20 Temples in Shiga worth your time

A historic Zen head temple founded in 1361, famous for its thatched roof and vibrant autumn colors in Shiga Prefecture.

What it is

• Head temple of the Rinzai Eigen-ji sect founded in 1361 by Sasaki Ujiyori.
• Dedicated to the Kannon Bodhisattva as the main deity.
• Established by the founding priest Jakushitsu Genko.
• Serves as the burial site for the lords of the Ii family.

What to see

• The Main Hall features a roof thatched with reeds from Lake Biwa.
• The Sanmon Gate is designated as a Shiga Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• Vibrant autumn foliage throughout the temple grounds.
• The original site of the Eigenji cherry tree variety.

When to go

• October 1st for the memorial service of founding priest Jakushitsu Genko.
• Autumn season for the famous colorful maple leaves.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Yokaichi Station for a thirty-five minute journey to the temple.

Official site

eigenji-t.jp

Read more about Eigen-ji Temple

This historically important Buddhist temple on Mt. Hiei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 150 buildings.

What it is

• Historically important Buddhist site in Japan.
• Founded in 788 by Buddhist priest Saicho.
• Head temple of the Tendai school of Buddhism.
• Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see

• Sprawling temple grounds covering 1,700 hectares of forest.
• Konponchudo main hall with eternally burning flame.
• Statues of Yakushi Nyorai, including one by Saicho.
• Cherry trees and camellias in the Saito precinct.
• Vermilion Jogyodo and Hokkedo halls (Ninaido).
• Maple trees turning fiery red in autumn at Yokawa.

When to go

• Cherry blossoms bloom up to one month later than Otsu.
• Autumn for fiery red maple trees at Yokawa.

Getting there

• Saito precinct is roughly 1 kilometer north of Todo.
• Yokawa precinct accessible by shuttle bus from Todo precinct.

Address

滋賀県大津市坂本本町4220 Map

Official site

www.hieizan.or.jp

Read more about Enryaku-ji Temple

This Shingon Buddhist temple, built around a sacred rock, is where The Tale of Genji was written.

What it is

• Shingon Buddhist sanctuary, founded in 747.
• Established by priest Roben, who founded Todaiji Temple.
• Built around a Buddhist image Roben could not remove.

What to see

• Dark wollastonite rock outcrops in front of main hall.
• Oldest wooden two-story pagoda (tahoto) in Japan.
• Tahoto pagoda built in 1194, a National Treasure.
• Sculptures and paintings inside tahoto are Important Cultural Properties.
• View of full moon over Lake Biwa from temple's highest point.
• Giant straw sandal on 800-year-old Higashi Daimon gate.

When to go

• Autumn, when maple and cedar leaves change color.
• During moon viewings, associated with the full moon.

Getting there

• Located at the foot of Mt. Garan on west side of Seta River in Otsu.

Address

滋賀県大津市石山寺1-1-1 Map

Official site

www.ishiyamadera.or.jp

Read more about Ishiyama-dera Temple

This temple, rebuilt after 1571, offers continuous chanting, a unique main hall, and a garden overlooking Lake Biwa.

What it is

• Temple at the foot of Mt. Hiei, overlooking Lake Biwa.
• Reputedly built in the seventh century by Prince Shotoku.
• Associated with priest Shinsei, founder of the Shinsei sect.
• Place to practice fudan nenbutsu, continuous recitation of Amida Buddha's name.

What to see

• Main hall (hondo) built in 1739 entirely from zelkova wood.
• 2.7-meter statue of Amida Buddha from the Heian period inside.
• Front transom with 16 wooden carvings of Buddha's disciples.
• Mischievous monkey statue, tribute to Mt. Hiei's native monkeys.
• Large guest hall (kyakuden) moved from Fushimi Castle.
• Guest hall has five rooms with paintings by the Kano school.

When to go

• Spring for cherry blossoms and azaleas.
• Autumn for colorful maple trees.

Address

滋賀県大津市坂本5丁目13-1 Map

Official site

saikyoji.org

Read more about Saikyō-ji Temple

A historic Jodo Shu temple in Hikone featuring structures relocated from local castles and ties to the Tokugawa era.

What it is

• A Jodo Shu temple founded in 1590 and moved to Hikone in 1603
• The primary deity enshrined here is Amida Nyorai
• It served as a lodging for Korean envoys during the Edo period
• The grounds contain a burial mound for the head of Kimura Shigenari

What to see

• The red main gate which was originally part of Sawayama Castle
• A main hall relocated from Nagahama Castle in 1702
• The Higan Byakudō no Niwa garden located on the temple grounds
• A wooden Amida Nyorai statue designated as a prefectural cultural property
• A Buddha statue said to have been the personal deity of Yodo-dono

Getting there

• The temple is a twenty-minute walk from JR Hikone Station

Read more about Sōan-ji Temple

A historic Tendai temple on Mount Akagami featuring a rare wooden Yakushi Nyorai statue and structures rebuilt in 1640.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple founded by Saicho in 799 on Mount Akagami.
• Dedicated to the main deity Yakushi Nyorai and also known as Tarobo Daigongen.
• Originally established as a shrine temple on the approach to Aga Shrine.
• Most buildings were destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1568 before being rebuilt later.

