Ichino-dera Temple

Overview

Ichino-dera Temple, also known as Kashiwa-no-dera, is located in Koka, Shiga Prefecture. It is accessible by a 15-minute bus ride from JR Kusatsu Line Koka Station or a 35-minute walk from Aburahi Station. The temple is famous for its principal image, a wooden eleven-faced Kannon statue seated at 312cm, considered one of the largest of its kind in Japan. The statue is usually kept hidden but is specially unveiled during the spring and autumn seasons, and once every 33 years. The temple grounds feature stone Buddhas along the approach and seasonal flora, including maple trees. A sumo ring is also located on the grounds, where traditional sumo wrestling is performed during the autumn festival on October 18.

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