gichu, General Asahi, who died nearby fighting his
brother at the Battle of Awa u in 1184 during the Genpei War. Some years later a nun lived in a
retreat here and tended the grave. She was Tomoe Go en (Lady Tomoe), the former warrior andconsort of Yoshinaka, and the retreat, eventually known as the Tomoe temple, was the origin of the
Gichu temple. In the middle of the 16th century Omi governor Rokkaku Sasaki restored the temple
and took possession of the land.
The great haiku poet Basho Matsuo was extremely fond of the Lake Biwa landscape in the lastyears of his life and he stayed in a hut at Gichu temple during many of his visits. Upon Basho’s
death in 1694, according to his stated wish, his grave was placed to the right of Yoshinaka’s grave.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

Koto

▲ Seated statue of Basho

KohokuThe temple holds ceremonies eachyear to mark the death anniversaries of
Yoshinaka (third Sunday in January) andBasho (second Saturday in November),as well as the Housen-e ceremony(second Saturday in May) when commemorative fans are placed around thestatue of Basho.
▲ Gichu temple mountain retreat

Kosei■ Address: 1 Chome-5-12 Banba, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (to 16:00 from November to
February)■ Closed: Mondays during December to March andJune to September (excluding public holidays)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for high school students andolder, ¥150 for middle school students, ¥100 for
elementary school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-523-2811■ Parking: Public parking area40

■ Access: 6 minutes walk from JR Zeze Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / 6 minutes walkfrom Keihan Zeze Station (Ishikawa Sakamoto Line)Publishing in March 201412

Otsu City Science Museum

Experiential and creative Thrilling
Science classes are presented in
the Exhibition Hall on Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays. There arealso regular classes on science
related fabrication of objects, andmany enjoyable special events including planetarium music shows.

◀ Planetarium■ Address: 6-50 Honmarucho, Otsu, Shiga (in theLifelong Learning Center)■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, in whichcase it will be closed the following day), third Sundayof each month, and over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥100 for elementary school students
and older. Additional planetarium entrance fee:¥400 for adults, ¥200 for high school students andyounger■ Inquiries: Phone 077-522-1907, Fax 077-522-2297■ Parking: 98 spaces, and other commercial facilities
nearby■ Access: 7 minutes walk from Zeze Honmachi Station (Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line) / 15 minutes
by car from the Meishin Expressway
Otsu Interchange to the Honmaruchointersection

Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Big Earth (Tangible Earth)

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

As part of the Lifelong Learning Center located along the shore of Lake Biwa, the museum
completed renovations of the Planetarium in 2012 and the xhibition all in 2013. The xhibition all, with the world’s first digital globe and 20 other themed areas, is filled with interactive displays that move when touched, making science alive and fun. There are also many
nature related exhibits in the Lake Biwa Theater and the Shiga environment section. The Planetarium offers state of the art digital presentations with live explanations, and the dome is also
used for regular sunspot shows and astronomy classes.

Otsu

Interactive hands-on thrills! Plenty to learn!

41

Publishing in March 201413

Zeze-yaki Pottery Museum

Showcasing the history and revival of Zeze-yaki pottery

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The e e yaki Museum was established in 1987 by the potter Shin o Iwasaki for public display of his family’s collection of e e yaki and other Shiga area pottery and tea ceremonyutensils from the do period and later. e e yaki is a style of pottery for tea ceremony use,which was made from the seventeenth century on the grounds of e e Castle and was revived
in the 20th century. It is characteristically very thin with blackish tinges from iron gla ing. The
museum has a permanent display of old e e yaki and changing exhibits of other tea ceremony pottery and utensils. There is a garden and teahouse on the grounds, and visitors are invited
to receive tea prepared and served, with a sweet, in the ceremonial manner. ew e e yaki
tea ware is regularly fired in a kiln on the grounds and available for purchase, and there is a
shop outside the museum selling e e yaki dishes and cups for ordinary use.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

▲ Old Zeze-yaki – Koetsu bowl

KohokuKoto

One of the few existing tea bowls madeof Zeze clay and fired at Zeze by Koetsu Hon’ami, the celebrated artist of theearly 17th century. He made them forthe tea ceremony master Enshu Kobori,whose dislike of the more popular Raku
ware is thought to have propelled thecreation of Koetsu-style Zeze-yaki.
▲ Old Zeze-yaki – Water jar from the Oe kiln (Kiln mark on base)

Kosei■ Address: 1 Chome-22-28 Nakasho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥700 for adults, ¥500 for highschool students and younger■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-523-1118■ Parking: 4 spaces■ Access: 3 minutes walk following signposts from42

Keihan Kawaragahama Station (Ishiyama SakamotoLine). The Ishiyama Sakamoto Line may be boarded
at Keihan Zeze Station, adjacent to JR Zeze Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station)Publishing in March 201414

Takebe Shrine Treasure Hall

▲ Thousand yen banknote■ Address: 1 Chome-16-1 Jinryo, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Please call to conﬁrm■ Entrance Fee: ¥200
■ Inquiries: Phone 077-545-0038, Fax 077-545-2438■ Parking: 50 spaces■ Access: 1 minute by Omi bus from the south exit of
JR Ishiyama Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / 15 minutes walk from Keihan Karahashimae
Station (Ishiyama Sakamoto Line)

Thousand yen banknote(legal tender) Japan issued
the first bank note convertible for one thousand yen
in 1945. Its design portrays
Prince Yamatotakeru andTakebe shrine. It is known
as a phantom banknote, asvery few were issued.

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

Kosei

▲ Wooden seated goddess

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Takebe Shrine, formerly the chief Shinto shrine of Omi (now Shiga), lies next to the Seta
Bridge. This strategic crossroads was the scene of many battles centuries ago. The shrine waspatroni ed by several generations of the imperial court and military commanders, including
Yoritomo Minamoto (1147 1199), who is known to have visited at a young age to pray forgood fortune in war. The Treasure all displays a Wooden Seated Goddess statue that is an
Important ational Cultural Property, as well as portable shrines used during spring and summer festivals, and old documents. The wooden statue is said to portray the consort of Prince
Yamatotakeru, the legendary second century emperor of Japan, to whom Takebe Shrine is dedicated. Many agree that her covered sleeve openings and reclusive air suggest the demeanorof a goddess. This refined work, in the style of the eian period, is the chief attraction of themuseum.

Otsu

Takebe Shrine, the chief shrine of Omi, is the resting place of Prince
Yamatotakeru

43Publishing in March 201415

The Museum of Modern Art,
Shiga

Exhibitions with unique perspectives at a popular suburban museum

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The museum has a lovely suburban setting in the Seta hills, surrounded by Japanese gardens
and views of Lake Biwa and the Mt. ira Mt. iei mountain range.
The museum collects in three areas (1) Modern ihon ga (Japanese style paintings) in the
tradition of the ihon Bi utsuin academy (2) Fine art linked to Shiga Prefecture and (3) Contemporary art, focusing on postwar American and Japanese works. In addition to collection
and conservation activities, the museum mounts a permanent display of selected works fromthe collection as well as special exhibitions. There is also a small permanent display of paintings by the Shiga born female ihon ga master Yuki Ogura. The special exhibitions reflect themuseum’s collection themes, yet may also range widely to offer uniquely compelling displaysof the finest modern and contemporary art.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Gallery for the Permanent Collection▲ Interactive Museum Workshop

Kosei■ Address: 1740-1 Setaminamiogayacho, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday (12/29 to 1/3). Occasional temporary closures.
■ Entrance Fee: Permanent Collection Gallery: ¥500
for adults, ¥300 for university and high school
students, no charge for junior high and elementary
school students, Special Exhibitions: Fees vary

44

The broad range of educational and outreach programs
include the Interactive Museum Workshop for adults andchildren held once a month,vacation-period workshops
in early May and during thes u m m e r, a n d C h i l d r e n ’s
Summertime Art Appreciation
sessions featuring quizzes on
the permanent collection.

■ Inquiries: Phone 077-543-2111, Fax 077-543-4220■ Parking: 320 spaces■ Access: From JR Seta Station (Biwako Line from
Kyoto Station), board the bus bound for Shiga-Idai
for 10 minutes to the Bunka Zone stop, and walk
5 minutes. Note: Only local trains
stop at the JR Seta Station, which isabout 17 minutes from Kyoto Station

Publishing in March 201416

Tanakami Local Museum

The women of the area used to cover their heads
with Tanakami tenugui (hand Japanese towels)
decorated with a distinctive pattern,
and these have been revived. Also,
the traditional local three-paneledapron, mihabamaedare, which
disappeared after 1945, is again
being woven and worn by local
women, making some people
think they are seeing ghosts.

▲ Tanakami tenugui■ Address: 1 Chome-8-32 Maki, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: As needed■ Closed: No closed days (By appointment)■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-549-0369■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: From Ishiyama Station (JR Biwako Lineor Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line), board the bus
bound for Makiguchi for 20 minutes to the Kami-tanakami Shogakko stop, then walk for 5 minutes

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Museum interior

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

For centuries, agriculture was the mainstay of the village of Tanakami, which lies at theeastern edge of Otsu in a basin formed by sediment deposits from the aido River. After themodern transformation of farming practices, traditional farm tools and housewares were often
thrown away or destroyed. In reaction to such sights, this museum was founded in 1968 to display traditional artifacts that have been collected and preserved by volunteers.
In addition to collecting ob ects, volunteers have recorded many interviews with village elders
about the traditional customs and special events of the area. There are five volumes of museum newsletters, created with professional assistance, which serve as a primer on the traditional
Tanakami lifestyle.

Otsu

A repository of fast-disappearing rural culture, preserved by young people45

Publishing in March 201417

Tanakami Mineral Museum

See glittering specimens at the foot of the Konan Alps

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The minerals displayed here are quart , feldspar, mica and topa found on Mount Tanakami,
a granite mountain south of Lake Biwa, also known as Topa Mountain. Soon after Japan
reopened to the world in 1868, an American named Gent heard about the topa of Mount
Tanakami. e came here and developed mines that exported stones to many countries, making
Mount Tanakami topa world famous. Specimens were found as recently as the 1950s by people clearing the mountain’s ravines. Present day, due to the progress of hillside erosion control
pro ects, granite outcrops are no longer visible and it is impossible to find specimens.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Exhibit room

This is a single piece of topaz
from the Nakazawa druse on
nearby Mt. Tanakami. A single
druse cavity can yield several
large specimens. Hence themountain is nicknamed Topaz
Mountain.

Kohoku◀ Topaz

Kosei■ Address: 3 Chome-8-4 Eda, Otsu, Shiga■ Hours: As needed■ Closed: No set hours of operation (by appointment)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for high school students orolder, ¥200 for middle school students, ¥100 for
elementary school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-546-1921■ Parking: 2 or 3 spaces■ Access: From Ishiyama Station (JR Biwako Line or
Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line), board the Teisan46

Bus bound for Tanakami Shako, to the Eda stop,
and walk 200 meters along the river toward themountainPublishing in March 2014

Hira

Oki Island

Shiga

Horai

R

Lake Biwa

R
Chomei Temple
卍

Konan Area

Lak
Nish

Kosei freew

ay

Wani

Hino River
Ono

Lake Biwa Art Gallery

Omihachiman City Oﬃce●

Biw
Brid ako
ge

Ko

se

iL

ine

Omihachiman

Hyozu
ShrineYasu River

JR
(B To
iw ka
ak id
o o
Li Li
ne ne
)

KatataOmihachiman

Moriyama City
Archaeological Culture Center

JR

Sagawa Art Museum
Moriyama

Shinohara

Lake Biwa Museum

Yasu

Moriyama Institute ofFirefly's Woods

to

Yasu
●

Moriyama
City Oﬃce●aOsumi Residence and
Wachusan PharmacynsenRyuo IC

R8

To

ka

id
o

Ritto

▲
Mt.Mikami

Li
ne

am

Sh
in
ka

Kusatsu Post Town
and Highway
Kusatsu Community Museum

Oﬃce

Ryuo

iy

or

M

Dotaku Museum Yasu City
Yasu City History and Folk Museum

TeharaKusatsu●
Ritto City Oﬃce

●Kusatsu
City Oﬃcce

R1
Ritto
IC

IshibeOmi
Bridge

(T
oo

lr
oa

d)

Ritto History Museum
ay

Minamikusatsu

JR

Konan
Ku

sa

ts

uL

●Konan City Oﬃce

ine

TatebeShrineSetanishi
IC

SetahigashiIC卍 Ishiyama Temple

Ishiyama ICshKusatsu
Jct

ei

R1

M

Seta
Ishiyama

in

ex
pr

es

sw

Kosei

Kusatsutanakami
ICShin-Mei s h i n e x p r e s s w a y

Mikum

Ritto

(To l

l ro

ad

)

Publishing in March 201418

Kusatsu Post Town and
Highway Community Museum

A museum of the Edo period travel experience

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

uring the do period (1603 1868), Kusatsu flourished as the post town at the intersection of
two main highways, the Tokaido ighway and the akasendo ighway. An inn for the exclusive use of daimyo (territorial lords) still stands as an historic site, and original signposts andother ob ects have been preserved. The museum opened in 1999 to acquaint the public withthese legacies of the Kusatsu post town, and to display materials and information related totravel, highways, and post towns in the do period. xhibits on various themes are presented,
and the museum also holds history lectures and trains interested community members to investigate the history of the highways and post towns.

▲ Model of an Edo period inn

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuVisitors are invited to try
on authentic period travel
clothes and sit in a sedan
chair, and to experience
the technique for the
traditional woodblock
printing of Japan; Ukiyo-e
printmaking.
▲ Experiential display of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing process

Kosei■ Address: 3 Chome-10-4 Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), theday after a public holiday (excluding Saturday or
Sunday), and over the New Year holiday (12/28 to
1/4)■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥150 for university
or high school students, ¥100 for middle school orelementary school students

48■ Inquiries: Phone 077-567-0030, Fax 077-567-0031■ Parking: Spaces at Kusatsu City Hall
■ Access: 15 minutes walk from the east exit of JR
Kusatsu Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Staion),where bicycles may also be rented

Publishing in March 2014

19

Ritto History Museum

Koka

Konan

edicated to collecting and conserving outstanding items of cultural legacy, mainly from the
Ritto area, with a collection exceeding 30,000 pieces of all types. From this wealth of materials, many well stocked exhibitions are mounted. Arriving visitors are da led by the full si e
replica of the Komasaka Magai Buddha statue at the entrance. The first exhibition room presents an overview of Ritto’s history and folkways. The second exhibition room houses diverse
special exhibitions drawing mainly on the museum’s collections.

