NAKED’s DANDELION PROJECT will be held at Shiga’s Hikone Castle for eight days starting November 5, 2022. The work will be exhibited as a part of NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO, a next-generation art project put on in conjunction with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture.

Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. 

Following last year’s event, the DANDELION art piece will be exhibited at Hikone Castle again in 2022. The castle is over 400 years old and the castle tower, completed in 1606,  is designated as a national treasure. During this time, the art piece will also be on display at Enryakuji and Shigain Monzeki Temple in Shiga. Hikone Castle is currently seeking to be registered as a World Heritage site. Why not take part in this unique project to bring the world a bit more peace?

The third phase of the popular illumination event at the English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada will be held from October 8, 2022 until February 12, 2023! One of the largest light-up events in the Kansai region, this year’s theme is ‘Evolutionary Lights!’ 

Let Time Pass in The Golden Forest

Visitors will be welcomed into a glorious forest of golden lights as they arrive in the main area. 

The clock tower rises in the center, and the spectacular production begins at the start of nightfall when the tower itself begins to glow and 100 trees are enveloped in golden light.

The White and Silver Garden of the Fairies

The area has undergone a major transformation, from the warm European-inspired colors of last year’s event to a mysterious silvery-white color scheme. Visitors can also enjoy the popular light-up experience Miraculous Blue Roses and the Seven-Colored Prayer Tree.

※Details: Lights and effects are triggered in response to the sound of bells rung by visitors and special pedals stepped on as they explore the event.

Shaun the Sheep Area

A special Christmas display inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, releasing in December 2022, will be on display.

*Images of the special display will be available in mid-September.

​SHAUN THE SHEEP AND SHAUN’S IMAGE ARE ™ AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD. 2022

Galactic Express Milky Way

The Milky Way is said to be a magnificent shade of blue. The Milky Way Galaxy Railroad, which requires a separate fee, runs through the area, inviting guests to explore a sea of stars. Why not take a trip through this glittering world of lights while taking some incredible photos?

Why not visit this incredible sea of lights this winter?

Lake Biwa Canal, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Shiga, will be completely illuminated each night from March 25 until April 10! The nearby Onjo-ji Temple will also be lit up during the duration of the event.

Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal

The Lake Biwa Canal carries water from the biggest lake in Japan to Kyoto and was built during the Meiji era using the best civil engineering technology of the time. Both sides of the bank are lined with almost 200 cherry trees, making it one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots with a spectacular view leading to Onjo-ji Temple.

Onjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022

Over 600 lights will be set up around the temple grounds to illuminate the cherry blossoms. The national treasures and designated cultural properties will be completely open to the public for nighttime viewing.

Want something to do at a ski resort but not a fan of skiing? No problem! Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture has opened the new Snow Garden, a complex filled with cafes and activities held in transparent dome tents and terraces. Visitors can relax in an open space overlooking the gorgeous landscape without breaking a sweat. The Snow Village will be open until March 27, 2022.

Enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-covered Uonuma Plains and Niigata’s breathtaking mountains while enjoying a warm beverage and wonderful company. 

Biwako Hotel in Shiga Prefecture is now selling two original cocktails inspired by the Hyakunin Isshu poem anthology until March 4, 2022. Originally created in 2021, these drinks will be available at the Bel Lago Bar. 

Biwako Hotel began selling a series of Hyakunin Isshu-inspired cocktails starting in 2017 to commemorate the 1350th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Otsu. In 2019, the location opened a 100-person sweets buffet, and in the spring and fall of 2021 the hotel offered an afternoon tea set based on the 100 famous poems. By 2021, the hotel had come up with 35 cocktails, but due to the spread of COVID-19, this was put on hold. Two of the best cocktails are now back for a limited time.

Menu

Minano-gawa
“Feel the love deepen over time, like the stream widening into a river as it descends Mount Tsukuba.”

Poem 13, Retired Emperor Yozei
This poem compares the poet’s ever-deepening and melancholic love to the course of the Minano River. 
This drink includes layers of colorful liqueurs. The delicate color of the border reminds guests of the complexity of love.

Osaka no Seki
“Truly, this is where travelers who go or come over parting ways–Friends or strangers–all must meet: The gate of “Meeting Hill.”

Poem 10, Semimaru
This poem speaks of the Osaka Barrier, which was located on the boundary between present-day Kyoto and Omi, now known as Shiga Prefecture. 

The author, Semimaru, had a hermitage near this famed border. The mellow green color of the beverage evokes the image of a traveler passing by on a mountain road in early spring.

