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Product #195419
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An ornate golden Buddhist altar adorned with intricate statues and artifacts inside a Tendai sect temple in Otsu, Shiga, offering a special autumn cultural experience.
A traditional Japanese Tendai temple building in Otsu, Shiga, enveloped by vibrant red autumn leaves, showcasing the unique beauty of Japan's fall season.
The wooden statue of Prince Shotoku Taishi, depicted in solemn red robes, making its first public appearance at Saikyoji Temple in Otsu, Shiga, as a key autumn exhibition artifact.
A serene stone pagoda stands gracefully amidst a vibrant tapestry of red and orange autumn leaves within a Tendai temple garden in Otsu, Shiga, with stone steps leading upwards.
The interior of Konpon Chu-do Hall at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, Otsu, Shiga, undergoing renovation, offering a rare monk-guided close-up view of the historic restoration process.
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[Shiga/Otsu City] 'Three Head Temples of the Japanese Tendai Sect' Special Autumn Opening Guided by Monks

Japan-Kansai , Shiga , Otsu
Duration:1 day(s)
Guided language: Japanese
Please present the e-voucher on-site
Special Autumn Opening of the Three Head Temples of the Japanese Tendai Sect, guided by monks

  • Head Temple of the Tendai Sect 'Hieizan Enryaku-ji' Todo (East Pagoda): 'A Rare Sight: Visiting the Konpon Chudo under renovation with a monk'

  • Head Temple of the Tendai Shinsei Sect 'Saikyo-ji': Special first-time public viewing of the 'Wooden Statue of Prince Shotoku' and lunch featuring the famous 'Kiku Gozen'

  • Head Temple of the Tendai Jimon Sect 'Mii-dera': Special opening of the National Treasure Golden Hall inner sanctuary 'Kinsho-ji Temple Thousand-Armed Kannon and the Twenty-Eight Attendants'

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

About the [Three Head Temples of the Japanese Tendai Sect]
Otsu City is home to the head temple of the Tendai sect, 'Hieizan Enryaku-ji,' often called the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Within the same city, you will also find the head temples of the other two Tendai branches: the Tendai Jimon sect's 'Mii-dera (Onjo-ji)' and the Tendai Shinsei sect's 'Saikyo-ji.' These three head temples are located in scenic areas overlooking Lake Biwa, the largest and most magnificent lake in Japan, once poetically referred to as the 'Tendai Yakushi Pond.' The nature that allows visitors to feel the changing seasons in silence invites them into a world of healing.
▼Tour Overview
Hieizan Enryaku-ji
A Rare Sight: Visiting the Konpon Chudo under renovation with a monk
You will visit the National Treasure 'Konpon Chudo,' which is currently undergoing renovation, from a specially constructed 'Study Stage' on the grounds, guided by a monk. This stage was built specifically to allow visitors to see the renovation process up close and is scheduled to be removed in two years, making this a rare and valuable experience available only now. A monk who knows the site well will carefully explain the history and significance of the restoration.
Saikyo-ji
Special first-time public viewing of the 'Wooden Statue of Prince Shotoku' and lunch featuring the famous 'Kiku Gozen'
At Saikyo-ji, an ancient temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku for the Korean monks Eji and Eso, we will hold a special public viewing of the 'Wooden Statue of Prince Shotoku,' which is usually not open to the public. Furthermore, guided by a monk, you will learn about the temple's history and the background of Prince Shotoku worship. On the temple grounds, you will also enjoy a lunch of the famous 'Kiku Gozen' dish, available only during the autumn foliage season, while soaking in the autumn atmosphere. Please enjoy the profound charm of the temple through both its culture and its flavors.
Mii-dera
Special Autumn Opening: Thousand-Armed Kannon and the Twenty-Eight Attendants in the Golden Hall inner sanctuary
We will hold a special viewing of the standing statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the principal image of Kinsho-ji (one of the five branch temples associated with Chikamatsu Monzaemon), and its attendants, the Twenty-Eight Deities, in the inner sanctuary of the Golden Hall, which is usually closed to the public, under the guidance of a monk. As one of the few branch temples of Mii-dera that remains in its original founding location, it holds high historical value, and you can feel the weight of tradition and the Buddhist statues closely associated with Chikamatsu Monzaemon up close.