Otsu

Omi history and culture from the perspective of the transport hub Ritto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

■ Address: 223-8 Ono, Ritto, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday), theday after a public holiday (except Saturday, Sundayor public holiday), over the New Year holiday (12/28
to 1/4), and occasional closures for exhibitionchanges■ Entrance Fee: No charge (there is a charge forsome special exhibitions)■ Inquiries: Phone 077-554-2733, Fax 077-554-2755■ Parking: 100 spaces■ Access: From the east exit of JR Kusatsu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station), board the Teisan
Bus toward Community center Konze, to the Toshokan Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop / 3 minutes by
car from the Ritto Interchange (Meishin Expressway) / 5 minutes by carfrom the Kamimagari intersection on
National Route 1

Kohoku▲ Komasaka Magai Buddha (Replica)

Kosei

Visitors are invited to enter the former
Nakajima house, a traditional house thatwas moved to the museum grounds.
On weekends and occasionally on other days, it is possible to help tend thefire in the old-fashioned cooking stove,
kamado, by blowing through a bamboo
tube, and once each month visitors canparticipate in cooking rice.

Koto▲ Former Nakajima house49

Publishing in March 201420

Osumi Residence and Wachusan
Pharmacy

Old-fashioned pharmacy with original equipment, and a daimyo inn(Important Cultural Property)

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

With its long frontage along the old Tokai highway, the former Wachusan pharmacy headquarters is a rare example of a large do period merchant building, and is designated an Important
Cultural Property. Wachusan was a medicament well known to travelers of Japan’s pedestrian
highways, with a reputation for relieving stomach pains and heatstroke. Many famous people
stopped at the shop, and ngelbert Kaempfer (1651 1716) and Philipp Fran von Siebold(1796 1866), the most prominent uropean scientists who stayed in Japan during the do period, were among those who procured Wachusan.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Phamacy signboard “Wachusan”▲ The Osumi Family Garden

Kosei■ Address: 402 Rokujizo, Ritto, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00, by appointment only
■ Closed: Aug. 13 to 17, over the New Year holiday(Dec. 25 to Jan. 7)■ Entrance Fee: ¥400 for adults, ¥200 for elementary, middle and high school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-552-0971■ Parking: 2 bus spaces■ Access: About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Kusatsu
or Ritto Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) /50

In addition to pharmaceuticalpreparation and sales, the Wachusan property contained lodgings
used by daimyo (territorial lords)
during journeys to and from Edo(present-day Tokyo) where theyspent much time attending theimperial court. The Osumi Family
Garden at the back of the property, laid out around a pond, isdesignated as a national Place of
Scenic Beauty.

30 minutes walk from JR Tehara Station (Kusatsu
Line from Kyoto Station or Kusatsu Station)Publishing in March 2014

21

Dotaku Museum and Yasu City History
and Folk Museum▲ Display of Oiwayama bronze bells

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

“Yayoi no Mori Park” located next to the museum,provides the feel of life in ancient Japan, with paddy
fields growing red
rice, and replicasof pit dwellings andraised-floor storehouses. Workshops
are offered for making magatama (comma-shaped jewels),
earthen flutes, andother items used inancient times.

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

The 24 bron e bells from the Yayoi period (300 BC to 250 A ) unearthed at Oiwayama in
Yasu, include the largest such bells discovered in Japan. The otaku Museum opened in 1988,
displays the bells and presents audio and video materials about their discovery as well as their
origins, fabrication, and decorative pictures and designs. The museum also has permanent andspecial exhibitions on the history and folkways of the Yasu area.

Otsu

Explore the mysteries of bronze bells and experience ancient folkways■ Parking: 50 car spaces, 5 bus spaces■ Access: From the south exit of JR Yasu Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station), board an Omi Bus toward Karyoku Park to the Dotaku Hakubutsukan-mae
bus stop. Or board a bus toward Murata Seisakusho
or Mitsui Outlet Park to the Tsujimachi bus stop andwalk for 5 minutes / About 15 minutes
by car along National Route 8 from the
Ryuo Interchange or Ritto Interchange(Meishin Expressway)

Kosei■ Address: 57-1 Tsujimachi, Yasu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday), theday after a public holiday (except Saturday, Sundayor public holiday), and over the New Year holiday(12/28 to 1/4)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥150 for highschool and university students, ¥100 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 077-587-4410, Fax 077-587-4413

Kohoku▲ Items made by workshop participants

Workshops Open: Saturday, Sunday, a public holiday
Reception Hours: 9:00 - 15:00

51

Publishing in March 201422

Moriyama Institute of Firefly’s Woods

Observing and learning about Japanese genji fireflies

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The museum displays materials related to fireflies and other fauna and flora, with the goal ofincreasing public awareness of the natural environment. An artificial stream in the Firefly Parkis a site for nature walks in all seasons. When fireflies are flying, from late May to mid June,
the wooded park is enveloped in a wondrous aura.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ The outside of the Museum building

Lovely fireflies fill thepark in late spring▲ The wondrous light of Luciola cruciata (Japanese genji fireflies)

Kosei■ Address: 10 Miyakecho, Moriyama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30, also 18:30 - 22:00 from late
May to mid-June■ Closed: Tuesday, the day after a public holiday(excluding Saturday or Sunday), and over the New
Year holiday (12/28 to 1/4)
■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-583-9680■ Parking: 114 spaces at Moriyama Sports Park
■ Access: 30 minutes walk or 5 minutes taxi ride52

from JR Moriyama Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto
Staion). On weekdays a bus can be taken from thestation to the Ritsumeikan Chugaku-Koukou-mae
bus stop, a short walk from the park. Walk from thewest exit of the station past Moriyama Ginza andcontinue straight to the Ritsumeikan
School, and turn right to the parkPublishing in March 201423

Lake Biwa Museum

The Discovery Room is aninteractive exhibition areathat makes learning fun. The
museum leads many interactive learning programs for
adults and student groups,
including nature walks andexcursions, making fossil
replicas and reed flutes, andplankton observation.

▲ Discovery Room

■ Address: 1091 Oroshimocho, Kusatsu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (excluding public holidays), over
the New Year holiday, and occasional temporary
closures■ Entrance Fee: ¥750 for adults, ¥400 for highschool students, no charge for middle school or elementary school students■ Inquiries: Phone 077-568-4811, Fax 077-568-4850■ Parking: 480 spaces■ Access: From JR Kusatsu Station (Biwako Line
from Kyoto Station), go out the west exit and board
an Omi Tetsudo bus bound for Karasuma Hanto,for 25 minutes to the Biwako Hakubutsukan stop
(Kusatsu Station is 20 minutes from Kyoto Stationor 35 minutes from Maibara Stationon the Shinkaisoku limited express)

Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Tunnel tank

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

The theme of the museum is lakes and people, and includes exhibits on the natural featuresand human history of Lake Biwa and its catchment area, focusing on how the lake developed,
its flora and fauna, and the human impacts on the lake environment. The museum emphasi es
fieldworks with public involvement, inviting local visitors to become more aware of and involved in the natural environment in their neighborhoods.

Otsu

Learning about the lifestyles and environments of Lake Biwa and its
watershed53

Publishing in March 201424

Sagawa Art Museum

A shrine to masters of Japanese art

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Opened in 1998 as part of celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment ofSagawa xpress Co., Ltd., the museum shows the works of three leading Japanese artists theihon ga (Japanese style paintings) painter Ikuo irayama, the sculptor Churyo Sato, and theceramic artist Kichi aemon Raku (15th holder of the Raku family lineage).
Situated amongst lush natural surroundings on the shore of Lake Biwa with views toward Mt.
iei and Mt. ira, the museum has two main buildings in a classic yet contemporary Japanesestyle, with gable roofs and a monotone finish. There is also a teahouse designed by Kichi aemon Raku that appears to float on the surface of a pond, surrounded by a water garden with abold layout that achieves a strong sense of unity with the landscape.

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kohoku▲ Ikuo Hirayama Exhibition Room

▲ Churyo Sato, “Hat, Summer” 1972

Kosei

■ Address: 2891 Mizuhocho, Moriyama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), over
the New Year holiday, and occasional closures for
exhibition changes■ Entrance Fee: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥600 for highschool and university students, no charge for middle
school students or younger (must be accompanied
by a guardian)

54

The exhibition areas for paintings,
sculpture and pottery convey the worldview of each artist through lightingthat brings out the full appeal of theartworks. There are also areas with natural light where shifting skies make thespace itself into artistry.

■ Inquiries: Phone 077-585-7800■ Parking: 70 spaces, free to museum visitors■ Access: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Moriyama Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) to the
Sagawa Bijutsukan bus stop / About 15 minutesby bus from JR Katata Station (Kosei Line from Kyoto Station) to the
Sagawa Bijutsukan bus stop

Publishing in March 201425

Moriyama City Archaeological
Culture Center

Koka

Konan

The center opened in 1980 to conduct surveys of the attori ruins discovered during improvement work along the Yasugawa River. Currently it is the base for archaeological surveys of theIse and Shimonogo remains and other sites dating from the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 A ),and presents public exhibitions of relics unearthed in the area. The findings are recogni ed as
significant by the Japan archaeology community, and the center attracts many researchers andother visitors.

Otsu

The base for investigating ancient ruins along the lower Yasugawa River

In addition to the permanent exhibits,
there are special exhibitions each spring
and autumn. The center also presents
history lectures and tours of archaeological sites, as well as workshops forelementary and middle school students.
▲ Earthenware from the Hattori ruins
from Kyoto Station), board the Omi Bus Hattori Lineor Big Lake Line to the Shiritsu Maizo BunkazaiCenter bus stop

Kosei

■ Address: 2250 Hattoricho, Moriyama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Tuesday (except on a public holiday), theday after a public holiday (excluding Saturday and
Sunday), and over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge (including special exhibitions)■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 077-585-4397■ Parking: 20 spaces■ Access: From JR Moriyama Station (Biwako Line

Kohoku▲ Water conveying facility from the early
Kofun period (300 to 400 AD)

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

55

Publishing in March 201426

Lake Biwa Art Gallery

Space for experiencing the essence of Shiga through art

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

From the Lake Biwa Art Gallery, visitors can look out towards the spring snow of Mt. ira,
made famous as one of iroshige’s ight iews of Omi , as well as other seasonal beauties
along the lakeshore. The Gallery, which opened in October 2003 as part of the Ayuya no
Sato lake food dining complex, exhibits works by artists linked to the Shiga area, from traditional genres, such as screens and scrolls, to contemporary depictions of landscapes and fishes.
These exhibits reflect the changing seasons and the festivals of Omi and are changed every
month. Works by some of the artists are available for purchase.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Gallery interior seen from the entrance

An ink rubbing of a large carp,
and a stuffed black bass at thegallery entrance provide a vivid
introduction to the fishes of Lake
Biwa. Visitors can also enjoy
models of landmark buildings
from the area including the former
Azuchi Castle and the Ukimido
temple hall.

▲ Model of the Ukimido temple hall

Kosei

■ Address: 4187 Yoshikawa, Yasu, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Jan. 1 and 3 days at the end of Jan.
■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone 077-589-3999, Fax 077-589-4769■ Parking: About 250 spaces at Ayuka no Sato
■ Access: 15 minutes by taxi from JR Yasu Station(Biwako Line from Kyoto Station)

56

R8
Notogawa

SaimyoTemplePublishing in March 2014

Echigawa

Lake
Biwa

Aisho

●Aisho Town

Oﬃce

Kongorin
TempleGokashoOhmi Railroad

Kannonsho
TempleAzuchiLine

Hyakusai
Temple

ne
Li e)
do in
ai o Lk
To akw
JR (BiShin iich
yoka

YokaichiKoka Area

Musa
Hirata●Higashiomi

City Oﬃce

bogu
Taro aem

Shinohara

Higashiomi

Yasu

Nagatanino

Yokaichi R
IC

Daigakumae

Ryuo

Kyoseramae

Yasu

Yasu City
Oﬃce●

Sakuragawa

Ryuo Town
Oﬃce
●

R8

▲
Mt.Mikami

Me

ad)

ol ro

y (To

swa

pres

ex
ishin

Ryuo IC

Asahiotsuka

Asahinomi
Oh

R1

Hino R

Ku

Hino

sa

ts

u

Hino Town
Oﬃce
●

e

JR

Lin

Ishibe

ad

ilro

Ra

Ritto
IC

R

●Konan City Oﬃce

Lin

e

Kosei

Tokai Highway and Ishibe
Post Town History and Folk
MuseumKonan

MikumoRitto

Minakuchimatsuo

Minakuchi

Minakuchiishibashi
Minakuchijonan

Minakuchi History and Folk Museum●

Koka CityOﬃce

Kibukawa

h
S

in
-M
eis
hin
e xp

re ss wa y (Toll roland
aki high
Shigard LineRailroaad)

ShigarakiICMIHO MUSEUM

Shigarakigushi
Kumoi

R
ChokushiTsuchiyama History and
Folk Museum
Minakuchi Children's Forest
Nature Park and Museum
Konan

R1

Koka City Kounan Fureai-no-Yakata

Koka Ninja Estate
Konan
IC

Museum of Contemporary
Ceramic Art, and Shigaraki
Ceramic Cultural Park

TerashoKoka

Koka Ninja Museum
Koka

AburahiGyokukeijimae

Shigaraki

Shigaraki Traditional
Craft Center

Kokat
suchiyamaIC

RakuyaTempleAburahi ShrinePublishing in March 201427

Tokaido Highway and Ishibe Post
Town History and Folk Museum

Recreating the appearance and culture of the Ishibe post town

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The 5th station along the Tokaido Highway from Kyoto to Tokyo was the Ishibe post town,
which lay about a day’s journey (about 38 km) from Kyoto, giving rise to a popular saying,“Rise in Kyoto, stay in Ishibe.” It included two inns reserved for the use of daimyo (territoriallords) during journeys to and from Edo (present-day Tokyo) where they spent much time attending the imperial court, as well as other lodgings for the general public.
The museum consists of “Ishibe-shukuba no Sato”, a reproduction of several Edo period buildings, and the Tokaido Highway History Museum, which displays the traveling culture of thetime. Both facilities are located in the Ameyama Cultural Sports Park.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲Replica of the Kojima inn fordaimyos

Inside the recreateddaimyo inn buildings, displays of items used in daily
life between the 17th andearly 20th centuries takethe visitor back in time.
“Ishibe-shukuba no Sato”
has been used as a setting
for period films.

