西光院, Buddhist temple in Ishioka, Japan.

Saikoin is a Buddhist temple located on elevated ground with traditional Japanese architectural elements, featuring wooden structures and dark sloped tiled roofs. The site displays classic craftsmanship and details typical of temples in this region.

According to tradition, the monk Tokuitsu Daishi from Kyoto founded Saikoin in 807, the second year of the Daido era. It was originally a Hosso school temple, became Shingon in the Kamakura period, and later joined the Tendai school. The main hall burned in 1777 and was rebuilt in 1791.

The main hall, rebuilt in 1791 after a 1777 fire, is a kake-zukuri structure raised on many pillars set into a steep rock face, which earned it the name "Kanto's Kiyomizu-dera"; it is a prefectural tangible cultural property. The honzon is a horse-headed Kannon carved from natural stone. A standing wooden Kannon over 5 m tall, once kept at Hase-dera in Yoshio, is also a prefectural cultural property, and the temple bell is designated by Ishioka city.

You can reach the temple on foot or by bus from the nearest train station, with regular services throughout the day. The grounds are easiest to visit during months with milder weather.

The main hall, rebuilt in 1791 after a 1777 fire, stands on a steep rock face supported by many pillars in a style called kake-zukuri, or stage construction. Its resemblance to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto earned it the name "Kiyomizu of Kanto". It is a prefectural tangible cultural property.