 Last additions - Miidera Temple 三井寺 |
Miidera Station platform.Jan 03, 2019
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Miidera Station platform.Jan 03, 2019
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Miidera Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line is the closest station to Miidera temple (and Lake Biwa Canal).Oct 03, 2016
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Bell at Miidera temple from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.Apr 24, 2011
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Hiroshige's woodblock print of Evening Bell at Miidera temple from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series.Apr 24, 2011
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Priest Enchin (Chisho-daishi) also used the sacred well water for a succession ceremony and called the temple, "Miidera" using the kanji for "three wells." The official name of "Onjoji" was given by Emperor Temmu. Back of NioJul 12, 2009
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About Kojo-in Kyakuden. It also has a Japanese garden not open to the public. 光浄院客殿Jul 12, 2009
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Miidera's Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms in Otsu.Jul 12, 2009
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On the left in the back are steps going up to the lookout deck. A must-see vantage point.Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Gate to Kangaku-in Hall, school for priests at Miidera temple in Otsu. Closed to the public.Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)Jul 12, 2009
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Kondo Hall Jul 12, 2009
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Steps going to Issaikyo-zo Hall.Jul 12, 2009
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Miidera templeJul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Kondo Hall carvingsJul 12, 2009
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Cherry blossoms in April.Jul 12, 2009
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Miidera's Three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to)Jul 12, 2009
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Issaikyo-zo Hall is a storehouse for all of the temple's Buddhist scriptures and valuable books. Built in the Muromachi Period and moved here from Yamaguchi Pref. in 1602 by Lord Mori Terumoto. Important Cultural Property. 一切経蔵Jul 12, 2009
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This is the closest we can get to Kangaku-in Hall, a National Treasure at Miidera temple in Otsu.Jul 12, 2009
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View of central Otsu which is experiencing a building boom along the lake shore. This has prompted local residents to seek a building height limit, otherwise the lake would disappear from view.Jul 12, 2009
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The lookout point gives the best views. The Kannon-do is on the left. Central Otsu can be seen in the distance as well as Lake Biwa.Jul 12, 2009
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Nagara Jinja ShrineJul 12, 2009
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About Kangaku-in Hall.Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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On the right of the Kancho-do is the three-story pagoda (Sanju-no-to). It was moved from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Important Cultural Property. 三重塔Jul 12, 2009
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Next to the Kondo hall is the famous Mii Bell Pavilion (Mii-no-Bansho). It is one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi) depicted in ukiyoe woodblock prints. Dating from the Momoyama period, it is an Important Cultural Property.Jul 12, 2009
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Moon-viewing stage 勧月舞台 and cherry blossoms at Miidera with Lake Biwa in the background.Jul 12, 2009
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Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms.Jul 12, 2009
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On the lookout deck.Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Miidera's cherry blossoms are also lit up at night. (See photos at bottom.)Jul 12, 2009
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View from the bridge during cherry blossom season, looking toward the Kondo Hall.Jul 12, 2009
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Kondo Hall carvingsJul 12, 2009
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Somewhat away from the central area of Miidera is another National Treasure called Kojo-in Kyakuden. Unfortunately, it's closed to the public. All you see is this wall and a roof.Jul 12, 2009
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Mii Bell Pavilion (Mii-no-Bansho) on the right. The small building on the left is a gift shop where you buy a ticket to ring the bell.Jul 12, 2009
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Jul 12, 2009
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Kannon-do on the left.Jul 12, 2009
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Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms.Jul 12, 2009
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Near the Niomon Gate is the Shaka-do Hall (also called Jiki-do 食堂) which worships the Shaka Nyorai statue. Dating from the early Muromachi Period, an Important Cultural Property. Photography is not allowed inside.Jul 12, 2009