What is the Hyakunin Isshu? 

Those who have seen the anime series Chihayafuru will be very well acquainted with the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, a collection of 100 famous poems in Japanese history collected from the early tenth to the early thirteenth century. These poems are said to have been selected by Fujiwara no Teika, a poet and critic of his day. In the Edo period, these poems were illustrated and became popular among the general public. Students in Japanese schools memorize many of these poems at a young age. 

NAKED’S DANDELION PROJECT is coming to Shiga Prefecture’s Hikone Castle! The National Treasure site will display the digital art on the castle’s stone tower starting November 27, 2021. This comes as a collaboration with Kinki Nippon Tourist. Since its launch in 2020, the DANDELION PROJECT has opened 16 locations around the world, with over 650,000 visitors participating in both the local and online exhibitions. 

The DANDELION PROJECT is inspired by the idea of world peace and hopes to help transcend barriers and connect people in an increasingly divided world. This networked initiative wants to bring this change about by planting (or installing) dandelion-inspired art around the world, while it invites people visiting these dandelion exhibits to send their prayers for peace as a digital flower in real-time. Current installations include Tokyo Tower and Saga Prefectural Exhibition Hall. 

Starting on November 6, 2021, Hikone Castle is now open to the public during nighttime hours. The castle overlooks Lake Biwa and is filled with 400-year-old charm. Visitors are welcome to send their wishes and prayers to the world and to hope for a better new year. 

In scenic Shiga prefecture, visitors can find one of the largest light-up events in the Kansai region. The Rosa & Berry Tawada park is celebrating ten years in 2021, and to celebrate this milestone, the Rosa & Berry Illumination 2021 is covering the space in thousands of brightly colored rainbow lights!

Giant 4-meter Wreath and Treehouse

Constructing the Giant Wreath

Illuminated Flowers

Glittering Balloons & Rainbow Churros

The main stage, Stardust Lake, is located beside the Galaxy Railroad area. Guests can experience the beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, as they wander the illuminated grounds. Don’t miss this year’s unique light show ‘Rainbow of Hope,’ a wish for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In commemoration of the park’s 10th anniversary, a huge wreath over four meters wide will be hung within the park. Created by Yoshihi Futana, the wreath was created with carefully collected plants that were starting to wither. The size is sure to impress, so don’t miss your chance to snap a picture with this work of art!

The church-like building sitting atop a hill in the park is decorated with illuminated flowers made by creative team You Ru Maru. Fans of Shaun the Sheep can enjoy a store dedicated to the popular character and his friends on-site, some hotpot during the cooler months at the Kotatsu Nabe restaurant, and a hot cup of tea overlooking the lights at the Hillside Cafe Tearoom. Don’t forget to grab a rainbow churro as you wander around the park!

The Nagahama Kurokabe area of Shiga in Japan opened two new shops on March 22: Kurokabe Pudding and Omigyu Curry Bread.

High quality food infused with that Nagahama Kurokabe essence

Nagahama is one of the most popular tourist and sightseeing spots in Shiga Prefecture. One area of the city is known as Kurokabe which is home to a bounty of traditional Japanese shops, craftsmen, and old-time roads and buildings. Kurokabe Pudding’s image matches the area, which is one of the reasons behind its opening, something that has been two years in the making. Japanese purin, or custard pudding, is a staple dessert across the country, and Kurokabe Pudding comes as the first pudding specialist shop to open in the area.

The same goes for Omigyu Curry Bread which will serve up a variety of delicious curry flavoured breads made with famous Omigyu beef.

Kurokabe Pudding

Kurokabe Glass | ¥500 (Tax Included)

All puddings at Kurokabe Pudding are handmade with high quality ingredients. They are made with domestic milk along with a variety of delicious ingredients such as houjicha and matcha from Uji in Kyoto, vanilla beans, and more. The matcha puddings also include black soybeans from Tamba.

Six puddings are featured on the permanent menu line-up, all of which have designs inspired by the Kurobe Glass Shop.

Omigyu Curry Bread

Curry Bread | ¥450 (Tax Included)

Onions and carrots are added to a fragrant roux for this curry bread which is filled with slices of Omigyu beef and cooked in the oven. The black colour is also based on the Kurokabe Glass Shop.

Biwako Bunka Park in Shiga Prefecture has begun its special lotus exhibition which will take place in the Japanese garden of Sekishoan, a tea house located in one corner of the park, which is taking place now until August 16, 2020. The lotuses will be displayed for a limited time only and are the same ones being grown in the forest of Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden in Shiga.

