Temple Spots in Shiga Area

Area

Shiga
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Temple

Ukimido

4.0

126 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Honkatata 1-16-18

A temple building located on the grounds of the Mangetsu-ji Buddhist temple in Honkatata, Otsu City. The temple building was built on the waters of Lake Biwa by the priest Genshin in the Heian period to pray for safety on the lake as well as the salvation of the masses. The current building is a reconstruction erected in 1937. The temple building is also known for being depicted in one of the traditional picturesque “Eight Views of Omi”—in this case, the view titled “Geese Alighting at Katata.”

Nice view, nice area, but not worth paying an entrance fee for. Could get a photo through the fence to the side.
Kannonshoji Temple

4.0

48 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Omihachiman-shi Azuchicho Ishidera 2

52 minutes from the Hikone Interchange on the Meishin Expressway via National Route 8. Records state this Tendai Buddhist temple was founded around 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku for a mermaid, making it the only such temple tied to a mermaid legend in the country. The 32nd temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage, it has been popular since the Heian period for gracing worshippers with fortune in all things and luck in finding love and marriage. In 1993, the temple's main temple building and principal object of worship were destroyed in a fire, but these were restored in 2004. The current principal object of worship is a seated thousand-armed, thousand-eyed statue of the bodhisattva Kannon crafted entirely of Indian sandalwood. Lucky visitors to the temple just might encounter Kuritaro, a cat who lives on the grounds.

西国三十三所巡礼で参拝しました。境内はとても広くて明るく、本堂は白檀の大きな千手観音座像。2023年7月まで土蔵から発見された前立本尊の特別公開（有料）が行われています。伝統にのっとり、次回の御開帳は33年後らしいです。車のアクセスはＨＰに案内されている裏参道は車の離合が難しい箇所があまりにも長く、3ナンバー普通車なので通行を断念。表参道は裏参道に比べれば道路幅は広いのですが、駐車場が狭く...
Koto-sanzan Saimyoji Temple

4.5

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Inukamigunkourachou Ikedera 26

A Buddhist temple located in Ikedera, Kora Town, Inukami County, Shiga Prefecture. Founded in 834, the temple’s all hinoki cypress three tier pagoda and main temple, built in the Kamakura period, are designated National Treasures. The Horai Tei garden on the temple’s grounds has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and is also a renowned destination for fall foliage viewing. Together with the Tendai Buddhist KONGOURINJI-Temple and the Hyakusaiji Temple, also located in the Koto area, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Koto.”

The garden was stunning with momiji at peak right near blooming sakura. This is one of the few places where you can see gorgeous sakura and momiji at the same time. We have seen winter blooming...
Enryakuji

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Sakamotohonmachi 4220

The temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, founded by Saicho, and is located at the foot of Mt. Hiei.
KONGOURINJI -Temple

4.5

76 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Echigunaishouchou Matsuoji 874

A Buddhist temple located Matsuoji, Aisho Town, Echi County, Shiga Prefecture. The temple was founded by the great priest Gyoki in 741. Together with the Tendai Buddhist Saimyoji Temple and the Hyakusaiji Temple, also located in the Koto area, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Koto.” The main hall, built during the Kamakura period to commemorate victory during the Mongol invasion, is designated a National Treasure. The garden of the Myojuin Temple located on the grounds is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

湖東三山の1つで聖武天皇の勅願で開かれた古刹です。湖東三山スマートICのすぐ近くなので、車で行かれる場合はそちらで降りると良いでしょう。以前にも来たことがありますが、紅葉終わりかけでしたので、改めて見頃の時期に訪問しました。湖東三山は何処も紅葉で有名ですが、こちらの紅葉が一番美しいと思います。黒門から西谷堂までの参道は紅葉に覆われて紅葉のトンネルを形作っており、見ごたえがあります。名勝庭園は真っ...
Nagahama Betsuin Daitsuji Temple (Gobou-san)

4.0

89 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Motohamachou 32-9

This is a temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu that has long been fondly known by the nickname of “Gobo-san”, whose origins lie in its establishment on the site of Nagahama Castle in 1602. Thereafter, it was moved to its current location in 1652. You can catch a glimpse of the splendid Momoyama culture in the main hall and the banquet hall which are said to be the remains of Fushimi castle and have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Within the temple grounds, there is also Ganzanken Japanese Garden, a kanshoshiki kare-sansui (“dry landscape”) garden, and there is also the Rantei Japanese Garden which is a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple is famous for having a great number of cultural properties such as paintings on paper sliding doors and screens.

