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

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 Otsu Festival has been held since the start of the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and is a designated Intangible Folk Culture Property of the prefecture.

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.

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

Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.

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.

In the Heian Period (794 – 1185), the Saio (Princess) travelled from Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto) to Ise in order to become a priestess at the shrine there.

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.