Biwako Bunka Park

Biwako Bunka Park is located in the Arts and Education Culture Cluster part of Biwako Bunka Park Toshi Kousou which was built in 1979. The Arts and Education Culture Cluster site stands as a collection of facilities representing the arts and education of Shiga Prefecture. The park itself is a combination of nature and culture and houses lush verdure, an art gallery, library, Japanese garden, tea house, and more.

Special lotus exhibition

Sekishoan, a tea house and Japanese garden in the park inspired by the Evening glow at Seta in the Eight Views of Ōmi, serves up matcha and Japanese confections to customers. In the Japanese garden, they are holding a special exhibition of 10 lotus flowers from 6 different types. These lotuses have been specially selected and borrowed from Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden.

Nekoma Ski Resort, which is located on the northern slope of the Urabandai area, is holding a special spring ski event from March 30, 2020 called “Haru Nekoma ~Nekoma GO! GO! GO!”

The spring season at Nekoma Ski Resort is the time to enjoy the compacted snow berms, with lots of different kinds of berms to try out. So skiers can enjoy the snow berms that pile up in the early morning, the resort is open from from as early as 5:55, and there’s also snow lifts, so they can maximise their piste riding experience to the fullest. Skiers can enjoy the full view of Mount Bandaiーwhich is officially listed as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japanーas well as Lake Inawashiro too as they hit the downhill ski trails.

Haru Nekoma ~Nekoma GO! GO! GO!

Running: March 30, 2020 – May 6, 2020

Times: [Weekdays] 7:30-15:00 / [Weekends & Public Holidays] 5:55-15:00

Lift Price: [1 Day Ticket] Adults ¥3,818 / Junior & High School Students ¥3,091 / Elementary School Students ¥1,909 (Before Tax)

Note: Dates and times subject to change depending on weather conditions

Ride the springtime pistes of Alts Bandai too

For the 2019-2020 season, you can ride the snow footpath that connects Nekoma Ski Resort to Alts Bandai. Go through the gate leading to it, walk through the Japanese beech trees for about 15 minutes, and you’ll arrive at the pistes in the deepest part of Alts Bandai which opens up to a spectacular view of Mount Bandai and the town of Inawashiro. Alts Bandai will be shut from March 29, but since there is still plenty of snow to ski down in the high-up pistes even in April, some of the lifts will still be operated. Enjoy a springtime walk and a springtime ski with the beautiful scenery before you with this special ski route.

Running: From March 20, 2020 until the snow melts

Gate Times: 10:00-13:30 (Last entries from Nekoma Ski Resort at 12:00)

Price: Free

Available Courses: Frozen 1, 2, 3 / Peak Lower 3 / Peak Lower 4

Note: A valid day ticket from Nekoma Ski Resort is required

Nekoma Terrace

Bask in the springtime weather at the foot of the pistes in the Nekoma Terrace which has its own bar. After an early morning ski, take a break and relax at the terrace with a drink in hand and soak up the scenery around you as the temperature warms through the day.

Spring Nekoma Terrace

Time: 10:00-14:00

Price: Alcohol ¥454 / Soft Drinks ¥182 (Before Tax)

Location: Nekoma Ski Resort Centre House

Spring discount tickets are also available, which can also be used at Alts Bandaiーwhich has the biggest pistes in Japanーuntil March 29. Ride across 189 hectares and enjoy 26 courses.

Spring Discount Tickets

Available: February 1, 2020 – May 6, 2020

Valid: March 1, 2020 – May 6, 2020

Price: Adults (20-23 Years) ¥20,000 / Junior & High School Students ¥10,909 / Elementary School Students ¥10,000 (Before Tax)

Sold at: Alts Bandai / Nekoma Ski Resort Official Homepage / Alts Bandai and Nekoma Ski Resort sites

A new amusement facility themed on the British stop-motion series Shaun the Sheep named Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden is set to hold its grand opening on March 31, 2019. A special preview was carried out for the press on March 19. In the run up to the grand opening, the park will pre-open for general admission from March 23.

The facility is opening adjacent to English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada, a 5,000m² farm where you can come into contact with sheep.

This is Japan’s first ever permanent establishment for Shaun the Sheep. It will be home to a farmer’s house, a sheep shelter, and Shaun himself and his sheep friends will also be present. There is also a cafe on the east side of the facility as well as an event house and more.

Dive into the world of Shaun the Sheep at his Farm Garden!