Travel Guide of Shiga Prefecture,Japan - go.biwako

• Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

  Enryakuji Temple was founded on Mt.Hiei by Saicho in 788 as the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. It is registered as a World Curtual Heritage site in 1994. The huge site has clusters of buildings in three areas: To-do (East Pagota), Sai-to (West Pagota) and Yokawa. The grounds are filled with a solemn atmosphere as a training site of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.

  Location	Sakamoto-Honmachi, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.hieizan.or.jp/pdf/english.pdf

  

  

• Omi Jingu Shrine

  In this Shrine, Emperor Tenchi, who moved the capital to Otsu, was enshrined. The water clock stand and Omi Jingu Tokei Museum are located in the precincts in connection with the water clock created by him for the first time in Japan. A clock festival is held on June 10, the day called Time Day.

  Location	Jingu-cho, Otsu City
  URL	http://oumijingu.org

  

  

• Ishiyama-dera Temple

  Ishiyama-dera was established around the middle of the 8th century (late Nara period) by priest Rouben. It is said that the world's oldest novel, Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji) was begun to write here by Murasaki Shikibu. The famous white rocks that give the name to this "Stone Mountain Temple" are the mineral wollastonite. They have been designated as a national monument. Additionaly, flowers perpetually fill the temple grounds, attracting visitors. This temple is famous as one of the best spots for viewing the bright moon. "Autumn moon at Ishiyama" has been selected as one of the Eight Views of Omi.

  Location	Ishiyamadera, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/

  

  

• Lake Biwa Cruise

  The water excursion leaves Otsu Port aboard the "Michigan" paddlewheel boat. The boat has an early-American mood, and passengers can enjoy a panoramic 360 view of Lake Biwa.

  Location	Hamaotsu, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/en/

  

  

• Mii-dera Temple (Onjoji Temple)

  The name Miidera literally means "Three-Well Temple". It refers to three Emperors (Tenchi, Temmu and Jito) who as newborns bathed in the temple's well. "Mii" originally meant "sacred well". The temple bell is famous for one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi). This temple is also the head of the TENDAIJIMON sect and is the 14th amulet-offering point of the Sacred Kannon Temples of Western Japan.

  Location	Onjoji-cho, Otsu City
  URL	http://shiga-miidera.or.jp/translation/eng.html

  

  

• Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

  Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 3800 Sanno shrines throughout Japan. The history of Hiyoshi Taisha is long. It is recorded in "Kojiki". There are many small shrines which are national treasures and important cultural properties in the vast grounds. Sanno Festival, held in spring every year, is very famous. This is also the best place in the lake land to enjoy the autumn leaves.

  Location	Sakamoto, Otsu City
  URL	http://www6.ocn.ne.jp/~hiyoshi3

  

  

• Saikyoji Temple (Otsu City)

  This temple was founded by Shotoku Taishi and is the head of the Tendai Shinsei Sect. In connection with Akechi Mitsuhide, the Akechi Family’s graveyard is in the precincts. The main hall made entirely of zelkova wood, and the reception hall which was moved from Fushimi-Momoyama Castle are well worth seeing. This temple is also famous for beautiful autumn leaves. In this season, visitors can also enjoy the temple’s special “Chrysanthemum cuisine”（reservation required).

  Location	Sakamoto, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.saikyoji.org/english.html

  

  

• Takebe Taisha Shrine

  This shrine, called “Omi-ichinomiya, is where “Yamato Takeru no mikoto” is enshrined as an entity. In the late Heian period, when Minamoto Yoritomo was exiled to Izu, a prayer for the return of the Genji Family was conducted. Since then, many people have worshipped this shrine for good luck in battle. “Senkosai”, held on Aug. 17 every year, is a sea-based festival originating from “Kairo Tosei” (seaway expedition against the eastward enemy) of “Yamato Takeru no mikoto”.

  Location	Jinryo, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/search/spot.php?id=89

  

  

• Ukimido Temple

  This temple is known for one of the Eight Views of Omi, Descending Geese at Katata “Katata no rakugan”. It is said that priest Eshinsouzu Genshin founded this temple in hope of safety on the lake and salvation by Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. "Sho-kannon" is enshrined in Kannon Hall (Avalokitesvara), and is designated as an important cultural property (not open to the public).

  Location	Honkatata, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/search/spot.php?id=91

  

  

• Ogoto Spa

  This spa is said to have been discovered by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and it has been used as a place of quiet in the Kansai District since old times. There is a simple alkaline spring and a dozen or more Japanese-style hotels line the street. This spring is effective for neuralgia, muscle ache and aching joints.

  Location	Ogoto, Otsu City
  URL	http://www.ogotoonsen.com/english/

  

  

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