What to see

• The main hall and bell tower which date back to their reconstruction in 1640.
• A wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai statue designated as a Shiga Prefecture cultural property.
• A stone lantern recognized as a cultural property of Higashiomi City.

Getting there

• The temple is a twelve minute walk from Tarobogu-mae Station.

Read more about Jōgan-ji Temple

A historic Shingon temple in Nagahama famous for its scenic peony gardens and Heian-period Buddhist statues.

What it is

• A Shingon Buzan sect temple founded by the monk Gyoki in 741
• Dedicated to the main deity Yakushi Nyorai and commonly known as the Peony Temple
• Rebuilt with land donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi after being burned by Oda Nobunaga
• The 31st site on the Saigoku Yakushi Pilgrimage route

What to see

• Approximately 500 peony plants blooming across the temple grounds
• A garden designated as a Shiga Prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty
• The Niomon gate which is a Shiga Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property
• A wooden Sho Kannon statue dating back to the Heian period
• A traditional garden said to be designed by Kobori Enshu

Read more about Sōji-ji Temple

Keisokuji Temple is a temple known for its autumn scenery and Buddhist statues.

What it is

• Temple founded in 735 as Kokōsanji Temple.
• Renamed Keisokuji in 799 after a legend.
• One of many influential temples on Mt. Kodakamiyama.

What to see

• Autumn scenery with brightly colored maple leaves.
• Long stairs leading up to the temple.
• Buddhist statues from the 700s at repositories.
• Eleven-headed Kannon statue, an Important Cultural Property.
• Rare set of seven Yakushi Nyorai sculptures.
• Records from Azai family and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

When to go

• Autumn for best scenery.

Getting there

• Stop at Kokōkaku and Yoshirokaku repositories for directions.

Read more about Keisoku-ji Temple

Kōgen-ji Temple houses a rare, ancient, and nationally treasured Eleven-faced Kannon statue.

What it is

• A Buddhist temple of the Shinshu Otani sect.
• Home to a National Treasure, the Eleven-faced Kannon statue.
• The statue dates from the early 9th century Heian period.

What to see

• The Eleven-faced Kannon statue, a National Treasure.
• The Kannon statue is carved from a single piece of cypress wood.
• The statue stands 194cm tall, including its top heads.
• The Dōganji Kannon-dō, where the statue is housed.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Takatsuki Station.
• Free parking available for cars and buses.

Address

滋賀県長浜市高月町渡岸寺88 Map

Official site

douganji-kannon.sakura.ne.jp

Read more about Kōgen-ji Temple

This Edo-period hexagonal Jizō-dō is a rare architectural gem, one of only two in the prefecture.

What it is

• A Jizō-dō with a hexagonal double pagoda.
• Dates to the Edo period, built by Ikeda Village carpenters.
• A Koka City designated cultural property.
• One of only two hexagonal halls in the prefecture.

What to see

• Hexagonal double pagoda, a rare architectural style.
• Key structural points use zelkova wood.
• A sacred jewel placed at the top.
• Roof corners have tiles with Chinese zodiac designs.

When to go

• Opened on the 24th of every month.
• First stop on the Soma no Rokujizo Pilgrimage.

Address

滋賀県甲賀市甲南町寺庄1043 Map

Read more about Rokkakudō (Koka)

A 7th-century Soto Zen temple in Shiga housing a rare 72-centimeter mermaid mummy and a commemorative mermaid statue.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple founded by Prince Shotoku in 619.
• The temple was originally part of the Tendai sect before being restored in 1624.
• The main deity is a standing statue of Sho-Kannon.
• It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1571.

What to see

• A mermaid mummy measuring approximately 72 centimeters in length housed inside a wooden shrine.
• The mummy features scales on its lower body and has no teeth.
• A mermaid statue on the grounds commemorating the first Mermaid Summit held in 2000.

Read more about Ganjo-ji Temple

Mii-dera Temple is an ancient Tendai temple with important Buddhist art and architecture.

What it is

• Head temple of the Tendaijimon sect.
• Founded in the 7th century by the Otomo clan.
• Revived in the 9th century by the monk Enchin.
• Certified as a Japan Heritage site in 2015.

What to see

• Principal image is Miroku Bosatsu.
• The Yellow Fudo is one of Japan's Three Fudo.
• Kannon-do is the 14th site of Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
• The 'Evening Bell of Miidera' is one of the Omi Hakkei.
• Current Kondo was donated by Kodai-in in 1599.
• Bell tower houses one of Japan's Three Famous Bells.

Address

滋賀県大津市園城寺町246 Map

Official site

www.shiga-miidera.or.jp

Read more about Mii-dera Temple

Explore a preserved Edo-period strolling garden with a unique stonemason-built cave.

What it is

• A Japanese garden in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.
• A national scenic spot.
• A traditional building in a preservation district.
• A strolling garden built in the early Edo period.