Purchase Notice

■ Tour conductor accompanies
■Transportation: Koyo Transportation Bus

Reminders

  • ■ We do not send travel documents or final itinerary for this tour. Please check the "Reservation Details" link in the reservation confirmation email for information on the day (final itinerary).

  • ・There are stairs and slopes within the temple grounds. Please wear comfortable clothing.

  • ・The event will be held rain or shine. Please bring your own rain gear.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

FAQs

1. What unique experiences can visitors expect during the autumn special opening at Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji, Miidera, and Saikyo-ji temples?

During the autumn special opening, visitors can enjoy unique monk-guided tours at Enryaku-ji, Miidera, and Saikyo-ji temples. At Enryaku-ji, experience a rare visit to the Konponchudo Hall with a monk while it undergoes renovation. Saikyo-ji features the first public showing of Prince Shotoku's wooden statue and a special 'Kiku Gozen' autumn meal. Mii-dera presents a special exhibition of the National Treasure Kondo Inner Hall, showcasing the Kinsho-ji Thousand-Armed Kannon and Twenty-Eight Deities. These experiences offer deep cultural insights and culinary delights.

2. What are the recommended transportation options to reach Mount Hiei, where Enryaku-ji, Miidera, and Saikyo-ji temples are located?

To reach Mount Hiei, visitors typically take the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto, offering scenic views. Alternatively, from Otsu City, you can use the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan's longest. Buses also operate from various points, connecting to the temples. For example, from JR Kyoto Station, one can take a bus to Sakamoto and then the Sakamoto Cable Car. Specific routes vary depending on the temple you wish to visit first on Mount Hiei.

3. Where exactly is Mount Hiei located, and how accessible are its temples like Enryaku-ji, Miidera, and Saikyo-ji from nearby major cities?

Mount Hiei is located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, serving as a natural divider. It is highly accessible from major cities like Kyoto and Otsu, making it an ideal day trip destination. Enryaku-ji Temple sits atop the mountain, while Miidera and Saikyo-ji are situated closer to its base in Otsu City. Multiple cable car lines and bus routes connect the mountain and its temples to the surrounding cities, allowing for convenient travel from metropolitan areas.

4. What makes the monk-guided visit to Enryaku-ji Temple's Konponchudo Hall unique during its renovation period?

The monk-guided visit to Enryaku-ji Temple's Konponchudo Hall during its renovation offers a truly unique experience. Visitors gain exclusive access to observe the ongoing restoration work firsthand, a sight not typically available. A monk provides insightful commentary, explaining the historical significance of the hall and the intricate preservation techniques being employed. This offers a deeper, more intimate understanding of the temple's spiritual heart and its continuous legacy, presenting a 'now or never' opportunity to witness history in the making.

5. What are the special attractions and experiences available at Saikyo-ji Temple during its autumn opening, including the Kiku Gozen meal?

During its autumn special opening, Saikyo-ji Temple offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the first public showing of the exquisite wooden statue of Prince Shotoku. This historical artifact provides deep insight into Japan's early Buddhist history. Additionally, guests can savor the 'Kiku Gozen' meal, a special lunch featuring seasonal autumn flavors, prepared as a Saikyo-ji Temple specialty. These unique offerings combine cultural appreciation with an authentic culinary experience specific to the temple.

6. What national treasures and special exhibitions can be seen at Mii-dera Temple's Kondo Inner Hall during the autumn special opening?

At Mii-dera Temple's Kondo Inner Hall, during the autumn special opening, visitors can experience a unique exhibition featuring significant national treasures. The highlight is the 'Kinsho-ji Thousand-Armed Kannon and the Twenty-Eight Deities,' a profound display of Buddhist art and spirituality. This special viewing inside the National Treasure Kondo Inner Hall offers a rare chance to appreciate these revered artifacts up close, providing deep cultural and religious insights into the Tendaijimon Sect's heritage.

7. How does the monk-guided autumn special opening enhance the visitor's understanding of the Tendai temples' religious importance on Mount Hiei?

The monk-guided aspect of the autumn special opening significantly enhances understanding by providing direct, authoritative insights into the Tendai temples' religious importance. Monks share narratives of the sect's history, spiritual practices, and the profound symbolism embedded within the temple architecture and artifacts. Their explanations clarify the philosophical underpinnings and the roles these sites played in Japanese Buddhism, offering a perspective far richer than self-guided visits. This direct interaction deepens appreciation for Mount Hiei's spiritual legacy.

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