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Shiga Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
Tour of Ishiyama-dera Temple
Shiga
4 hours
(Highlights) This temple is popular not only among pilgrims and dedicated Buddhists but also among ordinary citizens. It is well-known as the place where a 12th -century woman writer Murasaki-shikibu worked on the manuscript of her masterpiece "Genji-monogatari (tale of Genji)". People visit the temple to pray for the safe childbirth, peace in the family and happy marriages. It is also the place where people can enjoy viewing the beautiful harvest moon known as "Ishiyama-no-syugetsu (moonlight over the temple of Ishiyama-dera) in mid-September. Not only Buddhist rituals but also jazz concerts and other festive events are held at that time. In mid-August, in addition, a magnificent fireworks show can be seen in the nearby river bank accompanied by as many as 3,000 candles lit in line in the same bank a bit away and "Bon" dancing" is performed by visitors each year. The 900-year-old temple is the attractive place surrounded by natural beauties throughout the year: plum blossoms in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in early summer and colored leaves in the fall. ( How to visit the temple and enjoy) After you go through the main gate, walk to the admission-collecting booth, where you are asked to pay 500 yen. They will give you a leaflet explainig about the temple in its entirety.Then, go up the steep hill and you will reach the "Hondo" main hall, which houses the magnificent "Go-honzon-sama", or " Kannon-sama", the Goddess of mercy, which is the principal icon of the temple. There you have to pay another 300 yen, then you can step in to the sacred hall, where the huge image sits. You have to take your shoes off beforehand. Taking a photo is not allowed there. You can sit on the chair before the image and offer a prayer. Afterward, walk on the path that leads you to whatever places or buildings there are in the compound. You will never get lost, since there are signboards everywhere directing your way and the path is simple. One hour will be enough for the tour of the entire temple. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 500 yen ( plus 300 yen for entering the "Hondo" main hall). You can also take a private railway train ride for almost the same fare.
FROM$170/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.54 / 5
(59 reviews)
Tour of Lake Biwa and Temple of Mii-dera
Shiga
3 hours
(Highlights) (1) Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, whose area is 670 square kilometers and circumference, 241 kilometers, which is slightly more than the distance between Tokyo and Hamamatsu. It is said to be four million years old, the third oldest lake in the world. You can see only a fraction of the lake from its southern end, though. You can enjoy cruising on board the colorful sightseeing ship "Michigan". Fares depend on when you start cruising and how long you are on board the ship. Even if you do not get on board the ship, you can spend leisurely time just looking at the blue water of the magnificent lake or take a walk along the lake side road. (2) Temple of Mii-dera is located in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings on the hill a bit far from the heart of Otsu city. There are a total of 13 buildings and structures in the temple compound, including the "Hondo (main hall)", or "Kondo (golden hall)", but the most well-known among these is the bell called "Mii-no- bansyo", famous for its melodious sound. The best time for visiting the temple is either in early April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or in late in autumun when the entire temple compound is filled with colorful leaves.. (How to enjoy) (1) (In Lake Biwa) In addition to enjoying cruising on the lake, you can spend time just marveling at and getting in touch with the greatness of the nature. You can see migratory birds floating on the lake water in winter and anglers leisurely hurling and towing their fishing rods and lines over the embankment guard. (2) (At Temple of Mii-dera) You can enjoy seeing different kinds of old, historical buildings and structure as you stroll along the road on the slopes. It also is a good exercise for you in the clean environment to walk in the temple precincts. (Others) The transportation fee between Kyoto and Ishiyama on a JR train is 240 yen and the temple entrance fee is 600 yen. There are four different types of cruises you can choose from and the fare is set for each of them. In the case of one-hour-and-20- minute cruise starting from Otsu port at 10 in the morning, you (supposing you are an adult person) have to pay 2,780 yen. The fares for other cruises are roughly the same as this one, not exceeding 3,000 yen per person.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.54 / 5
(59 reviews)