Konan, Shiga: Difference between revisions

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* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=172 Jorakuji Temple 常楽寺] - A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple in Konan, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It worships the Thousand Armed Kannon or Senju Kannon (千手観音菩薩). Pray here for anything and everything. Entry to the main Hondo Hall is normally closed except during mid- to late November during the autumn foliage. However, if you call and make an appointment (Phone: 0748-77-3089), they may open it for you (9 am-4 pm). Admission may be charged. You can still view the buildings from outside without entering the hall. There's a short trail lined with Kannon statues. 13-min. by bus from JR [[Ishibe Station]] or walk 15 min. from Chojuji. Best to visit Chojuji before Jorakuji. Otherwise, you will have to walk uphill from Jorakuji to Chojuji. Buses leave about once an hour. Bus schedule on [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/12_1ihibe.htm weekdays] and [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/12_2ihibe.htm weekends] (in Japanese). Be sure to check the return bus schedule at the bus stop before going to the temple. [http://goo.gl/maps/79Bwd Map]
* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=172 Jorakuji Temple 常楽寺] - A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple in Konan, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It worships the Thousand Armed Kannon or Senju Kannon (千手観音菩薩). Pray here for anything and everything. Entry to the main Hondo Hall is normally closed except during mid- to late November during the autumn foliage. However, if you call and make an appointment (Phone: 0748-77-3089), they may open it for you (9 am-4 pm). Admission may be charged. You can still view the buildings from outside without entering the hall. There's a short trail lined with Kannon statues. 13-min. by bus from JR [[Ishibe Station]] or walk 15 min. from Chojuji. Best to visit Chojuji before Jorakuji. Otherwise, you will have to walk uphill from Jorakuji to Chojuji. Buses leave about once an hour. Bus schedule on [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/12_1ihibe.htm weekdays] and [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/12_2ihibe.htm weekends] (in Japanese). Be sure to check the return bus schedule at the bus stop before going to the temple. [http://goo.gl/maps/79Bwd Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=16 Zensuiji Temple 善水時] - One of the Konan Sanzan Trio of Tendai Buddhist National Treasure temples in Konan, Zensuiji is accessible by bus from JR Kosei Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. Established in the 8th century, the temple's main Hondo Hall is the National Treasure. It was named "Good (Efficacious) Water Temple" after the temple's pond water apparently cured Emperor Kanmu's illness in the 9th century. It worships Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing (薬師如来) which is hidden from view. The main object of worship is hidden behind closed doors at all three Konan Sanzan temples. Pray here for good health or to cure your illness. The Hondo main hall houses 30 Buddhist statues, 15 of them are Important Cultural Properties dated to be centuries or a thousand years old. You can enter Hondo main hall year-round without an appointment (hours: 9 am-4 pm, or till 5 pm March-Oct.). Small admission charged. Temple is on the slope of Mt. Iwane. There are no direct buses running between Zensuiji and the other two Konan Sanzan temples (Chojuji and Jorakuji). So you have to hop on the train to [[Kosei Station]] and take a bus from there. At Kosei Station's North Exit (Kitaguchi), take the Meguru-kun bus that stops at Iwane (岩根). Buses leave once an hour, taking about 12 min. [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/03shimo_ko.htm Bus schedule here.] From the Iwane bus stop, there is a pleasant hillside trail going up to Zensuiji, taking about 15 min. If you're traveling with a friend or small group, you can take a taxi. [http://goo.gl/maps/94gbC Map]
* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=16 Zensuiji Temple 善水時] - One of the Konan Sanzan Trio of Tendai Buddhist National Treasure temples in Konan, Zensuiji is accessible by bus from JR Kosei Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. Established in the 8th century, the temple's main Hondo Hall is a National Treasure. The present Hondo was built in 1366. It was named "Good (Efficacious) Water Temple" after the temple's pond water apparently cured Emperor Kanmu's illness in the 9th century. It worships Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing (薬師如来) which is hidden from view. The main object of worship is hidden behind closed doors at all three Konan Sanzan temples. Pray here for good health or to cure your illness. The Hondo main hall houses 30 Buddhist statues, 15 of them are Important Cultural Properties dated to be centuries or a thousand years old. You can enter Hondo main hall year-round without an appointment (hours: 9 am-4 pm, or till 5 pm March-Oct.). Small admission charged. Temple is on the slope of Mt. Iwane. There are no direct buses running between Zensuiji and the other two Konan Sanzan temples (Chojuji and Jorakuji). So you have to hop on the train to [[Kosei Station]] and take a bus from there. At Kosei Station's North Exit (Kitaguchi), take the Meguru-kun bus that stops at Iwane (岩根). Buses leave once an hour, taking about 12 min. [http://www.city.konan.shiga.jp/guide/bus/bus200803/03shimo_ko.htm Bus schedule here.] From the Iwane bus stop, there is a pleasant hillside trail going up to Zensuiji, taking about 15 min. If you're traveling with a friend or small group, you can take a taxi. [http://www.zensuiji.jp/ Official Website] | [http://goo.gl/maps/94gbC Map]


