Ausaka Pass (Ausaka-no-toge) has long been a key gateway where countless historical figures have come and gone—from the days of the old Tokaido highway to the present. As far back as the Heian period, many waka poems were composed using the phrase “Osaka Barrier” (Ausaka-no-seki) as a poetic epithet. Famous verses by figures such as Semimaru, Sei Shonagon, and Sanjo Udaijin are widely known, and alongside this storied setting, Kaneyo has faithfully preserved its traditional flavors since its founding in 1872 (Meiji 5), carefully grilling fragrant kabayaki eel without sparing time or effort. We use domestically sourced Japanese eel, including eel from Lake Hamana, which is kept in a garden […]

Central

Founded in 1966, Jinbo Pearls is Lake Biwa’s pearl specialty shop. During the heyday of the Lake Biwa pearl, our main business was in overseas sales, but we have sold primarily within Shiga Prefecture since that time. We built a shop by the Shiga Prefectural Office in 2014, and began sharing history and background information along with our Lake Biwa pearls. Lake Biwa pearls are a historic treasure, as they are even mentioned within Japan’s oldest collection of waka poetry, the “Manyoshu.” Sparing no trouble, these rich pearls are cultivated over a period of 3 to 5 years, resulting in pearls that reflect light in a complex fashion, in shades […]

Central

We manufacture and sell sweets focusing on confectionery of the Lake Country and tea ceremony sweets (Jo-namagashi 「high-grade Japanese fresh confectionaries」, Higashi 「dried confectionaries」). Starting as a branch of the Kyoto confectionery maker, “Kamesuehiro,” we have been in business for over 70 years. Ishiyamadera Genjimado, Fuyaki Senbei Omi Hakkei, Kanehira Mochi, Nihono Kiku, Awazu no Sato, Rokumangoku Monaka, etc., are our representative specialties. At “Wa-Cafe,” we serve seasonal fresh sweets and Lake Country confectionery sets with your choice of organic drink. In addition to pesticide-free matcha, you can choose organic coffee or tea. The relaxing second-floor Japanese-style room and Ekigaku (divination) consultations by the proprietress require advance reservation.

Central

Our store is the largest within the premises of Mt. Hiei, and is located in front of the bus center of the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Enryakuji Temple. Here we have the souvenirs of Mt. Hiei, as well as an assortment of famous products from Kyoto and Shiga. Our specialties are Mt. Hiei goma tofu (tofu-like dish made with ground sesame paste) and Mt. Hiei goma daifuku (rice cake stuffed with bean jam and topped with sesame seeds).

Northern / North central

It was during the days of the Heian Capital (of Kyoto), in 805, when the monk Saicho returned from his pilgrimage to China with a handful of tea leaves. It was the tea trees that were planted in the foothills of Mt. Hiei, in Otsu, that formed the foundation of the Japanese tea of today. At Nakagawa Seisei-do Tea, we work hard to use the most natural methods possible, from our soil treatment to the processing of the tea leaves—even as we retain the traditions of the verdant tea leaves that first came to this lake country. We will continue to strive to protect the flavor and fragrance of Omi […]

Central