The main gate which took that of Higashihonganji as a model is very impressive. Although Nagahama is now a small town, we can understand it was once a very prosperous place. To enter the premises is...
Iwamasan Shohoji Temple (Iwama-dera Temple)

3.5

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Ishiyamauchihatachou 82

A Buddhist temple located in Ishiyamauchihata-cho, Otsu City. The temple was founded in 722 by Empress Gensho. The 12th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, since ancient times this temple, along with Kumano and Yoshino, has been counted as one of the three most sacred places in Japan. The temple’s principal object of worship, a 1,000 armed figure of Kannon, is known by many names, including the “Sweating Kannon,” the “Daftness-Preventing Kannon,” and the “Lightening Protection Kannon.” There is also a pond located on the grounds known as “Basho’s Pond” because it is said that the celebrated ancient haiku poet Matsuo Basho composed his “Frog Poem,” one of his most famous, here.

無料シャトルバスが運行しない日だった為、車で参拝しました。週末であっても普段の参拝者は少ないようで、西国三十三ヶ所巡りと思われる参拝者が時々訪れる程度となっていました。
Chomeiji Temple

4.0

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi -chomeijichou 157

A Buddhist temple located in Chomeiji-cho, Omihachiman City. Records state the temple was founded by Prince Shotoku. The temple’s principal object of worship is a 1,000 handed, 11 faced, three bodied figure of Kanzeon Bodhisattva; said to grant long life and health to worshippers, this figure has attracted believers since ancient times. Temple buildings such as the main temple are designated Important Cultural Properties and every structure is at least designated a Cultural Property by the city or prefecture. The temple is counted as the 31st temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

ご祭神は太郎坊権現で、長命寺の総鎮とのことです。長命寺の境内にあります。太郎坊は天狗で、ここは阿賀神社の奥の院との説もあるとのことです。
Gichuji Temple

4.0

34 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Bamba 1-5-12

A Buddhist temple located in 1 Chome Bamba, Otsu City. The name of the temple is derived from an alternate reading of the characters used to write the name of the ancient general Kiso Yoshinaka, who is buried here. The temple is also famous as the location of the grave of the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, and there are monuments inscribed with his poems on the grounds as well as exhibits on the artist. The entire grounds have been designated a National Historic Site.

JRの膳所駅から少し歩いた旧東海道沿いに、木曽義仲と松尾芭蕉の墓がある。義仲は平家追討のため、京都まで快進撃したが、味方であるはずの頼朝に疎まれてこの辺りで戦死したらしい。芭蕉は義仲を慕っていて、遺言で義仲の墓の側に葬ってもらうように言い残した。
Kinomoto Jizoin Temple

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kinomotochoukinomoto 944

A Buddhist temple located in Kinomoto Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City. The temple’s founding is said to date back to the Hakuho period (645–710), and temple records state that it was visited by such eminent figures as the great monk Kukai and shogun Ashikaga Takauji. The temple’s principal object of worship is known as the “Eye Buddha;” a hidden Buddha not normally made viewable to the public, a Kshitigarbha figure modeled after this statue stands on the grounds, with a frog with one eye closed called the “Stand-in Frogs” sitting at the figure’s feet.

駐車場に車を停めて境内に入ると、大きな地蔵像の後ろ姿が見えて来ました。平日のためか、参拝客の姿はほとんど無く、ひっそりとしていました。眼の地蔵菩薩として、古くから信仰を集めているそうです。人気店のつるやパンは、すぐそこです。
Ishiyama-dera Temple

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Ishiyamadera 1-1-1

This is a temple of the To-ji Temple Shingon sect which is located in Otsu City. It was founded in 747 at the request of Emperor Shomu. It is known as one of the most famous Kannon temples in Japan, also being the stamp office for temple number 13 of the Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon Pilgrimage. In addition, it is said that this was the place where Murasaki Shikibu got her inspiration for the idea of the Tale of Genji, and it also appears in literary works such as “Makura no Soshi” (the Pillow Book) and “Sarashina Nikki” (The Sarashina Diary). In the temple, there are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as the oldest Taho-to (a pagoda that enshrines the Buddha) and the oldest main temple building in Japan, so there is no shortage of highlights. It is also a famous place for its autumnal leaves and the illumination in the evening is worth seeing.
Zensuiji Temple

