Complete Guide to Anyo-ji (Shiga Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of the Charm of Tachiki Kannon and the Famous Temple in Ritto
Shiga Prefecture has multiple temples named “Anyo-ji,” but particularly famous are the “Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji (Tachiki Kannon)” in Ishiyama Nangomachi, Otsu City, and the “Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji” in Ritto City. This article provides detailed explanations of these two Anyo-ji temples, covering their history, highlights within the temple grounds, cultural properties, and access methods. We offer essential information for those considering temple tours, cultural property appreciation, and prayers for removing misfortune.
Table of Contents
- About Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji (Otsu City)
- History and Origins of Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji
- Tachiki Kannon Temple Grounds and Highlights
- Faith as a Sacred Site for Removing Misfortune
- About Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji (Ritto City)
- History and Founding of Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji
- Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji Temple Grounds and Cultural Properties
- Anyo-ji Garden | A Scenic Beauty Modeled on the Eight Views of Omi
- Location and Access Information
- Precautions During Visits and Parking Information
About Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji (Otsu City)
Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji is a Pure Land Buddhist temple located in Ishiyama Nangomachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. With the mountain name Tachiki-yama (Standing Wood Mountain) and principal image of Kannon Bodhisattva, it is widely known by the common names “Tachiki Kannon” and “Tachiki-yama-ji.” Locally, it is affectionately called “Tachiki-san,” and many pilgrims visit this sacred site.
It is designated as the 20th temple of the Neo-Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage Sites and serves as an important pilgrimage center. Located within the Biwako Quasi-National Park area, its setting surrounded by rich natural environment is also one of its attractions.
Characteristics of Tachiki Kannon
The greatest characteristic of Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji is the tradition that Kobo Daishi Kukai, at age 42 during his unlucky year, founded the temple. Because of this, it has long been revered as a temple for removing misfortune, and people entering their unlucky year particularly visit from throughout the nation. The principal image, Kannon Bodhisattva, is said to have been carved from a living tree, which is the origin of the name “Tachiki Kannon.”
The Tachiki-yama where the temple is located is in a mountain at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, and pilgrims must climb stone steps to visit. These stone steps consist of approximately 800 steps, which serve as a place of practice for visitors. Beyond the stone steps lies a spectacular vista overlooking Lake Biwa, soothing the fatigue of pilgrimage.
History and Origins of Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji
Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji is said to have been founded during the Konin era (810-824). When Kobo Daishi Kukai reached his 42nd unlucky year, he is said to have founded the temple to remove his own misfortune and save all sentient beings. It is an ancient temple with these origins.
Traditions of Founding
According to tradition, when Kobo Daishi ascended the Seta River, he sensed spiritual energy on Tachiki-yama and climbed the mountain. There, he carved an image of Kannon Bodhisattva on a living tree (also said to be a cinnamon tree) and built a hall. This origin of the image carved into a living tree is the source of the name Tachiki Kannon.
Historical Transitions
From the Heian through the Kamakura periods, Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji prospered as a Tendai Buddhist temple. It maintained deep connections with Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, and many monks used it as a place of practice. During the Warring States period, it declined due to the impact of warfare, but with the Edo period it was revitalized as a Pure Land Buddhist temple.
From the early modern period onward, faith in Kannon as the remover of misfortune spread, and among the common people it became known affectionately as “Tachiki-san.” Particularly, pilgrims at age 42 of their unlucky year visited in large numbers, and this tradition continues today.
Tachiki Kannon Temple Grounds and Highlights
The grounds of Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji spread across natural, mountainous terrain. Pilgrims can ascend approximately 800 stone steps while visiting various halls and stone Buddhas arranged throughout the grounds.
Main Hall and Principal Image
The main hall houses the principal image of Kannon Bodhisattva. It is considered a secret Buddha, so usually a standing image (a substitute Kannon) greets pilgrims. The interior of the main hall is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, and many pilgrims quietly offer their prayers.
