7 temples · 2 shrines
Shiga Prefecture is in the Kansai region of central Japan, east of Kyoto. It is best known for Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, as well as historic places such as Hikone Castle and the temples and shrine areas around Otsu. The prefecture combines water landscapes, old castle town culture, and easy access to major Kansai cities.
A ranked guide to standout temples and shrines for planning a meaningful visit.
Ishiyamadera (石山寺), formally Ishikosan Ishiyamadera (石光山 石山寺), is a Shingonshu Tōjiha Buddhist temple in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture. It is best known as the 13th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and for its hidden honzon, a hibutsu image of Nyōirin Kannon....
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Mikami Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Yasu, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to Amenomikagenomikoto. Founded c.718 AD by Fujiwara no Fuhito, its Honden is a National Treasure from the Kamakura Period.
Miidera (Onjōji) stands at the foot of Mount Hiei near Lake Biwa, a short distance from Kyoto. Founded in the 7th century and later rebuilt after repeated wars and fires, it is the head temple of Tendai Jimon Buddhism, famed for its national treasures,...
A Shinto shrine on Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, near the ropeway summit. It is a small mountaintop shrine linked to Sarutahiko worship and a scenic stop for visitors enjoying panoramic views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.
Hōgonji (宝厳寺) is a Buddhist temple located on Chikubushima in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It belongs to the Shingonshū Buzanha sect of Japanese Buddhism and its honzon is a hibutsu statue of Benzaiten.
View detailsChōmeiji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, on the east shore of Lake Biwa. It is part of the 33temple Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and enshrines Senjū Kannon Bosatsu as its honzon.
Explore Shoho-ji, a notable temple in Otsu, Shiga. Check goshuin availability, visitor details, and nearby sacred places before you go.
View detailsKannonshōji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Azuchi, Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, founded in 605. Perched 370m up Mount Kinugasayama near Lake Biwa, it enshrines Senjū Kannon Bosatsu and serves as the 31st stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
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