Tendai Sect, Ryuozan Saimyoji Temple

One of the Koto Sanzan temples. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, it was founded in 834 by imperial order of Emperor Ninmyo. During the Sengoku period, it was attacked and burned by warlord Oda Nobunaga, but the National Treasure Main Hall (designated as National Treasure No. 1), the National Treasure three-story pagoda, and the Nitenmon Gate (an Important Cultural Property designated by the national government) escaped damage and still stand today. Both the National Treasure Main Hall and three-story pagoda are traditional Japanese buildings built without using nails, showcasing Kamakura-period architectural style.

Along with its highly valuable historic buildings, the natural scenery is also a highlight. In Horai Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, a quiet pond features islands shaped like cranes and turtles, and the artificial hill has stone arrangements representing the principal image Yakushi Nyorai, Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu, and the Twelve Divine Generals, expressing the world of the Pure Land of Joruri. The temple is also famous as Omi’s moss temple, with the moss’s beautiful green spreading across the grounds. Beside the Nitenmon Gate in front of the Main Hall stands a pair of cedars that are Approx. 1,000 years old. It is said that if you touch them with a wish in mind, you will receive blessings for a good match, safe childbirth, and family safety.

In autumn, in particular, over 1,000 maple trees turn color all at once, and the breathtaking sight dyes the grounds deep red. There’s also a rare scene you can only see here. Shiga’s only Natural Monument, the “Saimyoji Fudan-zakura” cherry tree, blooms, letting you enjoy fall foliage and cherry blossoms at the same time. This old tree is 250 years old, typically starts blooming in early September, peaks in November, and continues to bloom without stopping until early May of the following year. You can enjoy spring and autumn beauty at the same time.