Kyourinbo Temple

Overview

Kyourinbo Temple, located in Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, is a Tendai Buddhist temple with a long history, founded by Prince Shotoku. Its principal image is the Sekikawa Kannon, a stone Buddha statue enshrined in a stone cave and attributed to Prince Shotoku, which has been an object of deep faith for centuries. Known especially as a stunning autumn foliage spot, the temple grounds are ablaze with crimson leaves in the fall. The garden, attributed to Kobori Enshu, is a Momoyama-era strolling garden featuring a pond and various elements, with moss-covered stones and boulders creating a beautiful landscape throughout the year. The Shoin (study), a designated tangible cultural property of the city, and the mountain gate are both Edo-period thatched structures that, together with the garden, evoke a sense of wabi-sabi (beauty of imperfection). In spring, the fresh green leaves are captivating, while the autumn leaves are breathtaking. This is a healing space where you can feel the passage of history and the embrace of nature in serene silence, captivating all who visit. Kyourinbo Temple is conveniently located near other sightseeing spots such as Azuchi Castle Ruins and Kanon Shoji Temple, allowing for a leisurely day of exploration. Moreover, Kyourinbo Temple also offers lodging; it’s a perfect place for those seeking rest and rejuvenation in the peaceful atmosphere of a temple.