What if Japan’s largest lake could tell its stories?

Experience a quieter and deeper side of Japan at Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen, a private temple stay beside a 600-year-old Buddhist temple near Lake Biwa in northern Shiga.

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 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.

More than 2,000 lanterns create an illusory and ethereal world inside the temple grounds.

A “Sentoe” lantern festival is held in order to pray for wishes to be fulfilled.

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.

The “Sanno (Mountain King) Festival” is one of the three major Lake Biwa festivals.

The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the Three Great Float Festivals of Japan, and is a designated Important Intangible Folk Culture Property of Japan.

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

A horse racing ceremony held at a shrine with a long connection to horses.

A display of yabusame (mounted archery) by the Takeda School from the Japanese Traditional Archery on Horseback Association.