About 1,300 years ago, there was an Imperial Palace called "Otsu-no-miya": Otsu City (大津市) was the capital of Japan in the reigns of Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) and Emperor Kobun (弘文天皇, 667-672) .  Later, when the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794, Otsu, located west of the Lake Biwa, developed into a gateway city to Eastern Japan and as a central city for land and water transportation systems.  Also, Otsu became a center for Buddhism since many major temples such as Enryaku-ji Temple (延暦寺), Onjo-ji Temple (園城寺; or Mi-dera [三井寺]), Saikyo-ji Temple (西教寺) and Gichu-ji Temple (義仲寺), were located here.
  In the Age of Civil Wars (戦国時代, 1467-1568), Otsu was the site of several battles and many local samurai had their names etched in history.  During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Otsu was the largest gateway city between Tokyo and Kyoto.  Since that time, Otsu has remained the capital of Shiga Prefecture.  Rich in history and nature, the traditions of a vibrant culture characterize the city today.
  Otsu City has the prefectural seat of Shiga.  The population is 331,084 (March 1, 2009) and the area covers 464.10 square kilometers.

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Hieizan-Enryaku-ji

Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple (比叡山 延暦寺), 4220 Sakamoto-hon-machi, Otsu, consists of more than 100 shrines and halls in the three areas of Mt. Hiei (848 meters high); To-to (East Tower Complex; East Area), Sai-to (West Tower Complex; West Area) and Yokawa. In the late Heian Period in the twelfth century, the temple had three towers, sixteen valleys and three thousand Buddhist halls. Many founders of other Japanese sects of Buddhism including Honen (the Jodo-shu sect), Shinran (the Jodoshin-shu sect), Dogen (the Soto-shu sect), Nichiren (the Nichiren-shu sect) and Ippen (the Ji-shu sect), once learned here before they founded their own sects. The Tendai-shu sect of esoteric Buddhism was introduced to Japan by the famous priest Saicho (767-822), known as "Dengyo-daishi" (lit. the great teacher who propagated the doctrines of Buddhism). In the 23rd year of Enryaku (804), this well-learned priest asked Emperor Kanmu (737-806; r.781-806) to go to China [the Tang Dynasty, 618-907] as an envoy with Kukai (774- 835), known as "Koho-daishi" who founded the Shingon-shu sect at To-ji Temple, Kyoto, Kongobu-ji Temple at Mt. Koya in Wakayama. Returning to Japan next year in 804, Saicho founded the Japanese Tendai-shu sect of Buddhism and built some Buddhist halls in Mt. Hiei under the influence of Guoqing-si Temple founded on the foot of Mt. Tiantai-shan ["Tendai-san" in Japanese] built in 598 in the Sui Dynasty. It was in the 14th year of Konin (824) after Saicho's death that they were allowed to call the temple "Enryaku-ji." They kept their tremendous power over centuries. On September 12, 1571, however, Nobunaga Oda commanded his army to burn almost all Buddhist buildings of Mt. Hiei including "Konpon-chu-do" (the main shrine founded by Saicho ) and killed more than 3,000 people including monk soldiers, women and children. Hideyoshi Tomitomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa reconstructed their lost buildings as possible. After Ieyasu's death, the powerful monk Tenkai founded Toeizan [lit. Mt. Hiei East] -Kanei-ji Temple in Ueno, Edo (now Tokyo) and began to deal with religious affairs over Japan under the control of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Enryaku-ji Temple could never recover the power as they had had before 1571. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kanei-ji Temple suddenly declined with the destruction of the Shogunate. However, the government and the local people supported Enyraku-ji Temple very well and even donated some new halls in the Showa Era (1926-1989). In December 1994, Enraku-ji Temple was included in the UNESCO World Heritage as a part of Kyoto's World Cultural Heritage.

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(Monday 20 February) Viewed from the Eizan Ropeway on the way to Hiei-zan

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(Monday 20 February) Viewed from the Eizan Ropeway on the way to Hiei-zan

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(Monday 20 February) A western view from the top of Hiei-zan (Mt. Hiei)

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(Monday 20 February) At the top of Hiei-zan (Mt. Hiei, 848.3 m). The guidepost to Enyraku-ji Temple and the Sakamoto Cablecar Station saying "2.2 kilometers from here (about 30 minutes' walk)."

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(Monday 20 February) On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A signpost of Enryaku-ji Temple on the way to Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Benkei-sui (Benkei's Water). On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple. Musashibo-Benkei (?-1189) learned Buddhism in "Saito" (the west area) of Enyraku-ji Temple before he met his master Lord Yoshitsune Minamoto (1159-1189). Probably there is no clear relationship between this spring and Benkei.

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(Monday 20 February) Benkei-sui (Benkei's Water). On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple. Musashibo-Benkei (?-1189) learned Buddhism in "Saito" (the west area) of Enyraku-ji Temple before he met his master Lord Yoshitsune Minamoto (1159-1189). Probably there is no clear relationship between this spring and Benkei.

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(Monday 20 February) Benkei-sui (Benkei's Water). On the way to Enryaku-ji Temple. Musashibo-Benkei (?-1189) leanred Buddhism in "Saito" (the west area) of Enyraku-ji Temple before he met his master Lord Yoshitsune Minamoto (1159-1189). Probably there is no clear relationship between this spring and Benkei.

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(Monday 20 February) "Kaidan-in" (Hall of the Ordination Platform, reconstructed in 1678), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) "Amida-do" (Hall of Amitabha), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple. The temple enshrines the Amitabha Buddha. It was built in 1937 to commemorate the 1150 anniversary of Mt. Hiei. Daily memorial services are held for the souls of ancestors of the Tendai-sect believers. A traditional Japanese style was adopted for the temple structure and interior. The statue of the Amitabha was crafted by the authoritative sculptor Koseki Naito.

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(Monday 20 February) "Kanjo-do" (Hall of Initiation, reconstructed in 1984 with the donation from Kiyoshi Sagawa), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) "Dai-ko-do" (Great Lecture Hall, reconstructed in 1956), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) "Heiwa no Kane" (Bell of Peace), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Statue of the Lying Cow/Ox, East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple. You can find same kind of the lying cow/ox statues in Kitano Tenmangu-Shrine, Kyoto. As we know, the cow/ox is a sacred animal in India where Buddhism was born.

