Anō temple ruins

Anō temple ruins are the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple complex in Otsu with visible foundations, stone bases, and the outlines of multiple interconnected buildings. The site shows traces of towers, pathways, and structures that once formed a large religious center.

The temple was founded during the Otsu-kyo period when Japan's capital was located in this region, making it a center of religious and political importance. Archaeological excavations in the 1920s uncovered the building foundations and distinctive roof tiles that linked the site to this significant historical era.

The ruins show how Buddhist monks lived and worshipped in this complex long ago. Walking through the site, you can sense the layout of daily religious life from the way the buildings once connected to each other.

The ruins are located near Keihan Minamishiga Station and can be reached on foot without a long walk. Since it is an outdoor site with open terrain and scattered remains, comfortable footwear and sun protection are helpful for exploring.

The roof tiles found at the ruins feature a distinctive scorpion crest pattern that is rarely seen on other temples from this period. This unusual detail provides a direct connection between the site and the imperial court of the Otsu-kyo era.