{"id":8033,"date":"2022-10-27T14:13:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T05:13:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/?p=8033"},"modified":"2023-11-08T12:21:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T03:21:19","slug":"koto-sanzan-temple-trio-autumn-foliage-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiga-ken.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/koto-sanzan-temple-trio-autumn-foliage-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Koto Sanzan Temple Trio autumn foliage 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Koto Sanzan<\/strong> <\/em>(\u6e56\u6771\u4e09\u5c71) is Shiga Prefecture’s famous trio of autumn foliage spots. The fall leaves are spectacular, contrasting with distinctive National Treasure Tendai Buddhist temple buildings and Japanese gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koto Sanzan<\/strong><\/em> is a trio of major Tendai Buddhist<\/a> temples in three different municipalities in eastern Shiga’s low mountains. They are famous for National Treasure buildings and autumn leaves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Saimyoji<\/a><\/strong> (\u897f\u660e\u5bfa) in Kora<\/a>, Kongorinji<\/a><\/strong> (\u91d1\u525b\u8f2a\u5bfa) in Aisho<\/a>, and Hyakusaiji<\/a><\/strong> (\u767e\u6e08\u5bfa) in Higashi-Omi<\/a> (see map below). They all have beautiful fall leaves. On sunny days, their autumn colors glow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, the Koto Sanzan<\/strong> autumn foliage peak period will be November 19th\u201323rd, 2022<\/strong>. Since the three temples are far from the train station and located apart from each other, convenient shuttle buses run from Hikone Station<\/a> to the three temples during this period. See the bus schedule below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shuttle bus day pass is \u00a51,800 (Momiji kippu<\/em><\/strong> \u3082\u307f\u3058\u304d\u3063\u3077) for adults and \u00a5900 for kids sold at Hikone Station’s west exit bus stop. The bus pass also gives you a \u00a550 discount for each temple admission fee. Temple hopping is easy with this bus pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Saimyoji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Kongorinji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Hyakusaiji\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Hyakusaiji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Koto Sanzan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Saimyoji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kongorinji\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Kongorinji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Hyakusaiji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Koto Sanzan<\/em> Temple Trio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each temple has unique characteristics, so each one is worth visiting. They all have stunning red maples, yellow gingko leaves, and greenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saimyoji’s<\/strong> path to the main temple and pagoda is lined with spectacular autumn colors. It\u2019s deservedly one of Japan\u2019s 100 Grand Autumn Foliage Sites<\/a>. Both the main temple and pagoda are National Treasures that you can enter. The temple was established in 834 in Kora Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kongorinji<\/strong> is landscaped with many colorfully dressed Jizo statues. The main temple is a National Treasure housing an 11-faced Kannon statue and 13 other statues that are Important Cultural Properties. The three-story pagoda built in 1246 is a National Important Cultural Property and surrounded by autumn colors. The pride of Aisho Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyakusaiji<\/strong> in Higashi-Omi is famous for giant straw sandals on a gate and a Japanese garden. Established by Shotoku Taishi<\/a> in 609, it’s Shiga Prefecture\u2019s oldest temple and one of Japan\u2019s oldest. After entering the gate adorned with giant straw sandals, see the Hondo temple hall with an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi, a prince credited with spreading Buddhism in Japan. The temple is noted for a large, hillside Japanese garden. The main temple is a National Important Cultural Property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koto Sanzan rules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n