If you are visiting the Konan Sanzan temples during mid- to late November for the autumn leaves, they have [http://www.burari-konan.jp/konan3zan/ pamphlet and bus schedule here] (in Japanese). All three temples are in quiet, rural areas.
If you are visiting the Konan Sanzan temples during mid- to late November for the autumn leaves, they have [http://www.burari-konan.jp/konan3zan/ pamphlet and bus schedule here] (in Japanese). All three temples are in quiet, rural areas.

Revision as of 08:31, 5 February 2015

Konan, Shiga (湖南市; Konan-shi)
Zensuiji Zensuiji, National Treasure More Konan photos here.
Map of Shiga with Konan highlighted
Location Shiga Prefecture, Kinki region, Honshu island, JAPAN  
Population 54,170 (1,807 foreigners) (2014-06-01)
Area {{{TotalArea}}} km²
City Centers Kosei (Kousei), Ishibe 
Major Sights Jorakuji, Chojuji, and Zensuiji Temples 
Major Gateways JR Kusatsu Line Ishibe Station, Kosei Station 
Train Stations JR Kusatsu Line Ishibe Station, Kosei Station, Mikumo Station 
Claim to Fame Konan Sanzan are three temples with National Treasures.
Products
Neighbors Yasu, Ritto, Koka, Ryuo-cho 
Old Name(s) Ishibe-cho, Kosei-cho
Keywords Konan Sanzan, shukuba
Historical Persons
Links Konan Articles | Konan Photos
Konan Tourist Information
Location 〒520-3288 滋賀県湖南市中央1-1 湖南市商工観光課内

Chuo 1-1, Konan-shi, Shiga 520-3288 JAPAN

Phone 0748-71-2331 
Tourist Links Tourist Ass.  
Int'l Association Konan International Association  
Volunteer Guides Tel: 0748-71-2331  
Konan City Hall 湖南市役所
Address 東庁舎 〒520-3288 滋賀県湖南市中央一丁目1番地

Chuo 1-1, Konan-shi, Shiga 520-3288 JAPAN

Phone/Fax East Office 0748-72-1290

West Office 0748-77-3101 

Official Site Japanese | English  
Symbols Flower:  Rhododendron
Tree:  ウツクシマツ
Bird:  Japanese Bush Warbler
Others:  Utsukushi matsu pine tree
Logo:  Blue water for Lake Biwa and green spot for Konan in the south
Sister Cities

This page is 70% complete. Last updated: Feb. 4, 2015

by Philbert Ono

Konan (湖南市; Konan-shi) is a city in southeastern Shiga Prefecture.

One of Shiga's smaller cities and landlocked, Konan was formed in 2004 upon the merger of Kosei and Ishibe towns. Ishibe-juku was the 51st post town on the Tokaido Road and there is an outdoor architectural museum replicating typical buildings from the old post town. The city also has three Tendai Buddhist temples noted for National Treasure buildings. They are collectively called "Konan Sanzan" (湖南三山) (Konan Temple Trio). For such a small city to have as many as three National Treasures is really something to boast about. Konan also has traditional crafts such as indigo dyeing and pottery called Shimoda-yaki.

"Konan" 湖南 means "South of the Lake" which might be misleading in Japanese since the city does not face the Lake Biwa and has no lake shore. (The lake's southern shore is dominated by Otsu.) The name is also sometimes confused with Konan-cho 甲南町, a former town in neighboring Koka city which also has Konan Station 甲南駅. Note that Konan is not pronounced like "Conan" (as in the barbarian). Konan is easily accessble via the JR Kusatsu Line from JR Kusatsu Station.

