- Culture
- Shiga
Koto Sanzan
Visiting ancient temples to view vivid red leaves: Kansai's well-known autumn foliage spots
Three Tendai Sect temples, namely Saimyo-ji, Kongorin-ji and Hyakusai-ji, situated on the east side of Lake Biwa, are well known collectively as the Koto Sanzan temples. They are situated on the west part of the Suzuka Mountain Range, and together with Eigen-ji Temple located to the southeast of Hyakusai-ji Temple, are popular viewing spots for colorful autumn foliage.
Hyakusai-ji Temple
Hyakusai-ji Temple is the oldest in the Omi region (present-day Shiga Prefecture). It was established in 606 by Prince Shotoku (a famous political figure) as a temple for immigrants from the country of Kudara on the Korean Peninsula. There are 1,300 maple trees on the grounds, and its gorgeous Honbo Garden was selected as one of the 100 best gardens in Japan. It features a number of huge rocks which blend perfectly with the colorful leaves and the water in the pond in fall.
Saimyo-ji Temple
Saimyo-ji Temple boasts an extensive collection of important properties, including such national treasures as the Main Hall and Three-Story Pagoda as well as important cultural properties such as the impressive statues of the Two Guardians and Twelve Heavenly Generals. Although it is believed to have been built in 834, a major revision in this dating may be needed to many years earlier, as a Buddhist drawing considered to be one of the oldest in Japan was discovered on a pillar in the Main Hall in a recent research activity. In the fall, a spectacular range of colored leaves will welcome you as you stroll along the approach via stone steps toward the Main Hall. The temple's Hombo Garden, known as Horaitei, is a further treasure and is designated as a place of National Scenic Beauty.
Kongorin-ji Temple
Kongorin-ji Temple was opened in 741 by the Emperor Shomu and high-ranking priest Gyoki, who whose efforts were instrumental in enabling the casting of the Great Buddha statue in Nara. The leaves throughout the mountain in fall are famous for their vivid crimson color and are known as "bloody maples."
Location
| Name | Koto Sanzan |
|---|---|
| Website | https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/news/detail/225 |
| Address | 323 Hyakusaiji-cho, Higashiomi-shi, Shiga (Hyakusai-ji Temple) |
| Access | From Notogawa Station on the JR Biwako Line, take the Kokoku Bus on the Kakuno Route, get off at Hyakusaiji Honmachi bus stop and walk for approximately 12 minutes. Approximately 10 minutes' drive from the Kotosanzan Smart IC on the Meishin Expressway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0749-37-8057 Email: shoko@town.aisho.lg.jp (Koto Sanzan Tourism Promotion Organization) |