Koutoku-ji Temple is known for its connection to the Buddhist priest Rennyo and the famous story of “Katata Genbei’s Head.” It is said that long ago, when Rennyo visited Miidera Temple to retrieve a portrait of the sect’s founder, Shinran,…

North central

This museum is set-up as a studio near Nagara Park displaying a collection of Mitsuhashi Setsuko’s artwork. Mitsuhashi Setsuko had her dominant hand be amputated due to illness, but preserved by holding her artist brush in her left hand and…

Central

Co nstruction of the old Tokaido Road was completed in the Edo Period (1603-1868). It connected Tokyo’s Nihon-bashi Bridge and Kyoto’s Sanjo district, making it one of five great roads of old. The Tokaido has also been made famous through…

Central

This was one residence of th e so-called “kunin” (“public characters”), monks of Enryaku-ji Temple who were permitted to marry, bear surnames, and carry swords while carrying on their religious duties during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Though lifestyle changes have…

Northern

Izu Shrine – The Heart-Shaped Sacred Stone of Good Fortune 【Highlights】 ・An ancient shrine reflecting the history of Katata, a town that prospered through Lake Biwa’s water transport. ・Katata’s main guardian shrine, known in the medieval period as “Katata Omiya.”…

Northern / North central