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(Monday 20 February) Signpost of "Komponchu-do" (Main Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) "Komponchu-do" (Central Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple. It was rebuilt by the. 3rd Tokugawa Shogun Iemitsu in 1642. Unfortunately taking a photograph inside is strictly prohibited. This is a most impressive Buddhist structure of Japan showing the recondite doctrines of Buddhism. I entered here twice and I always wish I could stay here as long as possible. Dengyo-daishi Saicho (767-822), the founder of the Tendai Denomination built the original temple in 788 as a place where he could pray for peace of Japan. The temple enshrines a wooden statue of "Yakushi-nyorai" (Skt. Bhechadjaguru; the Physician of Souls) that was carved by Dengyodaishi. The lanterns burning in front of "Yakushi-nyorai" are "the light of the eternal Dharma." they have been burning perpetually for the past twelve hundred years are to remain burning until "Miroku Bosatsu" (Skt. Maitreya; the Buddha of Future will appear on the earth 5.6 billion and 70 million years after the Buddha entered Nirvana. "Goma" the religious service to pray for peace and prosperity for the country and people is performed here daily.

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(Monday 20 February) "Komponchu-do" (Central Hall), viewed from Kenji Miyazawa's monument mound, East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) "Monjyu-do" (Hall of Manjushiri; the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Intellect) in front of "Komponchu-do," East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple. It was originally built in 868 for Jikaku-daishi's Zen meditation in a cross-legged position. It was reconstructed by Iemitsu Tokugawa in 1642.

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(Monday 20 February) Statue of Dengyo-daishi Saicho as a child in front of "Komponchu-do," East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Information board of Kenji Miyazawa in front of "Komponchu-do" (Main Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple. Kenji Miyazawa (poet and writer of juvenile stories, 1896-1933), known as a pious believer of the Nichiren-shu Sect of Buddhism, came to this temple with his father Masajiro (1874-1957) in April 1921 and was much impressed with "Konponchu-do," "Daiko-do" (Great Lecture Hall) and "Ninai-do" (Hall of Lotus and Hall of Perpetual Practice). It is said that Miyazawa learned here that everybody's happiness is necessary. After descending from Mt. Hiei, he wrote numerous poems and stories that are considered to be based on the Buddhist idea he got during his visit.

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(Monday 20 February) Another information board of Kenji Miyazawa in front of "Komponchu-do" (Main Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple: It explained a memoir of Kenji Miyazawa and his father's 1921 visit to Enryaku-ji Temple in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Miyazawa's birth. Dated on October 13, in the 8th year of the Heisei Era (1996).

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(Monday 20 February) Monument mound of Kenji Miyazawa in front of "Komponchu-do" (Main Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Monument of Kenji Miyazawa's poem "Komponchu-do" (1921) in front of "Komponchu-do" (Main Hall), East Area, Enryaku-ji Temple: It is to be hoped that The supreme law of the Buddha, Mahayanist Buddhism, Great Teacher Dengyo's principle, May be accomplished. (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Monday 20 February) Map of Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple, East Area

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(Monday 20 February) Gate for cable car passengers from Cable Enryaku-ji Station, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Signpost for Cable Enryaku-ji Station, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple. As the stone monument indicates, this is the site of Jigen-daishi Tenkai (1536-1643) who was a high priest serving for the Tokugawa Shogunate and revived Enryaku-ji Temple and founded Toeizan Kanei-ji Temple, Ueno, Edo [Tokyo] in the early sixteenth century.

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(Monday 20 February) On the way to Cable Enryaku-ji Station, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A stone lantern on the way to Cable Enryaku-ji Station, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) The first Shinto Gate to the Mudo-ji Benten-do Hall, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) The second Shinto Gate to he Mudo-ji Benten-do Hall, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A view on the way to he Mudo-ji Benten-do Hall, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A view on the way to he Mudo-ji Benten-do Hall, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A view on the way to he Mudo-ji Benten-do Hall, Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Stonesteps to Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple, if you like to climb up Mt. Hiei on foot.

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(Monday 20 February) Some sacred stones in the Sakamoto precinct of Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) Signpost reading "Kakumonhouxxx,"(untranslatable) in the Sakamoto precinct of Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

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(Monday 20 February) A hall in the Sakamoto precinct of Hieizan-Enryaku-ji Temple

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine (日吉大社; Hie-taisha [比叡大社] or Sanno-Gongen [山王権現 ]; lit. the Avatar of the Mountain God), located at the hoot of Mt. Hiei, has a area of 400,000 square meters with numerous halls. It is "Chinjyu-sha" (the tutelary shrine) for the temple Enryaku-ji Temple. the exact foundation date and information is unknown, although there is a description of this shrine in Kojiki (The Record of Ancient Matters, 712). Also, there are about 3,800 branch shrines over the country. The central deity at Mt. Hiei is "Sanno"(lit. Mountain King), an appellation given to all Shinto deities protecting this sacred mountain. Sanno's messenger is the monkey. The Sanno deity is broadly conceived, for Sanno actually represents three important Buddhas ("Shaka" [Shakyamuni; Gautama Buddha], "Yakushi" [Bhechadjaguru; the Physician of Soul], and "Amida" [Amitabha]), who in turn represent the three most important Shinto Gods (deities) of Hiyoshi-taisha. These three gods are "Omiya," "Ninomiya" and "Shoushinshi" (聖真子). Collectively, there are 21 Sanno deities at Mt. Hiei, each associated with a specific Buddhist counterpart. These manifestations of the Sanno deity are called "Hie Sanno Gongen" (Mountain King Avatars of Hie Shrine). Moreover, the number three is of tremendous importance in Tendai doctrine. This may support the notion that the three-monkey motif originated in Japan in association with Mt. Hiei and Tendai-Shinto-Buddhism. Also go to the Nikko page.

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(Monday 20 February) "Ichi-no-Torii" (the First Shinto Gate), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Ganzan-daishi-do" (Hall of Gensan-daishi; Jie-daishi Ryogen, 912-985; the 18th head priest of Tendai-shu Sect), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine. He is known as the originator of "Omikuji" (written oracles).

