Shiga is home to historic shrines and temples in the mountains of Mount Hiei (Hiei-zan), along the shores of Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko), and at the western foot of the Suzuka Mountains.
Beyond the buildings and gardens, look at the links to mountain worship, prayers by the water, and temple and shrine towns to understand the character of each place.
Because the sites are spread across a wide area, choose 10 representative shrines and temples by region—Otsu (Ōtsu), Kosei, and Koto—and explore them at a comfortable pace.
How to Choose Shrines and Temples in Shiga by Region
Otsu has a concentration of sites including Enryaku-ji Temple, Miidera Temple, Ishiyama-dera Temple, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and Omi Jingu Shrine, which can be visited using a combination of rail and mountain transportation.
At Shirahige Shrine in Kosei, the lakeside scenery and safe worship are key considerations.
In Koto, connect Taga Taisha Shrine and the 3 Koto Sanzan temples by car or local transportation.
The size and terrain of each precinct differ, so even the same number of stops can require different levels of stamina.
| Area | Main Shrines and Temples | Planning Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hiei and Sakamoto | Enryaku-ji and Hiyoshi Taisha | Separate the mountaintop and temple town |
| Central Otsu | Miidera and Omi Jingu | Travel along the railway lines |
| Ishiyama | Ishiyama-dera | Prepare for rocky ground and slopes |
| Kosei | Shirahige Shrine | Do not cross the national highway |
| Koto | Taga Taisha and Koto Sanzan | Check transportation between temples |
Trace Tendai History on Mount Hiei and in Sakamoto
The summit area of Mount Hiei and Sakamoto on its eastern foot form a region where Enryaku-ji, Hiyoshi Taisha, and the temple town are closely connected.
The mountaintop area alone is extensive, so instead of trying to see everything in 1 day, choose 1 focus for your pilgrimage.
Enryaku-ji Temple｜A Mountaintop Temple Complex Spanning 3 Areas
Enryaku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai school, and its mountain precincts are divided into the Tōdō, Saitō, and Yokawa areas.
Konpon Chūdō Hall in the Tōdō area is undergoing major renovations, and worship inside the hall is suspended.
You can view the renovation work from the Shugaku Stage, while the principal image and the Inextinguishable Dharma Light can be worshipped at Banpaidō Hall.
The atmosphere changes in Saitō, where temple halls stand among quiet cedar trees, and in the more remote mountain setting of Yokawa.
Follow local guidance on photography inside the halls and routes affected by construction, and avoid walking in front of people who are praying.
Check transportation and the time required to tour the precincts.
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine｜Walk Through the Forest and Shrine Buildings at the Foot of Mount Hiei
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine stands in Sakamoto and is regarded as the head shrine of Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines throughout Japan.
The grounds are surrounded by forest and water, with several shrines including the Eastern Main Shrine and Western Main Shrine spread throughout the precincts.
Do not stop at the entrance. Walking while observing the stone bridges, approaches, and arrangement of the shrine buildings reveals its role as the guardian shrine of Mount Hiei.
Paths toward the mountainside have slopes, so adjust how far you walk to your fitness level.
Explore Historic Temples and Imperial Culture in Otsu
From central Otsu to Ishiyama, you can visit historic temples with many halls as well as a shrine founded in the modern era.
Rather than comparing them only by the age of their architecture, consider the different perspectives of prayer, literature, and the calendar for a deeper understanding.
Miidera Temple｜A Spacious Precinct Linking the Main Hall and Kannon Hall
Miidera Temple, also known as Onjō-ji, is the head temple of the Tendai Jimon school.
The Main Hall, Shaka Hall, Tōin, Kannon Hall, and other buildings are spread across extensive grounds connected by stone steps and slopes.
In addition to the architecture and Buddhist statues, look for the elevated views over Lake Biwa and the temple's culture of bells.
Check where touching cultural properties is permitted and the photography rules, and keep conversations quiet inside peaceful halls.
Ishiyama-dera Temple｜Wollastonite, Temple Architecture, and Memories of Murasaki Shikibu
At Ishiyama-dera Temple, exposed wollastonite and the Main Hall and Tahōtō Pagoda built above it create a distinctive landscape.
As a place where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have found inspiration for her story, exhibits and traditions related to literature are also highlights.
The temple is known for its flowers, but blooming conditions vary from year to year.
Focusing on the rock formations, architecture, and literature makes for a visit that is not overly dependent on the season.
Omi Jingu Shrine｜Explore the Culture of Time and the Hyakunin Isshu
Omi Jingu Shrine enshrines Emperor Tenji and is known for the culture of Time Memorial Day associated with the water clock, as well as being a sacred place for competitive karuta.
The progression from the forested approach through the vermilion tower gate to the shrine buildings is particularly memorable.
Routes may differ from usual on tournament and festival days, so check the event schedule.
Look beyond images of traditional costumes and competition to the enshrined deity and the history of Ōtsu-kyō.
Experience Lakeside Worship in Kosei
At shrines and temples in Kosei, the scenery of Lake Biwa overlaps with places of worship.
Even when photography is your goal, prioritize safety on roads and within the grounds, and do not obstruct worshippers or local residents.
Shirahige Shrine｜Worship at the Main Hall and View the Great Torii Gate in the Lake
Shirahige Shrine is known for its great torii gate in Lake Biwa, but worship centers on the Main Hall and grounds on the mountainside of the national highway.
Crossing the busy national highway to reach the lakeshore is dangerous, and visitors are instructed to avoid doing so.
View the torii gate from the designated observation area and appreciate the entire scene across the road as a place of faith.
See Shrine Architecture, Buddhist Statues, and Gardens in Taga and the Koto Sanzan
In Koto, Taga Taisha and the temples of Saimyō-ji, Kongōrin-ji, and Hyakusai-ji can be explored as a regional group.
Each of the 3 Koto Sanzan temples has stone steps and slopes, and they can become crowded during the autumn foliage season, so it is better to explore each temple carefully than to rush through all 3 in 1 day.
Taga Taisha Shrine｜Visit Taikō Bridge and the Oku-Shoin Garden
Taga Taisha Shrine is affectionately known as “O-Taga-san” and enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
Within the grounds, you can see the steeply arched Taikō Bridge, the Stone of Longevity, the shrine buildings, and the Oku-Shoin Garden.
Taikō Bridge is steeper than it looks, so watch your footing even when passage is permitted.
If festivals or prayer ceremonies change the usual route, follow the guidance provided while worshipping.
Saimyō-ji Temple｜A National Treasure Main Hall, 3-Story Pagoda, and Moss-Covered Grounds
Saimyō-ji Temple in Kōra is 1 of the Koto Sanzan, with its National Treasure Main Hall and 3-story pagoda standing on a mountain slope.
Moss, stone walls, and trees line the approach and surround the architecture, changing the scenery as you climb through the precincts.
Rather than visiting only for the autumn leaves, look at the temple roofs, bracket complexes, and garden stone arrangements for a rewarding experience outside the peak season as well.
Choose shoes with good traction when the stone steps are wet.
Kongōrin-ji Temple｜The Long Approach to the Main Hall and a Scenic Garden
Kongōrin-ji Temple in Aishō has its Main Hall at the end of a long approach, where stone Buddhist images, Jizō statues, and moss create a tranquil space.
The garden at the main residence and the mountaintop temple complex offer different kinds of highlights, so do not rush through either one.
Allow extra time for transportation and worship during the autumn foliage season, and check on-site signs for photography rules inside halls and around Buddhist statues.
Hyakusai-ji Temple｜A Stone-Walled Approach and a Garden with Distant Views
Hyakusai-ji Temple in Higashiomi has a stone-walled approach with the atmosphere of a mountain castle, while its main residence garden overlooks the Koto Plain.
Walking with its history of destruction and reconstruction in mind helps reveal why the present temple complex and stone walls have been preserved.
Appreciate the garden's water and stones together with the elevation changes leading to the temple gate as a single landscape.
Because there are many slopes, adjust how far you walk on rainy days.
Practical Worship Etiquette and Route Planning
Religious traditions, enshrined deities, worship practices, and photography restrictions differ at each temple and shrine.
Do not impose general customs; prioritize the signs at entrances and inside halls.
Some places are not suitable for wearing hats, speaking loudly, using tripods, or eating and drinking.
Rather than making goshuin seals or amulets your only purpose, first worship the principal image or enshrined deity and check reception hours.
| Situation | Recommended Action | Action to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Give priority to pedestrians | Block the path |
| Inside a hall | Check posted signs | Take unauthorized photographs |
| Stone steps | Use the handrail | Pass others in a hurry |
| Garden | Stay on the path | Step onto moss or stones |
| Lakeshore | Use the observation area | Cross the national highway |
In Otsu, choose 1 or 2 sites from Miidera, Omi Jingu, and Ishiyama-dera along the railway lines, and visit Mount Hiei on a separate day to leave enough time.
Public transportation to the Koto Sanzan may operate only on limited days or with limited service, making it important to check access information.
Prepare for winter mountain roads, crowds on event days, and changes to areas open for worship because of repairs, and check visitor information shortly before your trip.
Summary｜Explore Shiga's Sacred Sites Together with Mountains, Lake, and Temple Towns
Shiga's shrines and temples tell regional stories: mountain worship on Mount Hiei, imperial culture in Otsu, waterside faith in Kosei, and groups of historic temples in Koto.
Rather than simply counting off 10 sites, connect the approaches, shrine and temple buildings, gardens, and temple towns within 1 region for a deeper understanding.
Allow extra time for walking and transportation, respect each place of prayer, and worship quietly.
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