Overview
Kongorin-ji is an ancient Tendai temple in the Matsuo-dera district of Aisho, Shiga, with the mountain name Shohozan. Locally it is also called Matsuo-dera, and its principal image is a hidden statue of Sho Kannon Bosatsu. Together with Saimyo-ji and Hyakusai-ji, it forms the Koto Sanzan, three temples at the foot of the Suzuka mountains. Centered on its National Treasure Main Hall, the temple preserves a scenic garden and many Important Cultural Property statues, and is famed nationwide for its crimson autumn foliage known as the 'blood-dyed maples'.
Highlights
- ●The Main Hall designated a National Treasure
- ●The crimson 'blood-dyed maples' of autumn
- ●A pond garden named a National Place of Scenic Beauty
- ●Jizo statues and red pinwheels along the approach
History
Temple tradition attributes its founding to the Nara-period monk Gyoki, and it was established as a Tendai temple in the Heian period. Over its long history many halls and pagodas were raised; the Main Hall is now a National Treasure, and numerous statues from the Heian period onward survive as Important Cultural Properties. As one of the Koto Sanzan alongside Saimyo-ji and Hyakusai-ji, and as a station on pilgrimage routes such as the Omi Saigoku 33 and the Lake Biwa 108 Sacred Sites, it still draws devout worshippers.
Access
The temple sits at the western foot of the Suzuka range in Matsuo-dera, Aisho, Shiga. It is close to the Koto Sanzan Smart Interchange on the Meishin Expressway, making a visit by car convenient. By public transport, it is common to take a bus or taxi from a station on the Tokaido Main Line; extra services sometimes run during the autumn foliage season. Check official sources for the latest timetables.
Best season
The greatest draw is the autumn foliage, when the deep-red 'blood-dyed maples' spread across the grounds. The maples lining the stone-stepped approach usually peak from mid to late November. Early summer is also lovely, when the mossy garden glows green and worship can be enjoyed in quiet.
Map
35.1613, 136.2831 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Climb the stone steps from the main gate
- 2Walk to the Main Hall past the rows of Jizo
- 3View the National Treasure hall and its cultural-property statues
- 4Savor the seasonal scenery in the scenic garden
Did you know?
💡 Countless Jizo statues and little red pinwheels line the approach, a sight unique to Kongorin-ji. The name 'blood-dyed maples' comes from the way the leaves turn a burning crimson. The garden is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and shifts its mood with each season.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!