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Steps going up to the Kondo Hall.Jul 12, 2009
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Main entrance to Miidera (Onjoji) temple. It is the headquarters temple of the Tendai Jimon Buddhist Sect (founded by Priest Enchin) and former rival of Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei, also in Shiga. MAPJul 12, 2009
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Inside Onjoji Akaiya is the sacred spring whose water is drawn to be offered in front of the temple altar. The water was also used to bathe the newborn Emperor Tenji, Tenmu, and Jito. The name Miidera (Three Wells) comes from this spring.Apr 23, 2009
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It's a huge bell. After hearing the sound of the bell on Mt. Hiei, Benkei was disgusted with how it sounded and threw the bell back down the mountain.Apr 23, 2009
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Inside Kondo Hall, built in 1599. Miroku Bosatsu statue is the object of worship.Apr 23, 2009
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This small building houses a temple bell which, according to legend, warrior monk Benkei from Enryakuji stole from Miidera and carried up to Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei.Apr 23, 2009
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Inside Kondo Hall.Apr 23, 2009
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Kondo Hall roofApr 23, 2009
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Kondo Hall corner wood beamApr 23, 2009
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Next to Kondo Hall is a small building called the Onjoji Akaiya, an Important Cultural Property. 閼伽井屋Apr 23, 2009
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Kondo HallApr 23, 2009
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Kondo Hall and cherry blossoms.Apr 23, 2009
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Kondo HallApr 23, 2009
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Kondo Hall verandaApr 23, 2009
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Miidera temple's Kondo Hall, a National Treasure and Miidera's main worship hall built in 1599 in Otsu. 金堂Apr 23, 2009
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Nagara Shrine Honden Hall. The original shrine was atop the mountain, but it was later moved here in 1054 at the foot of Mt. Nagara to make it more accessible to worshippers.Jun 21, 2008
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In 860, Miidera Founder Enchin worshipped this shrine as the guardian deity of Miidera.Jun 21, 2008
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Built in 1905, gate of Nagara Jinja Shrine.Jun 21, 2008
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Next to Miidera temple's southern boundary is Nagara Shrine. The shrine is not part of Miidera, but it is often included in maps of Miidera temple. 長等神社Jun 21, 2008
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Behind the Kancho-do Hall is the Daishi-do Hall where Enchin is interred.Jun 21, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and three-story pagoda at night.Jun 21, 2008
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Beautiful cherry blossoms at night.Jun 21, 2008
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Jun 21, 2008
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Miidera cherry blossoms at night.Jun 21, 2008
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Jun 21, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and the Niomon Gate at night in April.Jun 21, 2008
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Cherry blossoms at Miidera temple, Shiga.Jun 21, 2008
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Goho Zenjin-do Hall worships a guardian deity for children. Pray here for a safe childbirth and healthy growth of your kids. 護法善神堂Jun 21, 2008
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Gate to Goho Zenjin-do HallJun 21, 2008
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Another gate to Goho Zenjin-do HallJun 21, 2008
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On the fringe of Miidera is Somon Gate 総門Jun 21, 2008
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Soroban (Abacus) MonumentJun 21, 2008
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Monument dedicated to Shiga Prefectural police officers.Jun 21, 2008
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The stone marker on the right indicates where Emperor Meiji was when he visited here.Jun 21, 2008
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The lookout point is like a park with various monuments.Jun 21, 2008
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Kannon-do complex at Miidera temple, Shiga.Jun 21, 2008
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Vintage postcard view of the same scene in Miidera. Otsu was much less developed.Jun 21, 2008
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Moon-viewing stage 勧月舞台Jun 21, 2008
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Ema tablet pavilionJun 21, 2008
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In front of the Kannon-do Hall is the water basin for purification.Jun 21, 2008
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Ema tabletJun 21, 2008
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Statue inside Kannon-do HallJun 21, 2008
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Incense burner inside Kannon-do HallJun 21, 2008