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(Monday 20 February) Information board of the divinity of Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Ni-no-Torii" (the Second Shinto Shrine Gate), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Ro-mon" (Tower Gate) of "Nishi-Hongu" (West Main Shrine), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Hai-den" (Oratory) of "Nishi-Hongu" (West Main Shrine), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Hai-den" (Oratory) of "Usa-gu" (Usa Hall, built in 1598), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Hon-den" (Main Hall) of "Usa-gu" (Usa Hall, built in 1598), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) Small shrines, Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Ro-mon" (Tower Gate) of "Higashi-Hongu" (East Main Shrine), Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

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(Monday 20 February) "Jyuge-no-miya Honden" (Main Hall of Jyuge, left), "Higashi-Hon-gu Hai-den" (Oratory of East Main Hall, middle) and "Jyuge-no-miya Haiden" (Oratory of Jyuge, right) of "Higashi-Hongu" (East Main Shrine) viewed from the Tower Gate of the East Main Shrine, Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine

Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera

Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple (石光山 石山寺) is locate at 1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu City (大津市石山寺1-1-1). It belongs to the Toji-Shingon-shu sect (東寺真言宗) of Buddhism. It was founded by Roben (良弁, 689-774) in the 19th year of Tempyo (天平19年) or AD 747 at the request of 45th Emperor Shomu (聖武天皇, 701-756; r.724-749). It enshrines "Nyoirin-kannon" (如意輪観音; cintaamaNicakra) as the main image. "Ishiyama" literally means the stone mountain, which is eloquent of its location. Ishiyama-dera Temple is referred to in The Kagero Diary (『蜻蛉日記』c. 957) by Nichitsuna Fujiwara's mother (藤原道綱母, 936?-995), The Sarashina Diary (『更級日記』?) by Takasuke Sugawara's daughter (菅原孝標女, 1008-1059 or later) and The Pillow Book (『枕草子』?) by Sei Shonagon (清 少納言, 966?-1025?). Also, legend tells that this is the place where Lady Murasaki (紫 式部, 978?-1016?) came up with an idea of the Tale of Genji (『源氏物語』c.1001).

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(Friday 20 March) Illustrated map of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Stone Carving of Bunsenbo Rocho (文泉坊 朗澄; also Rocho-risshi [朗澄律師], 1131-1209) as a demon in the outer garden of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Rocho restored Ishiyama-dera Temple which was devastated at that time. He wished to appear as a blue demon after his death, wishing that people would surrender him and welcome happiness (Goma-Shofuku; 降魔招福).

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(Friday 20 March) Stone Carving of Bunsenbo Rocho (文泉坊 朗澄; also Rocho-risshi [朗澄律師], 1131-1209) as a demon in the outer garden of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Rocho restored Ishiyama-dera Temple which was devastated at that time. He wished to appear as a blue demon after his death, wishing that people would surrender him and invite happiness (Goma-Shofuku; 降魔招福).

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(Friday 20 March) Poster announcing the exposition of the main temple image of "Nyoirin-kannon" (如意輪観音; cintaamaNicakra, , anonym in the Heian Period), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It is exposited in public once every 33 years.

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(Friday 20 March) Todai-mon Gate (東大門; the Great East Gate), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) One of the two Deva kings (仁王; 金剛力士, anonym, 13th c) of the Todai-mon Gate (東大門; the Great East Gate), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) One of the two Deva kings (仁王; 金剛力士, anonym, 13th c) of the Todai-mon Gate (東大門; the Great East Gate), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Kofu-en" (公風園) or "Hakuji-tei" (白耳亭) (private), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Kofu-en" (公風園) or "Hakuji-tei" (白耳亭) (private), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Kuguri-iwa" (くぐり岩; a narrow sanctified [mysterious] cavern), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Kuguri-iwa" (くぐり岩; a narrow sanctified [mysterious] cavern), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An old pond near "Kuguri-iwa" (くぐり岩; a narrow sanctified [mysterious] cavern), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) A small shrine for Nasu-no-yoichi Jizo-son (那須与一地蔵尊), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Yoichi Nasu (那須 与一, c.1169-c.1232) was a samurai who fought alongside the Minamoto clan (源氏) in the Gempei War (源平合戦, 1180-1185). He is particularly famous for his actions at the Battle of Yashima (屋島の戦い) in 1184. According to the Heike Monogatari (『平家物語』), the enemy Taira (平氏) placed a fan atop the mast of one of their ships, claiming it protected the ship from arrows, and daring the Minamoto warriors to shoot it off. Sitting atop his mount in the waves, his target atop the ship rocking as well, Nasu nevertheless shot it down with only one shot.

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(Friday 20 March) Gate of Teahouse Mitsuzo-in (密蔵院), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The famous poet/novelist Toson Shimazaki (島崎 藤村, 1872-1943) rented one room of this house from May to July, 1893 (明治26年), boarding himself.

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(Friday 20 March) Garden of Teahouse Mitsuzo-in (密蔵院), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The famous poet/novelist Toson Shimazaki (島崎 藤村, 1872-1943) rented one room of this house from May to July, 1893 (明治26年), boarding himself.

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(Friday 20 March) Garden of Teahouse Mitsuzo-in (密蔵院), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The famous poet/novelist Toson Shimazaki (島崎 藤村, 1872-1943) rented one room of this house from May to July, 1893 (明治26年), boarding himself.

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(Friday 20 March) Teahouse Mitsuzo-in (密蔵院), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The famous poet/novelist Toson Shimazaki (島崎 藤村, 1872-1943) rented one room of this house from May to July, 1893 (明治26年), boarding himself.

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(Friday 20 March) A watermill, Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Akai-ya (阿伽井屋) or the magical fountain (霊泉) of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Akai-ya (阿伽井屋) or the magical fountain (霊泉) of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Kannon Hall (観音堂; Kuan Yin Hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Kannon Hall (観音堂; Kuan-Yin [Skt. Avalokitesvara] Hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. This hall enshrines all the 33 images of the Saigoku-33-kasho (西国三十三箇所; The Thirty-Three Kannon [Kuan-Yin: Skt. Avalokitesvara] Temples in Western Japan).

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(Friday 20 March) Bishamon-do Hall (毘沙門堂, built in 1773), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It is a hall dedicated to Vaisravans (the god of treasure) donated by Yoritomo Minamoto (源 頼朝) in the Kenkyu Era (建久年間) between 1190 and 1199.

