It is called Osechi Ryori. This is a dish that families and clans gather to celebrate the New Year and eat together, with each item having a special significance for good fortune. Nowadays, many people buy it from department stores or supermarkets, but in the past, it was common to make it by hand. In rural areas, it is still customary to prepare it in advance at the end of the year so that women do not have to cook during the New Year. The photos show only my grandmother's handmade dishes, which are all a modest brown color, but they taste amazing. The locally famous red konnyaku, which turned bright red at the command of the famous Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, is also included. In addition, it is a tradition for the whole family to gather around a table filled with my grandmother's handmade rolled sushi and mackerel sushi for a celebration.

Against the backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves, the maple quietly emerges. The bokeh created by the light transforms the autumn scenery into a fantastical world. (Location: Kyorinbo)

The moment when the softly translucent maple revealed an unexpected pale pink in the backlight. The delicacy of autumn colors stood out. (Location: Kyorinbo)

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's kabuki! Maibara, Yutani Shrine, and the Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight is the children's kabuki performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. The elementary school actors boldly deliver difficult lines and movements, leaving everyone astonished. The passionate performances of the children in their splendid costumes are truly impressive! The sight of young men energetically pulling the hikiyama and the lively atmosphere of the entire town during the festival are also appealing. It's just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making access very convenient. Luxurious brochures are distributed for free. When opened, the stories of the performances are introduced in comic form. I was impressed by the effort to make traditional performing arts more accessible to children. They are also making efforts to connect traditions to the future, including challenges with crowdfunding. The hikiyama performing arts, passed down since the Edo period. I hope this splendid stage continues to be supported by many and is handed down to the next generation.

When it comes to summer in Japan, it's all about sweet and cold wagashi (Japanese sweets). Enjoying sweetened beans set in jelly or agar while wearing a yukata is a delightful summer tradition for young girls. The photo features a summer limited menu from Kanou Shoujuan, which has branches nationwide but is rooted in its local area.

Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is actually surrounded by many small lakes that resemble satellites, and Pinghu is one of them. However, only fishermen are aware of its existence, so in spring, you can leisurely enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking in the sight of the giant cherry trees that encircle the lake, all while being gently blown by the lake breeze.

In Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, there is a beautiful area where 600 cherry blossom trees line both banks of a clear stream. It's a tranquil spot, perfect for leisurely cherry blossom viewing, and the view from the center of the pedestrian bridge is fantastic.

The sunset at Taga-cho, Shiga Prefecture, was perfect on this day!

The beautiful sunrise reflected on the water surface at Ukijima. The composition utilizes the reflections of the sky on the water surface, captured through drone photography. Hinogawa Dam, Shiga Prefecture, Ukijima April 2026

——— Floating Island in the Sky This was captured by aerial photography along with the sky reflected on the water's surface. Hinocho, Shiga Prefecture, Hino River Dam Ukishima April 2026 *Contact with the management office has been confirmed *Comprehensive flight permission for unmanned aircraft obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *Flight plan notification and flight log creation

I gave up on the famous cherry blossom spot a ten-minute drive away because its parking lot was full, so I took photos along an ordinary roadside on the way back home. In Japan, spring means cherry trees line the streets everywhere, not just at famous sites.

Daiichi Nagisa Park at Lake Biwa, where early-blooming rapeseed flowers blossom. The contrast between the white snow and the yellow flowers is striking.

The countryside has vast rice paddies, so when it snows they turn into a wide white plain. It’s three minutes from my home, and straight ahead at the end of the road is Lake Biwa.

Ukishima in Anegawa Dam in autumn Anegawa Dam Observation Deck, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

Shirahige Shrine 215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Features of Shirahige Shrine Enshrined deity: Sarutahiko Okami Also known as: Itsukushima of Oumi Shrine building: The large torii gate standing in Lake Biwa is famous. Shirahige Shrine has long been revered as a deity of longevity and also as a protector of matchmaking and fertility. In particular, the vermilion great torii rising from Lake Biwa captivates many visitors with its beauty.

Metasequoia Avenue Makinomachi Hiruguchi to Makino, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture <Autumn Foliage> Typical peak season: late November to early December During the autumn foliage season from mid-November to mid-December, congestion occurs on Prefectural Route 287 Namiki Road and surrounding roads on weekends between 11:00 and 18:00. Please help ease traffic by visiting on weekdays when it is less crowded or by using the Makino Kogen Free Temporary Parking at the north end of the avenue. If you use public transportation, take JR Makino Station and then the Takashima City Community Bus Makino Highland Line. The avenue and nearby roads are vital local residential streets. Please do not park or stop on the road. The surrounding roads are residential streets. Slow down and watch for pedestrians. So that as many people as possible can enjoy the area, follow photography etiquette and avoid dangerous actions such as stopping on crosswalks or stepping into the roadway to take pictures.

After visiting the local Tarobogu Shrine, my wife walked briskly down the tunnel of autumn leaves and torii gates.

A golden tree-lined avenue Green in spring and summer, golden in autumn, bare in winter. You can enjoy its seasonal moods. Metasequoia Avenue, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

I took an aerial photo of the floating island on Anegawa Dam in autumn. Anegawa Dam Observatory, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture November 2025 ※Anegawa Dam Management Office has been notified ※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

I took this at Hachiman-bori Canal in Shiga Prefecture. The trees formed an arch and their soft reflections on the water left a strong impression. This shot felt warm amid the quiet.

Autumn leaves on floating islands A floating island located at the Anegawa Dam in Shiga Prefecture. The Autumn leaves season is spectacular.

I was able to make good use of the front bokeh and photograph Nagahama Castle, which has an overwhelming presence.

I had an errand and early in the morning, and when I left the house at about 5 o'clock, I was able to take a picture of Hikone Castle standing against a golden background caused by the sunrise.

Local Festivals still have the custom of children. Even though they are young, they are all mysterious.

This photo was taken at an annual festival held at Shinoda Shrine in Shiga Prefecture. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, Shinoda's Fireworks feature not only fireworks but also a variety of productions such as Japanese fireworks, gimmick fireworks, and Niagara. This moment, in which tradition and power are fused, was captured in a moment of brilliance

This is ❣️ the view from the moat of Hikone Castle in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture The houseboat of Hikone Castle's moat Roux was also operatedThe stone walls, 😊 water gates, Turrets and the national treasure Hikone Castle keep were ❣️ magnificent The three-layer structure of [Ishigaki], [Earthen mound], and [Ishigaki], which can be seen along the inner moat near the main gate of Hikone Castle, is called a bowl-maki waist-maki stone wall, and it seems to be ❣️ a special stacking method that can only be seen in a small number of castles (Edo Castle and part of Aizuwakamatsu Castle) If you look at it while strolling from the outside, you can clearly see that the stone wall is in the shape of three beautiful bands. Looking at the beautifully stacked stones, I felt 😃 that the people of Japan in the past were particular about the meticulousness and delicacy If you go to Hikone Castle, please enjoy ❣️ the beauty of not only the castle tower but also the moat and stone walls

Metaseikochia trees in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture We aimed for a day when it snowed. It started snowing at dawn, and the Water of the Water on the road began to increase, and I was able to take a reflection shot.