Kohoku▲ Visitor’s books of Kojima Inn, the officiallyappointed inn for daimyos in the Edo Period

Kosei■ Address: 2 Chome- １−１ Ameyama, Konan, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (entry until 16:00)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), theday after a public holiday (except Saturday or Sunday), and over the New Year holiday (Dec. 28 toJan. 4)■ Entrance Fee: ¥350 for adults, ¥150 for students(¥50 discount for each person in a group of 20 or
more)

58

■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-77-5400, Fax 0748-77-5401■ Parking: 30 spaces (and 300 spaces at Ameyama
Cultural Sports Park)■ Access: 30 minutes walk from JR Ishibe Station(Kusatsu Line). The Kusatsu Line starts at JR Kusatsu Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station) / Bicycles can be rented
near JR Ishibe Station. Call 074877-5667 for information

Publishing in March 2014

28

MIHO MUSEUM

Konan
Koka

The museum was designed by I. M. Pei, who is renowned for the glass pyramid at The Louvre, based on a motif from The Peach Blossom Spring, a story from 5th-century China by Tao
Yuan Ming. The visitor passes along a path lined with weeping cherry trees, through a glittering silver tunnel, and across a suspension bridge over a deep valley before reaching the museum building. The South Wing holds a permanent exhibition of masterpieces from the ancientworld in four exhibition areas for Egypt, West Asia, South Asia, and China/Western Regions.
The North Wing houses seasonal exhibitions of selected works from the museum’s collections
and elsewhere, as well as special exhibitions. There is a museum shop offering original products, and a café and restaurant serving food prepared from organic ingredients.

Otsu

A fine art museum nestled in the serene mountains of Shigaraki■ Address: 300 Shigarakicho Tashiro, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:00)■ Closed: Mid-December to mid-March, and otherperiods during the year. Visit www.miho.jp for current schedule. Closed Mondays during weeks whenthe museum is open (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following weekday).
■ Entrance Fee: ¥1100 for adults, ¥800 for highschool and university students, ¥300 for elementaryand middle school students. ¥200 discount per per-son for a group of 20 or more. (Eﬀective March 15,
2014)■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-82-3411, Fax 0748-82-3414■ Parking: 150 cars, 20 large vehicles■ Access: From JR Ishiyama Station (Biwako Line
from Kyoto Station), take the Teisan
Bus to the MIHO MUSEUM bus stop

Kohoku▲ Standing Buddha, Pakistan, Gandhara, second half of the 2nd century AD

Let’s make friends with the museum!
The Thrilling Museum is a fun tour of theartworks, and there are workshops forchildren about 15 times a year. Groupsof children with one or two leaders areadmitted to the museum at no charge.
Arrangements must be made in advance with the Education Office.

Kosei▲ Workshop for children

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

59

Publishing in March 2014

29

Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art,
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

From Shigaraki to the world through ceramics

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is a comprehensive center that includes the Museum ofContemporary Ceramic Art, the Institute of Ceramic Studies, where pottery artists from around theworld gather for exchanges, residencies and workshops, the Exhibition Hall of Industrial Ceramics, which introduces the wide variety of Shigaraki ware, and outdoor exhibition areas.
The park opened in 1990 as a forest of culture to bring together people, objects and information forinteraction around the axis of pottery. The goals are to foster the creation of international, contemporary culture, and to revitalize the ancient local industry of Shigaraki. Through exhibitions andworkshops as well as learning programs in cooperation with educational institutions, the park is
actively transmitting the vitality and appeal of pottery from Shigaraki to the world.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

▲ Linda Cares (USA), “Togi the Tanuki”(1992)

KohokuKoto

Along the approach to the museum
stands a work by Linda Cares, an
American who was a residential artistat the Institute of Ceramic Studies. With
its charming and unique expression,
this piece offers a joyous welcome tovisitors and has inspired popular souvenir products available at the museum
shop.
▲ Shigaraki ware “Large Vessel” (Muromachi period, 15th century)

Kosei■ Address: 2188-7 Shigarakicho Chokushi, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 ‑ 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), over
the New Year holiday, and occasional closuresduring exhibition changes■ Entrance Fee: Varies with diﬀerent exhibitions. No
charge for children of middle school age and younger.
■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-83-0909 Fax 0748-83-1193

60

Email togeinomori@sccp.jp■ Parking: 250 cars, 10 buses■ Access: 20 minutes walk from Shigaraki Station on
the Shigaraki Kogen Railway. Board the Shigaraki
Kogen Railway at JR Kibukawa Station (KusatsuLine) / 8 minutes drive from the
Shigaraki Interchange (Shin-Meishin
Expressway) / 30 minutes drive from
the Mibuno Interchange (Meihankokudo Highway)

Publishing in March 201430

Shigaraki Traditional Craft Center

The gallery displays selected Shigaraki warefrom the 13th throughto the 19th centuries.
Changing special
exhibitions highlight
traditional, modern andcontemporary pottery.

▲ General reference room

■ Address: 1142 Shigarakicho Nagano, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Thursday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-82-2345, Fax 0748-82-2551■ Parking: 6 spaces (100 spaces at the Shiyakusho
Shisho)■ Access: By train: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako

Line to JR Kusatsu Station, then the JR Kusatsu Line to
Kibukawa Station, and then the Shigaraki Kogen Railway
to Shigaraki Station, and walk for 8 minutes / By bus:
From JR Ishiyama Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station), take the Teisan Bus to Tanakami Shako, then takethe Shigaraki bus to the Shigaraki Dento
Sangyo Kaikan-mae bus stop, and walkfor 3 minutes / Bicycles may be rented
at Shigarakigushi Station and at the Shigaraki Traditional Craft Center

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Reference room

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Cultivated through a long history of tradition and innovation, Shigaraki pottery is a local
industry that has anchored the economy of the area through many changing eras. Soon after
Shigaraki ware was officially designated as a traditional craft in September 1975, the center
was built as part of the community’s efforts to create programs to sustain the successors to the
traditional kilns and support the development of new products using traditional techniques.
The gallery presents special exhibitions on various aspects of the history of Shigaraki ware,
allowing visitors to experience the appeal of Shigaraki pottery and also serving as a base fortourism in Shigaraki.

Otsu

Gifts of earth and fire ? the 750-year tradition of Shigaraki ware

61

Publishing in March 201431

Koka Ninja Estate

A genuine ninja house, just as it was built in the Edo period

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The house was built during the Genroku era (1688 1704) as the residence of Mochi uki
Izumonokami, the head of the Koka clan, 53 families. As the only existing house in Japan
with mechanisms designed personally by an old-time ninja, it is a genuine ninja estate withoutstanding historical value. The interior is fitted with many special contrivances, including a
revolving wall panel, a pitfall, and a hidden ladder to a hidden room, and there are exhibits ofbooks containing the secrets of Koka ninja techniques, and various tools and weapons, including throwing stars. The nin utsu (fighting art of the nin a) is an accumulation of knowledge
that was cultivated over centuries. This genuine ninja estate provides an impressive personal
experience of the nin a tradition that flourished during the eras of internal warfare in Japan.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto

Visitors can have hands-on experience of the revolving wall panel,
the hidden ladder to a hiddenroom, and other contrivances
built into the genuine ninja residence. They are also invited tothrow stars like a real ninja, anddrink ninja tea, brewed according
to a healthy tea recipe from anesoteric ninja text.

▲ Hidden ladder▲ Pitfall trap for invaders

Kosei■ Address: 2331 Konancho Ryuboshi, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday (12/27 to 1/1)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥600 for adults (middle school
students or older), ¥300 for elementary school students, no charge for preschool children■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-86-2179, Fax 074-886-7505■ Parking: 80 spaces■ Access: 2 kilometers from JR Konan Station (Kusatsu Line from Kyoto Station) / 3 minutes drive from62

the Konan Interchange (Shin-Meishin Expressway)/ 20 minutes drive from the Kamitsuge Interchange(Meihankokudo Highway) / 35 minutes drive fromthe Ryuo Interchange (Meishin Expressway)Publishing in March 201432

Koka City Kounan “Fureai-no-Yakata”

The maebikinoko on display were
produced from the mid-18th century onward in the Konan area.
Production peaked during the firsthalf of the 20th century. On permanent display is a precious setof saw-making tools, which are agenerally unknown aspect of theJapanese lumber industry.

▲ Maebikinoko (a pull-stroke cutting saw)

■ Address: Konancho Kazuraki, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Monday and Tuesday, and over the New
Year holiday (12/26 to 1/3)
■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0748-86-7551■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Konan Station(Kusatsu Line). From Kyoto Station, take the Biwako Line to JR Kusatsu Station and change to the

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kusatsu Line / 10 minutes drive from the Konan
Interchange (Shin-Meishin Expressway)

Kosei▲ Museum exhibits

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum opened in 1991 as a place for interchange and collaboration among all generations, from children to senior citizens, aimed towards the renewal of the local society. There
are displays of traditional household articles and tools.
A community group that formed in 2001 meets on the first Wednesday of each month to collect and compile items that were traditionally used in the daily life of the area.
The exhibition room displays various maebikinoko (a pull-stroke cutting saw). Konan was amain production area for these large saws, used mainly for re-sawing logs, and supplied themto all parts of Japan from the middle of the 18th century until middle of the 20th century. The
museum also has a complete set of tools for the production of maebikinoko. In 2005, Shiga
Prefecture designated the maebikinoko as a Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

Otsu

A place to get in touch with disappearing traditional lifestyles

63Publishing in March 201433

Koka Ninja Museum

Experience the history and culture of the Koka ninja clan

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The museum is part of Koka Ninja Village, located in a mountainous rural area, where everyone is welcome to experience ninja craft in an authentic setting. The building is an old thatchroofed house associated with Koka-style ninja, with a transferred and remodeled structureattached. Various materials related to the Koka ninja tradition are on display. Among the documents in the museum collection is a letter from shogun Yoshiaki Ashikaga (reigned 1568 to1573) requesting the services of the Koka nin a clan, and a copy of the 17th century Mansenshukai secret manual of ninja arts. The museum has conducted research on ninja techniques andon the connections between the Koka ninja and national military leaders, such as Nobunaga
Oda and Ieyasu Tokugawa.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ A visitor walking on water with the“water spider”

Including the museum,the eight-acre Ninja Village is a theme park withninja estates equippedwith special contriv ances, a star-throwing
training room, and otherattractions.

▲ Various ninja equipment can be handled in the ninja training hall

Kosei

■ Address: 394 Kokacho Oki, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:00)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday (Dec. 27 to Jan. 1).
Open on some Mondays (call to conﬁrm).
■ Entrance Fee: Included with admission to Koka Ninja Village (¥1000 for adults, ¥800 for ages 13-18,¥700 ages 6-12, ¥500 for ages 3-6)
■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-88-5000

64■ Parking: 80 spaces■ Access: Complimentary shuttle service available byreservation from JR Koka Station (Kusatsu Line) to
Koka Ninja Village

Publishing in March 201434

Tsuchiyama History and Folk Museum

Konan
Higashiomi

Koka

Lying at the foot of the Su uka Pass, Tsuchiyama flourished for centuries as the main town along
the highway linking the Omi and Ise regions. The highway has brought prosperity to Tsuchiyama
for a thousand years, from Heian times when it was the pilgrimage road from Kyoto to the Ise
Shrine, through the Edo period when it was the Tokaido Highway linking Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo), to today’s National Route 1 and Shin-Meishin Expressway. The museum takes the
highway as a window onto the history and culture of Tsuchiyama. The visitor proceeds throughboth space and history to track the story of the town that flourished against the backdrop of the
highway. The Tokaido Highway Tenmakan Museum, located along the old Tokaido Highway,
displays models and images of Tsuchiyama inn and the other post towns that served travelers fromthe 17th to 19th centuries. There is also a workshop space for ocha ome (tea dyeing), producing
fabrics colored by locally grown tea.

Otsu

Highway evolution as a window on Tsuchiyama history and culture◀ Oroku comb

■ Address: 2230 Tsuchiyamacho Kitatsuchiyama,
Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Monday and Tuesday, and over the New
Year Holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-66-1056, Fax 0748-66-1067■ Parking: 200 spaces at Bunka Koen
■ Access: 10 minutes drive east from the Koka-Tsuchiyama Interchange (Shin-Meishin Express-

KohokuThe museum displays oldshop signs for specialty
products of the Tsuchiyama post
town including tea, Oroku combs
and Kanigasaka candy, as well as
antique items, such as tea urns,
in a recreation of the atmosphereof the old highway.

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

way), via National Route 1 / From JR Kibukawa
Station (Kusatsu Line from Kyoto Station), board the
Aikuru Bus to the Shiyakusho Tsuchiyama Shisho
bus stop, and walk north for 5 minutes
Kosei▲ The mountain pass and Tsuchiyama

65

Publishing in March 201435

Minakuchi History and Folk Museum

Festival floats that carry “Minakuchi-bayashi” rhythms, and the origin of anold post town

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The museum opened in 1984 to present the history and folkways of Minakuchi, the main town of
the Koka district in centuries past. The exhibits include paintings and tiles from Minakuchi Okayama Castle erected by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1585, and Minakuchi Castle erected by the shogun
Iemitsu Tokugawa in 1634. There are also documents, pictures and specialty products from the Minakuchi post town, one of the 53 stations on the Tokai highway. In addition, each year the museum
displays a different float used in the annual Minakuchi ikiyama (Float) Festival, which originatedin the early Edo period and is well known for “Minakuchi-bayashi” drumming. A room with freeentry introduces the achievements of the modernist writer Ichiroku Iwaya and his son Sazanami
Iwaya, the originators of Japanese children’s literature, and members of a Minakuchi family.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Minakuchi Castle Museum▲ Hikiyama (festival float)

Kosei■ Address: 5638 Minakuchicho Minakuchi, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Thursday and Friday, and over the New
Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥150 for adults, ¥80 for elementaryand middle school students (¥200 for a Minakuchi
Castle Museum combination ticket)■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-62-7141, Fax 0748-63-4737■ Parking: 20 spaces■ Access: 2 minutes walk from Minakuchi Jonan Sta-

66

The Minakuchi Castle Museum, housed
in a two-story replica of a castle turret,
opened in 1991 on land adjacent to theHistory and Folk Museum at the siteof the castle ruins (a prefectural monument). It contains a model of the castle,
which was built in 1634 by Tycoon
Iemitsu Tokugawa, as well as displays
about the Edo period Minakuchi domain
and its Kato daimyo (territorial lords)
family.

tion (Omi Railway Line). The Omi Railway Line starts
at Kibukawa Station (Kusatsu Line). The Kusatsu
Line starts at JR Kusatsu Station (JR Biwako Line
from Kyoto Station) / 15 minutes drive from the
Koka-Tsuchiyama Interchange or Konan Interchange(Shin-Meishin Expressway), toward
the Koka City Hall, Minakuchi BranchPublishing in March 201436

Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature
Park and Museum▲ Workshop farm

■ Address: 10 Minakuchicho Kitanaiki, Koka, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (museum entry until 16:00)■ Closed: Monday (excluding public holidays), the day
after a public holiday (except Saturday or Sunday),and over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-63-6712, Fax 0748-63-0466■ Parking: About 50 spaces■ Access: 7 minutes by Aikoka Demand Bus from JR

The wet and dry fields andgrasslands of the workshop
farm are tended withoutchemicals, so many kinds ofinsects and other animals canbe seen. Other nature activities
are also available. The park isa fine example of satoyama, asemi-natural environment partially shaped by human activity,
which is a typical feature of the
traditional Japanese countryside.

