You probably assume that all the shrines in Japan would have a minimum of a few centuries of history. However, this isn’t the case for Ōmi Jingū (近江神宮), close to Lake Biwa in Ōtsu City! Although it was founded only in 1940, the shrine’s location and the god enshrined hold some important Japanese history dating […]
Ōmi Jingū – A New Shrine with a Long History Read More »
Traveling further south from Seta no Karahashi Bridge (a bridge that appeared in many historical took place) in Ōtsu City, you will find Ishiyama-dera (石山寺). The temple is one of the three Kannon sanctuaries in the Heian period (the other two are Kyoto‘s Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) and Nara‘s Hase-dera (長谷寺)). Another title earned by the temple
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If you are visiting Mt. Hiei in Shiga Prefecture, stop by Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社) in Sakamoto. It has a deep connection with the Enryakuji Temple and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The shrine is particularly stunning in the fall. Also, if you are a fan of ‘Rurouni Kenshin’, you will
Hiyoshi Taisha – Mt. Hiei and Kyoto’s Guardian Shrine Read More »
If you are driving, you can stop by Iwama-dera Temple (岩間寺) after visiting Ishiyama-dera. It is the 12th temple on the 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple founded by Taichō (泰澄) is formally known as Iwamasan Shōhō-ji (岩間山正法寺). It is situated close to the summit of Mt. Iwama (岩間山). The mountain, of an altitude of
Iwama-dera – A Peaceful Temple in the Mountain of Ōtsu Read More »
Mt. Hiei’s Yokawa (横川) area is the least visited but most spiritual part of Enryakuji by tourists. The area was founded by Ennin (円仁), also known as Jigaku Daishi (慈覚大師). He is the disciple of Saichō (最澄) and the third head of the Tendai sect in Japan. Tucked deep in the mountain, this part of Mt. Hiei
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The Tōdō (東塔) area is the center of Enryakuji, where the most critical worship halls are located. Moreover, the mountaintop station of Sakamoto Cable Car and Eizan Ropeway is also close to the Tōdō area. Thus, if you have time constraints, focus on the attractions in the east part of Mt. Hiei.
The Ultimate Guide to Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple’s Tōdō Area Read More »
Saikyō-ji (西教寺), at the foot of southeastern Mt. Hiei, is the headquarter of the Tendai Shinsei sect (天台真盛宗), which has more than 450 branches across Japan. The temple also gets more attention when fall foliage brightens up the scenery.
Saikyō-ji – One of the Best Temples for Fall Foliage Hunting Read More »
Just like any other Toshogū shrines in Japan, Hiyoshi Toshogū (日吉東照宮) is a shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. A Tōshōgū was built here in 1634 because the monk Tenkai (天海), who glorified him as Tōshō Daigongen (東照大権現), is based at Sakamoto.
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If you are wondering which Satobō in Sakamoto the head of Enryakuji retired to, it is the Shigain Monzeki Temple (滋賀院門跡). It was established when the buildings were moved from Kyoto’s Hōshō-ji Temple (法勝寺) at the beginning of the Edo period. Until the late Edo period, the Shigain Monzeki Temple was where the retired heads
Shigain Monzeki: Where Enryakuji’s Head Monks Retired to Read More »
Amongst all the Satobō (residence of retired monks) in Sakamoto, the Former Chikurin-in (旧竹林院) is probably the most famous. Not only is it known to be one of the highest-rank temples in Enryakuji, but its garden was also designated the National Place of Scenery Beauty in 1998. Nowadays, this garden is known as a spot
Former Chikurin-in Temple and the Stunning Garden Reflection Read More »
