Emperor Tenji, who founded Ōtsu-kyō, is enshrined here and is known as a great deity of good fortune and a guardian deity of industry, culture, and learning. Because Emperor Tenji is said to be the author of the first poem in the Hyakunin Isshu anthology, the shrine is also known as a sacred place for competitive karuta. In addition, in connection with this being regarded as the birthplace of Japanese timekeeping, a water clock (rokoku) and a sundial are installed, and the Clock Treasure Museum exhibits 180 timepieces from around the world. Based on the legend that Emperor Tenji used a water clock to announce the time, the Rōkoku Festival is held each year on June 10, Time Memorial Day.

An artificial canal built in the Meiji era using the finest civil engineering technology of the time to carry water to Kyoto.
It is one of Japan’s modern industrial heritage sites, and the roughly 100 cherry trees lining both banks form one of Ōtsu’s most celebrated cherry blossom avenues. During the cherry blossom season, the area is illuminated at night, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
In spring and autumn, the "Biwako Canal Cruise" operates, allowing you to enjoy the stone-lined waterway, the stately tunnels, and canal scenery colored by autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.

The head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, famed for the "Evening Bell at Mii" of the Eight Views of Ōmi.
Many halls and buildings stand here, including the National Treasure Kondō (Main Hall), the Kannon Hall (the 14th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage), the Shaka Hall, and the Tōin, and the precincts are home to numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Having overcome hardships over more than 1,200 years of history, it is also known as the "Phoenix Temple," and in spring its thousand cherry trees bloom in profusion. The enormous bell said to have been dragged by Benkei is also a must-see.

✿Miidera Spring Light-Up 2025✿
[Period] Tue, March 25, 2025 – Sun, April 13, 2025
[Hours] 18:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00)
[Admission] Adults: ¥1,000; elementary, junior high, and high school students: ¥500
[URL] Official website

Ōtsu-e folk paintings, which became popular as post-town souvenirs and travel talismans, are a form of folk art that blended with Edo-period culture and gave each design its own unique story.
Here, works by successive heads of the shop are displayed, and you can also purchase paintings individually created by the fifth-generation master.
Today, the shop also sells small goods such as postcards and tenugui hand towels.

These rice cakes are inspired by Benkei’s legendary strength.
A signature Ōtsu confection: small rice cakes topped with white syrup and generously coated in green soybean kinako (roasted soybean flour).