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(Friday 20 March) Bishamon-do Hall (毘沙門堂, built in 1773), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It is a hall dedicated to Vaisravans (the god of treasure).

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Bishamon-do Hall (毘沙門堂, built in 1773), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The three statues are Tobatsu-Bishamon-ten (兜跋毘沙門天) (middle), Kissho-ten (吉祥天) (right) and Zen-nishi-doji (善膩師童子) (left).

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(Friday 20 March) Miei-do Hall (御影堂), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It enshrines three Buddhist monks strongly related to Ishiyama-dera Temple: Roben (良弁), Kukai (空海) and Jyunyu (淳祐).

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(Friday 20 March) Miei-do Hall (御影堂), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It enshrines three Buddhist monks strongly related to Ishiyama-dera Temple: Roben (良弁), Kukai (空海) and Jyunyu (淳祐).

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Miei-do Hall (御影堂), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. It enshrines three Buddhist monks strongly related to Ishiyama-dera Temple: Roben (良弁) (right), Kukai (空海) (middle) and Jyunyu (淳祐) (left).

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(Friday 20 March) Rennyo-do Hall (蓮如堂, built in 1602), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Rennyo (蓮如, 1415-1499) was the restorer of Jodo-Shin-shu sect of Buddhism (浄土真宗).

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(Friday 20 March) A replica of the picture of Rennyo (蓮如, 1415-1499) as a 6-year boy wearing a wadded silk garment with a white-spotted pattern (鹿の子の小袖) in Rennyo-do Hall of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. When Rennyo was in the 6th year and called Hotei-maru (布袋丸) in his infancy, his mother clothed the young boy in a wadded silk garment with a white-spotted pattern here, asking a painter to draw a picture of him and convincing the boy of prospering the Jodo-Shin-shu sect. His mother, a woman of no birth, soon disappeared from here with the picture. Getting through the long dependence on his father, Rennyo finally became the 6th head priest of the sect at the age of 43. After succeeding the head priest, Rennyo came to Ishiyama-dera Temple and found his old garment. Reportedly, holding it, he broke into tears.

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(Friday 20 March) The altar for the picture of Rennyo (蓮如, 1415-1499) as a 6-year boy wearing a wadded silk garment with a white-spotted pattern (鹿の子の小袖) in Rennyo-do Hall of Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. See the above pic "sot2009-055."

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(Friday 20 March) Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. After the original building was burnt down in the 2nd year of Joryaku (承暦2年) or AD 1078, the present building was restored in the 1st year of Eicho (永長元年) or AD 1096. In the 7th year of Keicho (慶長7年) or AD 1602, "Rai-do" (礼堂; the prayer hall) and "Ai-no-ma" (相の間; an intermediate room) were reconstructed by Yodo-gimi (淀君), a wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣 秀吉).

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An image of ."Binzuru" (賓頭盧; Skt. Pindola Bharadvaja) at Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Pindola was one of the sixteen arahats, who were disciples of the Buddha. Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult powers. It is commonly believed in Japan that when a person rubs a part of the image of "Binzuru" and then rubs the corresponding part of his/her own body, his/her ailment there will disappear. Cf. the Asuka Area page, the Nara Central page and the Nagahama page..

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(Friday 20 March) Genji's room (源氏の間) or the north room (北の部屋) of Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. Lady Murasaki (紫式部) was asked to write some story by her mistress Chugu Akiko [or Shoshi: 中宮 彰子, 988-1074], Empress of Emperor Ichijo (一条天皇). On the 15th night of 8th month (八月十五夜) of the 1st year of Kanko (寛弘元年) in the lunar calendar (太陰暦), Lady Murasaki confined herself in this temple for prayer. She was reportedly much impressed with the beautiful nightscape of Lake Biwa when the full moon over Konze-yama Hill (金勝山, 566.8m) cast a pale light on the surface of the water. Then she came up with an excellent idea for Chapter 12 "Suma" (須磨の巻) and Chapter 13 "Akashi" (明石の巻) of the Tale of Genji (『源氏物語』, 1001) at the north room of Hon-do..

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(Friday 20 March) Genji's room (源氏の間) or the north room (北の部屋) of Hon-do (本堂; the main hall), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple: Lady Murasaki's wax doll.

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sanjyu-hasho-Gongen-sha Hon-den Hall (三十八所権現社本殿) built in 1602 (慶長7年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) A small red shrine gate, Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Kyo-zo" (経蔵; the scripture house), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年) over wollastonites (tabular spars; 珪灰石) and "Ishi-doro" (石灯籠; the stone lantern), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年) over wollastonites (tabular spars; 珪灰石), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the two-storied pagoda composed of a square lower story and a cylindrical upper story) built in 1194 (建久5年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple. The main image (本尊) is called "Dainichi-nyorai-zazo" (大日如来座像; the Seated Image of Dainichi Buddha [Skt. Mahavairocanasatathagata, 102 cm high in wood) which was made by Kaikei (快慶) in c. 1194 (建久5年).

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(Friday 20 March) An octagonal hall called "Shingyo-do" Hall (心経堂; a scripture hall) built in March 1990 (平成2年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An octagonal hall called "Shingyo-do" Hall (心経堂; a scripture hall) built in March 1990 (平成2年), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Seated statue of Lady Murasaki (紫式部), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Seated statue of Lady Murasaki (紫式部), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Hikari-do" Hall (光堂), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An ume orchard called "Kochi-no-en" (東風の苑), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An ume orchard called "Kochi-no-en" (東風の苑), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An ume orchard called "Kochi-no-en" (東風の苑), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) An ume orchard called "Kochi-no-en" (東風の苑), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Tsukimi-tei" (月見亭; the Moon-viewing Pavilion), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) "Sho-ro" (鐘楼; the belfry), Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

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(Friday 20 March) Sekko-zan Ishiyama-dera Temple

Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple

Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple (朝日山義仲寺) is located at 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City (大津市馬場1-5-12).This area was formerly called Awazugahara (粟津ヶ原), a viewpoint of Lake Biwa. The temple was built to venerate the reposed spirit of Yoshinaka Kiso (木曽 義仲, 1154-1184), also known as Yoshinaka Minamoto (源義仲), who once called "Asahi Shogun" (朝日将軍). Although the exact foundation date is unknown, it started with a thatched cottage built here by "a woman of no name," later identified with Lady Tomoe (巴御前, ?-?) who was a daughter of Kaneto Nakahara (中原 兼遠, ?-?) and Yoshinaka's beautiful mistress/brave warrior. After the nun's death, it was called "Mumyo-an" (無名庵; lit. a cottage of no name) and later "Tomoe-dera" (巴寺). In the era of Koan (弘安年間) in the late thirteenth century, this temple was recorded as Kido-zuka (木曽塚), Kiso-dera (木曽寺) and Gichu-ji Temple (義仲寺). It first belonged to Ishiyama-dera Temple and later Mi-dera Temple (三井寺). In 1154 Yoshinaka Kiso was born in Okura-tachi (大蔵館) in Musashi-no-kuni (武蔵国) [now Ranzan-machi, County Hiki, Saitama (埼玉県比企郡嵐山町)] as the 2nd son of Yoshikata Minamoto (源 義賢, ?-1155), brother of Yoshitomo Minamoto (源 義朝, 1123-1160), and grew up under protection of Kaneto Nakahara (中原 兼遠, ?-?) in Kiso (木曽). In the 4th year of Jisho (治承4年) or AD 1180, Yoshinaka raised an army against the Heishi (or Taira) clan (平氏) in Shinano (信濃; now Nagano) responding the message (令旨) of Prince Mochihito (以仁王; 3rd prince of Emperor Goshirakawa, 1151-1180) and defeated the numerous Heishi army in the Hokuriku Distirict (北陸) in May 1183 (寿永2年). Yoshinaka's troops went to Kyoto in July 1183. Ex-emperor Goshirakawa (後白河法王) the dictator, and people in Kyoto first welcomed Yoshinaka's troops as their saviors from the tyranny of the Heishi clan. However, his soldiers were so called subsidiary troops who soon became out of Yoshinaka's control, behaved in a disorderly manner and committed all sorts of excesses in the capital. Moreover, Yoshinaka interfered in succession to the Imperial Throne, insisting that Prince Hokuroku (北陸宮, 1165-1230), 1st son of Prince Mochihito, must succeed the Throne. The relationship between Yoshinaka and the ex-emperor got worse and worse. On November 19, 1183 (寿永2年) Yonaka's troops suddenly attacked Goshirakawa's Palace Hojyuji (院御所・法住寺殿) and mured up Ex-emperor Goshirakawa and Emperor Gotoba (後鳥羽天皇): This incident was later called "Hojyuji-kassen" (法住寺合戦; Battle of Hojyuji). Yoshinaka enforced them to appoint him as "Seii-Tai-Shogun" (征夷大将軍; the commander-in-chief of an expeditionary force against the barbarians) on January 15, 1184 (寿永3年). Before long, the Kamakura army (鎌倉軍) led by Noriyori and Yoshitsune Minamoto (源範頼、源義経) arrived in Kyoto. Many of Yoshinaka's soldiers ran away and the rest of them were crushed by the Kamakura army. Yoshinaka was killed at the age of 31 at Battle of Awazu (粟津の戦い) on January 20, 1184. His ruling world lasted only for 60 days. Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉, 1644-1694), who had a great sympathy with the life of Yoshinaka, loved this temple and often visited here during the Jokyo Era (貞享年間; 1684-1688). Basho died on October 12, 1694 (元禄7年) at an inn of Osaka (大阪) leaving his will of sending his corpse to Kiso-zuka (木曽塚). So he rests in peace here.

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(Friday 20 March) Keihan-Zeze Station (京阪膳所駅), the nearest station to Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple. It is along Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line (石山坂本線) of Keihan Denki Tetsudo (京阪電気鉄道).

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(Friday 20 March) Signpost of Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) San-mon Gate (山門), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) An internal view from San-mon Gate (山門), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Tochi-ou (栃翁), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Uguisu no (鶯の) Hotsu to derashiki (ほつと出らしき) Hatsune kana (初音哉) (The bush-warbler [Japanese nightingale] Finally sings The first song.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Otoya Tomioka (富岡 乙也), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Andon no (行燈の) Hitori kiesari (ひとり消えさり) Sarigenaki (けさの秋) (A paper-lamp has Gone out before one knows. I feel autumn this morning.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) Lady Yamabuki's grave (山吹供養塚), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. Lady Yamabuki was a mysterious mistress of Yoshinaka who took her from Shinano (信濃). Reportedly being sick, she was left behind when Yoshinaka left Kyoto in despair. However, she was said to have been here after Yoshinaka's death. Some say that she was caught by the Kamakura army while others say that she committed suicide, overwhelmed in sorrow.

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(Friday 20 March) Awazu-bunko (粟津文庫; Awazu Library), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Chomu Gen-abutsu (蝶夢幻亜佛), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Hatsu-yuki ya (初雪や) Hie yori minami (日枝より南) Sarigenaki (さり気なき) (Virgin snow is falling On the bricks in the south As if casually.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Rojin Okada (岡田 魯人), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Tsuki no umi (月の湖) Nio wa uitari (鳰は浮きたり) Shizumitari (しづミたり) (On the Moon Lake Grebes come up to the surface And go to the bottom.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Gido Yajima (矢島 蟻洞), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Yoi tokoro he (よい処へ) Chireba sakura no (ちればさくらの) Kaho kana (果報かな) (If on a good place Cherry blossoms could fall It would be a fortune.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Furu-ike ya (古池や) Kawazu tobikomu (蛙飛こむ) Mizu no oto (水の音) (The old pond A frog falls into. A light plop of silence.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A tanka monument of Old Giichi Miura (三浦 義一 翁), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Kakunogotoki (かくのごとき) Womina no arito (をみなのありと) Katsute mata (かつてまた) Omohishi koto wa (おもひしことは) Ware ni nakariki (われになかりき) Such a woman Once lived here Who thought of One man as ever. I've never done it.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) "Red stone of Sado" (佐渡の赤石), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Lady Tomoe's grave (巴塚), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. As legend tells, Lady Tomoe came here in Awazuno with Yoshinaka, but he persuaded her to effect her escape. She followed his words crying and crying after killing the enemy's general Hachiro Onda (恩田 八郎). However, she was finally caught by the Kamakura army. Then she became a wife of Yoshimori Wada (和田義盛, 1147-1213). After his death at the age of 67, Tomoe become a Buddhist nun wandering across the country. When she appeared here and made a thatched cottage praying for Yoshinaka for years. A legend also tells that she departed without saying a word and that she ended her life in Shinshu-Kiso (信州木曽) at the age of 90.

