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A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Shakugoji Temple (Hiyoshi Shrine)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市高月町唐川1055
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–16:00)
DepthSolemnityStillness
The wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon is enshrined in the Kannon Hall at Shakugoji Temple (Hiyoshi Shrine). Dating from the Heian period and thought to have been made in the 9th century, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved mainly from a single piece of cypress, the body was hollowed from both front and back, and its lacquer-gilt finish shows features resembling the wood-core dry-lacquer technique. Together with another bodhisattva image traditionally identified as Sho Kannon, it has long been preserved as a principal image and revered as the 'Korori Kannon,' believed to turn misfortune into benefit. Viewing is from 9:00 to 16:00 and requires advance reservation.
Oyama Shakado (Hakusan Shrine)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県長浜市高月町尾山173-1
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (by phone)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden seated Shaka Nyorai is enshrined at Oyama Shakado (Hakusan Shrine). Dating from around the 10th century in the middle Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from a single piece of cypress, the figure has a solid, substantial presence and is preserved as a relic of Anrakuji, once one of the leading temples of the Mt. Kodakami Buddhist complex known as the “Seven Temples of Sozan.” A seated Dainichi Nyorai of the Diamond Realm is also enshrined in the hall. Advance telephone reservation is required for viewing.
Nishino Yakushido
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市高月町西野1696
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (at least 2 days in advance; 9:00–16:00; no viewing 12:00–13:00; closed Mon/Tue and Dec 1–Mar 31)
GentlenessDignityPeacefulness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined at Nishino Yakushido. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its plump, gentle expression, raised chest, and full abdomen give the figure both softness and a dignified sense of volume. Together with the hall's standing Yakushi Nyorai, it has long been revered as a Buddha for protection against stroke. Even after the former Tendai temple Senmyoji at this site fell into ruin through warfare, the images were preserved by local residents. Viewing is available by reservation at least two days in advance.
Keisokuji Temple (housed in Kokokaku)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市木之本町古橋1103
Visiting Status Open for viewing (weekends and public holidays from March 1 to December 15; daily in November; 9:00–16:00, last admission 15:30; closed December 16 through the end of February)
RefinementGentlenessDepth
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon was handed down at Keisokuji Temple and is now housed in the Kokokaku repository. Known as an early Heian-period work, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The slender figure is draped in robes carved with flowing lines, and its face combines a keen, dignified expression with a sense of gentleness. The aged patina remaining over the body gives the image both weight and warmth. After the mountain temples declined in the wake of the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji period, the statue continued to be protected in the Furuhashi community at the foot of the mountain and is now displayed at Kokokaku.
Tojuin Temple
Buddhist Image Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市余呉町菅並492
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (viewing fee ¥300; confirm current conditions with the temple)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
The Wooden Standing Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined in the Kannon Hall at Tojuin Temple. An ink inscription on the back dates its creation to Kenpo 4 (1216), in the early Kamakura period, and it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The figure stands about 172 cm high and is carved from a single piece of kaya wood. Its calm expression is balanced by a dignified, upright presence. It is worshipped in the hall together with a seated Dainichi Nyorai and other Buddhist images. Advance reservation is required for viewing.
Raigenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市弓削町173
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (viewable only on August 25 each year)
PowerDignityRefinement
The Wooden Standing Sho Kannon is enshrined in the Kannon Hall (storage repository) in a detached precinct of Raigenji Temple. Dating from around the 10th century in the middle Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The figure is 178.8 cm high and carved from a single piece of cypress, with the back hollowed out. It holds a lotus in the left hand, lowers the right hand, and stands with the waist turned slightly. Its prominent facial features, thick neck, substantial body, and deep wave-pattern drapery folds (honpa-shiki) show the powerful character of Heian-period sculpture. It can currently be viewed only on August 25 each year.
Jinshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon in Half Relief Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市新庄寺町323
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Wednesday 14:00–16:00; Sunday 15:00–16:30; confirm current conditions with the temple)
MysteryDepthSolemnity
The Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon in Half Relief is preserved at Jinshoji Temple. Dating from the late Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The lacquer-gilt wooden image presents Thousand-Armed Kannon in half relief on the halo, with even the objects held in the hands carved in relief, making it an exceptionally rare form in wood. Although similar techniques are seen in stone images, they are uncommon in wooden sculpture, and the work is considered important for the history of late-Heian sculpture and the study of the attributes of Thousand-Armed Kannon. Temple treasury viewing is by advance reservation on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Zensuiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Monju Bosatsu in Monastic Form Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県湖南市岩根3518
Visiting Status Open for viewing (individual visitors do not need reservations; 9:00–16:00, until 17:00 from April to October; inner sanctuary closed during services)
DepthRefinementStillness
The Wooden Seated Monju Bosatsu in Monastic Form is enshrined in the National Treasure Main Hall at Zensuiji Temple. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Unlike the usual lion-riding bodhisattva form of Monju, this image is represented as a Buddhist monk. Such monastic-form Monju images are exceptionally rare: this is the only example in Shiga Prefecture, and one of only three nationally designated examples in Japan. It belongs to a group of ten images, including the principal Yakushi Nyorai, modeled around the Shoryaku era on the deities of Enryakuji's Konpon Chudo, preserving the only surviving ensemble in Japan that conveys the arrangement of the hall in the Heian period. It can be viewed during regular temple hours.
Saimyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Crowned Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
滋賀県犬上郡甲良町大字池寺26
Visiting Status Special viewing (October 1–December 13, 2026)
PowerDignityNobility
The Crowned Bishamonten is displayed for a limited period in the inner sanctuary of Saimyoji Temple's National Treasure Main Hall. Dating from the Kamakura period, it is made of joined cypress wood and has crystal eyes. Unusually for a Bishamonten image, the figure wears a crown, raises the right foot high, and powerfully tramples the head of a demon. The image combines the fierce presence associated with prayers for victory with the noble beauty of a deity of wealth, and tradition holds that it was deeply revered by Uesugi Kenshin and other renowned warriors. It is on special view from October 1 through December 13, 2026.
Kongorinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県愛知郡愛荘町松尾寺874
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (8:30–16:30; temple grounds close at 17:00)
NobilityRefinementStillness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in the National Treasure Main Hall at Kongorinji Temple. Dating from the middle Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The figure stands 172.4 cm high and is carved mainly from a single piece of cypress. It is said to have once been the principal image of Okadera, a former sub-temple within the mountain precincts. In the Main Hall, it can be viewed at close range together with other Important Cultural Property Buddhist images.
Saikyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県大津市坂本5丁目13-1
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:30)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
The Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai, principal image of Saikyoji Temple, is enshrined on the shumidan altar in the Important Cultural Property Main Hall. Dating from the 12th century in the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This large joroku image is made in joined-wood construction with lacquer-gilt finish and carved eyes, and tradition holds that it was moved here in 1574 from Jofukuji Temple in Koka. Its near-square rounded face, narrow half-closed eyes, and balanced proportions show the Jocho style popular in the late Heian period, while its surviving boat-shaped halo with flying celestial figures is especially rare. It can be viewed in the Main Hall during regular temple hours.
Tomon-in Temple (Moriyama Kannon)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Fudo Myo-o with Two Attendant Boys Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
滋賀県守山市守山2丁目2-46
Visiting Status Open for viewing (9:00–16:00; admission 500 yen)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The Wooden Seated Fudo Myoo with Two Attendant Boys is enshrined in the Goma Hall (Fudo Hall) at Tomon-in Temple, known as Moriyama Kannon. Dating from the Heian period, the group is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The central seated Fudo is a large half-joroku image and is described by Moriyama City as the largest in Omi, flanked by Seitaka and Kongara attendants. Preserved at the temple traditionally founded by Saicho as the eastern gate of Mount Hiei, the group remains an object of worship in the Goma Hall. It can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00.
Shofukuji Temple (Koka)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県甲賀市甲南町杉谷2928
Visiting Status Secret image (opened annually on August 10; full opening every 33 years and intermediate opening every 17 years)
NobilityMysteryStillness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined inside a zushi shrine in the Main Hall of Shofukuji Temple in Koka. Standing 136 cm high on an archaic-style lotus pedestal, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku and later served as a prayer temple for the Tokugawa shogunal house in the Edo period. The image has long been revered as a rare north-facing Kannon and as the “Yotsugi Kannon” associated with prayers for family succession. Normally kept as a secret image, it is opened every August 10, with a full opening every 33 years and an intermediate opening every 17 years.
Senkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県甲賀市水口町嶬峨1613
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (unattended temple; contact the Koka City Tourism and Community Development Association)
NobilitySolemnityStillness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon, principal image of Senkoji Temple, dates from the late Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded by Gyoki in the Nara period and was once counted among the six major temples of Koka. Although the temple is unattended today, the image in the repository can be viewed by advance reservation through the Koka City Tourism and Community Development Association.
Takatsuki Kannon Hall (Daienji Temple)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市高月町高月4
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–16:00; admission 300 yen; contact the Kannon Concierge)
GentlenessWarmthStillness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon is the principal image of Takatsuki Kannon Hall (Daienji Temple). Dating from around the Muromachi period, it is designated a cultural property of Nagahama City. The life-size image has forty-two arms and retains an unpainted wood surface, showing features modeled on an older sculptural type. Tradition holds that during a time of warfare it escaped destruction by fire and was found standing on a rock, and it has long been revered as the “Kannon of Fire Protection,” believed to protect the village from fire. Advance reservation is required for viewing.
Zenryuji Temple (Wakurado)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市西浅井町山門964
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (telephone reservation through the Kannon Concierge; admission by donation)
RefinementDepthStillness
The Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon enshrined at Zenryuji Temple’s Wakurado dates from the Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from a single block of cypress, the approximately one-meter-high image holds a vase in its left hand. Its restrained form combines elegance with a strong sense of weight. Wakurado also preserves a wooden Buddha head identified as Amida Nyorai, likewise an Important Cultural Property. Viewing requires advance telephone reservation through the Kannon Concierge.
Zenchoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Bato Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市余呉町池原885
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (admission ¥300; contact Zenchoji Temple)
PowerDignityMystery
The Standing Bato Kannon is enshrined in the Kannon Hall on the grounds of Zenchoji Temple. It was originally the principal image of the Tendai-sect Manpukuji Temple on Besshoyama in Ikehara. After Manpukuji was destroyed by fire during the Sengoku period, it was rebuilt at the foot of the mountain in Keicho 16 (1611). When the temple later deteriorated in the Meiji period, the principal image was transferred to Zenchoji, where it remains today. Zenchoji also serves as a memorial temple for the Menju brothers and other warriors who died in the Battle of Shizugatake, and is the 25th temple of the Ika Saigoku pilgrimage. Advance reservation is required for viewing.
Daidenji Temple (Kio Yakushido)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県長浜市木尾町
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (admission ¥500; telephone reservation arranged through the Kannon Concierge)
GentlenessDignityStillness
The Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai enshrined at Daidenji Temple (Kio Yakushido) is traditionally dated to the late Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The imposing seated image stands 143.8 cm high, and its gentle expression, with the eyes lowered in a half-closed gaze, clearly reflects Heian-period characteristics. A local tradition holds that it and the Yakushi Nyorai at nearby Uryu Yakushido were carved around the same time from the same tree. Advance reservation is required for viewing.
Tadakoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県長浜市田村町338
Visiting Status Open to the public once a year (during the Hatsuyakushi service on February 8; confirm the time in advance; regular individual viewing is not available)
PowerDignityMystery
The Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Tadakoji Temple. Believed to date from the closing phase of the early Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Larger than life-size and carved from a single block of wood, the figure has large spiral curls, a powerful countenance, and deeply carved robe folds that create a strong sense of mass and religious gravitas. Its mysterious, forceful presence is characteristic of early esoteric Buddhist sculpture. Individual viewing is not normally accepted, but the image can be seen by the general public during the annual Hatsuyakushi service on February 8; visitors should confirm the time in advance.
Kanzanji Temple (Kozenkan)
Buddhist Image Wood-core Dry-Lacquer Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市余呉町坂口690
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (weekends and public holidays; groups of 5 or more; reserve at least one week in advance; admission ¥500)
MysteryNobilityDepth
The Wood-core Dry-Lacquer Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon can be viewed at Kozenkan, the foothill temple facility of Kanzanji. Dating to the early Heian period (9th century), it is designated a cultural property of Nagahama City. The figure stands 102.8 cm high. It was made using the ancient wood-core dry-lacquer technique, in which lacquer-based modeling material is built up over a wooden core. The full volume from the waist to the knees and the deeply modeled robe folds show characteristics of early Heian sculpture. Its plump face and subtly twisted stance are also striking. Viewing is by advance reservation for groups of five or more on weekends and public holidays, with reservations required at least one week in advance.