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kibukawa Station (Kusatsu Line, running from JR
Kusatsu Station on the Biwako Line). A bus reservation must be made at least one day in advance/ 20 minutes drive from the Shigaraki Interchange(Shin-Meishin Expressway)
Kosei▲ The Minakuchi area 2.3 million years
ago

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Symbolized by the clouded salamander and Japanese lily, Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature
Park in Koka includes a large tract of Satoyama (natural woodlands and fields) tended overcenturies by local residents. Walking through the park, visitors can observe farm fields, grasslands, coppice forests and planted forests, as well as wild animals and plants and geologicalstrata (ancient Lake Biwa sediments).
In the museum is a portrayal of the forest as it appeared 2.3 million years ago when it washome to elephants and crocodiles, as well as models of some of the many creatures that still
flourish in the area, fossils, insect specimens and more.

Otsu

A vast museum of nature in a satoyama landscape67

Publishing in March 2014

Profile of Shiga
Bountiful Nature
The basin that forms Shiga Prefecture
is surrounded by the Ikubi and Suzuka
mountains ranges in the east, and theHira and Hiei mountain ranges in thewest. The mountains are mostly chertand shale, formed from biologicalremains and mud that accumulatedon the sea floor, or igneous rocks formed by magma. Thesemountain ranges reach more than 1000 m in height, such as
Mt. Ibuki at 1377 m, Mt. Bunagatake (Hira range) at 1174
m, and Mt. Gozaisho (Suzuka range) at 1210 m. The highest summits are covered with mountain flowering plants,
including endemic species, and relict species from the iceage. The flora of Shiga includes a mixture of species typicalof the Sea of Japan area and the Pacific coast area.
Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko), Japan’s largest lake, is located in thecenter of the basin. Lake Biwa covers 670 km² and holds
27.5 billion tons of water. More than 120 rivers flow fromthe neighboring mountains into the lake, while one river,the Seta River, flows out through Kyoto to Osaka Bay. Lake
Biwa is one of the world’s few ancient lakes, having been
formed about 4 million years ago.
The numerous and various environments in Shiga arereflected by the high diversity of its flora and fauna. One
hundred and seventy-seven species of birds have been recorded in the Lake Biwa region, and over 130,000 water
birds over-winter on the lake. The lake is also home to 46
indigenous species of fish, and 56 species of shellfish. In
total over 1600 species of plants and animals have been reported from Lake Biwa, and 62 species are endemic to thelake’s basin. These include 29 species of shellfish, 17 species subspecies of fish, and two types of aquatic plants. The
most famous endemic species in the lake is the Biwa catfish(Biwako-onamazu, Silurus biwaensis), which can grow to
1.2 m in length and weigh over 10 kg.
The northern part of Shiga has heavy snowfall in winter andmany skiing areas, in stark contrast to the warmer climateof southern Shiga.
Natural Parks occupy 37% of the total land area of Shiga:
the Biwako and Suzuka Quasi-National Parks, and the68

Lake Biwa ©Lake Biwa Museum

Biwako-onamazu ©Lake Biwa MuseumPublishing in March 2014

Koto, Kutsuki Katsuragawa, and Mikami Tanakami Shigaraki Prefectural Natural Parks.

Dramatic History
Humans have lived around Lake Biwa for more than 20,000
years, and archaeological evidence demonstrating the close
relationship between people and the lake has been dated to
8,000 years ago.
Shiga is ad acent to the ancient capital of Kyoto, and it hasflourished as an important area linking the cultures of ara,
Kyoto and Tokyo ( do) at the unction between westernand eastern Japan.
Prior to the establishment of Shiga Prefecture in 1872, thearea was known as Omi Province or Goshu. Otsu in thesouthern part of Omi served as the capital for mperor
Ten i from 667 through to 672, and mperor Shomu built
a palace in Shigaraki in the south east of Omi in 742. The
early Heian period (794 to 1185) saw the establishment ofnryaku i Temple by the Buddhist monk Saicho. The temple, which is located on Mt. Hiei overlooking Lake Biwa,
is now a U SCO World eritage Site. In the early 1570s,
during the Warring States period, Omi was taken over by
the warlord obunaga Oda, who consolidated his control
by the construction of four castles around Lake Biwa, theruins of which survive to the present day.
The early do period (1603 1868) ikone Castle, one of
the best preserved surviving castles in Japan and listed as a
National Treasure, was constructed. It was built on the eastside of Lake Biwa, by Naokatsu Ii, under the orders of General Ieyasu Tokugawa. During this period, ninja were activein the Koka area of Omi, and a nin a house is preserved as a
museum and visitor center today.
Since the do period, Tokaido and akasendo ighways
connecting the do and Kyoto develops, post towns such as
Kusatsu, Ishibe, Tsuchiyama, Samegai, and Kashiwabaraflourished, and the people of Omi have been commercially
active, resulting in Omi merchants (Omi shonin) becoming
known throughout Japan.

©Lake Biwa Museum

Hikone Castle ©Koji Tsujimura

Diverse Culture
The Buddhist art collections in Shiga are ranked as the69

Publishing in March 2014

fourth most important cultural assets of their type in the
country, while Shiga’s Buddhist buildings are ranked third.
Japan’s major Buddhist sect was founded on Mt. Hiei in
Shiga, and the prefecture is home to numerous important
cultural assets, reflecting its role as a center of culture in
Japan.
There are many matsuri (festivals) celebrated throughout
the year in Shiga. Most are held by Shinto shrines, andothers by local organi ations, such as Otsu matsuri, Sanno
matsuri, and Nagahama Hikiyama matsuri.
The famous ight iews of Omi (Omi hakkei) by Utagawa Hiroshige are considered to be the most beautiful andsignificant scenes of the Omi area (the old name for Shiga)
in the do Period. The eight views, drawn in the traditional ukiyo-e picture style, are from Yabase, Seta, Ishiyama,Awa u, Mii, Karasaki, Katata, and ira.
Other locations in Shiga also have important cultural significance. Lake Yogo (Yogo-ko), a small lake just to the northof Lake Biwa, is famous for the legend about the angel’s
robe of feathers, Tennyo no Hagoromo, which is similar tothe swan maiden legend in western societies. Nagahama
City is the base of the Tonda Puppet Troupe, which performs traditional Bunraku puppetry. Since its establishment
in the 1830s, it has become one of the most active puppet
groups in Japan. Toyosato Town and igashiomi City are
considered the home of Goshu ondo, a traditional Japanesesummer festival dance.
Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, is the most famous symbolof Shiga, and has blessed local people with a plentiful watersupply. Additionally, spring water is plentiful in Shiga, andmany old houses have kabata, a unique design of washingfacility that utilizes this spring water.
Lake Biwa was well-known for its attached lakes, and thebeautiful views these afforded, but since the 1940s most ofthem were reclaimed for farmland. The surviving wetland(Suigo) of Omihachiman was selected in 2006 as the first
Cultural Landscape in Shiga.
The fisheries of Lake Biwa have provided the people ofShiga with an important food resource since ancient times,
and have produced a wide variety of traditional cuisines.
The most famous is the pungent funa-sushi, a forerunner ofsushi, which is made by fermenting Lake Biwa’s crucian
carp with rice over several months. Omi wagyu beef is alsoa specialty of Shiga, which the Hikone domain presented toshoguns as a medicinal food.
70

Otsu matsuri ©Koji Tsujimura

Funa-sushi ©Lake Biwa MuseumPublishing in March 2014
sen
kan
Shin
aido
Tok

TamuraLine

SakataLake BiwarSamegai

Amano
River
Maihara IC
City Oﬃce
Maibara Branch●

MaiharaJCT

MaibaraMaibaraTake Island

Higashiomi Area
HikoneCity Oﬃce
Hikone Castle●●

Toriimoto

Hikone

In
uk
iR
am

Hikone ICiv
er

HikoneguchiadOhmi Raeilro
Lin

Minamihikone

Takamiya

Hikone
Ec

hi

Riv

er

Oki Island

Taga Shrine

ne
Li )
o e
id Linka koo
T wa
JR (Bi

KawaseTagataishamae

Amago

Toyosato

Kora
Kora Town
Oﬃce

Toyosato
Town Oﬃce

Inae

R

●

●

ToyosatoR

Taga
SaimyoTempleR8
Notogawa

Azuchi Castle
Archaeological Museum

Echigawa

Omi MerchantMuseumLake
Nishino

Aisho●Aisho Town

Oﬃce

Kampo Museum

Kongorin
TempleRoof Tile Museumd LineGokashoKannonsho
Temple
e
Lin
en
ns
ka
in
h

AzuchiOmihachiman
City Oﬃce

Omi
hachiman

ido

a
ok

Omihachiman

TS

Ohmi Railroa

Chomei
Temple卍World Kite Museum andHigashiomi Oodako Hall

Aga Shrine

Shinichi Yokaichi● Higashiomi
yokaCity Oﬃce
ogu
b
Taro
e
a
m
e
b
hino

Musa
HirataIc

Ryuo

Higashiomi

Yasu

Wood-turning
Craft Museum

Shiga Peace Museum
Hitomi Museum of Art

Nagatanino

YokaichiIC

Daigakumae

Hyakusai
TempleR

Eigen Temple

Kyoseramae

Sakuragawa

Ryuo Town
Oﬃce
●

ay

sw
xpres
hin e road)
(Tool

Meis

Ryuo IC

Asahiotsuka

Asahino

Hino
Konan

Hino

R

Hino Town
Oﬃce
●

R

●Konan City Oﬃce

Kosei

Omi Hino Shonin-kan
MikumoMinakuchi

Minakuchiishibashi
Minakuchijonan

Minakuchimatsuo

Publishing in March 2014

37

Roof Tile Museum

The allure of Hachiman-gawara and other Japanese roof tiles

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Roofs using Hachiman-gawara tiles are an essential element of the distinctive scenic beauty ofthe traditional Omihachiman townscape. The Roof Tile Museum, built on the remains of a tile
factory in a Traditional Buildings Preservation District, exhibits precious tiles and tile-making
techniques from the Edo period (1603-1868) and later. The museum buildings themselves contribute to the scenic old townscape around the Hachiman-bori canal.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Shoki roof tile decoration

Kohoku▲ The museum viewed from the Hachiman-bori canal

Kosei■ Address: 738-2 Tagacho, Omihachiman, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day). Exception: Open every day in May, June, October andNovember.
■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for elementaryand middle school students, ¥50 per person discount for groups of 10 or more
■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-33-8567, Fax 0748-33-8722

72

Current exhibits include
Hachiman-gawara dolls
made by artisans during
their tile making work, replicas of gold leaf-coated roof
tiles used on the castles of
Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi,Toyotomi and gold
leaf-coated tiles excavatedfrom the ruins of Hachiman
Castle.

■ Parking: Paid parking at the Obata Kanko parking
lot and other nearby facilities■ Access: From the north side of JR Omihachiman
Station (Biwako Line), board the bus bound for
Chomeiji-Kyukamura to the Osugi-cho Hachimanyama Ropuuei bus stop, and walk for
3 minutes / 30 minutes drive fromthe Ryuo Interchange (Meishin Expressway) / 10 minutes drive on the
Kogan Road to the city centerPublishing in March 201438

Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum

The museum shop sells
exhibition catalogs aswell as books on castles
and military leadersin the Warring States
period, and books on archaeology. There is also
an appealing selection oforiginal museum products.

▲ Museum shop

■ Address: 6678 Azuchicho Shimotoira, Omihachiman, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), Dec.
28 to Jan. 4■ Entrance Fee: ¥450 for adults, ¥300 for highschool and university students, no charge for elementary and middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-46-2424, Fax 0748-46-

6140■ Parking: 70 cars, 13 buses■ Access: 25 minutes walk or 10 minutes ride byrental bicycle from JR Azuchi Station (Biwako Line
from Kyoto Station). The Biwako Line reaches Azuchi Station in 23 minutes from JR
Maibara Station (Tokaido Shinkansen), and in 49 minutes from Kyoto
Station

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ A set of arms (5th century,
Shingai Tumulus)

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum is the core facility of “Omi Fudoki-no-Oka”, a group of historic sites that includes
the ruins of Azuchi Castle built by Nobunaga Oda (Special Historic Location), the ruins of the
Kannonji Castle, which was the 13th century residence of Sasaki of the Rokkaku clan, the “Dainaka
no ko minami” archaeological site, with rice paddy remains from the Yayoi period (300 BC to 250
AD), and the Hyotan-yama Tumulus which is the largest keyhole-shaped imperial grave site in
Shiga Prefecture.
The No. 1 Exhibition Room contains relics and objects unearthed in archaeological excavationsin Shiga, mainly from the Yayoi and Kofun (250 to 650 AD) periods. The No. 2 Exhibition Roomholds historical displays on Nobunaga Oda and other military leaders of the Warring States period(1467-1590) with ties to the Omi region, and their fortresses. The Special Exhibition Room presents a different exhibition each spring, summer, fall and winter, focusing on castles and archaeology.

Otsu

A place to encounter history and the spirit of Nobunaga

73

Publishing in March 2014

39

Omi Merchant Museum

The Omi merchant village is a comprehensive museum

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), many Omi merchants from the communities east of
Lake Biwa plied the roads of Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, withgoods carried on balance poles on their shoulders. Their arduous work eventually establishedmany wealthy merchant families.
The museum uses video programs, models and dioramas to present the Omi merchant tradition from various angles, including the history and attractions of the Omi area and the culture,business practices, family precepts and education of the Omi merchants.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ An Omi merchant on the road

The museum fronts on Gokasho,
a historic townscape of homes
where Omi merchants lived with
their families. After viewing themuseum, visitors can immersethemselves in the Omi merchantatmosphere by walking aroundthe neighborhood.