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(Friday 20 March) Signboard indicating the grave of Lord Yoshinaka Kiso, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Yoshinaka Kiso (木曽義仲, 1154-1184), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Yoshinaka Kiso (木曽義仲, 1154-1184), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Basho Matsuo (松尾芭蕉, 1644-1694), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. He had a great sympathy with the life of Yoshinaka, loved this temple and often visited here during the Jokyo Era (貞享年間; 1684-1688). Basho died on October 12, 1694 (元禄7年) at an inn of Osaka (大阪) leaving his will of sending his corpse to Kiso-zuka (木曽塚). So he rests in peace here.

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Basho Matsuo (松尾芭蕉, 1644-1694), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Tabi ni yande (旅に病んで) Yume wa kareno wo (夢は枯野を) Kakemeguru (かけ廻る) (Being sick on a journey, My dreams run round A dreary field.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) Kiso Hachiman-jinjya Shrine (木曽八幡社) in the precincts of Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Kiso Hachiman-jinjya Shrine (木曽八幡社) in the precincts of Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The memorial stone post of the 200th anniversary of Basho Matsuo's death (right) and the memorial stone post of the 300th anniversary of Basho Matsuo's death (left), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Rojo Segawa (瀬川 露城), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Akikusa wo uekomite (秋草をうゑこみて) (Planting an autumn flower) Samazama no (さまざまの) Tsuyu hitomura no (露ひとむらの) Sakari kana (さかり哉) (A variety of Dews in a tuft Are in their prime.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) Graves of some haiku poets, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A stone pagoda of Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Yuku-haru wo (行春を) Omi no hito to (あふミの人と) Oshimi keri (おしみける) (To the departing spring I bid a fond farewell With people in Omi.) (trans. ver.1, Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Yuku-haru wo (行春を) Omi no hito to (あふミの人と) Oshimi keri (おしみける) (To the outgoing spring I bid a fond farewell With a man to see.) (trans. ver.2, Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) A haiku monument of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City: Kiso-dono to (木曽殿と) Senaka-awase no (背中合わせの) Samusa kana (寒さかな) (With Lord Kiso Back-to-back I feel cold.) (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Friday 20 March) The old pond by Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, etc. Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The old well and Azazu-bunko (粟津文庫; Awazu Library), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Asahi-do Hall (朝日堂; the main hall), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Asahi-do Hall (朝日堂; the main hall), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Asahi-do Hall (朝日堂; the main hall), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. It enshrines the image of "Sho-Kanzeon-bosatsu" (聖観世音菩薩; Avalokitesvara-bodhisattva: the Goddess of Mercy) as well as the wooden small statues of Yoshinaka Kiso and Yoshitaka (木曽義仲、木曽義高). The present building was reconstructed in 1979 (昭和54年).

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(Friday 20 March) "Shinyo-do-bunko" (身余堂文庫; Shinyodo Library) next to "Awazu-bunko," Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The wooden image of Basho Matsuo in Okina-do Hall (翁堂), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The ceiling of Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. The series of pictures (15 pics) titled "Shiki-Kaki-zu" (「四季花卉図」; "Flowers in Four Seasons") was painted by Jyakuchu Ito (伊藤若冲, 1716−1800).

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(Friday 20 March) The ceiling of Okina-do Hall (翁堂) dedicated to Basho Matsuo, Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City. The series of pictures (15 pics) titled "Shiki-Kaki-zu" (「四季花卉図」; "Flowers in Four Seasons") was painted by Jyakuchu Ito (伊藤若冲, 1716−1800).

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(Friday 20 March) Tomoe-Jizo-do Hall (巴地蔵堂), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Tomoe-Jizo-do Hall (巴地蔵堂), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A picture of the popular Noh drama "Tomoe" (「能楽 巴」, anonymous, date unknown), Tomoe-Jizo-do Hall (巴地蔵堂), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The prayer stone of Tomoe-Jizo-do Hall (巴地蔵堂), Asahi-san Gichu-ji Temple, 1-5-12 Baba, Otsu City

Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple

Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple (長等山 園城寺), or widely known as Mii-dera Temple (三井寺), 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City (大津市園城寺町246). It was founded by Otomo-Yota-o (大友与多王), son of Emperor Kobun (弘文天皇; also 大友皇子; Prince Otomo) in the 2nd year of Temmu (天武2年) or AD 673 in order to mourn for his deceased father who died in Battle of Jinshun (壬申の乱) in AD 672 or in the year of Jinshin. The temple name "Onjo" is derived from the fact that Prince Otomo-Yota-o donated his demesne (田園) and his castle town (城邑). They began to announce their name "Nagara-san Onjo-ji" after the temple received a tablet with the words "Onjo-ji" (園城寺) by Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇). The origin of their pseudonym "Mii-dera" (三井寺) is that there is a fountain used for the first cleaning bath (産湯) for three emperors, Emperor Tenji (天智天皇), Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇) and Emperor Jito (持統天皇), so that people called this temple "Mii no tera" (御井の寺). Later Enchin (円珍; or Chisho-daishi [智証大師], 814-891) used the fountain water for the solemn ritual called "Sambu-Kancho" (三部潅頂) of Esoteric Buddhism. "Sambu" indicates the Three Scriptures (大日経、金剛頂経、蘇悉地経), and "Kancho" suggests the esoteric Buddhist ritual of pouring water on the top of a monk's head. Although the temple had to get through numerous war flames, losing many treasures and temple buildings, etc., it was reconstructed with the financial supports of many persons in authority including the Toyotomi family (豊臣家) and the Tokugawa clan (徳川氏). So the temple still has many precious treasures and architectures. It is the head temple of the Tendai-ji-mon-shu sect of Buddhism (天台寺門宗) since Enchin who studied Buddhism at Tiantai Shan Guoqingsi Temple (天台山 国清寺) in the Tang Dynasty China.

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(Friday 20 March) Miidera Station (三井寺駅), the nearest station to Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City. It is along Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line (石山坂本線) of Keihan Denki Tetsudo (京阪電気鉄道).

