The Fire Festival, with a history of nearly 800 years, is a dramatic winter ritual held in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.

Eigenji Temple is the head temple of the Eigenji branch and one of the fifteen primary temples of the Rinzai and Obaku sects.

The “Okinahajimeshiki” is a divine service performed at Taga Taisha Shine to greet the gods at the start of the year.

With its connection to the opening poem of the famous collection known as the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, Omi Jingu Shrine plays host to the “Karuta Opening Ceremony,” based in the Japanese card game.

The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition started in 1952, and has now become the number one plum tree bonsai exhibition in Japan in terms of both history and scale, as well as a much beloved annual springtime tradition in Kansai.

The principle object of worship here is a Buddhist image, normally withheld from public view, of Hobashira Kannon.

The large, vermilion‐lacquered Torii gate in the middle of Lake Biwa is like the symbol of Shirahige-jinja Shrine, and has been a draw for visitors for many years.

This is the house of the Suwa family, which in early modern times was the the ojoya (“village headman”).

This temple has been responsible for the safety of travel on the waters of Lake Biwa since the Azuchi Momoyama period.

The “Evening bell at Mii-dera Temple” is famous for being one of the Three Bells of Japan, and also as one of The Eight Views of Omi.

The New Year’s Bells and Ceremony to Exorcise Evil are annual traditions for New Year’s Eve at Hieizan.

A temple with more 1000 years of history, founded in the later Heian period (794-1185).

This region was known as a key port in waterway travel, surrounded by the unique yet steep terrain of the Okubiwako area.

There is a legend that the deity worshipped at this shrine reached its current location by crossing Lake Biwa.

This small island, with a circumference of just 2km, is located in the offing of Lake Biwa, approximately 6km from shore.

Said to have been created by Prince Shotoku in the year 605, “Kyorinbo Temple” got its name from being a place of teaching (“kyo”) surrounded by forest (“rin”).