If you're staying at the Villa Hamanako on the western shore of Lake Hamana, there really isn't much to do nearby, but one thing I did find was Shotaiji, an old temple notable for the 88 ancient Buddhist statues on the grassy hill behind it. When I visited in autumn it was very overgrown, but that just added to the sense that it was untouched by time, the moss- and lichen-covered statues often hidden in the foliage.
Peter Sidell @peter.sidell
I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.
