Hikonyan’s Fortress ひこにゃんのお城

This week I had the chance to check out Hikone castle! Although I’ve been in Shiga for about 3 years now, this was my first time visiting the historic site, and I honestly can’t believe it took me this long to visit. These days, Hikone castle is better known as the iconic home of “Hikonyan”…

Ceramics and Ninjas 陶芸と忍者

Last week, I had the opportunities to go to Shigaraki Ceramic Park and Koka’s Ninja village. Shigaraki lies in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture, and is part of the Koka district. As one of Japan’s oldest pottery manufacturing areas, the artists of Shigaraki use clay from the riverbeds of local lakes, and Lake Biwa….

Journey to Mt. Hiei

Today my colleagues and I took a trip to Mt. Hiei to visit Enryakuji (延暦寺), one of the most revered temple complexes in the country and formerly known as the headquarters of the Tendai-sect of Japanese Buddhism. Although often thought of as synonymous with the main hall, the name “Enryakuji” does not refer to any…