4.5

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Konanshi Iwane 3518

A Buddhist temple located in Iwane, Konan City. The temple was founded on the order of Empress Genmei some 1,300 years ago. The temple’s principal object of worship is a hidden figure of Bhaisajyaguru and worshippers are said to be granted such boons as recovery from illness, good health, and protection from misfortune. The main temple, built in 1366 during the Nanboku-cho period, is a designated National Treasure. Together with the Joraku-ji Temple and Choju-ji, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Konan.”

湖南市岩根にある天台宗の仏教寺院、本堂が国宝に指定されており、仏像の多くは重要文化財に指定されています、湖南三山の一つです。入り口前に無料駐車場があります、参拝料は600円です。紅葉が過ぎて、参拝客が誰も居なかったおかげで、お庫裏さんが丁寧に説明して頂きました。誰も居ないお寺は落ち着いた雰囲気で、ゆったりとした時間を過ごせます。
Onjo-ji (Mii-dera) Temple

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Onjoujichou 246

The Onjo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect and is located in Otsu City. The temple is also known as one of the “Omi Hakkei” (Best 8 scenic spots in Omi) (Mii-no-Bansho lit. the temple’s evening bell). In the main temple structure which is a National Treasure, the principal image of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva) is said to be enshrined, but since it is unconditionally a Buddhist image withheld from public view, it is not made public. Kannondo and Shakado, the stamp office for temple number 14 of Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon Pilgrimage stand lined up within the temple, which possesses a great many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is also a well-known spot for its autumnal leaves.
Ryotanji Temple

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Furusawachou 1104

A Buddhist temple located in Furusawa-cho, Hikone City. The temple was founded in what is now Shizuoka Prefecture during the Nara period by the great priest Gyoki. The family temple of the Ii clan for generations, the temple was moved to Hikone when the general Ii Naomasa became the lord of Sawayama Castle. The temple is famous for its beautiful gardens. The temple holds a Daruma Festival each year on April 1 and 2; during the festival, 3,000 Daruma dolls are consecrated.

I visited this temple in month of April so it appeared to be blessed with nature. Everything was go green and the cherry blossom in early April made it look surreal. Probably one kilometer away from...
Jorakuji Temple

4.5

22 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Konanshi Nishitera 6-5-1

A Buddhist temple located in Nishitera, Konan City. Together with the Zensuiji Temple and the Choju-ji, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Konan.” The main temple and three-tiered pagoda are designated National Treasures. During the “Konan Sanzan Koyo Meguri,” an event held from November through December, these three temples open up especially for visitors to enjoy the lovely seasonal fall foliage; the temples also open up especially for visitors with an advance reservation.

滋賀県旅行の二日目は、「湖南三山紅葉めぐり」と「教林坊」を見学します。「湖南三山」とは、「常楽寺」、「長寿寺」そして「善水寺」の三つのお寺のことです。まずは、「常楽寺」に向かいます。「常楽寺」は歴史と由緒のあるお寺です。奈良時代中期の和銅年間に「良弁」が、「元明天皇」の勅命により開いたお寺です。「常楽寺」は、「阿星山五千坊」の中心であり、平安時代初期には「長寿寺」とともに歴代天皇の尊崇が厚かったと...
Soanji Temple

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Honmachi 2-3-7

A Buddhist temple located in 2 Chome Hon-machi, Hikone City. The temple was moved here from Kozuke Province by Ii Naomasa, the first lord of Hikone. The temple’s principal object of worship is a figure of Amitabha believed to have belonged to Yodo-dono which was taken out of Osaka Castle during the summer siege on the fortress. The temple was also used to house a Korean delegation to Japan during the Edo period.

