On a narrow section of road near a wide river that flows from lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto lies a formidable task for the unprepared traveller. you start directly from the road and climb the steps to Tachiki-Kannon Temple. 800 steps and they are mostly steep, there are lots of stops on the way with small shrines and magnificent stone lanterns. We went for 2 reasons, firstly the temple was celebrating 1,200 years, the other was my son had climbed the steps unassisted when he was 1.5 years old, and I had to do the same, a big task for a 1.5 year old, I am very proud. At the top you can climb more steps and ring the large cast bell, or you can have a free cup of ocha, or rub the bald head of the statue and make a request. not to mention the views. So if your in Shiga Prefecture, try your legs out.