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(Friday 20 March) Mio-jinjya Shrine (三尾神社) off Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. The shrine was originally in the precincts of Onjo-ji Temple before the law forbidding the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism (神仏判然令) in the 4th year of Meiji (明治4年) or AD 1868.

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(Friday 20 March) Mio-jinjya Shrine (三尾神社) off Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Mai-den" (舞殿; the Sacred Dance Hall) of Mio-jinjya Shrine (三尾神社) off Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Illustrated map pf Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Another illustrated map of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A poster announcing the exhibition of the treasures of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "So-mon" Gate (総門), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A reception by the entrance to Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Suikan-ji Temple (水観寺), a branch temple founded in 1028 in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Suikan-ji Temple (水観寺), a branch temple founded in 1028 in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Interior of Suikan-ji Temple (水観寺), a branch temple founded in 1028 in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. The main image is "Yakushi-Ruri-ko-nyorai" (薬師瑠璃光如来; Bhechadjaguru Tathagata Lighted in Lapis Lazuli).

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(Friday 20 March) Stone steps to Kannon-do Hall (観音堂; Hall of the Kuan Yin [Skt. Avalokitesvara]), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A small shrine by the stone steps up to Kannon-do Hall (観音堂; Hall of the Kuan Yin [Skt. Avalokitesvara]), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inscription stone of the Kannon-do Hall as the 14th Fuda-sho (札所; amulet-issuing office) of the Saigoku-33-kasho (西国三十三箇所; The Thirty-Three Kannon [Kuan-Yin: Skt. Avalokitesvara] Temples in Western Japan), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Chozu-ya/Temizu-ya" (手水舎; the washbasin) before the Kannon-do Hall, Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Hyakutai-Kannon-do Hall (百体観音堂; Hall of One Hundred Kannon Statues), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Kangetsu-butai" (観月舞台; lit. the Moon-Viewing Stage) in front of the Kannon-do Hall, Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Kannon-do Hall as the 14th Fuda-sho (札所; amulet-issuing office) of the Saigoku-33-kasho (西国三十三箇所; The Thirty-Three Kannon [Kuan-Yin: Skt. Avalokitesvara] Temples in Western Japan), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of the Kannon-do Hall as the 14th Fuda-sho (札所; amulet-issuing office) of the Saigoku-33-kasho (西国三十三箇所; The Thirty-Three Kannon [Kuan-Yin: Skt. Avalokitesvara] Temples in Western Japan), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of the Kannon-do Hall as the 14th Fuda-sho (札所; amulet-issuing office) of the Saigoku-33-kasho (西国三十三箇所; The Thirty-Three Kannon [Kuan-Yin: Skt. Avalokitesvara] Temples in Western Japan), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Stone statue of Shuho-Kannon (衆宝観音), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. "Shusho" means the treasures that people are covetous of. Shuho-Kannon is Kuan-Yin (Skt. Avalokitesvara) who protects people from rakshasa (羅刹), that is, fiends and cannibals. Buddhism teaches that if one prays for the Shuho-Kannon other people also obtain salvation.

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(Friday 20 March) Stone statue of Shuho-Kannon (衆宝観音), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Stone statue of Namu-do Kannon-bosatsu (南無童観音菩薩), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Bimyo-ji Temple (微妙寺), a branch temple of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It was reconstructed by the 5th year of An-ei (安永5年) or AD 1776.

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of Bimyo-ji Temple (微妙寺), a branch temple of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. The main image is "Jyuichi-men-Kanzeon-bosatsu" (十一面観世音菩薩; Skt. Ekadaza Mukha: the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara).

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(Friday 20 March) Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Entrance to the Founder's Hall (大師堂) via Kancho-do Hall (潅頂堂), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Sanjyu-no-to" (三重塔; the Three-storied Pagoda) built in 1601 (慶長6年) by Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川家康), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Kon-do Hall (金堂; the main hall), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. the present building was built by Kita-no-mandokoro (北政所), wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉) in 1599 (慶長4年). The main image is Miroku-butsu (弥勒仏: Maitreya-bodhisattva). The interior maintains characteristics of Tiantai Shan esoteric Buddhism (天台密教).

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(Friday 20 March) Domae-toro (堂前灯籠; the stone lantern in front of the Kon-do Hall), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It was donated by Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) for the repose of the souls of the ill-starred Soga family (蘇我氏) in the mid-seventh century.

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(Friday 20 March) "Mii no Bansho" (三井の晩鐘; the evening bell of the Mii temple), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It was made in 1602 (慶長7年). It weighs 2,250 kg.

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(Friday 20 March) "Mii no Bansho" (三井の晩鐘; the evening bell of the Mii temple), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) House of Benkei's Dragging Bell (弁慶の引摺鐘), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) House of Benkei's Dragging Bell (弁慶の引摺鐘), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Benkei's Dragging Bell (弁慶の引摺鐘), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It was made in the early Nara Period (AD 710-784). As legend tells, sometime in the Heian Period, Hidesato Fujiwara (藤原 秀郷), also known as Tarawa-no-Tota Hidesato (俵藤太秀郷), fought off the giant centipede (百足) on the Hill of Mikami-yama (三上山, 428 m) and received this bell from the Dragon (龍神) in token of his gratitude. Then Hidesato donated it to this temple. Later the legendary monk-warrior Musashibo Benkei (武蔵坊弁慶, ?-1189?), a monk of Hiei-zan Enryaku-ji Temple, depredated this bell and dragged it all the way up to Mt. Hiei (比叡山, 848 m) during a struggle between the two temples. When a monk rang the bell, it sounded like "Ino, ino" (Going home, going home). Benkei got angry at the bell and threw it away into the bottom of a ravine. You can still find some stripes and splits on the bell.

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(Friday 20 March) Benkei's Dragging Bell (弁慶の引摺鐘), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It was made in the early Nara Period (AD 710-784)

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(Friday 20 March) Benkei's Cooking Pot (弁慶の汁鍋) actually used by many monk soldiers including Benkei, House of Benkei's Dragging Bell (弁慶の引摺鐘), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Akai-ya" (閼伽井屋), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. "Akai-ya" is a house of the well for drawing a spiritual water for Buddhist altars and graves. The spiritual fountain, the origin of the temple name "Mii-dera" (三井寺) is here in the house. The present building was restored in 1600 (慶長5年).

