観光
Emperor Tenji, the founder of Otsu-Kyo, is enshrined as a deity here at Omi Jingu Shrine.
The shrine was constructed on the site of Otsu-Kyo in 1940 to commemorate 2,600 years since the reign of Japan’s first emperor.
Surrounded by a vast forest, the shrine grounds are filled with a solemn atmosphere, with their two-storied gate painted in vermillion, Main Hall with its Omi-style architecture, and more.
Emperor Tenji was known as the founder of the clock because he was the first person in Japan to make a water clock, and a Clock Museum with water clocks and sun dials has since been established within the shrine grounds.
Omi Jingu Shrine is also famous for the national karuta (card game) championships, and the shrine is said to be connected to the creation of the game.
Traditional horseback archery is performed at the shrine annually on the first Sunday in June.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
Ishreya le-Ōmi-jingū
1-1 JingūchōEmperor Tenji, the founder of Otsu-Kyo, is enshrined as a deity here at Omi Jingu Shrine.
The shrine was constructed on the site of Otsu-Kyo in 1940 to commemorate 2,600 years since the reign of Japan’s first emperor.
Surrounded by a vast forest, the shrine grounds are filled with a solemn atmosphere, with their two-storied gate painted in vermillion, Main Hall with its Omi-style architecture, and more.
Emperor Tenji was known as the founder of the clock because he was the first person in Japan to make a water clock, and a Clock Museum with water clocks and sun dials has since been established within the shrine grounds.
Omi Jingu Shrine is also famous for the national karuta (card game) championships, and the shrine is said to be connected to the creation of the game.
Traditional horseback archery is performed at the shrine annually on the first Sunday in June.
The Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple is a place to pray for world peace. It is also a place of learning and training of talented individuals and is revered as the “mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism” because of the great many high priests from each sect of Japanese Buddhism who gathered on the mountain.
Mt. Hiei is located on the border of Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture. The east side faces Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, and the west side faces Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto. With its beautiful natural environment and 1,200 years of history and tradition, Mt. Hiei is renowned the world over and was recorded as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Heisei 6 (1994).
The easiest access to Mount Hiei is via the Sakamoto Cable or the Hieizan Driveway, where you can leisurely explore various temples, historical landmarks, and nature.
130 abantu bendawo batusa
Enryakuji
SakamotohonmachiThe Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple is a place to pray for world peace. It is also a place of learning and training of talented individuals and is revered as the “mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism” because of the great many high priests from each sect of Japanese Buddhism who gathered on the mountain.
Mt. Hiei is located on the border of Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture. The east side faces Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, and the west side faces Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto. With its beautiful natural environment and 1,200 years of history and tradition, Mt. Hiei is renowned the world over and was recorded as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Heisei 6 (1994).
The easiest access to Mount Hiei is via the Sakamoto Cable or the Hieizan Driveway, where you can leisurely explore various temples, historical landmarks, and nature.
Ishiyama-dera is the 13th temple of 33 sacred temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. It is famous for its scenery as seen in the painting “Ishiyama no Shugetsu” (The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama) as part of the “Omi Hakkei” (Eight Views of Omi) series. The temple was built on top of a huge formation of wollastonite (a natural monument), which is rarely seen in Japan. The temple was founded in the Nara era by Buddhist High Priest Roben on behalf of an imperial prayer made by Emperor Shomu. It is the main temple of the Toji Shingon sect of Buddhism. During the Heian era, pilgrimages to Ishiyama-dera became popular and people would spend the night at the temple, retiring to the Kannon-do hall for prayer. The temple has appeared in works from Sei Shonagon and Izumi Shikibu among others and became a setting where literature by female authors bloomed. Among the authors was Murasaki Shikibu, famous for authoring “The Tale of Genji,” who also stayed at the temple and came up with the idea for “The Tale of Genji” while gazing at the full moon. The room that Shikibu used when writing “The Tale of Genji” still remains to this day. The temple has also been visited by famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho and novelist Toson Shimazaki. Ishiyama-dera is home to a main hall, two-storied pagoda, and other cultural properties. Also famous for its flowers including cherry blossoms, azalea, and iris, Ishiyama-dera abounds with spectacular sights to enjoy.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Ishiyamadera
Ishiyama-dera is the 13th temple of 33 sacred temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. It is famous for its scenery as seen in the painting “Ishiyama no Shugetsu” (The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama) as part of the “Omi Hakkei” (Eight Views of Omi) series. The temple was built on top of a huge formation of wollastonite (a natural monument), which is rarely seen in Japan. The temple was founded in the Nara era by Buddhist High Priest Roben on behalf of an imperial prayer made by Emperor Shomu. It is the main temple of the Toji Shingon sect of Buddhism. During the Heian era, pilgrimages to Ishiyama-dera became popular and people would spend the night at the temple, retiring to the Kannon-do hall for prayer. The temple has appeared in works from Sei Shonagon and Izumi Shikibu among others and became a setting where literature by female authors bloomed. Among the authors was Murasaki Shikibu, famous for authoring “The Tale of Genji,” who also stayed at the temple and came up with the idea for “The Tale of Genji” while gazing at the full moon. The room that Shikibu used when writing “The Tale of Genji” still remains to this day. The temple has also been visited by famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho and novelist Toson Shimazaki. Ishiyama-dera is home to a main hall, two-storied pagoda, and other cultural properties. Also famous for its flowers including cherry blossoms, azalea, and iris, Ishiyama-dera abounds with spectacular sights to enjoy.
