Tucked away in the quiet hills of Nagahama, Shakudoji Temple guards a powerful spiritual heritage. Known only to locals, it houses an eleven-faced Kannon carved by Saichō, the founder of Japan’s Tendai Buddhism. Surrounded by 130 ancient idols and rooted in a village of 40 households, the temple survived Nobunaga’s fires and the Meiji purge. Every autumn, it displays its treasures during the Kannon no Sato Festival. A place of silence, secrecy, and faith—unchanged for over a

Explore Japan’s spiritual past on MK’s Shiga Ōtsu Temple Tour. Visit Ishiyama-dera, where The Tale of Genji was born, and Enryakuji, the mountain fortress of Tendai Buddhism. Travel in silence, comfort, and reverence—gliding between temple groves and sacred halls without the burden of transit stress. From the shores of Lake Biwa to the heights of Mount Hiei, MK’s private charter carries you deeper into stillness, story, and soul.

Discover Ishiyama-dera Temple, where Murasaki Shikibu found the inspiration to write The Tale of Genji. Overlooking Lake Biwa, this hillside sanctuary fuses literary history with spiritual legend—gold-prayer miracles, moonlit musings, and the 13th stop on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage. Let MK guide you through cedar forests, Heian-era echoes, and the place where Japan’s first novel began.

High in the mists of Mount Hiei, Enryakuji Temple still hums with the presence of monks, mysteries, and mountain gods. Once Japan’s most powerful Buddhist complex, this spiritual fortress has endured sieges, fires, and political collapse—yet its eternal light still burns. From ancient warrior monks to modern ascetics on the kaihōgyō path, this is the sacred seat of Tendai Buddhism. Follow MK into Japan’s mother mountain of awakening.

Floating on the waves of Lake Biwa, Chikubushima Island has drawn pilgrims and poets for over 1,300 years. Home to Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, it’s said to be a power spot—where Benzaiten, the goddess of music and fortune, still answers prayers. Part of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage and steeped in imperial lore, this 2-kilometer sanctuary offers myth, history, and stillness—all in a single ferry ride.

Discover the top 5 places to savor Ōmi Beef in Shiga, Japan's oldest wagyu legacy. Experience Ōmi Beef's rich history and exquisite taste.

Explore Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, rich in natural beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural legends.

Shiga Autumn Activities: Temple Autumn Colors, Asian Cermanics exhibition, Autumn Harvest Afternoon Tea.