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(Friday 20 March) "Akai-ya" (閼伽井屋), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inside of "Akai-ya" (閼伽井屋), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The wood carving of the dragon by Jingoro Hidari (左甚五郎, 1594-1651), "Akai-ya" (閼伽井屋), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Kumano-Gongen-sha Shrine (熊野権現社) rebuilt in 1873 (天保8年) in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Three stone seated statues of the Buddhas, Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Jiki-do" Hall (食堂) or "Shaka-do" Hall (釈迦堂; Hall of Sakyamuni), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. It enshrines "Shaka-nyorai" (釈迦如来; Shakyamuni Tathagata).

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(Friday 20 March) "Nio-mon" Gate (仁王門; the Deva Gate), built in 1452 (宝徳4年), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Nio-mon" Gate (仁王門; the Deva Gate), built in 1452 (宝徳4年), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) One Deva statue of "Nio-mon" Gate (仁王門; the Deva Gate), built in 1452 (宝徳4年), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The otner Deva statue of "Nio-mon" Gate (仁王門; the Deva Gate), built in 1452 (宝徳4年), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Nio-mon" Gate (仁王門; the Deva Gate), built in 1452 (宝徳4年), Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra

Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra (新羅三郎義光; 源義光, 1045-1127) is located in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple. It is in the foot of the hill of Shinra-Zenshin-do Hall (新羅善神堂; 新羅明神): about 200 m down from the hall where Yoshimitsu had the ceremony of assuming manhood (元服). Yoshimitsu was the 3rd son of Yoriyoshi Minamoto (源 頼義) and a younger brother of Yoshie Minamoto (源義家). When Yoshiie had to fight against heavy odds in the Late Three Years' War (後三年の役, 1083-1087) in the Oshu (now the Tohoku District), Yoshimitsu threw away his status in Kyoto and headed for the Oshu area. After the war he stayed in Hitachi-no-kuni (常陸国; now Ibaraki) getting a wife from the Yoshida family (吉田一族), the local powerful family. However, after Yoshiie's death, he came back to Kyoto and designed to dominate the whole Genji clan (源氏) in vain. He pulled the wires in killing Yoshitada Minamoto (源 義忠), his nephew and chief of the Genji clan at that time. After all, however, Yoshimitsu had to get back to Hitachi, abandoning his ambition. Historians agree that Yoshimistu's plot caused the decline of the Genji clan. His achievements, however, were his famous descendants including the Takeda clan (武田氏), the Satake clan (佐竹氏), Ogasawara clan (小笠原氏) and the Nambu clan (南部氏). He is said to have died here in Mii-dera Temple (三井寺).

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(Friday 20 March) Gateway to the Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) On the way to the Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Stone inscription for the Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The burial mound of Saburo Yoshimitsu Shinra in the precincts of Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple, Otsu City

Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple

Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple (唐土山 法明院) is located at 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City (大津市園城寺町246). It was founded by Shokei Gitan (性慶義瑞) in the 8th year of Kyoho (享保8年) or AD 1723. It belongs to the Tendai-shu sect (天台宗) of Buddhism. It is famous for the grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1853-1908), an American scholar of Oriental Arts and philosopher who loved Japanese arts and enthusiastically introduced them to the Western World. Although he died in 1908 in London, he was buried here in Homyo-in Temple at his will. He converted to Buddhism at Onjo-ji Temple (園城寺/三井寺) next to this temple in 1896.

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(Friday 20 March) Signpost reading "Homyo-in," Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) San-mon Gate (山門), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) San-mon Gate (山門), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Buildings of Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Gate to the graveyard of Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Monument of "Kirari" (『きらり』) or the story of Masayoshi Takemura (武村 正義, 1934-) who was born in Higashi-Omi City (東近江市), Shiga, is a politician of Democratic Party of Japan (民主党), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) A view of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), etc., Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The garden of Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The route sign for the graves of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa, William Sturgis Bigelow and James H. Woods, Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Buddhist stone monuments by the route to the graveyard of Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) In the graveyard of Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Stone inscription of the contributors' list for reconstruction of the stone fence (石王垣) of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa's grave, dated 1927 (昭和2年), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (February 18, 1853 - September 21, 1908) was an American professor of philosophy and political economy at Tokyo Imperial University. An important educator during the modernization of the Meiji Era, Fenollosa was an enthusiastic Orientalist who did much to preserve traditional Japanese art. Fenollosa converted to Buddhism at Nagara-san Onjo-ji Temple (長等山 園城寺; or Mii-dera Temple [三井寺]) and changed his name to Tei-Shin (諦信), also adopting the name Kano Yeitan Masanobu, suggesting that he had been admitted into the ancient Japanese art academy of the Kano (狩野派). While resident in Japan, Fenollosa's accomplishments included the first inventory of Japan's national treasures, leading to the discovery of ancient Chinese scrolls brought to Japan by traveling Zen monks centuries earlier. For these accomplishments, the Emperor Meiji (明治天皇) decorated him with the orders of the Rising Sun and the Sacred Mirror (旭日勲章).

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa (1953-1908), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Graves of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926) and James Haughton Woods (November 27, 1864 - January 14, 1935), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City. William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926) was a doctor and great American collector of Japanese art. He was one of the first Americans to live in Japan, and to introduce the American public to Japanese art and culture. He was also among those who worked to establish protections for Japanese art during a time when the Japanese were willing to sell or destroy elements of their own traditional culture in a fervor of Westernization and modernization. James Haughton Woods (November 27, 1864 - January 14, 1935) was born in Boston and studied Greek philosophy at Harvard University while he also studied Indian philosophical studies, translating some yoga sutras into English. He came to Japan in 1934 (昭和9年) to teach Indian philosophy and to study yoga sutras. He also converted to Buddhism at Homyo-in Temple. So he rests in peace next to Bigelow and Fenollosa.

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(Friday 20 March) Graves of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926) and James Haughton Woods (November 27, 1864 - January 14, 1935), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Transcript of the inscription of the grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inscription of the grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Grave of James Haughton Woods (November 27, 1864 - January 14, 1935), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) Inscription of the grave of James Haughton Woods (November 27, 1864 - January 14, 1935), Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

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(Friday 20 March) The three graves of Ernest Francisco Fenollosa, William Sturgis Bigelow and James H. Woods, Morokoshi-san Homyo-in Temple, 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City

        

Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Eishiro Ito.  All rights reserved.