Enryaku-ji Temple, Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto

Enryaku-ji Temple (GPS: 35.07046, 135.84112) was once a major monastery in the Kyoto area. It is located in Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture neighboring Kyoto. Fortress-like, it used to house three thousand subtemples with thousands of warrior monks, called sobei. Today, what's left is a mere shadow of its former self.

This Tendai monastery is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto. It was established in the Heian Period by Saicho, a monk who introduced the Tendai sect of Mahayana Buddhism from China to Japan. Enryaku-ji became the headquarters of the Tendai sect, and was one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.

Although initially entrusted to protect Kyoto, the monastery became so powerful that it troubled the emperor, resulting in an attack on the temple led by warlord Oda Nobunaga in 1571.

Today, visitors come to Enryaku-ji to experience its setting, isolated on the mountain top, and feel the grandeur of its past.

The Daiko-do hall at Enryaku-ji Temple, Shiga Prefecture

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enryakuji_Daikodo01n3200.jpg
Author: 663highland
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Shoro Bell Tower, Enryaku-ji Temple, Shiga Prefecture

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enryakuji_Shoro01n4272.jpg
Author: 663highland
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Enryaku-ji Temple is divided into precincts. Visitors can travel from one precinct to another by shuttle bus. The following are the sights:

East Precinct

Kohuho-den
Museum of treasures.
Konpon Chu-do
The Inner Sanctum, housing the statue of the Healing Buddha.
Jodo-in
Pure Land Hall, site of Saicho's tomb.

East Pagoda, Enryaku-ji Temple, Shiga Prefecture

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enryakuji_Toto01n3200.jpg
Author: 663highland
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West Precinct

Jogyo-do
Hall where monks circumambulate the alter while chanting invocation.
Hokke-do
Hall where monks meditate upon the Lotus Sutra.
Shaka-do
Main hall of the precinct.

Yokokawa Main Hall, Enryaku-ji Temple, Shiga Prefecture

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enryaku-ji_Yokokawa-chudo-r.jpg
Author: Oilstreet
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Enryakuji Temple is on the Map of Kyoto

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