明照寺

The temple features a main hall with 122 tatami mats, housing important artifacts including an Amida Nyorai statue and mortuary tablets of clan members.

The temple site was established in 1601 under the patronage of Ii Naomasa, the first lord of Hikone Domain, who chose this location for its strategic position.

The garden called Fudoraku incorporates traditional Zen design elements with 48 carefully positioned stones and white sand patterns representing natural landscapes.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds daily between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with winter hours ending at 4:00 PM from mid-November through February.

The temple contains a special rotating cabinet housing hand-copied Buddhist texts, which followers turn to receive spiritual wisdom according to local tradition.

Location: Hikone

Address: 滋賀県彦根市平田町744

GPS coordinates: 35.25492,136.24189

Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:06