2026 Full-Day Course Centered on Sakamoto Municipal Pool (坂本市民プール)

This is a one-day course centered on Sakamoto Municipal Pool (坂本市民プール) in Otsu City, open from Monday, July 20 to Monday, August 31, 2026. The facility consists of a 25-meter pool and a children's pool, and operates on a shift system — 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, with a break from 12:00 to 13:00 — so this course is built around the afternoon session. Admission is ¥490 for adults, and ¥330 for junior high school students and equivalent, seniors, and people with disabilities. In the morning, first head to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine (日吉大社), the head shrine of all Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan. Its spacious grounds hold the East Main Shrine (東本宮) and West Main Shrine (西本宮) side by side, and the uniquely shaped Sanno Torii Gate (山王鳥居) leaves a strong impression. The air around the giant trees on the approach is cool, making for a pleasant walk even at the height of summer. Next, visit Kyu-Chikurin-in (旧竹林院). It's one of the many satobo (former monks' residences) that remain in Sakamoto, and the greenery viewed from the garden-facing tatami room is so vivid it reflects right onto the floor. After finishing lunch, move to the pool in time for the afternoon session's opening and swim well until closing time. This course connects a full day of the townscape of Sakamoto, lined with Anou-shu stone walls (穴太衆積み), with water play.