2015-04-30, Nagahama

There really isn't a lot to do in Hikone.  Unfortunately taking a ride along the lake here is not that enticing since the lake path is next to a very busy road AND there is so much trash along the shore of the lake.  I think a lot of it comes from the rivers and just the fact that Hikone is a very windy place (maybe that has something to do with it, I'm not sure).  Once in a while you will come across a nice little grassy park area that is better taken care of, we found one of those not so far from home so I might do some picnicking there during the summer.  So far there does always seem to be a breeze lakeside so when it gets hotter and humid it will probably be a nice place to cool off.  Unfortunately no one swims in this part of the lake.

Anyway, we were looking for something to do so we decided to go to Nagahama.  If you remember, a few weeks ago I went there and rented a bike and rode north to the wildlife center.  I didn't explore the town then so I was excited to go someplace new.  As we went through the station gate there was a man/volunteer advertising a free tour at 10:40.  So we waited for that and two other women joined us.  It was, an hour long walk to show us where the major sites were located and give us some 'insider info'.  It was quite helpful - both in finding our way around later (turns out that Yoshie is worse at directions and trains than I am!) and gaining information about things. He spoke so quickly and relayed so much information I really couldn't understand much so Yoshie had to rephrase things for me - or maybe she just spoke a little more slowly with not quite as much info!

It's been quite warm and sunny, in the low 80s I think, so all the Japanese woman have been covering up to protect themselves from the sun.  Even I took out my light umbrella on occasion, it does keep me cooler but it's harder to take pictures.

Nagahama Port area

Nagahama Castle

These cute little birds were sitting on the railings around the park.

These gigantic rocks were brought from somewhere by ship- one per ship.

There is a big bonsai show here in Feb. or March.

Some of these Japanese apricot bonsai trees - yes they're bigger
than we think of when we thing bonsai - are 300 - 400 years old!

The original Nagahama train station opened in 1882.  Now it's a railway museum.

A street drainage grate near the station.

Who knew?!  There's a beer company in Nagahama.  A microbrewery I think.

Very nice street cover thing...

Our little group in area where there are a number of old buildings.  Very nice.
See how they're all dressed?  It was definitely in the low 80's at least.

Look at this beautiful wood.  Each panel looks like a face.

During spring vacation the town's children put on a kabuki performance.
This is the practice hall.

This garden is growing out of the top of the wall.

This doesn't smell but it's very cute.

There's a little shine or temple at the end of this alley.

Not sure why this was sitting there...

We sampled some of this shop's goods (and bought some) - everything is
made with sesame - crackers, sweet nuts, dressings, spreads - it was
all delicious!

This is the shopping/dining arcade.  The picture at the top depicts the children's kabuki show.
Inside you're protected from the sun and rain but it still has an outdoor feeling.

After the tour we checked out the nice (covered and cooler) shopping street trying to decide where to have lunch.  We ended up back at the place the guide had told us was famous for the Nagahama specialty - saba somen - mackerel simmered in a soy broth and place on top of thin noodles.  The flavor was fine but the fish had so many bones!  Nothing I need to have again.

 

Then we checked out the glass galleries and watched an artisan make a beautiful vase.  Went to some temples and shrines and then back to the arcade to enjoy some ice cream.

There were lots of canals, reminded me of Belgium a little.

This is a fox.

A shopping street (many shops were closed for the day) leading to a temple.

She's scared of the birds and hiding behind grandma.

It must be really cold in here in the winter if there are 4 heaters!

Look at this cute lilac - very fancy coloring, same wonderful fragrance!

Green tea (matcha) and roasted green tea (hojicha) - I didn't have to choose!
But the matcha overpowered the more delicate hojicha taste so next time I
won't mix them.
 

When we got home I made an Italian dinner.  The stuffed mushroom that I'd frozen and pasta with an eggplant tomato sauce and a salad.  It really is fun sharing a meal and  cooking for someone who enjoys and appreciates it!