Sights

thumb_09-IMG_2924.jpg thumb_05-IMG_2775.jpg thumb_25-IMG_3225.jpg
Jorakuji Temple Chojuji Temple Ishibe Shukuba no Sato
thumb_fd110-20110617_1207.jpg thumb_ze040-20090408_7498p.jpg thumb_kn027-20110617_1268.jpg
Fudo-no-taki Waterfall Zensuiji Temple Indigo Dyeing

  • Chojuji Temple 長寿寺 - Meaning "Long Life Temple," Chojuji's Hondo temple hall is a National Treasure. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect and one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio along with Jorakuji and Zensuiji Temples. It worships Koyasu Jizo, the guardian deity for easy childbirth (子安地蔵). Pray here for pregnancy, safe childbirth, and long life. Fall colors are also nice. Entry to the main Hondo Hall is normally closed except during mid- to late November during the autumn foliage. However, if you call and make an appointment (Phone: 0748-77-3813), they may open it for you (9 am-4 pm). Admission may be charged to enter the main hall. You can still view the buildings from outside without entering the hall. 5-min. bus ride from Ishibe Station. Take the Ishibe Junkan-sen Route Meguru-kun bus (石部循環線) and get off at Chojuji. Buses leave about once an hour. The bus will pass Jorakuji, but it is better to see Chojuji before Jorakuji. After visiting Chojuji, you can walk downhill to Jorakuji. Bus schedule on weekdays and weekends (in Japanese). Phone: Map
  • Jorakuji Temple 常楽寺 - A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple in Konan, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It worships the Thousand Armed Kannon or Senju Kannon (千手観音菩薩). Pray here for anything and everything. Entry to the main Hondo Hall is normally closed except during mid- to late November during the autumn foliage. However, if you call and make an appointment (Phone: 0748-77-3089), they may open it for you (9 am-4 pm). Admission may be charged. You can still view the buildings from outside without entering the hall. There's a short trail lined with Kannon statues. 13-min. by bus from JR Ishibe Station or walk 15 min. from Chojuji. Best to visit Chojuji before Jorakuji. Otherwise, you will have to walk uphill from Jorakuji to Chojuji. Buses leave about once an hour. Bus schedule on weekdays and weekends (in Japanese). Be sure to check the return bus schedule at the bus stop before going to the temple. Map
  • Zensuiji Temple 善水時 - One of the Konan Sanzan Trio of Tendai Buddhist National Treasure temples in Konan, Zensuiji is accessible by bus from JR Kosei Station on the JR Kusatsu Line. Established in the 8th century, the temple's main Hondo Hall is a National Treasure. The present Hondo was built in 1366. It was named "Good (Efficacious) Water Temple" after the temple's pond water apparently cured Emperor Kanmu's illness in the 9th century. It worships Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing (薬師如来) which is hidden from view. The main object of worship is hidden behind closed doors at all three Konan Sanzan temples. Pray here for good health or to cure your illness. The Hondo main hall houses 30 Buddhist statues, 15 of them are Important Cultural Properties dated to be centuries or a thousand years old. You can enter Hondo main hall year-round without an appointment (hours: 9 am-4 pm, or till 5 pm March-Oct.). Small admission charged. Temple is on the slope of Mt. Iwane. There are no direct buses running between Zensuiji and the other two Konan Sanzan temples (Chojuji and Jorakuji). So you have to hop on the train to Kosei Station and take a bus from there. At Kosei Station's North Exit (Kitaguchi), take the Meguru-kun bus that stops at Iwane (岩根). Buses leave once an hour, taking about 12 min. Bus schedule here. From the Iwane bus stop, there is a pleasant hillside trail going up to Zensuiji, taking about 15 min. If you're traveling with a friend or small group, you can take a taxi. Official Website | Map

If you are visiting the Konan Sanzan temples during mid- to late November for the autumn leaves, they have pamphlet and bus schedule here (in Japanese). All three temples are in quiet, rural areas.

  • Ishibe-juku and Ishibe Shukuba no Sato 石部宿場の里 - Ishibe-juku was the 51st stage town on the Tokaido Road where even Emperor Meiji once stayed (with an entourage of over 3,000) on his way to Tokyo. Other lodging guests include Kondo Isamu (Shinsengumi), Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi, and Tokugawa/Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu. You can walk through the original Ishibe-juku area and see a few signs indicating where the Honjin (main lodge for VIPs) was. Ishibe-juku had two Honjin. There are no original buildings, but the Ishibe Shukuba no Sato park has several reconstructed buildings of the old Ishibe-juku post town. There is also the Tokaido Museum next to the park. Map
  • Konki Senshoku indigo dyeing - Konki Senshoku is one of only three shops in Shiga which still produces indigo dye and dye fabrics traditionally. They grow their own indigo plants, dry the leaves in the sun, and extract the dye. They have been doing it for 200 years or so. Sady, the current master, Tsuneo Uenishi, has no successor. You can do indigo tie-dyeing with a cotton handkerchief (1200 yen), T-shirt, etc. Take a bus or taxi from Ishibe Station, Kosei Station, or Mikumo Station (closest station) on the Kusatsu Line. Get off at Shimoda and walk 50 meters. Parking also available. Call to make reservations: 0748-75-0128. Address: Shimoda 1530-1, Konan-shi, Shiga 湖南市下田1530-1 Map
  • Konan Traditional Crafts Hall (Dento Kogei Kaikan) 湖南市伝統工芸会館 - Omi Shimoda-yaki pottery (近江下田焼) has dark-blue indigo colors. All pieces are handmade by one potter, Kazu Kosako (and his wife Chiharu). He is the last of his kind since there is no successor. Shimoda-yaki has a plain and simple design, made for practical, everyday use. They are ergonomic to fit well in your hands or to your lips. Shimoda-yaki originated around 1750 with clay found in Konan's Shimoda area. Shimoda potter aspirants took the clay to Kyoto to learn the craft, then returned to Shimoda and started making Shimoda-yaki pottery. Most of the Shimoda-yaki potters (as many as 14 of them) eventually went out of business and became extinct in 1989 when the last of them passed away. However, Kazu Kosako, who apprenticed under the last Shimoda-yaki potter, succeeded his master in 1995. For a small fee, you can paint your own Shimoda-yaki dish with a brush and a dye called absolite. Or you can try making Shimoda pottery (starting at 3500 yen). Your fired piece will be shipped to you after a few weeks. 5 min. by bus from JR Mikumo Station on the Kusatsu Line. Phone: 0748-72-7444 Address: 湖南市岩根1656 Web page Map

