History:

is a Buddhist temple founded in 876 by the monk Enchin. Located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, this temple currently belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism. According to traditional Japanese legend, the temple was founded by Enchin after encountering a mystical Buddhist priest, Miroku, also known to be an emanation of the bodhisattva Maitreya. The temple is particularly known for its association with the founder of the Japanese Tendai sect, Saichō, who was one of Enchin's direct disciples. It also is widely recognized for its main hall's unique floating ceiling construction. It is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and an Important Cultural Property. Inside the temple, there are several famous statues and historic artifacts, including an approximately 390cm large seated statue of the Maitreya Buddha and a three-meter tall wooden statue of the bodhisattva Monju. Popular among visitors is the Enchin Memorial Hall, which gives insight to the life of the Japanese monk. The grounds also include a number of other shrines and temples with imperial connections. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Mii-dera is a temple located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. 2. It is a Buddhist temple affiliated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism and it is one of the oldest temples in Japan, having been established in 661 AD. 3. It is best known for its traditional Japanese garden called Taiko-en, which is an example of the karesansui ("dry landscape") type of garden. 4. Other attractions in the temple grounds include Lake Biwa and surrounding mountains, a two-story pagoda, a main hall, a three-story pagoda, a library with ancient scriptures, and a statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya sitting atop a dragon. 5. The temple also features a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

Mii-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, established in the year 739. Every year during the summer, Mii-dera hosts a festival to celebrate the traditional Japanese worship ceremony known as Hatsumōde. During the ceremony, visitors gather at the temple to offer incense, flowers, and prayers to the gods. The ceremony is often accompanied by taiko drums, and visitors may also hear traditional Japanese songs playing in the background. At Mii-dera, visitors first receive a welcoming from the temple’s guardian and then are led through the hall of the gods. Once inside the hall, visitors bow and offer incense in reverence. A monk then reads from sutras, or Buddhist scriptures, as visitors listen and meditate. They then proceed to various altars where they make offerings and bow before each of the gods. Next, visitors move to the offering hall for more prayer and meditation. They then light candles and proceed to the main hall of the temple where they take part in a traditional tea ceremony. After the tea, visitors are able to explore the temple grounds and visit the numerous shrines and statues located on the grounds. Hatsumōde at Mii-dera is a special and meaningful experience. Visiting the temple grounds and participating in this season’s worship ceremony allows visitors to connect with the temple’s rich history and feel a profound sense of reverence and inner peace. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Mii-dera is usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the opening times may vary depending on the season and the exact location of the temple. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Mii-dera is located in the city of Ono in the Fukui Prefecture of Japan. By air, the closest airport is the Fukui Airport and from there, a taxi or bus can be taken for the 45-minute journey to Mii-dera. From Tokyo, Mii-dera can be reached by air and train. By air, there are several flights to Fukui Airport from Haneda Airport. From Fukui Airport, a taxi or bus can be taken for the 45-minute journey to Mii-dera. By train, there are a few direct limited express trains from Shinjuku Station to Ono Station. From Ono Station, Mii-dera can be reached by bus or taxi. Generally, it is best to visit Mii-dera by taxi or car, as public transport is somewhat infrequent and slow. famous temples in Japan