Sanzen-in Temple

When Dengyo Daishi established Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, he set up his hut in Toto Minamidani, which is believed to be the beginning of Sanzen-in, one of the three Monzeki temples in Tendai Sect. In Monzeki temple, a member of the imperial family was the priest. This temple was moved to Sakamoto in Omi, Rakuchu in Kyoto and a number of places until it settled on its current location in 1871. With each move, the name was changed until it was renamed as Sanzen-in at Ohara. The main statue, Yakushiruriko-Nyorai, is said to be created by Saicho, and is hidden from public view in Shinden (the emperor’s residence).

The national treasure, Wooden sitting statue of Amida sanzon, the paper door paintings contributed by artists in Kyoto, and other valuable cultural properties deserve a look.

On the temple ground, monumental halls stand, surrounded by gardens graceful in each season. Shuheki-en that lets you see the pond from the reception hall and Yusei-en viewed from Shinden are especially acclaimed as great artwork. Also, throughout the mossy garden, you get to see guardian deities of children made by stone sculptor Takashi Sugimura.

There are workshops to let you listen to a sermon or hand-copy the Buddhist sutras. If you have time, experience this part of Japanese culture.