Overview
Saikyo-ji is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei school of Buddhism, located in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kaikozan and its principal image is Amida Nyorai. It sits north of the Sakamoto district at the eastern foot of Mount Hiei, at the approach to Yokawa, one of the mountain's three pagoda precincts. Though less famous than Enryaku-ji or Onjo-ji, it is a venerable old temple heading the Tendai Shinsei school with more than 400 branch temples.
Highlights
- ●The prestige of a head temple of the Tendai Shinsei school
- ●Halls linked to Shinsei, the school's founder and reviver
- ●A precinct preserving national Important Cultural Properties
- ●A pilgrimage stop among Shotoku and Lake Biwa 108 sites
History
Its full name is Kenhossho Saikyo-ji. Tradition holds that it was founded by Prince Shotoku, though this is uncertain; the temple truly flourished after Shinsei, its great reviver and the founder of the Tendai Shinsei school, entered it in the Muromachi period. It is counted among pilgrimage sites including the Historical Sites of Prince Shotoku, the Shinbutsu Reijo pilgrimage route, the Lake Biwa 108 Pilgrimage Sites, and the 25 sacred sites of Shinsei Shonin, and its precinct preserves nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. For details of individual treasures, please consult official information.
Access
The temple is in Sakamoto, Otsu City, at roughly 35.08 degrees north and 135.87 degrees east, north of the temple town of Sakamoto at the eastern foot of Mount Hiei. It can be reached from Sakamoto-area stations on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line or the JR Kosei Line, and the Sakamoto district holds other sights such as Hiyoshi Taisha, the guardian shrine of Mount Hiei. Please confirm detailed transport and visiting hours through official sources.
Best season
Nestled in the hills at the eastern foot of Mount Hiei, the temple is especially beautiful in the fresh green of early summer and the colored leaves of autumn. Weekdays with fewer visitors are best for a calm visit. Combined with the temple town of Sakamoto, it makes for a leisurely day. Check the dates of events and special openings in advance for peace of mind.
Map
35.0816, 135.8661 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Saikyo-ji from the temple town of Sakamoto
- 2Worship the principal image, Amida Nyorai, in the main hall
- 3Tour the Important Cultural Properties and temple halls
- 4Extend your trip to nearby Sakamoto sights such as Hiyoshi Taisha
Did you know?
💡 Saikyo-ji is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei school, presiding over more than 400 branch temples. Standing at the approach to Yokawa, one of Mount Hiei's three pagoda precincts, with Hiyoshi Taisha, the mountain's guardian shrine, at the foot nearby, its setting is deeply woven into the world of Mount Hiei faith.
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