What other travelers are saying about Onjoji Temple (Mitsui Temple)
It’s nice but visit only if you have some time. It had gigantic Koi Fish and beautiful rock formations. I found it bit commercial, to visit main alters, one has to pay.
I’ve visited twice, I enjoy the quiet vibe and the surrounding area makes me feel like I’m in a different world. The temple with the reflective flooring is also quite extraordinary. The staff are ok.
Beautiful and large temple grounds with signs in multiple languages and my favourite section was a small bridge with many koi fish you could feed with a bag of fish food for 100¥. I spent about 2hrs here. Make sure to go all the way to the top for great views of the grounds and Lake Biwa.
A rather large temple complex which costs 600 yen to enter. Note that there is some light climbing up stairs if you are immobile but it's easy getting around this temple. Expect to spend around an hour here and there is also a treasure house so did not enter which costs 300 yen. No photos inside the temple buildings. Would look great in autumn and crowds smaller as it's not Kyoto
The temple is officially known as Onjoji but is more commonly called Miidera or Mitsui Temple. The name "Miidera" comes from the legend that three emperors—Tenchi, Temmu, and Jito—used water from the temple's sacred spring to bathe newborn princes. "Mii" means "three wells," referring to this imperial connection. All three names refer to the same temple complex in Otsu City.
Spring is the most popular season to visit, particularly early April when the temple's approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom, creating spectacular scenery. Autumn is also beautiful when the foliage turns vibrant colors, typically from late October through November. The temple is less crowded than Kyoto's famous sites year-round, making it pleasant to visit in any season. Early morning visits offer the most peaceful atmosphere.
No, the main statue of Miroku Bosatsu housed in the Kondo (main hall) is a hidden Buddha that is never displayed to the public. This practice of concealing sacred images is common in Japanese Buddhism, where certain statues are considered too sacred for regular viewing. However, the temple displays many other valuable Buddhist artworks and artifacts in its treasure house that visitors can view with an additional admission fee.
A thorough visit to Onjoji Temple typically takes 2 to 3 hours to explore the main buildings, sub-temples, gardens, and enjoy the views of Lake Biwa. If you plan to visit the treasure house and walk all the paths through the extensive grounds, allow at least 3 hours. The uphill terrain requires moderate walking ability, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors often combine Onjoji with other attractions in Otsu or nearby Kyoto.
The Benkei Bell is a large bronze bell associated with the legendary warrior monk Benkei, who served under Minamoto no Yoshitsune in the 12th century. According to legend, Benkei stole the bell from Onjoji Temple and dragged it up Mount Hiei to the rival Enryakuji Temple. When monks there rang it, the bell is said to have produced a sound expressing its desire to return to Onjoji. The bell was eventually returned and remains one of the temple's most famous treasures and tourist attractions.
