Shiga

Pagoda and Main Hall at Kongorinji

Autumn splendor at a temple in the Suzuka mountains

Cathy Cawood Oct 20, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The pagoda is surrounded by maple trees</p>

<p>Huge rope sandals hang on Nitenmon, the gate to the main hall</p>

<p>Looking through the gate toward the incense altar</p>

<p> Wonderful autumn foliage around the pagoda</p>

<p>The roof of the temple's main hall peeking over the trees  </p>

<p>Yellow leaves contrast with dark wood</p>

<p>Autumn leaves floating in the water basin</p>

<p>Red and yellow maples overhang a rough stone wall</p>

<p>The temple is reached by a path lined with ojizo statues</p>

<p>A small shrine with two stone lanterns at the bottom of the slope</p>

Kongorinji is one of three old Kotosanzan temples in Shiga, all of them famous for autumn color. The main hall of Kongorinji dates back to 741, and contains a eleven-faced statue of Kannon, along with thirteen other statues all designated as Important Cultural Properties. They are pretty amazing, actually, so see them if you get a chance! In autumn it is possible to see the inside of the pagoda. The pagoda looks amazing rising above the maple trees. A word of warning though - if possible it is better to visit on a weekday, because at the weekends during autumn there are busloads of tourists!

More info

Find out more about Kongorin-ji Temple.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...