Kohoku◀ The Gokasho merchant housetownscapeKosei■ Address: 583 Gokashotatsutacho, Higashiomi, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for elementaryor middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-48-7101, Fax 0748-48-7147■ Parking: 100 cars, 5 large vehicles■ Access: From JR Notogawa Station (Biwako Line,74

40 minutes from Kyoto Station or 13 minutes from
Maibara Station), board the Omi bus bound for
Yokaichi Station to the Puraza Sampo Yoshi-mae
bus stop, and walk for 15 minutes

Publishing in March 201440

Kampo Museum

Workshops: When paper is pasted over a roof tile cap or stone
engraving, and ink is applied
through a padded layer, the characters engraved on the stone aretransferred to the paper. Workshop participants experiencerubbing, the oldest printing technique. Anyone is welcome to join.
Advance registration is necessary.

▲ Workshop■ Address: 136 Gokashotatsutacho, Higashiomi, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:00)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andoccasional closures for exhibit changes■ Entrance Fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for highschool and university students, no charge for middle
school students or younger■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-48-4141■ Parking: 80 spaces (no charge)■ Access: From JR Notogawa Station (Biwako Line),take the bus bound for Yokaichi to the Kondo Tatsutaguchi bus stop, and walk for 15 minutes / 10
minutes walk from Omi Railway Gokasho Station/ 10 minutes taxi ride from JR Notogawa Station(Biwako Line) / 16 kilometers drive
via National Route 8 from either the
Hikone Interchange or the Ryuo Interchange (Meishin Expressway)

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Restored exhibits from a Chinese
palace (Dan Bo JING Cheng Dian)

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum presents permanent and special exhibitions of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy
works and related materials. The collection of about 25,000 items includes modern and classical Chinese calligraphy tablets, prints, copybooks and writing materials, as well as modern
and contemporary Japanese calligraphy education materials and furnishings.
Visitors are able to leisurely examine a wide variety of materials, as if on a trip to China.
Saturday calligraphy classes and seal engraving classes are offered. A gallery talk with amini-concert is presented three times a year, and there is a musical event each winter. Workshops on the making of rubbings from stone engravings and decorative roof-tile caps havebeen popular in recent years.

Otsu

A museum for feeling the culture of calligraphy

75

Publishing in March 201441

World Kite Museum andHigashiomi Oodako Hall

Exhibiting Japan’s largest kite and kites of Japan and the world

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The main attraction is the Hundred Tatami Giant Kite (13 m long and 12 m wide), which wasmade in the mid do period (18th century). Also shown on the first floor are exhibits about thehistory and fabrication of giant kites, and miniatures of large kites that were flown in the past.
ideos show impressive giant kite flights, and scenes from the kite making process. In thesecond floor exhibition room, about 600 kites are on permanent display, including many of the
traditional local styles found across Japan, and unique kites from France, Great Britain, China
and other countries. This is a colorful way to taste different cultures of the world. Children
love the kite making workshops, where they paint their own designs to create original kites(cost: ¥300 per kite).

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Hundred Tatami Kite

The Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival, held each year on the lastSunday in May, features a flight of
the Hundred Tatami Giant Kite. It
also includes the All Japan Local
Kite Contest, and the Higashiomi
Giant Kite Miniature Contest, inwhich contestants compete forthe best design and flying technique.

Kohoku◀ Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival,
where the Hundred Tatami Kite is
flown

Kosei

■ Address: 3-5 Yokaichihigashihonmachi, Higashiomi,
Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Wednesday, fourth Tuesday of each month,
the day after a public holiday, and over the New
Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementaryand middle school students, ¥50 reduction per person for a group of 20 or more
■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-23-0081, Fax 0748-23-

76

1860, IP 0505-801-1140■ Parking: 20 cars, 5 buses■ Access: 1 kilometer walk from Omi Railway Yokaichi Station. Board the Omi Railway at JR Omihachiman Station (Biwako Line from Kyoto Station or
Maibara Station). A bus occasionallyruns from Yokaichi Station to the
Oodako Kaikan-mae bus stop

Publishing in March 201442

Omi Hino Shonin-kan

Among the rarities on display arequantities of imported pharmaceuticalminerals (medicine ingredients) of a typefound nowhere else in Japan except
in the 8th century Shosoin storehouseat the Todai temple, and bottles of thewine sold by Hino merchants whichis the oldest wine produced in Japan.
Many private companies use the museum as a training site.
◀ Domestic wine, found under the floor ofa merchant’s storehouse■ Address: 1011 Okubo, Hino-cho, Gamou-gun, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), Friday, and over the New Year holiday (12/29 to 1/4)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults including high school
and university students (¥50 reduction per personfor groups of 30 or more), ¥120 for elementary andmiddle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-52-0007, Fax 0748-52-0172■ Parking: 30 cars, 2 large vehicles■ Access: From JR Omihachiman Station (Biwako
Line from Kyoto Station) or from Omi Railway Hino
Station, take the bus bound for Kitahataguchi to
the Okubo bus stop, and walk for 3 minutes / 20
minutes drive from the Yokaichi Interchange (Meishin Expressway)

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Salon built as an “otasuke bushin”(community service)

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Numerous merchants from Hino traveled throughout Japan from the 17th to the early 20th century selling lacquerware bowls, medications and other well-known Hino products, eventually
establishing some 1000 branch shops, mainly in the Kanto region around present-day Tokyo,
and also operating breweries for sake and soy sauce. Their commercial activities displayed aremarkable spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity and dependability that survives today. Manyother merchants from Omi also plied Japan with their wares, but the Hino merchants were
the only group with a formal organization, “Outoban Nakama”, which existed as early as the
17th century, consisting of about 400 members, and which established nationwide local, andexpress delivery systems. Hino merchants worked collaboratively to pioneer new businessmodels, and also completed many philanthropic projects to help individuals and communities
in the Hino area.

Otsu

Introducing the 400-year history of Hino merchants and commerce77

Publishing in March 201443

Shiga Peace Museum

Oral transmission of prayers for peace

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Shiga Peace Museum opened on March 17, 2012 as a center for transmitting people’s
experiences of war and cultivating the spirit of desiring peace. With the motto of “Passing on
objects and memories”, the museum strives to provide each visitor, through display materials
and accounts of personal experiences, with a sense of the thoughts and prayers of those who
experienced war at first hand.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

To forge new connections
and create opportunities foraction, the museum mounts
special exhibitions on themesof war and peace, sends
guest speakers into schools,
conducts study programs at
the museum and elsewhere,
and coordinates volunteer
activities.

KohokuKoto▲ Basic exhibition▲ Educational activity

Kosei■ Address: 431 Shimonakanocho, Higashiomi, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday and Tuesday (except on a public
holiday), over the New Year holiday (Dec. 28 toJan. 4), and occasional closures due to activity requirements■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-46-0300, Fax 0749-46-0350■ Parking: 60 spaces■ Access: From JR Hikone Station or Omihachiman

78

Station (Biwako Line), board the Omi Railway to
Yokaichi Station, then board a bus for 20 minutes
to the Aito Shisho-shinryosho-mae bus stop / 10
minutes drive from the Yokaichi Interchange (Meishin Expressway)Publishing in March 201444

Hitomi Museum of Art“The beauty of utility” in handmade items is the conceptthat guided the mingei folk-art
movement. That ideal is applied
to winemaking at the winery attached to the museum. The fullselection of unfiltered, hand-bottled wines is available for tastingat no charge.
◀ Wines are left in contact with their leesto increase complexity and good flavor■ Address: 2083 Yamakamicho, Higashiomi, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:00)■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥500 (no charge for elementary or
middle school students accompanied by an adult)■ Inquiries: Phone 0748-27-1707, Fax 0748-27-1950■ Parking: 15 cars, 2 buses■ Access: Take the Omi Railway from JR Omihachiman Station (Biwako Line) to Yokaichi Station. Takea taxi to the museum, or take the Omi Bus bound

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

for Eigenji Shako to the Yamakamiguchi bus stop
and walk for 1 minute

Kosei▲ Large platter, galena glaze with “lion”
design in slip decoration

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum was founded on the private collection of Reizo Zushi and his wife Sugako Zushi,
founders of the Osaka apparel maker itomi Co., Ltd. It maintains and displays an extensive
collection of pottery by Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada and other leaders of the mingei folk
art movement. The largest of the three exhibition rooms holds the permanent display of the
Leach collection. In the smaller rooms, prints by Miro and iroshige and other works from thecollection by leading artists are displayed in exhibitions that change every six months. There
are also exhibits several times each year of works by local artists, and regular gallery talks andspecial events.

Otsu

Featuring the world’s largest collection of Bernard Leach pottery

79

Publishing in March 201445

Wood-turning Craft Museum

Headquarters for the centuries-old tradition of wood turning artisanship

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The small village known as Oguradani on the upper reaches of the Echi River has long beenrenowned throughout Japan as a center of wood turning. Traditionally, many wood turners(kijiya) who used lathes to fashion bowls, trays and other objects would seek out remote locations to do their work, and move on when the supply of good wood was exhausted.
Opened in 1981, the museum preserves rare records, including the Ujikogari-cho national directory of wood turners, and displays old woodworking tools and documents, such as professional licenses.

Higashiomi▲ Wood turner’s license (goinkan)◀ Rokuro (Wood-turning craftmachine)Kohoku

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Oguradani is a shrine for woodworking artisans throughout
Japan. The museum displays
many kokeshi (Japanese dollsof wood) contributed by artisansfrom famous woodworking
communities in Gifu, Nagano,Miyagi, Aizuwakamatsu andother regions, as well as bowls
and other turned products.
◀ Kokeshi

Kosei■ Address: 178 Hirutanicho, Higashiomi, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00, by appointment only
■ Closed: Dec. 1 to Mar. 31■ Entrance Fee: ¥300, no charge for children below
middle school age■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0748-29-0430, cellphone
090-6913-6317 Ogura Masami■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: Take the Omi Railway from JR Omihachiman Station (Biwako Line) to Yokaichi Station and80

take a taxi to the museum, or drive via National
Route 421 from the Yokaichi Interchange (Meishin
Expressway)Nagahama IC

NagahamaPublishing in March 2014
R●
Nagahama
City Oﬃce

Nagahama

uper
ido s
Toka ss Line
expre

TamuraKoto Area
Amano
River

Lake Biwa

Samegai

Maihara IC
City Oﬃce
Maibara Branch●

Take Island

T

a
ok

i do

MaiharaJCT

MaibaraMaibarae
Lin

Toriimoto

HikoneCity Oﬃce
Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle Museum●●

Hikone

In
iv

iR

am

uk

Hikone IC

er

Hikoneguchi

ilroadOhmi RaLine

Minamihikone

HikoneTakamiya
Taga Shrine

Kawase

n
se

Sh
o

Taga
Echigawa Bintemari
Handicraft Museum

Echigawa

Higashiomi●Aisho Town

Oﬃce

Dynic Astronomical
Observatory "TENKYUUKAN"

R

R8
Notogawa

R●

id

Toyosato●

Kora Town
Oﬃce

To
ka

Inae

Taga Town Museum

Kora

in
ka
n

Toyosato

Toyosato
Town Oﬃce

Li
ne

Amago

Yutaka Merchant History
and Folk Museum
Echi River

Tagataishamae

Aisho

SaimyoTempleAisho-cho Historical Museum
Kongorin
TempleGokashoOhmi Railroad Line

Kannonsho
TempleHyakusai
TempleAga ShrineikaichShinyo
ae
ogum

obe

Kongoen Handweaving
CenterYokaichi ●Higashiomi

b
Taro

Ichin

Nagatanino

City Oﬃce

Publishing in March 2014

46

Echigawa Bintemari Handicraft
Museum

The mystery and beauty of Echigawa bottle-crafted temari balls

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Inside a glass flask is a decorative thread ball (temari) that is somehow larger than the flask
opening.
The museum exhibits these bottle crafted temari along with panels and videos explaining their
history and fabrication process. There are also displays on the various handicrafts involved in
making the bottled balls, and on the history and culture of the area.
There are special exhibitions on fine handiwork and books, and exhibits of arts and crafts.
Workshops are also held. The museum is affiliated with the park and library.

▲ Echigawa bottled temari balls

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto

The “Community Tradition
Experience” class, held
mainly at the museum, uses
bottle-crafted temari production
as the means for learning about
the various handiwork traditionsof Aisho and the local history andculture. For information, contact
the Echigawa Tourism Council,
phone 0749-42-7683.

▲ Class for experiencing community traditions

Kosei■ Address: 1673 Ichi, Aisho-cho, Echi-gun, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 18:00■ Closed: Monday, Tuesday, public holidays, the last
Wednesday of the month, and over the New Year
Holiday■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-42-4114, Fax 0749-42-8484■ Parking: 120 spaces■ Access: 7 minutes walk, or short ride on a rental
bicycle (Bicycles can be rented at Omi Railway

82

Echigawa Station) , from Omi Railway Echigawa
Station. From Maibara Station, board the Omi
Railway to Echigawa Station. From Kyoto Station,board the JR Biwako Line to Notogawa Station, andboard the Kokoku Bus bound for Ichigahara to the
Echigawa Station bus stop

Publishing in March 2014

47

Yutaka Merchant History and
Folk Museum

Konan
Higashiomi

Koka

Starting in 1781 with the establishment of the Mata u shop and brand name in Matsumae, o(present day okkaido), the Fu ino family of Omi merchants grew very wealthy by exploiting
fisheries and operating cargo ships, and flourished for four generations. uring the Tenpo famineof the 1830s, the second generation of the merchant firm, Shirobe’e Fu ino, built the Matsumae
Garden and residence and Sen u temple as a service to the public.
This museum was opened in July 1968, to commemorate the centennial of the Mei i Restoration,
through the efforts of the late Taichi atsuhara and many others. It is located in the former Fu ino
residence and office that was the origin of the oshi canned food brand (predecessor of the Akebo
no canned food brand) and was marked by a prominent Mata u state signboard along the akasendo ighway. The museum displays more than a thousand art and craft works from the former
Fu ino residence and the local area.

