Enmanin Monzeki

Overview

Enmanin Monzeki is an independent temple of the Tendai sect located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It is the 25th temple on the Kinki Thirty-six Fudo Myoo pilgrimage route and once thrived as one of the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect. The present Enmanin Monzeki relocated to its current location in the early Edo period. In 1647, the sleeping quarters were granted by Emperor Meisho. Later, during the Meiji period, the Otsu prefectural government was temporarily housed in Enmanin Monzeki's Shinden, before moving to a new building. Enmanin Monzeki is known as a temple where one can experience history and culture. The Shinden, designated as an Important Cultural Property, was bestowed by Emperor Gosui and showcases the architectural style representative of the Muromachi period. The garden south of the Shinden is a pond garden known as "Mitsui's Famous Garden," also designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Attributed to the Muromachi-era garden designer Soami, it features an elongated pond, white sand meticulously raked between the buildings and the pond, a natural hill behind the pond, Tsurushima (Crane Island) and Kameshima (Tortoise Island) in the pond, and a large, imposing stone bridge. Enmanin Monzeki is a temple enveloped in tranquility, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in history and culture and find inner peace.