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Mii-dera (Onjoji) Temple

The national treasure, Kondo hall, and many cultural properties are in this Tendai Jimon Sect’s head temple in Otsu City, Shiga.

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Officially, the temple is called “Nagara-san Onjoji.” Built in 686, it is Tendai Sect’s head temple with over 1200 years of history.

There are over 100 pieces of national treasures and cultural properties on this vast premises, such as the national treasure, Kondo. Visitors are allowed to see the national treasures, Kojoin reception hall and Kangakuin reception hall (Minimum of 3 visitors and requires a reservation made at least a week before the visit). 4 gardens were built over the 3 periods of Muromachi, Momoyama and Edo, one of which, Kojoin Garden, is designated as a historic site and a place of scenic beauty. Shiga prefecture designated the temple bell (Mii temple bell) which is from Momoyama Period and counted as one of the Eight Views of Omi,

The quaint premises have been used for so many movies and TV shows that you can have a tour on drama locations just at Mii-dera temple. You can have an experience as a strolling monk, practice zen, hand-copy sutra, draw a Buddha image, or make a rosary bracelet. The former dormitory for monks, “WAQOO, Mii-dera” is open for a monk experience.

Known as the spot for cherry blossoms since ancient times, the premises is lit up on spring nights, and more than 1000 cherry trees in different varieties are turned into a dreamy scene for visitors.

Highlights

  • Tendai Sect’s head temple with over 1200 years of history.
  • More than 100 pieces of national treasures and important cultural properties such as Kondo.
  • The Mii-dera temple bell is counted as one of the Eight Views of Omi.
  • You can experience zen meditation, hand-copying sutra, etc.

Photos

  • Known as the spot for cherry blossoms, the trees are lit up in the evening.

    Known as the spot for cherry blossoms, the trees are lit up in the evening.

  • National treasure, Kondo, hosts the main statue, Maitreya (hidden Buddha statue from public)

    National treasure, Kondo, hosts the main statue, Maitreya (hidden Buddha statue from public)

  • Mii temple bell counted as one of the Eight Views of Omi.

    Mii temple bell counted as one of the Eight Views of Omi.

  • The former monk dorm, WAQOO Mii-dera, is open for lodging.

    The former monk dorm, WAQOO Mii-dera, is open for lodging.

  • The head temple of mountaineering ascetic offers you an experience as a strolling monk.

    The head temple of mountaineering ascetic offers you an experience as a strolling monk.

Reviews

2
  • John Wong

    有很多寺廟可以參觀環境很棒,也能觀看到琵琶湖。

  • 陳曉雯

    寺廟內有許多國寶和重要文化財,尤其是日本的三大銘鐘。是近江八景其中之一。

Details

Name in Japanese
三井寺(園城寺)
Postal Code
520-0036
Address
246 Onjojicho, Otsu City, Shiga
Tel
077-522-2238
Closed
Free to worship any time
Hours
8am - 5pm, Cultural property storehouse: 8:30am - 4:30pm (Last entry: 4pm)
Admissions
Entry: Adult: 600yen, Middle or High schooler: 300yen, Elementary child: 200yen
National treasures, Kojoin reception hall and Kangakuin reception hall: 600 yen (Minimum of 3 visitors and requires a reservation made at least a week before the visit).
Directions
1) from Keihan Electric Railroad, Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line, Mii-dera Station, walk 7 min.
2) from Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line, Otsu-shiyakusho-mae Station, walk 12 min.
3) from JR Tokaido main Line (Biwako Line), Otsu Station, or from JR Kosei Line, Otsukyo station, ride Keihan Bus and get off at Mii-dera. The temple is near.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)