Every September, the shore of Lake Biwa changes completely.Music fills the air. Crowds gather by the water. Local food stalls, community booths and live stages appear across the lakeside grounds. This is Inazuma — one of western Japan’s largest music festivals, created in Shiga by Shiga-born artist Takanori Nishikawa.Since its launch in 2009, Inazuma Rock Fes has grown into something much larger than a...
[Just 35 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Step back in time to a festival that predates the era of “SHOGUN” and was cherished by the flamboyant warlord Oda Nobunaga. The Sagicho Festival in Ōmihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, is a vibrant celebration of fire, artistry, and tradition, held annually in mid-March. A Tradition Cherished for Over Four Centuries The Sagicho Festival, with a history spanning over...
[Just 25 Minutes from Kyoto Station by Train] Japan’s traditional festivals are renowned for their deep-rooted history and unique regional flavors, captivating visitors from around the world. Among these, the Katsube Fire Festival in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, stands out as a mesmerizing spectacle of fire and fervor. A Tradition Spanning Eight Centuries Dating back approximately 800 years, the Katsube Fire Festival is held...
[Just 25 Minutes from Kyoto Station] Funazushi, a type of “nare-zushi” (fermented sushi), is believed to be the original form of sushi. This ancient culinary tradition has been preserved in Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Among the unique festivals celebrating this dish, the Sushikiri Festival in Moriyama City stands out as one of the region’s most fascinating events. Held...