latest collections | 『Otsu』,『Omi Hachiman』,『Hikone』, 『Samegai』(2018)
2018/08/12
I stayed in Otsu city, Shiga prefecture. After crossing the Biwako Bridge, I looked at the Biwako Bridge from the Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza. The view of Lake Biwa from the balcony on the second floor was outstanding. At the restaurant, I ate Omi beef. It is one of the best beef in Japan. Omi beef is raised in the rich nature represented Lake Biwa. It is the roots of Tajima cattle that were originally used for agriculture. We call the mix of meat and fat “Sashi.” Omi beef has fine “Sashi” overall. In the Edo period, there was a history that was eaten by Daimyo, and it is still popular now.
2018/08/13
I climbed to the mountaintop station of Mt. Uchimi (1,105m) by a ropeway. From there, I moved to the top of Mt. Horai by the lift. The highest peak of Mt. Horai is 1,174m. I could see a sea of clouds and Lake Biwa. On sunny days, you can see Lake Biwa, Mt. Ibuki, and Mt. Hira. It was a luxurious space in the sky that can be reached by ropeway.
2018/08/14
I stayed in Omi Hachiman city. I took a walk through Hachiman moat, Himure Hachiman Shrine, and Shinmachi Street (the street of Omi merchant). I felt the life of Omi merchant with frugality, simplicity, and fortitude. Next, I went to Hikone castle in Hikone city. I watched Hikone Castle from Genkyuen. Genkyuen is a stroll garden with a central pond. You can watch the scenery around Hikone Castle as a large garden in the early Edo period. Finally, I went to Samegai, Maibara city. Along the Jizo river at Samegai, the cityscape is continuing. Jizo river is famous as a group of “Bai-ka-mo”(plum, flower, and algae) in a river made of freshwater spring from the area. Samegai is selected as a Japan heritage as a culture of water and prayer.
Yasuharu Nagura 