夢京橋キャッスルロード沿いにあるお寺ですが、散策中に朱塗りの山門（通称赤門）や境内に咲くピンクの見事な八重桜が目に付き訪れました。そのお寺に徳川家康公の御位牌や、石田三成公の念持仏、そして、淀殿の念持仏が安置されていることなど、門前の案内板で初めて知りました。更に、妻が帰宅して調べると、淀殿の念持仏が御本尊の阿弥陀如来であること、また、赤門は石田三成公の佐和山城から移築したことや、大坂夏の陣で討...
Kogenji Temple (Doganji Temple Kannondo)

4.5

18 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Takatsukichoudouganji 50

A Buddhist temple located in Doganji Takatsuki-cho, Nagahama City. The temple enshrines an eleven faced figure of the Kanzeon Bodhisattva; one of only seven in the country to be designated a National Treasure, this figure is famously considered particularly beautiful among the seven. Numerous other figures of Kanzeon Bodhisattva, housed in other Kannondo temple halls, can be found in the surrounding area, and during the Kannon no Sato Furusato Festival held in October, all of these halls make their figures viewable to the general public at the same time.

The isthmus between Wakasa Bay and Ise Bay is the narrowest and, accordingly, the lowest part of Honshu Island. The Fukasaka Pass between Wakasa Bay and lake Biwa has only the altitude of 370 meters...
Shakudoji Temple

4.5

27 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kinomotochouishimichi 419

A Buddhist temple located in Ishimichi Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City. The temple’s principal object of worship, an 11 headed Kanzeon Bodhisattva, is recorded to have been made in the distant Heian period and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. In October each year, the Kannon no Sato Furusato Festival is held, during which time area temples, including this one, all unveil their normally hidden statues of Kannon to the general public.

間近に鑑賞することが出来ます。カイトフック等に唇の朱が残っていることの記述が多くありますが、それ以上に衣等にも彩色が残り更に右側の親指がわずかに上がり一歩今にも踏み出す様子を見逃さないことお薦めします（堂内は写真撮影禁止なので写真にて紹介出来ず）。なお近くにある[己高閣・世代閣]は 7月19日参拝時新型コロナ感染予防の影響で仏像の拝観不可となっておりました。
Hyakusaiji Temple

4.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Higashioumishi Hyakusaijichou 323

A Buddhist temple located in Hyakusaiji-cho, Higashiomi City. Founded by Prince Shotoku in 606, it is the oldest temple in Omi and has been designated a National Historic Site. The temple’s principal object of worship is an eleven headed figure of the Kanzeon Bodhisattva which is also known as the “Garden Tree Kannon.” Together with the Saimyoji Temple and KONGOURINJI-Temple, it is counted as one of the Three Temples of Koto.

ツアーで訪問しました。お参りの後見学しました。百済寺本坊の喜見院の横に広がる庭園で、山を借景に池と大岩を配した池泉回遊式庭園です。「天下遠望の名園」で、本坊から見る庭園は紅葉が大変美しかったです。庭園内の道を通り、少し上った所にある遠望台から見る庭園も美しく、また遠望台からは遠く琵琶湖や比叡山まで展望できます。
Zuiryuji Temple (Honzan Murakumo Imperial Palace)

3.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi Miyauchichou 19-9

A Buddhist temple located at the summit of Mt. Hachiman in Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman City. The temple was built by mighty samurai lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, older sister of the mighty samurai lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to serve as a burial site for her son, the samurai lord Toyotomi Hidetsugu, after he was ordered to commit suicide by Hideyoshi. The temple was later moved to its current location. Each year in June the temple holds the Hachimanyama Jizo Festival.

This temple is on the top of Mt. Hachiman at the remain of Hachiman castle. Feature of this temple is it’s composition, when moved from Kyoto 60 years ago, it’s necessary to reduce one third but not...

Shiga

Otsu Shigaraki / Koka Konan / Kusatsu Omihachiman Koto / Hikone Kohoku / Nagahama Kosei / Takashima

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour Temple

Shiga Areas

Visitors to Shiga prefecture are almost always hopping east across the prefectural border from Kyoto, and they are almost certainly Lake Biwa-bound. Covering an area of 670 square kilometers, Lake Biwa makes up the bulk of Shiga prefecture, with beautiful lakeside paths that offer myriad walking and cycling opportunities, connecting a string of museums, shrines, and picturesque views that finally lead you to Hikone Castle on the eastern side of the lake.