Spiritual Sites of Shiga

Shiga Prefecture contains a dense concentration of Japan’s most significant religious landmarks, anchored by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Enryakuji on Mount Hiei. This collection highlights the Kotō Sanzan Tendai temples, famous for their preserved medieval architecture and autumn scenery, alongside lakeside sanctuaries like Mangetsu-ji and Karasaki Shrine. From the massive wooden Buddhist statues in Koka to Shinto shrines reflecting ancient ties with the Korean Peninsula, these sites offer a comprehensive look at the region’s deep spiritual and architectural history.

Spiritual Sites of Shiga — Harita

A

Enryakuji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage site and headquarters of the Tendai sect. Founded in 788 by Saicho, the sprawling complex on Mount Hiei served as a major center of Japanese Buddhist learning for centuries.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

B

Konpon Chu-do

The National Treasure main hall of Enryakuji’s Todo area. It houses the Inextinguishable Dharma Lamp, which has reportedly remained lit for over 1,200 years since the temple's founding.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

C

Mii-dera

Mii-dera, formally called Onjō-ji, is a Buddhist temple in Japan located at the foot of Mount Hiei, in the city of Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

D

Mangetsu-ji

Mangetsu-ji is a temple beside Lake Biwa in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Yanajin33 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Kongōrin-ji

Kongōrin-ji, also known as Matsuo-dera is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in the town of Aishō, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

じゃんもどき / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Hyakusai-ji

Hyakusai-ji is a Buddhist temple in the Hyakusaiji neighborhood of the city of Higashiōmi, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

じゃんもどき / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Saimyō-ji

Saimyō-ji, also known as Kotō-sanzan Saimyōji or as Ryūōzan Saimyōji is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in the town of Kōra,…

Saigen Jiro / CC0

H

Mikami Shrine

Mikami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Yasu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

イココ / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

唐崎神社

A lakeside Shinto shrine and sub-shrine of Hiyoshi Taisha. It is renowned for its ancient pine tree, featured in the Eight Views of Omi, and its scenic position on the shore of Lake Biwa.

tak1701d / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

櫟野寺

A Tendai sect temple in Koka housing a 5-meter-tall Eleven-faced Kannon, one of the largest wooden statues from the Heian period. It is recognized as a National Important Cultural Property.

Yuki / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Kwisil Shrine

A shrine dedicated to Kwisil Jipsa, a high-ranking official from the Korean kingdom of Baekje who immigrated to Japan in 665. It marks a significant historical link between Shiga and the Korean Peninsula.

Opqr / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

龍王寺

A Tendai Buddhist temple situated at the foot of Mount Yukino. The site is historically significant for its architecture and its association with the surrounding mountain landscape.

Dan Brix / CC-BY-SA

M

宝泉院

A Buddhist temple known for its frame garden, where the landscape is viewed through the building's pillars. It features a 700-year-old pine tree and ceilings relocated from Fushimi Castle.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

N

Gyokukeiji Temple

A Shingon sect temple in the Shigaraki area. The grounds are accessed via a suspension bridge and contain various stone Buddhist carvings and a historic main hall.

イココ / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

三大神社

A Shinto shrine in Kusatsu famous for its ancient wisteria trellis, known as Sandai-no-fuji. The flowers bloom in late spring and are said to reach the ground when in full bloom.