The Eight Views of Ōmi (in Japanese: 近江八景 or Ōmi hakkei) are traditional scenic views of Ōmi Province which is now Shiga Prefecture in Japan. They were inspired by the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang in China which were first painted in the 11th century and then brought to Japan as a popular theme in the 14–15th centuries. The theme was then used to describe Ōmi province in poetry by Prince Konoe Masaie and his son, Prince Hisamichi, in the 15–16th centuries. The Eight Views of Ōmi then became a popular subject for artists such as Suzuki Harunobu and Utagawa Hiroshige. The theme continued to develop, being transposed to other locations and settings in a process which the Japanese called mitate, such as in Harunobu's Zashiki Hakkei series. The sights were depicted by Hiroshige in several different series of ukiyo-e pictures, as well as other artists. They are sometimes erroneously called "Eight Views of Lake Biwa", but the latter were defined to include different locations in 1949 by the government of Shiga Prefecture. The eight themes remain unchanged from the Chinese series: Returning sails, descending geese, autumn moon, evening bells, evening glow, evening snow, evening rain, and clearing weather. The Eight Views All views are situated at the southern end of Lake Biwa. There is no fixed order. The following list circles the lake, beginning on the east side. Returning sails at Yabase ( ). Yabase is an old harbor on the east side of the lake. Near the Tōkaidō, it was used as a shortcut to Ōtsu by boat. In the early Meiji era steamers appeared, until the railway began its service. Evening glow at Seta ( ) – The Chinese Bridge at Seta. The long bridge across the Seta River was used by the Tōkaidō. Nowadays is there a bridge in the old Chinese style, a concrete construction, but nice to walk over. (Road traffic uses a new bridges to the north). In the background is the "Fuji of Ōmi" Mount Mikami. It is just above 400 meters tall, but indeed well visible. Autumn moon at Ishiyama ( ) – Ishiyama Temple. The was located on a hillside next to the Seta River. It got his name from the strange rocks on which it is built, partly on supporting beams. A hut at the upper end of the site allows a view of the lake and of the moon.