Iwaya Zenkodo

Iwaya Zenkodo is a Buddhist temple located in the Iogi district of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, in central Japan. The temple represents one of the quieter religious sites in this rural region, situated approximately 20 minutes by bullet train from Kyoto. While specific founding dates and historical details remain undocumented in English-language sources, the temple forms part of Maibara's historic religious landscape alongside other local temples and shrines.

The temple is positioned within Maibara's agricultural countryside, surrounded by rice fields and traditional villages. This setting offers visitors a glimpse into rural Japanese life away from major tourist centers. The area around Iwaya Zenkodo features scenic farmland and represents the traditional agricultural character of the Shiga Prefecture region, which borders Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake.

Visitors typically experience Iwaya Zenkodo as part of cycling tours through the Maibara countryside. The temple appears on 13-kilometer beginner-friendly cycling routes that showcase rural Japanese life, with guided tours allocating approximately 30 minutes for temple visits. These tours often combine visits to multiple religious sites, natural springs, and agricultural areas, providing context for understanding local traditions and rural culture.

The temple is accessible from Maibara Station, a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. From Kyoto, travelers take eastbound bullet trains, though some Hikari services and all Nozomi trains bypass Maibara Station. The temple is located in the Iogi area and can be reached by bicycle or local transport from the station. Admission information has not been widely publicized, suggesting the temple may offer free entry as is common with smaller rural temples in Japan.