Miidera temple [三井寺]

Miidera is a Buddhist temple located in the west part of central Otsu city.
It is about 1 km west of Otsu Port and about 2 km northwest of JR Otsu station.

The formal name is Onjoji (園城寺), but "Miidera" has been more commonly used.

"Mii" means "three wells".

This temple was founded in the 7th century.

In legend, when three babies who became the Emperors in the 7th century were born, the water of a well in this temple was used.

Since the 9th century, the temple developed by many believer of imperial family, nobility and samurai.

But, since the 10th century, Miidera came into conflict with Enryakuji which is located about 7 km north of this temple.

So Miidera had been set on fire by the priests of Enryakuji, some dozen times for about 500 years.

Enryakuji had a strong power.
On the other hand, the governments in the middle ages protected Miidera.

But this temple were sometimes tossed by the troubles in the government.

In 1595, Kondo hall of Miidera were moved to Enryakuji by compulsion on orders of the government.
It is the current Shakado in Enryakuji.

In this time, many statues and treasures had been moved some other temples.
So Miidera declined temporarily.

From the 17th century, this temple were reconstructed.
Most of the buildings in the current temple were built in the period.

The site of the temple is about 500 meters from east to west and about 600 meters from north to south.
The entrance is on the east side, and the mountains are on the west side.

Niomon (仁王門) is the main gate.
It was built in the other temple in 1452, and was moved to here in 1601.

In the temple grounds, there are many buildings.

Shakado (釈迦堂) is near Niomon.
It was built in the late 16th century, and is used as the dining house for the priests.

There is Kondo (金堂) in the center of the precinct.

It is the central hall and was rebuilt in 1599.
It is designated as a national treasure.

And most of the other buildings are designated as important cultural properties.

There is Shôrô (鐘楼) by Kondo.
It is a bell tower, and the bell is known as "Mii's Evening Bell".
The tower and hanging bell were created in 1602.

The visitors can strike the bell.

Attractive Three-storied Pagoda (三重塔) is to the south of Kondo.
It was built in the other temple in the late 16th century, and was moved to here in 1601.

Miidera (Japanese website)

Lake Biwa Canal (琵琶湖疏水)

There is Lake Biwa Canal on the southeast side of Miidera.

Water of Lake Biwa flows in this canal and is sent to Kyoto city for supply of Water, generation of electricity, etc.

The intake of Lake Biwa is near Otsu port, and the canal flows to Miidera for about 0.5 km.
It enters a tunnel at the place and leads to Kyoto under the mountain.

Along the section near Miidera, there are many cherry trees.
So, it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

How to get here

By Keihan Railway, go to Miidera station, the next station of Hama-Otsu.
Then about 10 minutes walk from there.

Or, by route bus, about 11 minutes from JR Otsu station.

Other Tourist Attractions in Shiga Prefecture

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