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  7. [Otsu City, Shiga] Autumn special opening guided by a monk from the "Three Tendai Head Temples of Japan"
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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[Otsu City, Shiga] Autumn special opening guided by a monk from the "Three Tendai Head Temples of Japan"

Japan-Kansai , Shiga , Otsu
Duration:1 day(s)
Guided language: Japanese
Please present the e-voucher on-site
Monks guide the autumn special opening of the three Tendai temples in Japan

  • Tendai sect's head temple "Hieizan Enryakuji" East Tower "A view that can only be seen now: Visiting the Konponchudo Hall with a monk while it is under renovation"

  • Special first public showing of the wooden statue of Prince Shotoku at the head temple of the Tendai sect, Saikyo-ji Temple, and a special lunch of the Saikyo-ji Temple specialty, the "Kiku Gozen" meal

  • Special exhibition of the National Treasure Kondo Inner Hall of the Tendaijimon Sect's Head Temple "Mii-dera" "Kinsho-ji Thousand-Armed Kannon and the Twenty-Eight Deities"

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

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

[Japan's Three Tendai Head Temples] Otsu City is home to the Tendai sect's head temple, "Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei," also known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism, as well as the Tendaijimon sect's head temple, "Mii-dera (Onjo-ji)," and the Tendai Shinsei sect's head temple, "Saikyou-ji," all of which are head temples of the three Tendai sects, all of which are located in the same city. The three head temples are also scenic locations overlooking the magnificent Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, sung as "Tendai Yakushi no Ike," and the nature, where you can feel the changing seasons in the silence, is a place that invites visitors into a world of healing.
Tour Overview Visit the Konponchudo Hall with a monk, a sight you can only see now, currently under renovation. You will be guided by a monk from the "Study Stage" set up on the grounds to see the national treasure "Konponchudo Hall," where renovation work is currently underway. This stage was specially set up to allow visitors to see the renovation work up close, and is scheduled to be removed in two years, making this a rare experience that can only be had now. The history of the Konponchudo Hall and the significance of the restoration will be explained in detail from the perspective of a monk who knows the area.
Special first public viewing of the wooden statue of Prince Shotoku at Saikyo-ji Temple and lunch of the temple's specialty, the "Chrysanthemum meal" At Saikyo-ji Temple, an ancient temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku for the Korean monks Keiji and Keisou, the wooden statue of Prince Shotoku, which is usually not open to the public, will be on special display. In addition, a monk will guide you through the history of the temple and the background of the faith in Prince Shotoku. In the temple grounds, you can enjoy the autumn atmosphere while enjoying the "Chrysanthemum meal" lunch, a specialty dish only available during the autumn foliage season. Please enjoy the profound charm of the temple from both the cultural and culinary perspectives.
Mii-dera Temple Special Autumn Opening The Thousand-Armed Kannon and the Twenty-Eight Deities in the Main Hall Inner Sanctuary The Thousand-Armed Kannon, the principal image of Chikamatsu-ji Temple, and its Twenty-Eight Deities, will be open to the public in the normally closed Main Hall inner sanctuary under the guidance of a monk. As one of the few Mii-dera temple auxiliary temples still standing in the original location from when it was first built, it is of great historical value, and visitors can get up close and personal with the weight of the Buddhist statues and traditions of this temple, which has a deep connection to Chikamatsu Monzaemon.

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.

FAQ

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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