Otsu

An exciting visit to the home of tycoons who developed Hokkaido▲ Japan’s first canned salmon label■ Address: 56 Shimoeda, Toyosato-cho, Inukami-gun,
Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:00■ Closed: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and over
the New Year holiday.
■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-35-3737■ Parking: 8 cars, 1 medium-sized bus■ Access: 15 minutes walk from Toyosato Station(Ohmi Railway Main Line) / 10 minutes taxi ride

KohokuThe Matsumae Garden was built as a service to the
public during the Tenpo Famine of the 1830s, andnamed after the Hokkaido town where the Fujino family began
its commercial empire. Designed by Donketsu Katsumoto, thegarden retains its
original form andtoday is counted
among the 100
finest gardens in
the Lake Biwa
area.

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

from JR Inae Station (Biwako Line) / 15 minutes
drive from the Kotosanzan Smart Interchange (Meishin Expressway)

Kosei▲ Matsumae Garden, one of the 100 finest
gardens in the Lake Biwa area

83

Publishing in March 2014

48

Kongoen Handweaving Center

Observation and training facility for weaving of Omi jofu (ramie) andHatasho tsumugi (pongee)

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Aisho Town has long flourished as a production center for Omi ofu. From 1889, the Kawaguchi
Orimono Co. (Then the U o shoten Co.) founded by U o Kawaguchi produced Kibira fabric(by handmade hemp yarn), and kasuri (splashed patterns), in both white, and blue. After the Sec
ond World War, breeding of wild and domesticated silkworms started, enabling the production of
atasho kasuri pongee, which continues today. In 1978, in order to pass on traditional craft techniques and their history to future generations, U o Kawaguchi II established a recreation building,weaving museum, folk history museum (Kongoen) and dyeing studio on the factory property. Allof the facilities were opened to the public as Teori no Sato ( andweaving Center) Kongoen. The
studio offers workshops on weaving and on indigo tie dyeing using Japan blue (sho ai).

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ Weaving of Omi jofu

“ Te o r i n o S a t o ” K o n g o e n
Handweaving Center is an experiential museum operated byproducers of Omi jofu (designatedas a national Traditional Craft) andHatasho pongee (designated as aprefectural Traditional Craft). The
weaving workshops and indigo
musubi-some dyeing workshops
are very memorable experiences.

Kohoku◀ Vat for natural fermentationof indigo dye

Kosei■ Address: 514 Kanotono, Aisho-cho, Echi-gun, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Every Monday from April to November, every Monday and Sunday from December to March,and over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥320 for adults (¥270 per person fora group of 25 or more), ¥170 for elementary andmiddle school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-37-4131■ Parking: 80 cars, 30 buses84■ Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Omi Railway
Echigawa Station / For an ETC-equipped vehicle,
5 minutes drive from the Koto-sanzan Smart Interchange (Meishin Expressway) / For a non-ETCequipped vehicle, 20 minutes drive from the Hikone
Interchange, or 15 minutes drivefrom the Yokaichi Interchange (Meishin Expressway)Publishing in March 201449

Aisho-cho Historical Museum

Konan
Koka

Aisho cho istorical Museum displays a replica of the seated Kannon statue originally located at
Kongorin Temple, and the Kongorin temple bell (1303, a Prefectural Cultural Property). There arealso art and craft works designated as Municipal Cultural Properties, including a byochin egoro incense pan from the eian period (9th to 12th centuries) and a pair of wooden guardian lions from
the Muromachi period (14th to 16th centuries), as well as archaeological relics and a hikiyama
festival float. There is an exhibit about chihatau i, a member of the ata clan who developed thechi area during the 6th and 7th centuries, and a display of cultural relics unearthed from archaeo
logical sites in the area. Special exhibitions are held each spring, summer and autumn, and public
lectures are presented. ear the museum, in addition to Kongorin Temple are the Teori no sato
Kongoen weaving center, the chihatau i Tomb Mound Park, the Mekata Castle Ruins Park, andthe ishi awa Shin o Museum.

Otsu

Presenting the Buddhist art, festival regalia, and archaeological relics of Aisho-cho■ Address: 878 Matsuoji, Aisho-cho, Echi-gun, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday and Tuesday (excluding public
holidays), the day after a public holiday (except Saturday or Sunday), and over the New Year holiday.
Exception: Open every day in November.
■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementaryor middle school students (¥50 per person discountfor groups of 20 or more)■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-37-4500, Fax 0749-37-4520■ Parking: 300 spaces at Kongorin temple■ Access: From Inae Station (JR Biwako Line),
Echigawa Station (Ohmi Railway Main Line), or
Toyosato Station (Ohmi Railway Main Line), takean Ainori Aisho Group Taxi to the Kongorin temple
taxi stop, and walk 1 minute to the museum. Taxiseats must be reserved in advance(phone 0749-22-0106) / 1 minutedrive from the Kotosanzan Smart
Interchange (Meishin Expressway)

Kohoku▲ Seated Kannon statue, formerly at Kongorin temple (replica)

Kosei▲ Spring Noh Performance by children

To more deeply acquaint visitors withthe traditions of Japan, each year
during Golden Week (early-May holiday
season in Japan) the Noh stage in the
Historical Museum is the venue for the
Spring Noh Performance by children
at the end of a year of training, and theGreen Concert by the Echi High School
Band.

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

85

Publishing in March 201450

Dynic Astronomical Observatory"TENKYUKAN"

Explore space and the stars with powerful telescopes

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Tenkyukan is a public observatory located atop a hill in Taga. uring the daytime hours
each Saturday, the telescopes are set to observe sunspots and solar prominences. On Saturday
evenings a 60 cm reflecting telescope (the largest telescope in Shiga Prefecture) and several
other telescopes are available for viewing such phenomena as craters on the Moon, the ringsof Saturn, and constellations, nebulae and star clusters as they appear during each season.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

▲ Stargazing party

KohokuKoto

At the stargazing party each Saturday
evening, everyone has the chance
to observe the heavens through thelargest telescope in Shiga Prefecture, a
60 cm reflecting telescope. The closeup views of craters on the Moon andthe rings of Saturn are so powerful thatpeople often gasp in amazement.
▲ 60 cm reflecting telescope

Kosei■ Address: 283-1 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga■ Hours: Saturday only, 11:00-17:00 and 19:3021:30■ Closed: Sunday through Friday, and over the New
Year holiday (12/28 to 1/ 4)■ Entrance Fee: For the stargazing party at 19:3021:30, ¥200 for high school students and older,¥100 for elementary and middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-48-1820, Fax 0749-48-1961■ Parking: 50 spaces86■ Access: 25 minutes bus ride from JR Hikone
Station (Biwako Line from Maibara or Kyoto) / 10
minutes drive from the Hikone Interchange (Meishin
Expressway)Publishing in March 2014

51

Taga Town Museum

The Taga Town Museum
h o l d s g u i d e d n a t u rewalks, lectures andother events at various
times. A popular event is
the fossil search, wherevisitors join in excavatinga clay block from thesame stratum that held
the Stegodon skeleton.

▲ Skeleton of Stegodon aurorae■ Address: 976-2 Shide, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 17:00 Saturday, Sunday and holidays■ Closed: Monday, the day after a public holiday (except on a Saturday or Sunday), the last Thursday ofeach month, and over the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 (¥150 per person for groupsof 20 or more). No charge for children or for adults
who live or work in Taga
■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-48-2077, Fax 0749-48-8055■ Parking: 50 spaces■ Access: 20 minutes bus ride from JR Hikone Station(Biwako Line from Maibara or Kyoto). From the west gate,board the bus bound for Kogyodanchi via Taga-cho Yakuba to the Akebono Park Taga bus stop / 20 minutes walkfrom Omi Railway Taga Taisha-mae Station. ・ 10 minutes
drive from the Hikone Interchange (Meishin Expressway) via National Route 306
or the Koto Sanzan Smart Interchange
via National Route 307

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Wild animals of Taga

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The Taga Town Museum is a comprehensive museum of the natural features and history of theTaga area. Packed with information about all aspects of the township, the museum exhibits dioramas of local natural settings, specimens of animals and plants, displays about the Kawachi
no ka a ana Cave, which is the largest cave in the Kansai region, replicas of Wooden sitting
statue of Amitabha made in the same fashion as the originals, and the 1.8 million years old
skeleton of the ancient proboscidea Stegodon aurorae, which was found in Taga.
A special feature of the museum is its numerous stuffed animals and other natural specimensthat can be touched by visitors.

Otsu

Stegodon skeleton and the natural and cultural features of Taga

87

Publishing in March 2014

52

Hikone Castle Museum

Full of treasures passed down from the Ii clan of Edo period feudal lords

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The museum is on the grounds of the restored ikone Castle (a designated ational Treasure) in
an impressive building called the Omote Goten, which used to house the government offices of
the ikone domain, and the living quarters of the daimyo. The museum collection of some 86,000
items includes the ikone Screen (a ational Treasure) and four Important Cultural Properties.
The core of the collection consists of samurai military artifacts, oh masks and costumes, tea sets,furniture, paintings and calligraphy, and a wealth of documents from the Ii clan, the hereditarylords of the ikone domain and the senior daimyos under the Tokugawa shogunate. There is apermanent exhibit of selected items from the collection, and special exhibitions are regularly held.
The inner part of the former State Chamber was the living area of the lords and their families, andhas been thoroughly restored. isitors can bathe in the period atmosphere of the living rooms, gar
den and tearoom and their wealth of furnishings.

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kohoku▲ Noh stage▲ Armor owned by the daimyo and national political leader Naosuke Ii

Kosei■ Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga■ Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Dec. 25 to Dec. 31※ We might close museum temporarily.
■ Entrance Fee: ¥500, or ¥250 for elementary andmiddle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-22-6100■ Parking: Paid parking at nearby municipal and private lots
■ Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Hikone Station

88

The Noh stage at the center of themuseum was constructed in the Edo
period and is regularly used for performances of Noh and Kyogen.

(Biwako Line from Maibara or Kyoto Station). From
the west exit of the station, follow the large street
with a view of the castle until the street ends, turnleft to reach the castle grounds, and when the pathends go a short distance to the left and then crossthe bridge on the left to reach themuseumPublishing in March 2014

u
urik
Hok

u

Kohoku Area

ri k

ad)

Ho
k

ol ro

R8

y(To
swa
res
exp

R

R

u Li
ne

Omishiotsu
Yogo
Lake
Yogo

Kinomoto

Shizugatake▲

ShakudoTempleKinomoto
IC

Fuse Art Museum
Takatsuki

Reisui Temple
Tainai Buddha Museum
R8
Onoe Port●

Kawakeuriku

Hok

Kohoku Wild Bird Center

Line

Chikubu Island

Kunitomo HistoricFirearms Museum

Torahime

Tsukubusuma
ShrineChikubu Island
Hogon Temple
Treasure House

Mt.Ibuki▲NagahamaneerNagahama IC

iv

R

Nagahama Hikiyama
MuseumA

Nagahama● City Oﬃce

Nagahama

Nagahama Railway Museum

ido

a
Tok

TamuraLake Biwa
Maibara Omi Haniwa
Earthenware Museum

Ominagaoka

Kashiwabara

Samegai

MaibaraKashiwabara Inn
History Museum
MaiharaJCT

Maibara

）

ine
oL e
aid o Lino k w aki
B

HikoneCity Oﬃce
Hikone Castle

e

Lin

R21

Amano
River
Maihara IC

Take Island

sen

kan

Shin

Samegai Woodcarving
Art Museum

SakataCity Oﬃce
Maibara Branch●

Mt. Ibuki
MuseumR

Musée Narita
YANMAR MUSEUM

Nagahama Castle
Historical Museum

（ T

Hogon
TempleToriimoto●●

HikoneHikone IC

Samegai Post Town
MuseumPublishing in March 2014

53

Maibara Omi Haniwa Earthenware
MuseumTravel through history with the influential Okinaga clan

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Maibara district traditionally know as Omi-cho is dotted with tomb mounds associated with
the Okinaga clan, a local group that held strong influence in the Yamato court where national power was centered during the late 5th and 6th centuries. This is one of the few tomb mound groups in
Shiga Prefecture, and is of considerable historical significance.
The museum displays many haniwa (clay figures used as ritual and funerary ob ects) during the
Kofun period (300 to 600 A ), and various other archaeological finds from the Omi region. One
way that visitors are invited into the history of the Omi region is the virtual museum area, wherevisitors can play computer games based on haniwa. To add a dash of mystery to the learning process, game players can oin r. Okinaga, a fictional character living in our time, in working out
stories of disappearances at the tomb mounds.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

The museum provides handson exhibits of haniwa andother archaeological relics,
allowing visitors to experience
the direct feel of objects thatare usually seen only in protective cases.

KohokuKoto▲ Museum interior◀ Hands-on exhibits

Kosei■ Address: 281-1 Godo, Maibara, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 18:00■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), thefourth Thursday of each month, over the New Yearholiday, and occasional temporary closures■ Entrance Fee: No charge.
■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-52-5246, Fax 0749-52-8177■ Parking: 42 spaces■ Access: 20 minutes walk from JR Sakata Station

90(Hokuriku Main Line)Publishing in March 2014

54

Samegai Post Town Museum

Konan
Higashiomi

Koka

The Samegai district of Maibara flourished during the do period (1600 1868) as a post town
along the Nakasendo Highway. Two historic buildings, the former post town headquarters (amunicipal Cultural Property) and the former post office erected in the early 20th century under
the supervision of William Merrill ories (a national Cultural Property), were restored in 1999
and 2000 as the site for the Samegai Post Town Museum, which opened in ovember 2000.
The first floor of the post office building holds displays about the old post town and a rest area,
and is open to the public free of charge. The upper floor displays documents from the familyof Kan aemon ryu who served as the Samegai village headman. The highlight is a 5.3 mlong drawing of Samegai as it appeared in do times.

Otsu

A small museum in a restored landmark building◀ The inside of the firstfloor■ Address: 592 Samegai, Maibara, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday (12/27 to 1/5)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for high school students andolder (¥150 for a group of 20 or more), ¥100 for
elementary and middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-54-2163■ Parking: 50 spaces at Samegai Mizu no Eki

KohokuThe restored Samegai
post station building
is open to the public
and used for events
including the Samegai
Natural Beauty concerts presented fourtimes per year.

■ Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Samegai Station(Tokaido Main Line) / 5 minutes drive from the Maibara Interchange (Meishin Expressway) or Hokuriku
Expressway
Kosei

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Koto

▲ The former post office erected in the early 20th century under the supervision of William Merrill Vories(a national Cultural Property)

91

Publishing in March 201455

Samegai Woodcarving Art Museum

Continuing the transmission of beauty and skill accumulated over 150 years

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Three kilometers uphill from Samegai is the mountain village of Kaminyu, which has a
150 year old tradition of woodcarving. Authentic carving techniques for items as large as architectural ornaments for shrines and temples, and as small as household Buddhist household
altars, have been continually cultivated there down to the present time.
Located beside the clear flowing stream that runs to the old Samegai post town, the museum,
which was completed in October 2002, is a base for passing on the techniques and artistry ofwoodcraft. On display in the permanent exhibition room are sculptures by Tai o Mori, a nativeof Kaminyu, and woodcarvers who contributed to the building of the present day village.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Permanent exhibition room

The small village of Kaminyu,
lying south of Samegai in a valley at the foot of Mt. Ryozen,
has long been a center for
woodworkers and sawyers,
and woodcraft still flourishes
there today with many resident
professionals who carve shrinebuilding ornaments, household
Buddhist altars and otheritems.

▲ “Oku no hosomichi” by Taizo Mori

Kosei

■ Address: 95 Samegai, Maibara, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 Saturday, Sunday and holidays■ Closed: Monday through Friday except on public
holidays, and 12/1 to 3/31. (Visits may be specially arranged by telephone)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for middle
and high school students, no charge for persons 75
or older, or elementary school students or younger■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-54-0842

92■ Parking: In front of JR Samegai Station■ Access: 10 minutes walk through Shukubamachi
from JR Samegai Station (Tokaido Main Line)Publishing in March 201456

Kashiwabara Inn History Museum

The museum buildings
were erected in 1917 asa private residence. The
stately main building has
a three-tiered gable roof,
and the interior retains
its original appearancewith rippled glass windows and a very longveranda.

▲ Unmodified residential room from 1917

■ Address: 2101 Kashiwabara, Maibara, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), theday after a public holiday (except on Saturday or
Sunday), and over the New Year holiday (12/27 to
1/5)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥100 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-57-8020■ Parking: 30 spaces at Kaiyo Aquatics Center■ Access: 8 minutes walk west from JR Kashiwabara
Station (Tokaido Main Line) / 10 minutes drive fromthe Sekigahara Interchange (Meishin Expressway),
via National Route 21 / 10 minutes drive from the
Maibara Interchange (Meishin Expressway) or Hokuriku Expressway,
via National Route 21

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ Model of the Kashiwabara post town

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Kashiwabara Inn, at the southern edge of Mt. Ibuki 2 km from the Shiga Gifu prefectural border, was the 60th post station on the akasendo ighway during the do period (1603 1868).
Still standing is an old streetscape with houses, a night lamp tower, signposts and other period
items that evoke the post town atmosphere. The Kashiwabara Inn istory Museum opened in1998 to conserve and display materials relating to this post town and other aspects of travelers’
life on the do period ighway.
The museum exhibits include the Yoro utomecho book depicting village life and festivals overthe centuries from 1660 to 1955, a model of the Kashibawara post town, an official noticeboard from about 1715, a drawing and model of the Kashiwabara Ochaya Goten (teahouse)
inn which was reserved for the shogun’s use, a shop sign for Ibuki moxa, which was a local
specialty product, and various items used by travelers.

Otsu

Remembering the travelers’ culture of the old high road93

Publishing in March 20145

Mt Ibuki Museum

Handcrafted displays on the nature and culture of the Mt Ibuki area

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Maibara City opened the museum in 1998 at the foot of Mt. Ibuki, the highest mountain in
Shiga Prefecture (1337 m) and a renowned treasure house for scientific research. The exhibits
range across the natural and cultural history of the Mt. Ibuki area, including minerals and plants,
relics found in archaeological excavations, and displays on the lifestyles and industries of modern
communities around the base of the mountain. Many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods
volunteered their time and energy in preparing exhibits before the museum opened, and the members of the Friends of the Museum remain active in assisting with museum activities.
In 2003, the museum was recogni ed as one of the 50 best renewals of closed school buildings
in Japan, and did the Ministry of ducation, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology include theonly Shiga facility on the list.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Exhibit of Mt. Ibuki medicinal herbs,
and an herbal sauna room

The treasure of this museum is the Friends of theMuseum. Among the currently active members arefabrication experts withspecial skills and grandma
professors with stories andinformation from the past
who enrich the interactive
p ro g r a m s p re s e n t e d f o rchildren. The members also
prepare additional explanatory materials to make theexhibits more informative.

▲ Workshop conducted by the Friends of the Museum

Kosei■ Address: 77 Suijo, Maibara, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Monday, the day after a public holiday, and12/27 to 1/5■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children of
middle school age or younger■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-58-0252■ Parking: 20 spaces■ Access: From JR Omi Nagaoka Station (Tokaido
Main Line from Maibara Shinkansen Station), board

94

the bus bound for Ibuki Tozanguchi to the Joi Ibuki
bus stop, and walk for 8 minutes

Publishing in March 2014

58

Mus e

arita

Konan
Koka

At the northeast tip of Lake Biwa, amid a traditional townscape along the old Hokkoku Highway
in the city of agahama, stands a stylish art museum. It holds a collection, built up over morethan 50 years, of original works by René Lalique, one of the few names at the top of any list of theworld’s masters of modern glass art. The exhibits are regularly changed to showcase the full appealof his work.
ach of Lalique’s works has many faces, which are revealed in various ways according to the angle of view and the nature of the light. The lighting in the display case for each work is carefully
orchestrated to bring out its particular features as fully as possible. The mystical, fantastic world ofRené Lalique, always shining in new ways with changing light, is not to be missed.

Otsu

Experience the original creations of the master artist Ren Lalique

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

■ Address: 34-24 Asahicho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday, inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andoccasional temporary closures■ Entrance Fee: ¥800 for adults, ¥600 for highschool and university students, ¥500 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-65-0234■ Parking: 5 spaces■ Access: 12 minutes walk or 3 minutes ride byrental bicycle from JR Nagahama Station (BiwakoLine). From the Tokaido Shinkansen, change at JR
Maibara Station to the Biwako Line. / 15 minutes
drive from the Nagahama Interchange (Hokuriku
Expressway)

Kosei▲ Telphuse

Guided by the concept of dialog withthe artwork, the museum takes theutmost care in lighting each piece. In
the lounge looking out on a Japanesegarden, visitors can sink into a Le Corbusier sofa amid a gentle flow of music
for a pleasing and tranquil interlude.

Kohoku▲ Bacchantes

95

Publishing in March 201459

agahama Railway Museum

Japan’s oldest station building with two antique locomotives

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The old agahama Station, built in 1882 as the starting point of the okuriku Line, is theoldest surviving station building in Japan. With fireplaces on both floors and a spiral staircase
with sculpted handrails, the interior is a fine example of early Western style design in Japan.
In 1985 it was designated as the country’s first railway memorial hall. It has been open to the
public as a museum since 1983. The ad oining Railroad Culture Center has many displays
about railroad history, and a model railroad that can be operated by visitors. istoric rollingstock is displayed in the okuriku Line lectrification Memorial all, including the 51
steam locomotive no. 793 and70 AC electric locomotive no. 1.

Koto

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

Kohoku▲ The two historic locomotives

Children especially enjoy operating themodel railroad in the Railroad Culture
Center, and sitting in the engineer’sseats of the two historic locomotives inthe Hokuriku Line Electrification Memorial Hall. Other special exhibits designed
for children are presented during thesummer months.

▲ The old point equipment

Kosei■ Address: 1-41 Kitafunacho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday (12/29 to1/3)■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-63-4091, Fax 0749-63-4011■ Parking: Nagahama Station West Parking Lot (payment required)■ Access: 3 minutes walk from the Biwako Exit of
JR Nagahama Station (Hokuriku Line from Maibara

96

Station)Publishing in March 201460

YA MAR M SE M

The most popular item in themuseum is the genuine excavator that everyone is welcome
to operate. Two levers are used
to move colored balls around.
There are numerous otherexperiential exhibits, including
a boat driving simulator and afoot bath warmed by engine
heat.

▲ Operating a genuine excavator■ Address: 6-50 Sanwacho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (entry until 17:00)■ Closed: Monday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day), andover the New Year holiday■ Entrance Fee: ¥600 for adults, ¥300 for elementaryand middle school students, no charge for preschool
children■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-62-8887, Fax 0749-62-8780■ Parking: 36 spaces

Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

■ Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Nagahama Station (Hokuriku Main Line) / On Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays a shuttle bus runs from Nagahama
Station to the museum
Kosei▲ Tractors, a pleasure boat and manyother kinds of exhibits are displayed

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

The diesel engine and machinery manufacturer Yanmar Co., Ltd. observed its 100th anniversary in 2012, carrying forward the founding spirit Grateful to serve for a better world, and themission To conserve fuel is to serve mankind, by serving the needs of farming, fishing andother industries worldwide and making active social contributions.
The YA MAR MUS UM is filled with exciting exhibits and offers various participatory
programs, all designed especially to provide children with opportunities for active, en oyable
discovery and learning.

Otsu

A fascinating hands-on museum for looking, touching and operating

97

Publishing in March 201461
The emblem ofagahama Castle History Museum
agahama, on the site of Hideyoshi’s home castle

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

agahama Castle was built in 1575 76 by the military and political leader ideyoshi ashiba(later Toyotomi), as his first stronghold upon becoming the daimyo (territorial lords) of thesurrounding domain. Although the castle was destroyed in the early 17th century, the keep
was authentically reconstructed in 1983. Inside is the museum, with exhibits about ideyoshi
as well as the history and culture of the northern Omi Lake Biwa area. The view across Lake
Biwa from the top story is the same prospect that ideyoshi himself en oyed.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ The situation of building Nagahama
Castle (miniature)

The Nagahama Castle Historical Museum has a dioramathat portrays the building of theoriginal castle in the 16th century, a message from the past
conveyed through the voice ofHideyoshi, and various models,
exhibits and video presentations to acquaint visitors withthe history of the area.

▲ Workshop

Kosei■ Address: 10-10 Koencho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday (12/ 27 to 1/2),
and occasional temporary closures■ Entrance Fee: ¥400 for adults, ¥200 for elementaryand middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-63-4611, Fax 0749-63-4613■ Parking: 125 cars, 11 large vehicles (at Hokoen
Park)■ Access: 7 minutes walk from the west exit of JR

98

Nagahama Station (Hokuriku Main Line from Maibara Station). The castle is visible from the station

Publishing in March 2014

62

agahama Hikiyama Museum■ Address: 14-8 Motohamacho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Entry until 16:30)■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday (12/29 to 1/3)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥600 for adults, ¥300 for children■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-65-3300, Fax 0749-65-3440■ Parking: Nearby a pay parking lot■ Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Nagahama Station(Hokuriku Line). Bicycles can be rented in the station and at nearby facilities. JR Shin-Kaisoku special rapid trains reach Nagahama Station in about

Konan

60 minutes from Kyoto, or in about 90 minutes from
Osaka or Nagoya

Kosei▲ Hikiyama exhibit in the permanent exhibition room

After inspecting the giant hikiyama
floats, visitors are invited to mount the
full-size replica of the Hikiyama Festival
stage, in order to comprehend its scaleand experience the perspective of thechild actors during the festival.

Koto▲ Full-size replica of the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival stage

Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum displays actual floats that are pulled in the annual agahama ikiyama Festival. Fourof the city’s twelve giant floats are stored at the museum each year, and displayed two at a time foralternating periods of three months. Those floats are then returned to their home neighborhoods forthe festival each April, and a new set of four floats is brought to the museum for storage and display through the following year.
On the first floor is a full si e replica of the ikiyama Festival stage. In the theater on the upper
floor, videos of the festival and its ceremonies and events including the annual highlight, kodomo kyogen (children’s kabuki) performances are shown. The museum presents special exhibitions on themes relating to the hikiyama floats, kabuki, and the traditions of the city’s neighborhoods. There is also a float repair dock designed for dismantling the giant floats. A meeting halland smaller event rooms are used by civic groups for various activities.

Otsu

Maintaining the Hikiyama Festival tradition and supporting community
activities

99

Publishing in March 2014

63

Kunitomo Historic Firearms Museum

Handle genuine arquebuses made during Japan’s 16th century wars

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Firearms first arrived in Japan, on the island of Tanegashima in 1543, and in the following year the
first firearm made here at Kunitomo was presented to the shogun. The arquebus immediately took
on an essential role in the internal wars of the Sengoku period, which continued until 1600, andwas gradually improved under the victorious unifying generals obunaga Oda, ideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa. Under Ieyasu, who led from 1600 to 1615, steady large orders madeKunitomo into a flourishing manufacturing center, with Japan’s first assembly line production system.
At the museum, the upstairs exhibition room displays antique Kunitomo firearms of various types
and si es as well as the tools used to make them, along with dioramas showing 17th century gunsmiths in various stages of the production. On the first floor there are video presentations about
cultural pioneers of Kunitomo, including Ikkansai Kunitomo and Sohan Tsu i, and displays of materials associated with them.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kunitomo arquebuses, rifles
and other types of firearms
are on display, with information about the groundbreaking role Kunitomo gunsmiths
played in Japan. Visitors arealso invited to hold a genuine
antique arquebus, and experience its weight and feel forthemselves.

KohokuKoto▲ Various Kunitomo firearms▲ Visitors can handle an arquebus

Kosei■ Address: 534 Kunitomocho, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Over the New Year holiday (12/28 to 1/3)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for elementaryor middle school students■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-62-1250■ Parking: 15 spaces■ Access: From JR Nagahama Station (Hokuriku MainLine), board the Kokoku Bus bound for Azai Shishomae or Kenko Park Azai, to the Kunitomo Teppo

100

Shiryokan-mae bus stop / 5 minutes drive from the
Nagahama Interchange (Hokuriku Expressway). Go
west (toward the town), turn right at the Yamashina-higashi traﬃc light, then turn left at the Kunitomo
traﬃc light and enter the museum parking lot

Publishing in March 2014

64

Kohoku Wild Bird Center▲ Tundra swan

■ Address: Kohokucho Imanishi, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30■ Closed: Tuesday (except on a public holiday inwhich case it will be closed the following day)
■ Entrance Fee: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for elementaryand middle school students (no charge for Nagahama elementary and middle school students)■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-79-1289■ Parking: 60 spaces■ Access: 20 minutes ride on the Community Bus

The monthly bird walks areopportunities to enjoy nature
through the seasons while observing birds such as Steller’s
sea eagle and the tundra swan,
fireflies and other insects, andlearning about the ecosystem.
Once each year the Center sponsors a haiku event where participants include bird names in theirpoems.

