Hiking Japan’s Hidden Sacred Mountains
Over two thirds of Japan is covered with mountains. These icons of the local landscape offer valuable resources and destinations for hikers, skiers and snowboarders, but also serve...
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Personalizing Your Hatsumode Experience at a Shrine or Temple
From omikuji to praying after a donation, there are many things to do during Hatsumode, your first Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple visit of the year. This first...
New Life for an Old Temple at Kyorinbo
Kyorinbo (教林坊) is a local Buddhist temple in Azuchi-cho, which is now part of Omihachiman City. I actually used to teach at a school very near here, but...
Artists Adventure Through Northern Shiga
The Art From The Lakes program(previously on Be Wa) just wrapped up a busy week of Shiga exhibitions, workshops and events with three visiting Michigan artists: Linda Beeman,...
Kotosanzan Temples Offer a Glimpse of Medieval Japan
English 日本語 Despite being known as the rainy season, June is often a great time to be outside in Shiga. The summer heat hasn't taken over yet, and...