Shiga - Hikone, Otsu, Yatsubuchi-no-taki
Guy wearing a sharp hat (and bunny-like character with
similar headgear on the flags) at Hikone.
Black swan swimming the moat at Hikone castle.
Amanda and some early blossoms peek
out at Hikone castle.
We took a boat trip across Lake Biwa to the island temple
complex of Chikubushima.
Worn but intricate carvings at one of Chikubushima's
temples.
Incense altar at Chikubushima's largest temple.
Splotches of sunshine played across the hilly coastline as
the boat took us back to shore.
Demon carving and cherry blossoms at a garden near
Ishiyamadera.
Justin and Amanda with cherry blossoms at Miidera, with
Otsu and the "Michigan" boat in the background.
Early in our hike to Yatsubuchi-no-taki, we came across
some horny toads.
We ended up hiking with a couple English teachers from
Osaka - good luck since we helped each other navigate and make tricky
waterfall crossings.
Amanda crosses the water using boulders and chains - next
she'll have to climb chains and ladders to the top of the falls.