Stone Steps and Sacred Path
The approach to Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji consists of approximately 800 stone steps. These steps are also called the “Stone Steps for Removing Misfortune,” and there is a belief that climbing each step removes one’s misfortune. Rest areas are provided along the steps, allowing visitors to proceed at their own pace.
Many stone Buddhas and Jizo statues are arranged along the steps, watching over pilgrims. Visitors can also experience nature in each season as they climb, enjoying different scenery such as fresh green in spring and autumn foliage.
Views from the Observation Point
From around the main hall, there is an observation point with a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. On clear days, one can see the vast expanse of the lake and mountains on the opposite shore. This vista is loved as “Lake Biwa from Tachiki-san,” and many photography enthusiasts visit.
Faith as a Sacred Site for Removing Misfortune
Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji is nationally recognized as a sacred site for removing misfortune. Particularly, many pilgrims at age 42 of their unlucky year visit, and throughout the year numerous supplicants come to offer prayers.
Methods of Misfortune Removal Prayer
Those wishing to perform a misfortune removal prayer should register at the main hall. Upon paying the prayer fee, a Buddhist priest will conduct sutra recitation and prayers. After the prayer ceremony, a misfortune-removal amulet and protective charm are given, which the pilgrim takes home to display.
Annual Events
Throughout the year, Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji conducts various religious services and events. Particularly during New Year’s visits, Setsubun misfortune removal prayers, and spring and autumn equinox services, many pilgrims gather. These events have become important annual occasions for local people and serve as a place of faith.
About Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji (Ritto City)
On the other hand, Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji, located in Ritto City, is an ancient temple of the Shingon Izumi School. Also named “Anyo-ji,” it is a different temple from Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji in Otsu City. With the mountain name Tohoku-yama (Eastern Direction Mountain) and principal image of a wooden Medicine Buddha, it is designated as a national important cultural property. Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji is also known as the location of “Snow Flowers on the Spring Surface,” one of the “Eight Views of Ritto,” and is attractive for its beautiful garden and historic structures.
Overview of Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji
Located at 88 Anyo-ji, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture, the temple is accessible from Ritto Station or Kusatsu Station on the JR Biwa Lake Line. The temple is situated in a quiet residential area, allowing for peaceful pilgrimage.
Within the grounds are nationally designated important cultural property stone thirteen-tiered pagoda and a wooden Medicine Buddha, making it a must-see for cultural property enthusiasts. Additionally, the garden, designated as a scenic beauty by Shiga Prefecture, is highly valued as a pond-viewing landscape garden modeled on the Eight Views of Omi.
History and Founding of Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji
Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji is said to have been founded during the Tenpyo era (729-749), with the founding abbot being Roben Sojo (the eminent priest Roben). Roben Sojo served as the first abbot of Todai-ji Temple and played an important role in the Buddhist world during the Nara period.
Background of Founding
The Tenpyo era was during the reign of Emperor Shomu, a time when Buddhism was protected nationally. Provincial temples were built throughout the nation, and this was a period when Buddhist culture flourished. Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji is believed to have been founded within this tide of Buddhist prosperity.
History in the Muromachi Period
Notably, during the Choraku era (1487-1488), the ninth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshihisa, established a military camp at this location for his campaign against the Omi provincial governor Rokkaku Takayori. This military operation, called the “Magai Camp,” was an important event in Muromachi-period political history, and Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji was the stage for this historical event.
Changes After the Early Modern Period
During the Edo period, as a Shingon temple, it became the center of local faith and developed as a temple with many parishioners. After the Meiji Restoration, the impact of Buddhist temple destruction was comparatively minor, and the temple has preserved valuable cultural properties to the present day.
Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji Temple Grounds and Cultural Properties
The grounds of Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji contain numerous valuable cultural properties, including nationally designated important cultural properties.
Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties
Stone Thirteen-Tiered Pagoda
The stone thirteen-tiered pagoda erected within the grounds is said to be from the Kamakura period and is designated as a national important cultural property. Made of granite and standing approximately 4 meters tall, Buddhist images are carved into the central shaft of each tier. In excellent preservation, it is highly regarded as a masterpiece of Kamakura-period stone sculpture.
Wooden Medicine Buddha Seated Statue
The principal image, a wooden Medicine Buddha seated statue, is also a nationally designated important cultural property. Said to be from the late Heian period, it was carved from a single piece of cypress wood. Standing approximately 80 centimeters, it is characterized by a serene expression and well-proportioned form. Medicine Buddha is worshipped as the Buddha of healing illness, and many pilgrims visit to pray for health.
Main Hall and Various Structures
The main hall was rebuilt in the mid-Edo period and follows the typical style of a Shingon temple. The principal image of Medicine Buddha is enshrined within, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Also arranged within the grounds are the guest hall, storehouse, and other buildings supporting temple functions. These buildings are not always open to the public, but prior reservation may allow viewing.
Regarding Viewing Buddhist Images
Viewing of the important cultural property Buddha images requires advance reservation. Contact the temple directly, communicate your desired viewing date and time, and obtain permission. The viewing fee supports the temple’s maintenance and management, so visiting also represents cooperation in cultural property protection.
Anyo-ji Garden | A Scenic Beauty Modeled on the Eight Views of Omi
The garden of Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji is highly regarded as a scenic beauty designated by Shiga Prefecture. A pond-viewing landscape garden created in the late Edo period, it is characterized by its innovative composition expressing the Eight Views of Omi around a pond modeled on Lake Biwa.
Garden Composition
The garden spreads to the northwest of the guest hall, skillfully using the foot of Anyo-ji-yama as an artificial hill. The central pond models Lake Biwa, and around it are arranged landscape elements symbolizing the Eight Views of Omi.
The Eight Views of Omi refers to eight scenic areas around Lake Biwa: “Snow on Mount Hira,” “Returning Sails at Yabashi,” “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama,” “Evening Glow at Seta,” “Evening Calm at Awazu,” “Wild Geese at Katata,” “Night Rain at Karasaki,” and “Evening Bell at Mii.” The garden abstractly expresses these views, evoking in the viewer’s mind the beautiful landscapes of Omi.
Plantings and Landscape
Throughout the garden, carefully trimmed pines and azaleas are placed to enjoy seasonal changes. The garden is especially beautiful during spring azalea blooms and autumn foliage, attracting many garden enthusiasts.
Stone arrangements and lanterns are placed around the pond, expressing traditional Japanese aesthetic values throughout. The pond-viewing style of garden is designed with the assumption of viewing from a seated position in the guest hall, allowing one to quietly appreciate the garden’s beauty.
Regarding Garden Viewing
Garden viewing requires advance reservation. Contact the temple to communicate your desired viewing date and time, and obtain permission before visiting. The viewing fee supports the garden’s maintenance and management and serves as important revenue for transmitting this beautiful cultural property to future generations.
The garden is also the setting for “Snow Flowers on the Spring Surface,” one of the “Eight Views of Ritto.” The garden’s appearance during winter snowfall is exceptional, with the snow reflected in the water surface creating an ethereal beauty.
Location and Access Information
Detailed access methods to the two Anyo-ji temples in Shiga Prefecture are explained below.
Access to Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji (Otsu City)
Location
〒520-2264 1231 Okuyama, Ishiyama Nangomachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Access by Public Transportation
- From JR Biwa Lake Line “Ishiyama Station,” board Keihan Bus heading to “Ishiyama Danchi,” get off at “Tachiki Kannon-mae,” approximately 10-minute walk
- From JR Biwa Lake Line “Seta Station,” approximately 15 minutes by taxi
Access by Automobile
- Approximately 15 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Seta Nishi IC”
- Approximately 20 minutes from Shin-Meishin Expressway “Kusatsu Tagami IC”
Parking
Free parking is provided. Pilgrimage parking space is available, but congestion may occur during busy periods (New Year, Setsubun, etc.).