What to see

• The garden retains its pre-Edo period landscape.
• A cave built by Anoshu stonemasons.
• The cave has three entrances.
• A Mt. Fuji-shaped mound inside the cave.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station.
• 15-minute walk from Hieizan-Sakamoto Station.

Address

滋賀県大津市坂本4丁目5番17号 Map

Read more about Former Byakugō-in Garden

Saimyō-ji Temple: a Tendai temple with National Treasure architecture and beautiful autumn leaves.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple, founded by Sanshū Shōnin.
• Principal image is Yakushi Nyorai.
• One of the Kotō Sanzan temples.
• 32nd temple of the Saigoku Yakushi 49 Sacred Sites.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Treasure.
• Three-story pagoda is a National Treasure.
• Niōmon gate is an Important Cultural Property.
• Stone pagoda is an Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall garden is a National Scenic Spot.

When to go

• Temple grounds are known for autumn leaves.

Address

滋賀県犬上郡甲良町大字池寺26 Map

Official site

www.saimyouji.com

Read more about Saimyō-ji Temple

Tokugen-in Temple is a historic Tendai temple with a scenic garden and important family graveyard.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple, also known as Seiryū-ji.
• Founded in 1286 by Kyōgoku Ujinobu.
• Family temple of the Kyōgoku clan.
• Main deity is Shō Kannon Bosatsu.

What to see

• Kyōgoku family graveyard is a national historic site.
• Three-story pagoda is a tangible cultural property.
• Garden is a scenic spot designated by Shiga Prefecture.
• Wooden standing statue of Shō Kannon Bosatsu.

Getting there

• 29-minute walk from JR Tōkaidō Main Line Kashiwabara Station.

Address

滋賀県米原市清滝288 Map

Read more about Tokugen-in Temple

Ancient Rinzai temple with important cultural properties and a scenic mountain setting.

What it is

• Rinzai sect Myoshin-ji school temple.
• Main deity is Senju Kannon.
• Also called Kawarayazen-ji.
• Located on Mt. Mitsukuri.

What to see

• Main hall is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Jizo-do hall is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Kuri is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Bell tower is a registered tangible cultural property.
• Wooden standing statue of Senju Kannon is an Important Cultural Property.
• Ancient roof tiles from the late Asuka period.

Address

滋賀県東近江市建部瓦屋寺町436 Map

Official site

www.kawarayaji.com

Read more about Kawarayazen-ji Temple

Visit Enman-in Temple to see a historic Monzeki temple, its Important Cultural Property Shinden, and a scenic garden.

What it is

• A Tendai-sect temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.
• It is a Monzeki temple.
• The principal image is Fudo Myoo.
• It is the 25th temple of the Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage.

What to see

• The main hall and a guesthouse.
• The Shinden, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
• An Otsu-e Museum on the temple grounds.
• The garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
• The garden, known as "Mii no Meitei."
• A pond-viewing garden attributed to Soami.

Address

滋賀県大津市園城寺町33 Map

Official site

enman-inn.com

Read more about Enman-in Temple

Historic Christian church designed by William Merrell Vories, a registered cultural property.

What it is

• Christian church in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.
• Lectures began around 1883, lecture hall opened 1890.
• William Merrell Vories became involved in 1921.
• Chapel, gateposts, and rectory built in 1930.

What to see

• Wooden, single-story chapel building.
• Brick gateposts, 1.5 meters high.
• Chapel and gateposts are registered cultural properties.
• Rectory also designed by Vories.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Minakuchi-Ishibashi Station.

Read more about Minakuchi church

Handō-ji Temple is a Tendai temple with important statues and a mandala, linked to Koka's medicine sales.

What it is

• It is a Tendai sect temple.
• It was a powerful Shugendo temple in medieval times.
• The temple was re-established in 1892.
• It is associated with Koka's itinerant medicine sales.

What to see

• Wooden seated statue of Amitabha Nyorai.
• Wooden standing statue of Eleven-faced Kannon.
• Wooden standing statue of Jizo Bosatsu.
• These three statues are Important Cultural Properties.
• Silk painting of the Ryokai Mandala.
• The mandala is a municipal cultural property.

Address

滋賀県甲賀市水口町三大寺1019 Map

Read more about Handō-ji Temple

A Tendai temple in Otsu City, founded by Saichō, with important cultural properties and a scenic garden.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple, also known as Raigō-ji.
• Main deities are Amida, Shaka, and Yakushi Nyorai.
• Traditionally founded by Saichō.
• Its mountain name is Shiunzan.

What to see

• National Treasure 'Rokudō-e' scrolls.
• Main hall, rebuilt in 1665, is an Important Cultural Property.
• Guest hall, built in 1639, is an Important Cultural Property.
• Front gate relocated from Sakamoto Castle.
• Shiga Prefecture designated scenic garden.
• Grave of Mori Yoshinari.

Address

滋賀県大津市比叡辻2丁目4-17 Map

Read more about Shōjuraigō-ji Temple