Takebe Taisha Shrine, Old Omi Province’s Head Shinto Shrine
This shrine was once revered as the chief Shinto shrine of Omi Province (today’s Shiga Prefecture), where its protective deities were enshrined.
The traditions of Takebe Taisha’s Shinko-sai Festival, which deifies Prince Yamato Takeru, are even recorded within Japan’s oldest chronicles. One episode involving the shrine from the mid-Heian Period (794-1185) is famous, in which the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo left the capital (then Kyoto) and spent a night at Takebe Taisha Shrine to pray for the revival of the Minamoto Clan. In 1945, the first 2,000 yen bills were printed in Japan, featuring an image of Prince Yamato Takeru and Takebe Taisha Shrine. Within the shrine grounds, the figure deified here is clear throughout, as Prince Yamato Takeru is enshrined in the main hall, along with a line of vassals who accompanied the prince in his journeys across the country. In recent years, pilgrims visit the shrine with belief in its deities as those of good fortune, matchmaking, and economic fortune, but Takebe Taisha Shrine nonetheless receives the most attention as a sacred place connected to the hero, Yamato Takeru.
Tatebe Shrine Honden
1-chōme-16-1 JinryōTakebe Taisha Shrine, Old Omi Province’s Head Shinto Shrine
This shrine was once revered as the chief Shinto shrine of Omi Province (today’s Shiga Prefecture), where its protective deities were enshrined.
The traditions of Takebe Taisha’s Shinko-sai Festival, which deifies Prince Yamato Takeru, are even recorded within Japan’s oldest chronicles. One episode involving the shrine from the mid-Heian Period (794-1185) is famous, in which the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo left the capital (then Kyoto) and spent a night at Takebe Taisha Shrine to pray for the revival of the Minamoto Clan. In 1945, the first 2,000 yen bills were printed in Japan, featuring an image of Prince Yamato Takeru and Takebe Taisha Shrine. Within the shrine grounds, the figure deified here is clear throughout, as Prince Yamato Takeru is enshrined in the main hall, along with a line of vassals who accompanied the prince in his journeys across the country. In recent years, pilgrims visit the shrine with belief in its deities as those of good fortune, matchmaking, and economic fortune, but Takebe Taisha Shrine nonetheless receives the most attention as a sacred place connected to the hero, Yamato Takeru.
Onjo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism, whose “Mii Evening Bell” is famous as one of the scenic “Eight Views of Omi.”
The temple is home to a number of historical relicts, not least of which is its Kan-do Hall, a National Treasure. The Kannon-do Hall is the 14th area of sacred ground where amulets are issued in a list of 33 temples in Western Japan dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon.
Onjo-ji Temple’s history begins in 672, when a battle of succession began between two princes following the passing of the Emperor Tenji the year before, causing the outbreak of the Jinshin War. The short reign of Emperor Kobun (formerly Prince Otomo) was cut short when he was defeated in the Jinshin War, and his rival, his uncle Emperor Tenmu founded the temple in dedication to the former Emperor. The name of the temple is said to come from an imperial scroll that Emperor Tenmu bestowed on the temple, called “Onjo.”
