Ninja’s hometown is here!
Koka Ninja Village
ADDRESS: 394 Oki, Koka-cho, Koka CityACCESS: From JR Koka Sta., pick-up bus available
PHONE: 0748-88-5000
URL: http://koka.ninpou.jp/

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Don’t you have stereotypes about ninjas, which you see inanimations or comics? Actually, real ninjas were different fromwhat you imagine. Step into a town that is known to have one of
the two famous hometowns for ninjas, Koka (Koga). The otherfamous place for ninjas is Iga. Put on ninja outfits and throw“Shurikens” (throwing stars), scale a wall, conceal yourself behindobjects, cross the pond and feel yourself transform completely
into a Ninja. You can have a chance to become a Ninjutsu expert
in Koga, the ninja’s hometown.

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Samurai Spirit
Here is your chance to step into theshoes of a samurai and experience
the cultural heritage of Japan. Samurai
Kembu is the traditional performing art
with a Japanese sword and a Japaneseholding fan. In feudal times, samurais

Shigaraki Kenzo Toubou(Shigaraki Pottery Studio)
ADDRESS: 755-1 Nagano, Shigaraki-cho, Koka CityACCESS: From Shigaraki Kougen Railway Shigaraki Sta., 19min on foot
PHONE: 0748-82-2216
URL: http://www.ogawa-kenzo.com/

Feel the sensitivityof the man
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Have you enjoyed dining or drinking from something you
created with your own hands? Kenzo Ogawa is one of theShigaraki Pottery craftsmen in Shigaraki. You can make pottery
and get in touch with the warmth of the earth and what it means
to make pottery. Concentration of the mind in a quiet room
allows you to focus and clear your head.
The day-guest’s experience lasts about two hours, but you
can of course continue to enjoy Shigaraki Pottery and thebeautiful natural scenes of Shigaraki for a few days. Also, takesome time to enjoy the works of Kenzo Ogawa and enjoy thetown of Shigaraki at the same time. Be immersed in the worldof Shigaraki Pottery and the world of Kenzo Ogawa. (Usuallyappointments are required.)
In case you don’t have very much time, you can enjoy “Ezuke”,
pottery painting at Shigaraki Tougeimura.

Seiga Samurai Kembu

performed with their swords and fans togive themselves courage or to achievemental concentration.
There are three courses that you cango through. It is a chance to become aSAMURAI for a while.

Surrounding the warmth
When you go to Hino-cho and places
like it, you can escape from a busy,
stressful life by sitting in a happy circle
with a warm family.
It’s more than an experience; you will
be a member of its family doing rice
planting, harvesting, cooking and more.

Generally, they do educational trips forchildren to develop an understanding forfarm life and the warmth of people.
Appointments must be made througha travel agent. Isn’t it good to relax
leisurely and feel the warmth of people
once in a while?

ADDRESS: 1-4-6 Asahigaoka, Otsu CityACCESS: From JR Otsu Sta., 6min on foot
PHONE: 077-522-5621
URL: http://www.samurai-kembu.jp/

Sanpou Yoshi!
Omi Hino Homestay Program
ADDRESS: 1-1 Kawara, Hino-cho, Gamo-gun
ACCESS: From Ohmi Railway Hino Sta.,
10min by bus(get off at "Hinocho Yakuba" or "Yokomachi")
PHONE: 0748-52-6562
URL: http://www.omi-hino.jp/39

© MATSUKIYA© SENNARITEI
写真提供（彦根繍）：富山県高岡市伏木上町花山車保存会、京都禮研 前田好雄

Omi Beef - The finest beef

Masterpiece of craftsmanshiphanded down with Biwako
There is a long history of handicrafts
originating in Shiga Prefecture that areconnected with the life of Biwako and itspeople.
Shiga is a “prefecture of manufacturing”
where people make handicrafts utilizing
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traditional techniques, some even using
Shiga’s natural resources.
You can take a look at, and purchase,the handicrafts at the “Shiga ProductTourism Information Center” at JR Otsu
Station, at various “Road Stations”(rest areas with shops), and at hotels inShiga.
Take them in your hands and you will
notice the warmth and charm of thehandicrafts made beside Biwako.

Mountains on all sides surround Omi,
the historical name for Shiga Prefecture,and many clear streams flow to Omi
through ravines.
The beef is characterized by its
aroma, tender ness, and marbling.
These characteristics come from theclear water and nutritious feed. It is
historically, the finest beef and has set

a high standard, and is enjoyed byeveryone who has tried it. You will neverforget its taste once you have tried yourÄYZ[IP[L
It also sets a high standard for safety
and is characterized as a fresh, safe,and high quality food. Sanitation isstrictly enforced pursuant to “HACCP”
guidelines, which are approvedinternationally.
These days, Omi Beef is exported
overseas to many places, including,Singapore, Thailand and Macau.
Steak is consumed all over the world
but many dishes can be enjoyed withdifferent cuts of beef. Have a visit toShiga and have a taste of the finest
beef, Omi Beef.
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Lakeside Resort- where only you can enjoy Biwako

The breathtaking view of Biwako from your room makes yourtrip one to remember. Sparkling Biwako in the morning sun
gives you energy in the beginning of the day and the silent
Biwako at night will soothe you after your journey.
Otsu is near Kyoto, so if you are in Kyoto, please stop by.
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Otsu is just 10 minutes away by train and has many wonderfullakeside resorts. Why don’t you have a gorgeous vacation at alakeside resort? We will treat you well in Shiga Prefecture.

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Feel the air of genuine
Traditional Japan
While enjoying a quiet rest on tatami wearing a yukata andeating Japanese food while glancing at a traditional Japanesegarden from your room, you can feel the essence of Japan.
When you extend your journey from Osaka or Kyoto to Shiga
Prefecture, you can see the special beauty that is Biwako and44

The heartof “Omotenashi”
the Japanese countryside. If you’re in Japan, you should stayat a Japanese style inn and enjoy a truly unique Japaneseexperience. You’re in Japan! So, enjoy all Japan has to offerin Shiga.

“Omotenashi” means to provide genuine hospitality for every
guest and it is an important part of what it means to be a guestin Japan. How about relaxing in a hot-spring and having asuperb “Omotenashi” at Ogoto?
Just 20 minutes from Kyoto a serene life free of worldly cares

awaits. The atmosphere makes it easy to adapt yourself to thesurroundings and makes you at home. Welcome to a leisurely,
but luxurious life in Shiga Prefecture.

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