Admission
Free
Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
At a Glance
Saikyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Otsu, Shiga, and is traditionally associated with Prince Shotoku.
Saikyo-ji serves as the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect.
The temple's guest hall is actually a relocated building from the original Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, giving visitors a rare chance to walk inside authentic castle architecture from the feudal era.
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Free
Within 300 m Within 600 m
If arriving by train, note that the walk from either JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station (30 minutes) or Keihan Sakamoto Station (25 minutes) is quite long.
Plan your visit between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, noting that the temple closes relatively early. Arrive by 3:00 PM at the latest to have sufficient time to explore all the structures and gardens before closing.
Look for the sliding door paintings by renowned artist Kano Eitoku and other items associated with Akechi Mitsuhide throughout the temple buildings.
If you are interested in Tendai Buddhism, prioritize Saikyo-ji because it is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect.
Plan extra time to see both the main hall and the Akechi family tomb, as these are specifically highlighted historic features.
Purchase the 500 yen admission ticket to access the interior of all temple structures, including the main hall made entirely of Japanese zelkova and the reception hall relocated from Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.
Allow at least 90 minutes for your visit to fully explore the main hall (important cultural property), the guest hall from former Fushimi Castle, the garden designed by Kobori Enshu, and the Akechi Mitsuhide family tomb on the grounds.
Fascinating facts about this place
Saikyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Otsu, Shiga, and is traditionally associated with Prince Shotoku.
Saikyo-ji serves as the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect.
The temple's guest hall is actually a relocated building from the original Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, giving visitors a rare chance to walk inside authentic castle architecture from the feudal era.
Akechi Mitsuhide, the samurai who betrayed Oda Nobunaga, rebuilt this temple after his lord had burned it down during the siege of Mt. Hiei. His family tomb still remains on the temple grounds today.
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