Kongorinji Temple

Overview

Kongorinji Temple, founded by the monk Gyoki, is one of the three major Tendai sect temples in the Koto area. The main hall, known as Tenpyo Daibikaku, is a designated National Treasure and houses numerous important cultural properties, including a seated statue of Amitabha Buddha, Fudo Myoo, Bishamonten Zoli statue, Eleven-faced Kannon, and statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The temple is famous for its vibrant autumn foliage, especially from mid to late November when the entire mountain turns crimson with Japanese maple and trident maple trees. The foliage around the main hall and in the scenic garden is so intensely red that it's known as "blood-dyed maple leaves." Kongorinji Temple is located at 873 Matsuo-ji, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture. It is accessible by a 45-minute bus ride from Hikone Station. During the peak foliage season, a shuttle bus operates from Hikone Station (reservations recommended). By car, it's a 1-minute drive from the Koto Sanzan Smart Interchange (ETC required) or a 20-minute drive from the Meishin Hikone Interchange.

Visit Information

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Additional Information

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms ○ Accessibility: Guide dogs allowed ○