It is said that Murasaki Shikibu began writing The Tale of Genji after seeing the harvest moon during a period of seclusion at Ishiyama-dera Temple. Take a stroll through the temple grounds while reflecting on the life of this legendary author.
 

Following the final wishes of the haiku master Matsuo Basho to have his remains placed near the Kiso Mound, his grave lies here at Gishō-ji Temple alongside that of Kiso Yoshinaka.
The grounds feature the Okina-do Hall, which houses a statue of Basho; the Mumyo-an Hut, where he enjoyed moon-viewing parties; and numerous stone monuments inscribed with his haiku. Spend a moment in quiet remembrance of this great poet.

In the novel Naruse wa Tenka o Tori ni Iku (Naruse Sets Out to Conquer the World) by Mina Miyajima, which is set in Ōtsu, the protagonist Akari Naruse eats a "Omi Beef Croquette Set Meal" at Umi-no-Eki Hamaotsu. Why not enjoy a meal there yourself and step into Naruse's shoes?

The paddle steamer Michigan appears as a significant (!) spot in Naruse wa Tenka o Tori ni Iku. Board the Michigan as part of your literary pilgrimage!

The Naoki Prize-winning novel Saiou no Tate (The Shield of the Fortress) by Shogo Imamura is set during the Battle of Otsu Castle and features a protagonist who is a master of the Ano-shu stone-stacking technique. In the streets of Sakamoto, you can see these unique stone walls everywhere.

To coincide with the paperback release of the 2024 Japan Booksellers' Award winner "Naruse wa Tenka o Tori ni Iku" (by Mina Miyajima, published by Shinchosha), the Biwako Otsu Tourism Association has created a new brochure, the "Naruse Akari Series Location Map," to help visitors experience the world of the novel.

For more details and to download the digital brochure, please visit the news page: "Naruse Akari Series Location Map" Now Available in Otsu City!