Muromachi

Kannonji Amida Hall in Kusatsu, Shiga, is an early Muromachi hall three bays square, roofed in cypress bark. Listed in 1901; said to have come from Kyoto in 1553.

The medieval main hall of Kongorinji in Aisho, Shiga, a National Treasure since 1952, a large Japanese-style esoteric hall traditionally dated 1288.

Shikobuchi Shrine in Takashima, Shiga, hides three tiny mise-dana-zukuri sanctuaries from around 1371 inside a protective hall. See why they matter and how to visit.

The main hall of Jishu Shrine in Katsuragawa, Otsu, is the only three-bay Kasuga-style shrine in Shiga. Rebuilt in 1502, it guards the Tendai temple of Myoo-in.

The three-storied pagoda of Jorakuji in Konan, Shiga, built around 1400 and a National Treasure since 1953, with textbook proportions.

The early Muromachi main hall of Jorakuji in Konan, Shiga, a National Treasure since 1953, rebuilt after 1360 and a representative Japanese-style hall.

Thatched shrine gate of 1485 at Shingu Shrine in Koka, Shiga, a two-storey design never finished, with carvings of the late Muromachi period; part of Ninja Hometown.

Main hall of Shingu Shrine on the old Tokaido at Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga, a one-bay nagare-style sanctuary of 1523 with a rare cusped gable and finely carved struts.

Sekishin-ji's main hall in Kusatsu, rebuilt around 1359, blends Japanese and Zen styles. It stands at Yabase, the Lake Biwa port behind the proverb isogaba maware.

The main hall of Zensuiji in Konan, Shiga, rebuilt in 1366 and a National Treasure since 1954, a fine esoteric hall with unusual framing and ornate carving.

Three-storied pagoda of 1454 at Sokenji on Mount Azuchi, Omihachiman, Shiga, moved by Oda Nobunaga to his Azuchi Castle temple; within the castle site.

Main hall of Daigyoji Shrine beside Enkoji in Yasu, Shiga, a small, elegant one-bay nagare-style sanctuary rebuilt in the mid-Muromachi period; well preserved.

Raised in 1524 after a fire, the cypress-bark main hall of Chomeiji in Omihachiman, Shiga, keeps traces of its first Tendai plan. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

A small mid-Muromachi hall right of the West Main Hall at Namura Shrine, Ryuo, Shiga, praised for its fine detailing and listed in 1971 with the storehouse.

A small mid-Muromachi hall left of the West Main Hall at Namura Shrine, Ryuo, Shiga, listed in 1904, 67 years before its twin, the Juzenji shrine; seen over a fence.

A 1536 store for portable shrines just inside the gate of Namura Shrine, Ryuo, Shiga, called an unusual survival by the Agency; 4 by 2 bays, gabled, listed in 1971.

A mid-Muromachi one-bay hall in woods east of Namura Shrine, Ryuo, Shiga, listed in 1924. Said to be the shrine's first site, it has no fence and sits among mounds.

Namura Shrine's thatched two-storey gate in Ryuo, Shiga, dated to 1522 and listed in 1904, opens the west precinct and is the only thatched building on the grounds.

The main hall of Fudoji, a Tendai mountain temple above Otsu, Shiga, is built out over the slope: an early Muromachi inner hall with a worship hall added in 1771.

Read over the body of Eigen-ji's founder the day after his death in 1367, this ink funeral elegy is an Important Cultural Property at the Shiga Zen temple he built.