- Culture
- Shiga
Mangetsu-ji Temple
Floating temple watching over the safety of the lake for 1,000 years
Mangetsu-ji Temple, meaning "full moon temple," is known as part of the famous scenery of "Wild geese returning home at Katata," one of the Eight Views of Omi said to have been selected 500 years ago. The scenic spot on Lake Biwa has been treasured since ancient times. The temple is also called Ukimido, or floating temple, because it is built by passing a bridge over the lake from its narrowest part, and looks as if it is floating on the water.
A superb view beloved by artists since ancient times
Mangetsu-ji Temple has a history of around 1,000 years. It is said to have been built by Genshin, a monk of Mount Hiei, which soars behind the temple. Enshrined in the hall standing on Lake Biwa are the 1,000 Amida Buddha statues said to have been carved by Genshin himself, and the seated statue of Sho Kannon designated as an important cultural property. The beautiful scenery of Mangetsu-ji Temple has been loved by many writers and artists since ancient times, including poet Matsuo Basho, and still attracts many visitors coming to take photos. The current building was rebuilt in 1937 and again repaired in 1982, carefully retaining the original atmosphere.
Location
| Name | Mangetsu-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/83 |
| Address | 1-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu-shi, Shiga |
| Access | From Katata Station on the JR Kosei Line, take the Kojak Bus town circulation bus, get off at Demachi bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 077-572-0455 |