WALK KYOTO → OTSU

Miidera Temple

It’s all about sacred springs and sakura cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple, an expansive complex (one of the four biggest in Japan) at the base of Mount Hiei. The 7th century temple is famed for the spiritual purity of its spring waters, traditionally used to washed newborn emperors-to-be (its name means “Three Wells”) as well as well its haiku-inspiringly perfect scattering of cherry blossoms, which burst into bloom among its winding hillside complex of stone pathways, temple structures and tiered pagodas every spring. It’s also a treasure trove of acclaimed Buddhist artifacts, with an impressive collection of exquisitely crafted Buddhist sculptures in the main Kondo building (one is so sacred, it’s never been seen before by human eyes). Don't miss the opportunity to strike the large green bell just outside, famed for its beautifully deep resonance. For the ultimate Buddhist experience, visitors can stay overnight in temple lodging, trying Zen mediation and Buddhist bracelet making, or explore the ascetic world of yamabushi mountain monks with remote mountain hikes.

HP : http://miidera1200.jp/?fbclid=IwAR1CEPdd273hxuMXVphnD1clc-XSB4GcPt0FDNSuZ42-T7Bl7v8rJ3Tjqpg

google map

Ishiyamedera Temple

It was while sitting beneath a full moon, in the scenic confines of Ishiyamedera Temple, that the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu began writing a story – and the iconic Tale of Genji, widely regarded as the world’s first novel, was born. Fast-forward 1,000 years and the setting of the hillside temple, fringed with flowers and forests along the banks of the Seta River, remains no less inspiring. The temple, constructed around 747, has since become something of a Mecca for writers seeking inspiration, as well as more typical Buddhist pilgrims (it’s part of a 33-temple circuit in the Kansai region dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy). The temple’s beauty is in tune with the seasons – from its wintertime plum blossoms to the irises of early summer. Perhaps best of all? Moon viewings still take place, with stone pathways lit with lanterns leading to views of moonlight reflecting off the still surface of a distant Lake Biwa – a vision celebrated through the centuries in countless works of Japanese art.

HP : https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/en

google map

Omi Jingu Shrine

With its curved tiled roofs above facades of vermilion and white, Omi Jingu’s striking architecture stands out boldly at the top of a staircase that cuts through the surrounding forest. The elegant shrine, built in the 1940s, is not only a showcase of more contemporary shrine architecture – it’s also dedicated to seventh century Emperor Tenji, whose palace was once on these grounds. He is credited with a raft of innovations, from introducing Japan’s first water clock to inventing a (still used) family registry system. In tribute to this, the grounds in front of the main building showcase several replicas of ancient clocks, while there is also a small clock museum on site plus a Clock Festival held every June. The shrine is also famed as the birthplace of karuta, a centuries-old card game based on 100 poems, which has recently boomed in popularity, thanks to the runaway success of a popular manga comic featuring the game being played at the shrine (visitors can dress up in karuta costumes, watch karuta competitions in action and even pick up a manga T-shirt).

HP : http://oumijingu.org/publics/index/0/#googtrans(ja|en)

google map

Takebe Taisha Shrine

Not only is Takebe Taisha one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it was, historically, the most important in the Omi region (as Shiga Prefecture was once known). Inside the atmospheric shrine complex, there is one scene-stealing protagonist: the legendary prince Yamato Takeru to whom the shrine is devoted. The prince is enshrined in the main hall, where pilgrims have long prayed for good fortune and success. Every August, the shrine stages the famed Senkosai Festival, which reenacts the warrior prince’s journey across water, with a portable shrine flowing along the Setagawa River climaxing in a firework display.

HP : http://takebetaisha.jp/

google map

Tachiki Kannon Temple

Reaching the entrance of Tachiki Kannon Temple is no mean feat – it involves climbing 800 stone steps that cut through the forested banks of the Setagawa River. But it’s clearly worth the effort: upon arriving, the ancient landmark is as atmospheric as it is remote. A clue to its history can be found in a stone statue of its founder, the legendary monk Kukai, sitting on a deer. He famously carved a life-sized statue of the bodhisattva Kannon from a sacred tree. More than 1,000 years on, the statue today continues to draw pilgrims due to its apparent ability to ward off misfortune.

HP : https://www.tachikikannon.or.jp/english

HP : https://sp.tachikikannon.or.jp/english

google map