 Image search results - "Hyakusaijifall" |
Located in Higashi-Omi and established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, Hyakusaiji temple is Shiga Prefecture's oldest temple and one of Japan's oldest. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect. MapThe temple's terraced slope had many temple residences for hundreds of monks training here. National Historic Site
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The two main areas are the hillside garden and the main worship hall. Most people visit the garden before climbing up the stone steps to the main worship hall. This is the long route to the temple. The tour buses go up to a closer gate.
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The hillside garden gives a good view of Lake Biwa. The main temple hall worships an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi. Admission 500 yen.
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Autumn leaves. In its heyday, Hyakusaiji was home to 1,300 priests, before the temple was burned by Oda Nobunaga.
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Entrance for tour bus passengers and car owners. This is the short-cut way to the temple.
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Hyakusaiji temple Garden
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Hillside garden
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You can hike up the hillside garden.
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View from top. Hazy weather made it difficult to see the scenery.
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Landmarks seen from hilltop (on clear days)
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Hyakusaiji temple
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Steps to main temple
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Niomon Gate
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Hyakusaiji's Niomon Gate with giant straw sandals
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More steps
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Inside hondo, Hyakusaiji
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