Kongorinji Temple 金剛輪寺

Visit Kongorinji Temple in Shiga to see National Treasures and a nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty.

You can reach the temple by train and then by taxi, or by a special shuttle bus in November.

Kongorinji Temple is a 15-minute taxi ride from Inae Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line (known as the Biwako Line in this area).

During peak leaf season in November, the Koto Sanzan Shuttle Bus runs between the three Koto Sanzan temples in the area and Hikone Station on the JR Line.

Kongorinji Temple was established in 741. Its main hall, built in 1288, miraculously survived attacks in 1573 and is now a National Treasure. It contains an 11-faced statue of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. There are 13 more statues designated as Important Cultural Properties here.

The temple's famous gardens were developed over hundreds of years, from the 16th to the mid-19th century. They are a designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

You will see hundreds of statues of Jizo, the Buddhist guardian of children, including the unborn, as well as travelers and firefighters. Kongorinji's many Jizo statues get loving treatment from the faithful.