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Windmill Ojizos at Kongorinji
Cathy CawoodThousands of Ojizo statues bearing brightly colored plastic windmills stand on either side of the path, and also in the forest at..
Kongorin-ji Temple
Kongorin-ji Temple is a peaceful place to relax, off the beaten path. If you want to venture outside the popular tourist spots of Kyoto and get away from the crowds, Kongorin-ji Temple in Shiga Prefecture is a wonderful choice. The Buddhist Temple was built in 741.
Kongorin-ji Temple is one of the three Koto Sanzan temples of the Tendai sect. The main temple, which was built in 1288, represents the Kamakura period (1192 to 1333) and is a designated national treasure. The gardens were laid out from the Azuchi Momoyama period (1573 to 1603) to the middle of the Edo period (1603 to 1868) and are well worth a visit for their beauty. There are also hundreds of statues of Jizo, the Buddhist patron god of children, the unborn, travelers and firefighters to marvel at.
Overview
Address
874 Matsuoji, Aishō, Echi District, Shiga 529-1202 (Map) (Directions)Hours
8:00 - 17:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
8:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
8:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 17:00
Thursday
8:00 - 17:00
Friday
8:00 - 17:00
Saturday
8:00 - 17:00
Sunday
8:00 - 17:00
Holidays
8:00 - 17:00
Phone Number
0749-37-3211Website
Highlights
Jizo Statues
The Jizo statues on the grounds of Kongorinji Temple are carefully adorned by faithful . Jizo are protectors of children, including the unborn, travelers, and firefighters.
Temple Garden
These 500-year old gardens have been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and it’s no wonder. Beautiful in any season, they’re especially popular during autumn.
Eleven-Faced Kannon Statue
This hand-carved statue of Kannon shows her eleven faces, placed atop her head. It’s said that the statue bled after being carved, and that the statue holds her soul.
General Amenities
- Information Counter
Payment Method
- Pay by cash
Access
Reach the temple by train to Inae Station, by taxi or by a shuttle bus that runs in November.
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Autumn Color at Kongorinji
Cathy CawoodEnter Kongorinji in Shiga via a path that runs from the road to the pond garden between stone walls almost covered with thick ..
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Pond and Garden at Kongorinji
Cathy CawoodA teahouse and an Edo Era hall with beautiful door paintings of lotuses and dragons stand in a lovely pond garden at Kongorinji..
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Pagoda and Main Hall at Kongorinji
Cathy CawoodOne of three Kotosanzan temples in Shiga Prefecture famous for wonderful color in autumn, Kongorinji's main hall and pagoda..
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