Access to Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji (Ritto City)
Location
〒520-3015 88 Anyo-ji, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture
Access by Public Transportation
- From JR Biwa Lake Line “Ritto Station,” approximately 25-minute walk or approximately 5 minutes by taxi
- From JR Biwa Lake Line “Kusatsu Station,” board Omibus heading to “Tobu Residential Area,” get off at “Anyo-ji,” approximately 3-minute walk
Access by Automobile
- Approximately 10 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Ritto IC”
- Approximately 15 minutes from Shin-Meishin Expressway “Kusatsu Tagami IC”
Parking
Parking space is available within the temple grounds. However, as space is limited, use of public transportation is recommended when possible.
Precautions During Visits and Parking Information
Key points to consider when visiting either temple are summarized below.
Clothing and Items During Pilgrimage
Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji requires climbing approximately 800 stone steps, making comfortable, easy-to-move clothing and sturdy shoes essential. Particularly during rain, stone steps become slippery, requiring caution. Bringing drinking water and towels is also recommended.
Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji is on flat ground, but advance reservation is necessary for garden viewing or Buddha image appreciation. Be sure to contact the temple before visiting to make a reservation.
Viewing Hours and Admission Fees
Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji
- Viewing hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (hours vary by season)
- Admission: Free (donation accepted)
- Misfortune removal prayer: By reservation, separate prayer fee
Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji
- Viewing hours: By reservation (usually 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Admission fee: Paid for both garden viewing and Buddha image appreciation (contact temple for details)
Photography
Photography within the grounds is basically permitted, but photography inside the main hall or of Buddha images may be prohibited. Confirm with temple staff before photographing, or check posted notices.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Near Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji are renowned tourist spots of the southern Lake Biwa area such as Ishiyama-ji Temple and the Seta Karahaski Bridge. Near Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji are the Kusatsu Lodging Station Headquarters and Ritto History and Folk Museum, allowing enjoyment of historical walks.
Significance of Visiting the Anyo-ji Temples of Shiga Prefecture
The two Anyo-ji temples in Shiga Prefecture each possess distinct charm. Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji fascinates many pilgrims as a sacred site for removing misfortune and as a scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Biwa. Meanwhile, Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji possesses nationally designated important cultural properties and a prefecturally designated scenic garden, allowing visitors to deeply experience history and culture.
Both temples are valuable presences transmitting the rich history and culture of Shiga Prefecture, and both are worthy of visits. Through pilgrimage, one gains mental peace while experiencing valuable opportunities to touch Japanese traditional culture.
Recommendation for Pilgrimage
Temple pilgrimage is a precious opportunity to step away from daily hustle and confront oneself. By quietly offering prayers within peaceful temple grounds and calming the mind, one can gain new insights and vitality.
When visiting Shiga Prefecture, please visit these Anyo-ji temples and feel the breath of history and faith. By confirming information beforehand and following proper etiquette during pilgrimage, a more enriching experience can be attained.
Summary
Anyo-ji temples in Shiga Prefecture, particularly Tachiki-yama Anyo-ji (Tachiki Kannon) in Otsu City and Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji in Ritto City, are temples with unique history and charm. Tachiki Kannon, revered as a sacred site for removing misfortune, and Tohoku-yama Anyo-ji, possessing important cultural properties and a scenic garden, are both preserved as cultural heritage of Shiga Prefecture.
By confirming access information and precautions before visiting and offering sincere prayers, a deeper experience can be gained. Those planning travel to Shiga Prefecture or temple tours should visit these Anyo-ji temples. Awaiting you is a wonderful experience of feeling the weight of history, the beauty of nature, and the power of faith.
