Hōmyō-in, Buddhist temple in Mii-dera, Otsu, Japan
Hōmyō-in is a temple complex located within the larger Mii-dera compound, situated at the foot of Mount Hiei near Lake Biwa in Otsu. The buildings and grounds feature multiple halls, gardens, and spaces designed for prayer and Buddhist practice.
The complex belongs to the Tendai-jimon Buddhist sect, which emerged from a major split between Mii-dera and Enryaku-ji temples. This division shaped the religious character of the region for centuries.
The sliding doors inside feature hand-painted designs where gold leaf is carefully incorporated into the artwork. Visitors can see this traditional craftsmanship as they move through the temple spaces.
Visitors can join workshops where Buddhist monks teach traditional techniques for making personal prayer beads. It is best to plan ahead since activities have limited spaces and require time to complete.
The grounds contain the grave of Ernest Fenollosa, an American scholar who helped protect Japanese art during major changes in the 1800s. His presence here links this place to Western appreciation of Japanese cultural heritage.
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