During the Jogan Era (859-877), a monk named Enchin (posthumously named Chisho Daishi) revived Onjo-ji as a temple of the Buddhist Tendai sect. After his death, conflict broke out between Onjo-ji Temple and Enryaku-ji Temple, the powerful Genji and Heike clans, and between separate Northern and Southern Imperial courts, which resulted in much religious persecution. But Enchin’s followers perserved with belief in him, and his teachings are still alive to this day.
Onjo-ji Temple lights up its 1,000 blossoming cherry trees in spring, and in the fall there are many places to see colorful autumn leaves.
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Onjō-ji (Mii-dera)
246 OnjōjichōOnjo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism, whose “Mii Evening Bell” is famous as one of the scenic “Eight Views of Omi.”
The temple is home to a number of historical relicts, not least of which is its Kan-do Hall, a National Treasure. The Kannon-do Hall is the 14th area of sacred ground where amulets are issued in a list of 33 temples in Western Japan dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon.
Onjo-ji Temple’s history begins in 672, when a battle of succession began between two princes following the passing of the Emperor Tenji the year before, causing the outbreak of the Jinshin War. The short reign of Emperor Kobun (formerly Prince Otomo) was cut short when he was defeated in the Jinshin War, and his rival, his uncle Emperor Tenmu founded the temple in dedication to the former Emperor. The name of the temple is said to come from an imperial scroll that Emperor Tenmu bestowed on the temple, called “Onjo.”
During the Jogan Era (859-877), a monk named Enchin (posthumously named Chisho Daishi) revived Onjo-ji as a temple of the Buddhist Tendai sect. After his death, conflict broke out between Onjo-ji Temple and Enryaku-ji Temple, the powerful Genji and Heike clans, and between separate Northern and Southern Imperial courts, which resulted in much religious persecution. But Enchin’s followers perserved with belief in him, and his teachings are still alive to this day.
Onjo-ji Temple lights up its 1,000 blossoming cherry trees in spring, and in the fall there are many places to see colorful autumn leaves.
This temple is the site of the grave of the samurai Minamoto no Yoshinaka, who died heroically at the 12th century Battle of Awazu.
In later years, the famous poet Matsuo Basho spent a great deal of time here, and is said to have held moon-viewing parties here with his pupils.
According to his last will, he is buried here.
Many monuments enscribed with haiku in dedication to Basho are set up within the temple grounds, and the whole area has been designed a nationally historic site.
Gichuji
1-chōme-5-12 BanbaThis temple is the site of the grave of the samurai Minamoto no Yoshinaka, who died heroically at the 12th century Battle of Awazu.
In later years, the famous poet Matsuo Basho spent a great deal of time here, and is said to have held moon-viewing parties here with his pupils.
According to his last will, he is buried here.
Many monuments enscribed with haiku in dedication to Basho are set up within the temple grounds, and the whole area has been designed a nationally historic site.
Saikyo-ji was built by Prince Shotoku and restored by Master Shinsei. It is also the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect of Buddhism. As a place of Buddhist practice and precepts, not a single day passes where Buddhist prayers are not performed. The temple was rebuilt by Akechi Mitsuhide after it was destroyed by fire in the seige of Mt. Hiei, and the Akechi family tomb remains at the temple. On the temple grounds, you can visit the main hall (an important cultural asset) constructed entirely from Japanese zelkova and the reception hall located in the reconstructed Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
Saikyoji
5-chōme-13-1 SakamotoSaikyo-ji was built by Prince Shotoku and restored by Master Shinsei. It is also the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect of Buddhism. As a place of Buddhist practice and precepts, not a single day passes where Buddhist prayers are not performed. The temple was rebuilt by Akechi Mitsuhide after it was destroyed by fire in the seige of Mt. Hiei, and the Akechi family tomb remains at the temple. On the temple grounds, you can visit the main hall (an important cultural asset) constructed entirely from Japanese zelkova and the reception hall located in the reconstructed Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the main shrine of the Sanno Festival, which has more than 3,800 branch shrines around the country. It is home to the guardian diety of the Tendai sect of ancient Kyoto. The vast temple grounds contain close to 40 shrines as well as the east and west halls, which have been designated as national historical landmarks and contain many cultural properties. The Sanno Festival, which takes place every April, is one of the three big festivals of Lake Biwa. It is highly well known among residents of Shiga Prefecture for its changing autumn colors. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is considered vital in warding off evil spirits due to its monkey diety Masaru. Originally, many monkeys lived on Mt. Hiei, and it is believed that over time they became important symbols for warding off evil. The name “Masaru” comes from the Japanese phrase for expelling evil spirits, and the monkey itself is known for its good luck. Masaru offers protection and answers prayers of victory and success.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Hiyoshi-Taisha Shrine
5-chōme-1-1 SakamotoHiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the main shrine of the Sanno Festival, which has more than 3,800 branch shrines around the country. It is home to the guardian diety of the Tendai sect of ancient Kyoto. The vast temple grounds contain close to 40 shrines as well as the east and west halls, which have been designated as national historical landmarks and contain many cultural properties. The Sanno Festival, which takes place every April, is one of the three big festivals of Lake Biwa. It is highly well known among residents of Shiga Prefecture for its changing autumn colors. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is considered vital in warding off evil spirits due to its monkey diety Masaru. Originally, many monkeys lived on Mt. Hiei, and it is believed that over time they became important symbols for warding off evil. The name “Masaru” comes from the Japanese phrase for expelling evil spirits, and the monkey itself is known for its good luck. Masaru offers protection and answers prayers of victory and success.
