Shiga

Oct 20, 2014 - 1 min read

Pagoda and Main Hall at Kongorinji

Autumn splendor at a temple in the Suzuka mountains

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The pagoda is surrounded by maple trees

Huge rope sandals hang on Nitenmon, the gate to the main hall

Looking through the gate toward the incense altar

Bell tower with yellow foliage

Wonderful autumn foliage around the pagoda

The roof of the temple's main hall peeking over the trees

Yellow leaves contrast with dark wood

Autumn leaves floating in the water basin

Red and yellow maples overhang a rough stone wall

One of two lanterns at the gate

The temple is reached by a path lined with ojizo statues

A small shrine with two stone lanterns at the bottom of the slope

Kongorinji is one of three old Kotosanzan temples in Shiga, all of them famous for autumn color. The main hall of Kongorinji dates back to 741, and contains a eleven-faced statue of Kannon, along with thirteen other statues all designated as Important Cultural Properties. They are pretty amazing, actually, so see them if you get a chance! In autumn it is possible to see the inside of the pagoda. The pagoda looks amazing rising above the maple trees. A word of warning though - if possible it is better to visit on a weekday, because at the weekends during autumn there are busloads of tourists!

More info

Find out more about Kongorin-ji Temple.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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