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

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”).

The Manto-sai, a Buddhist festival involving lanterns, is held on the three days from August 3 to August 5 each year at Taga Taisha Shrine.

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.

In the illuminated Genkyu-en, listen to the sound of insects and enjoy the gentle passage of time in a manner impossible in any city.

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