Amida-do 阿弥陀堂
The large structure seen here is the Amida-do (Amida Hall). It contains an image of the Amida Nyorai. It was established in 1937 to commemorate the 1150th anniversary of Enryaku-ji.
Enryaku-ji is a sprawling temple complex located on one of Japan's most sacred mountains, Hiei-zan. It was founded by Saicho, who was mainly responsible for bringing the Tendai sect of Buddhism from China in the later part of the 8th century. At one point, the Enryaku-ji complex had as many as 3,000 sub-temples and became a powerful force both politically and militarily. These factors forced action by daimyo Oda Nobunaga who wanted to rid himself of factions such as the Enryaku-ji and Hongan-ji monks. Most of the complex was destroyed by Nobunaga in 1571. Today, it can be reached via cable car from either the Otsu or Kyoto side of Mt. Hiei. However, if you are scared of heights, I don't recommend it. It is the longest (2025m), and possibly the steepest cable car journey in Japan.
Enryaku-ji. Otsu, Shiga.
Amida-do 阿弥陀堂
The large structure seen here is the Amida-do (Amida Hall). It contains an image of the Amida Nyorai. It was established in 1937 to commemorate the 1150th anniversary of Enryaku-ji.
Enryaku-ji is a sprawling temple complex located on one of Japan's most sacred mountains, Hiei-zan. It was founded by Saicho, who was mainly responsible for bringing the Tendai sect of Buddhism from China in the later part of the 8th century. At one point, the Enryaku-ji complex had as many as 3,000 sub-temples and became a powerful force both politically and militarily. These factors forced action by daimyo Oda Nobunaga who wanted to rid himself of factions such as the Enryaku-ji and Hongan-ji monks. Most of the complex was destroyed by Nobunaga in 1571. Today, it can be reached via cable car from either the Otsu or Kyoto side of Mt. Hiei. However, if you are scared of heights, I don't recommend it. It is the longest (2025m), and possibly the steepest cable car journey in Japan.
Enryaku-ji. Otsu, Shiga.