The Seta River is lined with beautiful natural sights.
Aside from the nearby Ishiyama-dera temple and Seta no Karahashi Bridge, there are some shrines and temples over 1,200 years old. Come back in time on the nostalgic Ichiban Maru paddleboat to see famous sights from the “Eight Views of Omi” painted by Utagawa Hiroshige, like “The Evening Glow at Sea,” or “The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama.” A guide on the boat will explain the historical background.
We invite you to come along on the Seta River Cruise for a boat ride along the Seta River you won’t soon forget.
瀬田川・琵琶湖リバークルーズ
1-chōme-4 IshiyamaderaThe Seta River is lined with beautiful natural sights.
Aside from the nearby Ishiyama-dera temple and Seta no Karahashi Bridge, there are some shrines and temples over 1,200 years old. Come back in time on the nostalgic Ichiban Maru paddleboat to see famous sights from the “Eight Views of Omi” painted by Utagawa Hiroshige, like “The Evening Glow at Sea,” or “The Autumn Moon at Ishiyama.” A guide on the boat will explain the historical background.
We invite you to come along on the Seta River Cruise for a boat ride along the Seta River you won’t soon forget.
Come sightseeing on Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa!
Setting out on a cruise is the best way to really experience this “Mother Lake,” first-hand. Guests may ride for the whole loop, or get on at one of the intermediate ports.
You can enjoy incredible views of the Hira and Hiei Mountains, as well as an incredible 360 degree panorama.
It’s also an interesting sight to see the city of Otsu from out on Lake Biwa!
7 abantu bendawo batusa
ミシガンクルーズ
5-chōme-1 HamaōtsuCome sightseeing on Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa!
Setting out on a cruise is the best way to really experience this “Mother Lake,” first-hand. Guests may ride for the whole loop, or get on at one of the intermediate ports.
You can enjoy incredible views of the Hira and Hiei Mountains, as well as an incredible 360 degree panorama.
It’s also an interesting sight to see the city of Otsu from out on Lake Biwa!
Opened in 1927, this cable car is the longest in Japan with a length of 2,025 meters, connecting the foot of the mountain to Enryaku-ji Temple in 11 minutes.
Two cable cars depart each hour, on the hour and at half past.
The cable cars are European in style, and the large windows provide a panoramic view of Lake Biwa.
The cable station at Enryaku-ji Temple, in particular, has been selected as one of 100 stations in the Kinki Area, and has a view with a sense of Taisho Era (1912-1926) retro.
坂本ケーブル
Opened in 1927, this cable car is the longest in Japan with a length of 2,025 meters, connecting the foot of the mountain to Enryaku-ji Temple in 11 minutes.
Two cable cars depart each hour, on the hour and at half past.
The cable cars are European in style, and the large windows provide a panoramic view of Lake Biwa.
The cable station at Enryaku-ji Temple, in particular, has been selected as one of 100 stations in the Kinki Area, and has a view with a sense of Taisho Era (1912-1926) retro.
Collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying the cultural and historical artifacts of Otsu. In addition to our permanent displays of videos and mannequins that introduce the history of Otsu in an easily accessible manner, we also regularly hold unique special exhibitions. A document-viewing room is also available.
