STORY #008
Water has long been worshipped as a medium for purification and healing.
When Buddhism arrived in Japan from East Asia, the Buddha of Healing, Yakushi-Nyorai, was worshipped for his radiant Eastern Pure Land “water paradise” teachings.
Many temples and shrines were built facing the “water paradise” of Lake Biwa and they remain a major attraction today.
Local people have long adhered to a strict set of regulations to protect the cleanliness of Biwa as their daily lives rely on its spring water and traditional mountain-fed water distribution systems.
The spectacular views of the shore and lakeside districts, overflowing with life, have long inspired art and gardens.
Recently, these areas have also been attracting visitors who see in them a representation of the perfect harmony between humans and water.
Here, one finds the essence of the rich history of Japanese “water culture.”
TITLE
DESIGNATION
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Worrls Heritage, Historic Sites, Natural Monuments, National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, Shiga Prefecture Cultural Properties
Mii-dera Temple (Onjoji Temple)
National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Shiga Prefecture Cultural Properties
Sanno Head Shrine Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Shiga Prefecture Cultural Properties
Saikyo-ji Temple
Important Cultural Properties, Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
Ishiyama-dera Temple
National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Natural Monuments
Shirahige-jinja Shrine
Important Cultural Properties, Registered Tangible Cultural Properties
Shikobuchi Faith
Important Cultural Properties
Kaizu, Nishihama & Chinai Waterside Sightseeing
Important Cultural Landscapes
Harie & Shimofuri Waterside Sightseeing
Important Cultural Landscapes
Omizo Waterside Sightseeing
Important Cultural Landscapes
Chomeiji Temple
Important Cultural Properties, Shiga Prefecture Cultural Properties
Isakiji Temple
Important Cultural Properties
Waterways of Omi-Hachiman
Important Cultural Landscapes
Okishima
Undesignated Cultural Properties
Iba Waterside Sightseeing
Undesignated Cultural Properties
Townscape of Gokasho Kondo (Omi Merchant Houses)
Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings
Former Hikone Domain Matsubara Suburban Residence Gardens (Ohama Goten)
Places of Scenic Beauty
Genkyu-en Garden (Genkyu Rakurakuen)
Places of Scenic Beauty
Hikone Castle
National Treasures, Special Historic Sites, Important Cultural Properties
Western Slope of Mt. Ibukiyama
Historic Sites, Natural Monuments
Asahi Honen Taiko Odori Dance
National-Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Properties
Nakasendo Road Samegaijuku (Jyuousui, Jizokawa River)
Natural Monuments, Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, City-Designated
Higashikusano Mountain Village Sightseeing
Important Cultural Landscapes
Chikubushima Island
Places of Scenic Beauty, Historic Sites, National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, Shiga Prefecture Cultural Properties
Scenery of the Sugaura Lakeshore Village
Important Cultural Landscapes
Traditional Methods of Fishing and Traditional Regional Dishes
Undesignated Cultural Properties(Traditional Methods of Fishing)、Prefecture-Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Properties(Shiga Dietary Cultural Assets)