Saimyoji Temple

One of the Three Temples East of the Lake, with Two National Treasures

The Saimyoji Temple (西明寺, Saimyoji) at Ikedera, Kora Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, has a Kamakura-period main hall and three-storied pagoda both designated National Treasures in 1952, and a Niten gate and stone treasure pagoda that are Important Cultural Properties.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that it is said to have been founded in 834.

With Kongorinji and Hyakusaiji it is counted among the Koto Sanzan, the three temples east of Lake Biwa.

The Main Hall, Pagoda, Gate and Stone Pagoda

According to the Agency, the main hall was originally five bays square, enlarged by one bay at the front and sides in the late Kamakura period and later at the back to become seven bays square, with a three-bay porch added in the mid-Muromachi period. It is regarded as one of the representative Japanese-style halls of the Kamakura period in the Kinki region.

The pagoda stands to the right of the main hall, a pure Japanese-style pagoda thought from its style to date from the late Kamakura period. Inside the first storey, posts, rails and board walls are covered in brightly coloured Buddhist paintings and patterns, well preserved.

The Agency records the Niten gate as a mid-Muromachi eight-legged gate, hip-and-gable with a shingle roof, and the stone treasure pagoda as a late Kamakura work inscribed 1304.

Repairs to the Pagoda

The temple notes that the pagoda seems to have been badly damaged by the Tenna era (1681 to 1684), when the central pillar and other parts were replaced. After its designation in 1900 it was dismantled and repaired in 1910, and its roof was re-covered in 1938 and 1973.

More than 37 years after the last re-covering, moss and decay had spread over the roof, so it was re-covered again and the lacquer of the altar inside was renewed.

Visiting Saimyoji

Check visiting hours and fees on the temple's website.

The temple notes free parking for cars and minibuses in front of the head sub-temple on the rear approach. Enquiries: Saimyoji, 0749-38-4008.