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

from JR Kawake Station (Hokuriku Main Line) /20 minutes drive from the Nagahama Interchange,or 15 minutes drive north from the Kinomoto Interchange (Hokuriku Expressway)
Kosei▲ Enjoying bird watching

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The stretch of lakeshore in Kohoku cho, designated as the Kohoku cho Waterfowl Park, isrecogni ed as one of the foremost waterfowl habitats in Japan, and is visited by protected species including the bean goose and Steller’s sea eagle. The Kohoku Wild Bird Center opened in1988 to enable bird watching from an indoor space.
Following the listing of the Lake Biwa wetlands under the Ramsar Convention in 1993, theJapan Ministry of the nvironment built an education and research facility next to the Wild
Bird Center, the Lake Biwa Waterfowl and Wetlands Center, which opened in 1997. The two
facilities form a base for en oying and learning about the waterfowl ecology of Lake Biwa.

Otsu

Bird watching along the lakeshore101

Publishing in March 2014

65

Chikubu Island Hogon Temple
Treasure House

Temple treasures handed down on the sacred island of Chikubu Island

Koka

Konan

Otsu

Chikubu Island is a small island in northern Lake Biwa, with a 2 km coastline of solid sheer
cliffs and a dense covering of greenery. This island, which seems to repel human access, hasbeen revered since ancient times as sacred ground, and today holds the ogon Temple andTsukubu Istand Shrine.
The Treasure ouse was opened in 1953 to conserve and display to the public the temple’s
collection of Buddhist statues, paintings and scriptures, letters, and donated artworks, renowned as the finest collection in the northern Lake Biwa area. Including many National
Treasures and Important National Cultural Properties, the collection recounts the long anddeep history surrounding the temple and its traditions.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
e
r
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Seated Benzaiten statue▲ “Chikubushima Shutsugen Benzaiten Mandala”(Prefectural Cultural Property)

Kosei■ Address: 1664-1 Chikubushima, Hayazakicho,
Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 9:30-16:30 from March to November, 10:3016:00 from December to February■ Closed: Open every day■ Entrance Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for middle andelementary school students, no charge for younger
children■ Inquiries: Phone 0749-63-4410■ Parking: At each boat harbor

102

Attributed to the famous 9th century
painter Kanaoka Kose, the “Shutsugen
Benzaiten Mandala” is portraied the firstdescent to Chikubu Island of the goddess Benzaiten. The Benzaiten images
worshipped at Hogon Temple depict aneight-armed goddess, in contrast to thecommon representation of Benzaiten
with two arms holding a lute.

■ Access: Regular tour boat services from Nagahama,
Hikone, and Imazu Harbors, about 20 to 40 minutes
each wayPublishing in March 2014

66

Reisui Temple Tainai Buddha Museum

On display is the restored
Kannon statue that was
severely damaged in 1583,
when soldiers led by Katsuie
Shibata set fire to the community during the battle of
Shizugatake. There is also alife-sized panel illustrating its
story, and displays depicting
the reaffirmation of the statue.

▲ Reaffirmation of the Tainai Buddha statue■ Address: 308-1 Takatsukicho Une, Nagahama, Shiga■ Hours: 24 hours a day■ Closed: Never closed■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-85-3209■ Parking: 10 spaces■ Access: 5 minutes drive from JR Takatsuki Station(Hokuriku Main Line from Maibara Station)

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Kosei

▲ All of the displays are information
panels

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

Along ational Route 8 ust southwest of the okuriku xpressway intersection, is the Takatsuki cho Une neighborhood, where for many years the community has expressed its fervent
religious faith by tending a statue of Kannon (Guanyin). The present, the statue and othermaterials about the history and culture of the community are housed in the Reisui temple
Tainai Buddha Museum, which was opened in 1998 with support from the prefectural original and innovative community development program. The following year the Ministry ofConstruction provided a handcrafted community grant to support local social capital, and thecommunity residents performed the planning, design and construction of the museum entirelyby themselves. The museum is usually not staffed. When the door is opened, the lights andaudio explanation come on automatically. The displays include a model of the community as it
appeared after being burned down during the wars of the 16th century.

Otsu

The smallest museum in Japan103

Publishing in March 2014

6

Fuse Art Museum

The private collection of a doctor who was devoted to en

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The practicing physician Makitaro Fuse opened the museum for his art collection in 1953 (it wasestablished as a foundation the following year). ue to limited resources the museum is now
closed except during occasional special exhibitions. Presently the main activity is the loan ofworks to national and prefectural museums. Works by Tessai Tomioka (1837 1924), the modern
master of the Southern School of Chinese painting, make up the core of the collection, and there
are also works by other Southern School painters including Gyokudo Uragami and aiga Ikeno,
and the local farmer artist Masakuni Katayama. The collection also includes calligraphy by kaku
akuin and other en masters, sutras and ob ects from ancient Japan ( ara and eian periods) as
well as China and Korea, old medical texts from Japan and China, and historical documents fromthe Omi region.

▲ Butsu hongyo jikkyo (Sutra of the Collected Stories of the Buddha’s
Deeds in Past Lives), Volume 41 (Tenpyo era, 729-749 AD)

Koto

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuWorks from this collection are shown locallyin a special exhibition each autumn at the
Takatsuki “Kannon-no-Sato” History and Folk
Museum.

▶ Jurojin (God of Longevity), by Tessai Tomioka

Kosei■ Address: 339 Takatsukicho Karakawa, Nagahama,Shiga■ Hours: By appointment■ Closed: Closed except during special exhibitions(appointment required)■ Entrance Fee: No charge■ Inquiries: Phone/Fax 0749-85-2363■ Parking: 3 spaces■ Access: 2.7 km from JR Kinomoto Station (Hokuriku
Main Line from Maibara Station). Taxis are usually

104

available at the station

Publishing in March 2014

rik
ku
Ho
u
ne
Li

R8

Kosei Area

Omishiotsu

Shiratani History and
Folk Museum

MakinoSki Area

Nagahara

●

R

ine

iL

se

Ko

R

MakinoOminakasho

Chikubu Island
Hogon
TempleTsukubusuma
ShrineR

R
Omiimazu●Imazu Port

Takashima
R

Shinasahi

Lake Biwa●

Takashima
City Oﬃce

Ad

Adogawa

oR

ive

r

Takashima History and
Folk Museum

Hira Art Museum
Omitakashima

Take Island

Publishing in March 2014

68

Shiratani History and Folk Museum

Folk artifacts and educational materials displayed in an old thatch-roofed
house

Koka

Konan

Otsu

The Shiratani house property belonged to the Omura family who served as village headmen
during the Edo period. The main house, a three-story gassho-zukuri structure with a thatchedroof built in 1791, and the storehouse is designated as national Important Cultural Properties.
During the 19th century the house was used as an elementary school under the administrationof a local temple and later the public school system.
The museum opened in 1975 and occupies the entire house. On display are objects from oldtime daily life in the Makino area, and textbooks and other educational materials gatheredfrom throughout Japan, selected from the museum collection of some 10,000 items.

Higashiomi

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

KohokuKoto▲ Karesansui landscape garden, Edo
period (1603-1868)▲ Palanquin suspended from the first floor ceiling

Kosei■ Address: 343 Makinocho Shiratani, Takashima, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (by appointment)■ Closed: No regular closed days
■ Entrance Fee: ¥500
■ Inquiries: Phone 0740-27-0164, Fax 0740-27-1000■ Parking: 30 spaces■ Access: From JR Makino Station (Kosei Line), board
a bus to the Shiratani bus stop, and walk for 5 minutes

106

Located on a hill with a view of Lake
Biwa to the south, Shiratani house is afine spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Inside the museum, the veranda looks
onto a beautiful old Japanese-stylegarden, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of the traditional living space.

Publishing in March 2014

69

Takashima History and Folk Museum

The splendid ornaments unearthed from the Kamo
Inariyama burial mound in 1902 are similar to items
found in 6th century imperial mausoleums on the Korean peninsula.
The gilt bronze jeweled crown andfootwear and gold earrings are aconstant reminder of the historyof cultural interchange between
the Japanese archipelago and the
Korean peninsula.
◀ Gilt bronze jeweled crown unearthed from the Kamo Inariyama
burial mound (replica)■ Address: 2239 Kamo, Takashima, Shiga■ Hours: 9:00 - 16:30■ Closed: Closed Monday, Tuesday, and on public
holidays (except May 5 and Nov. 3), and over the
New Year holiday (12/28 to 1/4)
■ Entrance Fee: No charge. For study groups or guided tours, please make arrangements in advance.
■ Inquiries: Phone 0740-36-1553, Fax 0740-36-1554■ Parking: 8 cars, 1 bus■ Access: 20 minutes walk south from JR Adogawa

Konan
Kohoku

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

Station (Kosei Line from Kyoto Station), where taxis
and rental bicycles are available / 5 minutes drivefrom the Toju no Sato Roadside Station on National Route 161
Kosei▲ First floor exhibition room

Koto

Higashiomi

Koka

The museum lies 150 meters south of the 6th century Kamo Inariyama burial mound, where many
splendid ornaments were discovered in 1902, and holds many historical, folk and archaeologicalmaterials. xhibits on the first floor include replicas of a gilt bron e eweled crown and footwear
found at Kamo Inariyama, a model of a stone coffin, and a model of the reconstruction of facialbones from the Uchioroshi burial mound.
xhibited on the upper floor are relics excavated from the ruins of the 9th century Kamo settlement
and other archaeological sites in Takashima, as well as folk history materials from the area. There
are also items associated with Omizo Castle, which stood in the area in the 16th and 17th century,and from the Omizo family, which held the area as a feudal domain through the Edo period, andJuzo Kondo, an explorer who made several trips to Ezo, or northern Japan, around 1800.

Otsu

The stories of Kamo Inariyama tumulus, the Kamo ruins and Omizo Castle

107

Publishing in March 2014

0

Hira Art Museum

From Hira, a new breeze in contemporary art

Higashiomi

Koka

Konan

Otsu

This private museum was opened in April 1998 by Takashi Hagi to show works by him andother currently active contemporary artists. At the northern tip of the Mt. Hira range, on theapproach through a valley with a scattering of traditional houses, the museum building with its
reddish-orange tiled roof and white walls in the southern European style blends surprisingly
well with the purely Japanese-style landscape. Visitors are invited to linger at this spot at thefoot of the mountains, surrounded by greenery, and experience works of contemporary art.

t
Poinf
o st
re
Inte

The exhibition hall has
recently found additionaluse as a craft shop, presenting accessories, clay
works and other items
created by artisans living
nearby.

KohokuKoto▲ Exhibition Hall

▲ “Univers” by Takashi Hagi

Kosei

■ Address: 75-1 Shishigase, Takashima, Shiga■ Hours: 10:00 - 17:00■ Closed: Currently closed (Visits may be speciallyarranged by telephone)■ Entrance Fee: ¥800 for adults and university students, ¥600 for middle and high school students,¥400 for elementary school students■ Inquiries: Phone 0740-37-0777■ Parking: 30 spaces■ Access: From JR Omi Takashima Station (Kosei

108

Line from Kyoto Station), board the Kojaku Bus
bound for Hata or Gulliver Ryoko Mura, to the Nakamizo bus stop, and walk for 2 minutes

Publishing in March 2014

Other museums

Aqua Biwa Museum of Water BlessingsOrganizing field trips to learn about Lake Biwa and the Yodo
River

Otsu

Address: 4 Chome-2-2 Kurozu, Otsu, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 077-546-7348

Shiga Safari Museum
Experience the power of the chase in a palace of wild animals

Koka

Address: 2854-2 Shigarakicho Kinose, Koka, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0748-83-0121

Old Shigaraki-Ware Museum
A local collection of old Shigaraki ware, preserved for future
generations

Koka

Address: Shigarakicho Chokushi, Koka, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0748-83-0359

Omihachiman City Museum
The feel of Edo period merchant culture on the grounds ofan old mansion

Higashiomi

Address: 2 Chome-22 Shinmachi, Omihachiman, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0748-32-7048

Azuchi Castle keep tower, Nobunaga Museum
The original-scale replica of the Azuchi Castle keep tower isdisplayed, showing the prosperity of Oda Nobunaga

Higashiomi

Address: 800 Azuchicho Kuwanomiji, Omihachiman, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0748-46-6512

Omi Shonin Kyodo-kan
The Omi merchant lifestyle preserved in the old home of Kobayashi Gin’emon

Higashiomi

Address: 473 Kotakaricho, Higashiomi, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-45-0002

109

Publishing in March 2014

Notogawa Museum
A unique museum of Higashiomi-style “modernology”

Address: 2225 Yamajicho, Higashiomi, Shiga
Higashiomi Inquiries: Phone 0748-42-6761

Nishibori Eizaburo Memorial Explorer Museum
The legacy of a scientist-explorer’s extensive quests into theunknown

Higashiomi

Address: 419 Yokomizocho, Higashiomi, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-45-0011

Kaiyodo Figure Museum Kurokabe
The miniature toys are exhibited fully in this pavilion

KohokuAddress: Motohamacho, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-68-1680

The Five Sages Museum
Honoring the achievements of five outstanding local residents

KohokuAddress: 1386 Kitanocho, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-74-0560

Azai Folk History Museum
History and artifacts of the 16th-century Azai daimyo family

KohokuAddress: 528 Oyoricho, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-74-0101

Odani Castle Sengoku Historical Museum
The legacy of the Azai clan’s outstanding mountain castle

KohokuAddress: 139 Odanigujocho, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-78-2320

Takatsuki Kannon History and Folk Museum
All about Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion

Kohoku110

Address: 229 Takatsukichodouganji, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-85-2273

Publishing in March 2014

Amanomori Hoshu Hermitage, East Asia Interchange House
A grassroots base for East Asian and Confucian traditions

KohokuAddress: 1166 Takatsukicho Amenomori, Nagahama, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0749-85-5095

Makino History Museum
A children’s museum of traditional work in the fields andmountains and on the lake

Kosei

Address: 260-1 Makinocho Hiruguchi, Takashima, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0740-27-1484

Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum
The story behind an enduringly popular folk song

Kosei

Address: 1 Chome-5-7 Imazucho Nakanuma, Takashima, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0740-22-2108

Kutsuki History Museum
Preserving the traditions of the rural wood turners of Kutsuki

Kosei

Address: 478-22 Kutsukinojiri, Takashima, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0740-38-2339

Nakae Toju Memorial Museum
A memorial to the 17th-century Confucian scholar known as“The Sage of Omi”

Kosei

Address: 69 Adogawacho Kamiogawa, Takashima, Shiga
Inquiries: Phone 0740-32-0330

111

Publishing in March 2014