A special exhibition titled "Kosei no Fudo to Iho, Takashima-gun wo Chushin ni," or the natural features and treasures of Lake Biwa's west side; focusing on the Takashima-gun area, opened on January 30 at Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum in Azuchi-cho, Shiga Prefecture. The exhibit is sponsored by the museum, showcasing approximately 120 items, including pictures and statues of Buddha, from towns along the west coast of Lake Biwa.

This is a part of a series of specially-organized exhibitions by the museum to introduce cultural assets handed down to each area in the prefecture based on the old administrative districts. This time, the theme is the west coast of Lake Biwa.

Displayed are treasures and cultural assets owned by shrines and temples in the area, including the seated statue of Amitabha Tathagata made in the Heian Period, an Important Cultural Property now possessed by Doshoji Temple in Takashima City, a picture depicting the life of Prince Shotoku, and carved wooden guardian dogs from the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods.

A chief priest from Adogawa-cho, Takashima City, who visited the exhibition, said, "As we have such superb cultural assets in the area, we should hand down them to future generations."

The exhibition will continue till April 4. The museum is open every day from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., except on Mondays. On March 22, a national holiday, it will be open on Monday, and closed on March 23. Admission fees are 450 yen for adults and 250 yen for university and senior high school students. For more information, call Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum at 0748-46-2424.