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Inside Kannon-do HallJun 21, 2008
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Inside Kannon-do HallJun 21, 2008
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Kannon-do Hall is the 14th temple in the Saigoku (Western Japan) pilgrimage circuit of 33 temples. Important Cultural Property 観音堂Jun 21, 2008
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Kannon-do Hall, Miidera temple, ShigaJun 21, 2008
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Inside bell towerJun 21, 2008
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Bell tower next to Kannon-do Hall.Jun 21, 2008
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Bell towerJun 21, 2008
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Steps leading to the Kannon-do Hall on a hill in the southern precinct of Miidera.Jun 21, 2008
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Side view of Kannon-do Hall.Jun 21, 2008
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Bishamon-do Hall. 毘沙門堂Jun 21, 2008
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Built in 1616, Bishamon-do Hall is an Important Cultural Property. 毘沙門堂Jun 21, 2008
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Bishamon-do Hall and maple leaves. Should return in fall.Jun 21, 2008
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Shuho Kannon. Worship her and become prosperous. 衆宝観音Jun 21, 2008
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Jun 21, 2008
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Tendai Daishi statueJun 21, 2008
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Going toward the southern precinct of the temple, you see this Bimyoji temple with an 11-faced Kannon statue, an Important Cultural Property. The building was reconstructed in 1776. 微妙寺Jun 21, 2008
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HydrangeaJun 21, 2008
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Hydrangea in JuneJun 21, 2008
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Stone wall and gate to Kangaku-in Hall at Miidera temple (Onjoji), school for priests and a National Treasure but closed to the public. 勧学院Jun 21, 2008
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When the temple founder was crossing this bridge, a temple in China was ablaze. When he sprinkled water from a well, a mist arose from beneath the bridge and flew to extinguish the burning temple in China. 村雲橋Jun 21, 2008
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Another building in the To-in area.Jun 21, 2008
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In the center of the To-in complex is the Kancho-do Hall. Its a dojo exercise hall for entering the priesthood and conducting Buddhist initiation ceremonies. 潅頂堂Jun 21, 2008
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On the left of the Kancho-do is the Chonichi Goma-do Hall. Important Cultural Property. 長日護摩堂Jun 21, 2008
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Gate to the To-in complex, Miidera's most sacred area where Enchin (Chisho-Daishi) is buried and enshrined. All the buildings are Important Cultural Properties. 唐院Jun 21, 2008
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Path to the To-in complex.Jun 21, 2008
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Inside Issaikyo-zo HallJun 21, 2008
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Inside Issaikyo-zo Hall is an octagonal, rotating Rinzo rack where the scriptures are stored.Jun 21, 2008
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Lotus pondJun 21, 2008
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Inside the Miidera Bell Pavilion, the source of the "Evening Bell at Miidera temple."Jun 21, 2008
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It costs 300 yen to ring this bell once. (Not supposed to ring it more than once unless you pay again.) Also see my YouTube video here. 三井晩鐘Jun 21, 2008
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There is a small opening where you can enter the bell pavilion to ring the gong. 鐘楼Jun 21, 2008
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Kondo Main Hall, a National Treasure and Miidera's largest building. However, it was undergoing roof repairs in June 2008. Completed in fall 2008. 金堂Jun 21, 2008
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Map of Miidera temple showing a variety of structures at the foot of Mt. Nagara (not Mt. Hiei). There are about 40 buildings, but you can enter only a few of them. It's not a huge complex, but allow at least 90 min. to see the major things.Jun 21, 2008
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Back of Niomon Gate.Jun 21, 2008
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Front of Niomon Gate. The name Miidera literally means "Three-Well Temple." It refers to three Emperors (Tenchi, Temmu, and Jito) who as newborns bathed in the temple's Akaiya well. "Mii" 御井 originally meant "sacred well.Jun 21, 2008
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Daimon Gate (also called Niomon Gate) is the temple's front gate. Built in 1452 and transferred here from Jorakuji temple in Koka by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. Important Cultural Property. 仁王門Jun 21, 2008
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These photos were taken in both April during cherry blossoms season and in summer.Jun 21, 2008
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