Event Calendar

  • Jan. - Oni-bashiri at Jorakuji temple.
  • Feb. 3 - Setsubun at Zensuiji temple.
  • Early April - Cherry blossom festival at Nigori-ike Koen Park.
  • May 1 - Ishibe Taisai Festival at Hieda Shrine
  • July 23 - Atago Festival at Ishibe-juku.
  • Aug. - Konan Summer Festival at Yasugawa Shinzui Koen Park.
  • Nov. - Konan Sanzan temples display of National Treasures.

Travel Tips

  • Buses run from Ishibe Station to Jorakuji and Chojuji temples. Go to Chojuji temple first which is slightly further than Jorakuji. Then you can later walk down the slope to Jorakuji (instead of walking up the slope in the reverse direction). If you also want to see Zensuiji near Kosei Station, you will have to start early in the day.

Getting There

By Train

The JR Kusatsu Line is the only train line serving Konan. From Kusatsu Station on the JR Tokaido/Biwako Line, take the JR Kusatsu Line to Ishibe Station, Kosei (Kousei) Station, or Mikumo Station. If you are on the Ohmi Railways, you can transfer to the Kusatsu Line at Kibukawa Station.

Train Lines & Stations

Travel Time

Nearest Airports

Getting Around

By train

The major sights and facilities along the train lines are as follows:

JR Kusatsu Line (草津線)

The line runs from Kusatsu Station (in Kusatsu) to Tsuge Station in Mie Prefecture.

  • Ishibe Station (石部駅) - Former Ishibe-juku post town on the Tokaido Road linking Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Also Jorakuji Temple and Chojuji Temple are reachable by bus. Bicycle rental near the station.
  • Kosei Station (甲西駅) - Zensuiji temple and Konan City Hall are nearby. Bicycle rental at station.
  • Mikumo Station (三雲駅) - Konan Traditional Crafts Hall (Shimoda-yaki pottery), Konki Senshoku (indigo dyeing), Fudo-no-Taki waterfall.

By bus

  • They have a Konan Community Bus nicknamed "Meguru-kun." Buses leave from Ishibe (infrequent), Kosei, and Mikumo Stations once or twice an hour. If you're traveling with a friend, taking a taxi would be good if there's a long wait for the next bus. Note that Konan Community Buses do not run at all on Jan. 1. Which is strange because New Year's Day is when people want to go to worship at temples and shrines. Bus schedule in Japanese

By bicycle

Rental bicycles are available at or near the following train stations: Ishibe Station, Kosei Station, and Mikumo Station. Ask the train station staff where you can rent a bicycle.

Maps

Google Maps have placemarks in English.


View Larger Map

Photos

018-IMG_2594.jpg ze036-20090408_7488.jpg
Indigo dying Zensuiji temple

More photos at Konan Photos.

Videos

Click on the video image to start playing the video.

More Shiga videos here.

History

  • 2004
    • October 1: The towns of Kosei-cho and Ishibe-cho merged to form Konan city.

Miscellaneous

Recent Konan News and Weather

The latest five headlines for Konan from Shiga News are displayed below. Click to view the latest stories.

Shiga News - Konan

↑ Grab this Headline Animator


More Konan news here.

Trivia

Famous People

Side Trips

Other sights in neighboring cities/towns within easy reach from Konan.

Related Articles

External Links

Municipalities of Shiga Prefecture 滋賀県
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