Experience the traditional art of “kembu,” literally meaning “sword dance.” The experience is open to all, from single participants through to families, groups and tours. Reservations are required but can sometimes be made even on the day, so please don’t hesitate to call and inquire. Programs are also offered for tourists from overseas, in principle in English but with some capacity for Chinese.

The Old Tokaido Road was completed during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and is one of the five old roads that connected Nihonbashi in Edo with Sanjo in Kyoto. The road and its environs still retain the atmosphere of the Edo period today.

Mii-dera Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect. It is comprised of numerous buildings, including the Kondo, a National Treasure, the Kannondo Hall, which is the 14th site on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, the Shakado, and the Toin. It also became a Japan Heritage site in 2015, and is home to more than 100 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is also a spot often used for the filming of movies, including recently being featured in the live action adaptation of the popular anime “Rurouni Kenshin.”

Omi Jingu Shrine is a registered Cultural Property, and a representative example of the Showa period (1926 – 1989) shrine construction known as Omi construction or Showa construction. Women can rent kimono to wear. (Reception from 9:30 – 15:30, not available on Mondays other than holidays). Omi Jingu Shrine is also a location featured in the anime “Chihayafuru.”
【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2017/01/20170114-otsu-trip-part2.html
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2017/01/20170114otsu-trip.html

A veritable forest of trees grows on the vast, 44,000 square meter shrine grounds. Passing through them and then the tower gate will bring you to the shrine buildings themselves. Furthermore, the “Sagicho Matsuri” bonfire festival and “Hachiman Matsuri” festival held here are both designated Intangible Folk Culture Properties.

【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917hachimanborimatsurifestival.html
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917-hachimanbori-matsurifestival-part2.html