Ōtsu City Museum of History
2-2 GoryōchōCollecting, preserving, researching, and displaying the cultural and historical artifacts of Otsu. In addition to our permanent displays of videos and mannequins that introduce the history of Otsu in an easily accessible manner, we also regularly hold unique special exhibitions. A document-viewing room is also available.
レンタサイクル駅リンくん石山店
3-1 AwazuchōBicycle Rental
グルメシーン
This mountain resort speads out over a peak at an elevation of 1,100 m, around 40 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange. The all-glass ropeway car will take you to the mountaintop amidst picturesque scenery. The stylish Biwako Terrace is popular with visitors from all over the country, and includes wonderful views and a café. Its a luxurious setting in which to enjoy this mountain resort.
Visitors can enjoy rich natural surroundings, including cherry blossoms in spring, daffodils in May, and a magnificent display of red leaves across the mountainside in the autumn. There are also a number of a free, hand-made attractions, including a zipline and the so-called Skywalker, which are also popular. In the winter, Biwako Valley’s slopes are busy with visitors, too, as the Kansai area’s foremost ski resort.
Café 360 Biwako Terrace
1547-1 KidoThis mountain resort speads out over a peak at an elevation of 1,100 m, around 40 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange. The all-glass ropeway car will take you to the mountaintop amidst picturesque scenery. The stylish Biwako Terrace is popular with visitors from all over the country, and includes wonderful views and a café. Its a luxurious setting in which to enjoy this mountain resort.
Visitors can enjoy rich natural surroundings, including cherry blossoms in spring, daffodils in May, and a magnificent display of red leaves across the mountainside in the autumn. There are also a number of a free, hand-made attractions, including a zipline and the so-called Skywalker, which are also popular. In the winter, Biwako Valley’s slopes are busy with visitors, too, as the Kansai area’s foremost ski resort.
Ogoto Onsen is located on the west side of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. It is part of the Mt. Hiei area and is a scenic sightseeing spot for Mt. Miyama also known as Omi Fuji. It is also popular for being the closest onsen to Kyoto.
Ogoto Onsen was founded by Dengyo Daishi Saicho and was developed in the Taisho era as an authentic hot spring, making it perfect for tourism. Many tourists from all over Japan and overseas visit Ogoto Onsen.
With a pH of 9.0, the simple high alkaline hot spring is good for healing neuralgia, muscle pain, and recovering from exhaustion. After bathing in the hot spring your skin will feel silky smooth. All of Ogoto Onsen’s Japanese-style inns and hotels use pure, natural water straight from the source; no tap water is added.
おごと温泉
6-chōme-1-6 OgotoOgoto Onsen is located on the west side of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. It is part of the Mt. Hiei area and is a scenic sightseeing spot for Mt. Miyama also known as Omi Fuji. It is also popular for being the closest onsen to Kyoto.
Ogoto Onsen was founded by Dengyo Daishi Saicho and was developed in the Taisho era as an authentic hot spring, making it perfect for tourism. Many tourists from all over Japan and overseas visit Ogoto Onsen.
With a pH of 9.0, the simple high alkaline hot spring is good for healing neuralgia, muscle pain, and recovering from exhaustion. After bathing in the hot spring your skin will feel silky smooth. All of Ogoto Onsen’s Japanese-style inns and hotels use pure, natural water straight from the source; no tap water is added.
エリアガイド
In the past, Sakamoto flourished as a town near Mt. Hiei’s Enryaku-ji Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. In the middle of town, you can admire the Anoshuzumi stonework which makes up the beautiful stone walls. Sakamoto was also where monks who had finished their studies at the Enryaku-ji Temple went to retire and is lined with historic residences called “satobo.” For this reason, the Sakamoto area has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Sakamoto is near famous shrines and temples such as Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Saikyo-ji Temple, which are popular spots for viewing autumn leaves. In Sakamoto, you can enjoy beautiful scenery of eternal history surrounded by plentiful nature.
Sakamoto
In the past, Sakamoto flourished as a town near Mt. Hiei’s Enryaku-ji Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. In the middle of town, you can admire the Anoshuzumi stonework which makes up the beautiful stone walls. Sakamoto was also where monks who had finished their studies at the Enryaku-ji Temple went to retire and is lined with historic residences called “satobo.” For this reason, the Sakamoto area has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Sakamoto is near famous shrines and temples such as Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Saikyo-ji Temple, which are popular spots for viewing autumn leaves. In Sakamoto, you can enjoy beautiful scenery of eternal history surrounded by plentiful nature.