- Saikyo-ji Temple
- Konpon Chu-do (Enryaku-ji Temple)
- Shaka-do (Enryaku-ji Temple)
- Yokawa Chu-do Hall (Enryaku-ji Temple)
- Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Kyu Chikurin-in Temple
- Shiga-in Monzeki ruins
- Omi Jingu Shrine
- Mii-dera Temple
- Lake Biwa Canal
- Seta Karahashi Bridge
- Ishiyamadera Temple
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Saikyo-ji Temple
Saikyo-ji Temple is the head temple for the Tendai Shinsei sect of Buddhism with more than 450 branch temples throughout Japan. A quiet, elegant air floats through the temple grounds, and the sounds of chanting and the temple bell resound, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Address:
- 5-13-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Konpon Chu-do (Enryaku-ji Temple)
Enryaku-ji Temple was constructed on Mount Hiei by Saicho (also known as Dengyo Daishi) in 788. Some 150 temple buildings dot the mountain temple grounds, which cover 500 hectares. They are divided into the three areas referred to as the Eastern Pagoda (To-do), the Western Pagoda (Sai-to) and Yokawa, each with its own central temple. The central temple of the East Pagoda, Konpon Chu-do, is also the main hall for all of Enryaku-ji. Completed in 1642, the current building enshrines the fumetsu no hoto, an eternal Buddhist light that has never gone out since it was first lit when Enryaku-ji Temple was established 1200 years ago.
Note: Konpon Chu-do is currently undergoing renovation work.- Address:
- 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- East Pagoda Area:
March to November: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January and February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
West Pagoda and Yokawa Area:
March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January and February: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Shaka-do (Enryaku-ji Temple)
Located about a kilometer north of To-do, Shaka-do is the main hall of the Sai-to area.
- Address:
- 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- East Pagoda Area:
March to November: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January and February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
West Pagoda and Yokawa Area:
March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January and February: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Yokawa Chu-do Hall (Enryaku-ji Temple)
Located about four kilometers from Sai-to is Yokawa Chu-do, the main hall for the Yokawa area. The building was reconstructed in 1971 in the stage-like butai-zukuri style with a brilliant, impressive vermillion lacquer finish.
- Address:
- 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- East Pagoda Area:
March to November: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January and February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
West Pagoda and Yokawa Area:
March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January and February: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a national treasure, is a preeminent old Japanese shrine founded about 2,100 years ago. Located 300 meters to the south is the magnificent Hiyoshi Tosho-gu Shrine. It is said that Nikko Tosho Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, one of Japan's most prominent sightseeing locations, was reconstructed based on this beautiful shrine.
- Address:
- 5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- URL:
http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ – Japanese
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Kyu Chikurin-in Temple
One of the monastic retreats for the monks of Enryaku-ji Temple. Home to a 3,300 meter square garden (National Designated Scenic Spot), the man-made waterfall, hills, trees, and moss are elegantly laid out to bring out the best sceneries in all four seasons. It is the perfect spot for taking beautiful reflection photos.
- Address:
- 5-2-13 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- URL:
https://kyuchikuriin.web.fc2.com/ – Japanese
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Shiga-in Monzeki ruins
Points of interest include the Anoshu-zumi style stone wall, unique to the Sakamoto area, and gardens.
- Address:
- 4-6-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Omi Jingu Shrine
Omi Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji, the 38th emperor of Japan. The building is a quintessential example of "Omi construction," or construction from the Showa period (1926 - 1989), and is registered as a cultural property for being an example of modern shrines, with its main building and inner and outer worship halls enclosed by a corridor at the foot of a hill. The shrine also has deep connections with clocks and Hyakunin Isshu karuta, the ancient card game of 100 Japanese waka poems.
- Address:
- 1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Mii-dera Temple
The head temple of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism, Mii-dera houses more than a hundred National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Formally known as Onjo-ji Temple, the temple derives its name "Mii-dera" (Temple of Three Wells) from its spring said to have been used in the ritual bathing of Emperors Tenji and Temmu and Empress Jito when they were newborns.
- Address:
- 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
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Lake Biwa Canal
The Lake Biwa Canal was built in 1890 to provide water from Lake Biwa to the city of Kyoto. Cruise ships for tourists are available in spring and autumn. Cherry trees are planted on both sides of the canal and the scenery is absolutely stunning with cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.
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Seta Karahashi Bridge
Photograph provided by: Biwako Otsu Travel Guide
Walking about 100 meters to the east from Karahashimae Station, you will come to Seta Karahashi Bridge, considered one of the three great bridges of Japan and featured in the painting "Evening Glow In Seta," one of the Eight Views of Omi. Although it is not clear when the bridge was first completed, it is very old, making an appearance in "Nihon Shoki," a chronicle completed in 720.
- Address:
- Karahashi-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
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Ishiyamadera Temple
The temple is also known also as Hanano-tera (Flower Temple), and its grounds are filled with ume, cherry blossoms trees, rhododendrons and deciduous trees, providing beautiful scenery of floral beauty throughout the year.
- Address:
- 1-1-1 Ishiyama-dera, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)