Shoju Raigoji Temple

Overview

Shoju Raigoji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple deeply connected to Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. It houses the 15 panels of the Kamakura-period National Treasure, the "Rokudo-e" (Six Paths Paintings). Based on Genchin's "Ojo Yoshu," these paintings vividly depict the six realms of existence (Hell, Hungry Ghosts, Animals, Asuras, Humans, and Gods), significantly contributing to the spread of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. The 15 panels are currently entrusted to various museums—the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and Biwako Cultural Museum—making it impossible to see all of them at once. However, visiting each museum offers a deep dive into the world of these paintings. Shoju Raigoji Temple managed to preserve many cultural assets to this day because the temple's priest at the time of the burning of Mount Hiei moved the Buddhist statues and religious implements to the Heishu Taisha Shrine on the opposite shore of Lake Biwa. It's also said that the temple was spared due to the presence of the tomb of Mori Kaneharu, a vassal of Nobunaga. Mori Kaneharu died at Hieitsuji near the temple the year before the burning of Mount Hiei, and the temple's priest, Shin'yu, secretly transported and buried his body, despite being an enemy general. The temple grounds boast numerous highlights including the Main Hall (Important Cultural Property), Guest Hall (Important Cultural Property), Founder's Hall (Important Cultural Property), Outer Gate (Important Cultural Property), and a garden (Shiga Prefecture Designated Place of Scenic Beauty). The Main Hall, rebuilt in 1665, uniquely features different roofing materials: tile on the front and back, and copper-plated tiles on the sides. The use of stone, rather than wood, for the veranda surrounding the building is also rare in Japanese Buddhist temple architecture. Shoju Raigoji Temple is a captivating temple where history, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist. Why not spend some time in its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere?