About This Video
Hyakusaiji Temple is the oldest temple in Shiga. It was erected in 606 in what used to be the town of Omi. Omi merged into the expanded city of Maibara in 2005. Portuguese missionary Luís Fróis called Hyakusiji, “Heaven on Earth” when he visited Japan in 1563.
Founded by Prince Shotoku, more than 1400 years ago, Hyakusaiji temple was created at the mid-point between it and of Mt. Oshitate (771.8 m) for the sake of visitors from the Korean kingdom of Baekje. The prince drew inspiration from a temple in that nation that was called Ryu’un-ji in Japanese.
Belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hyakusaiji Temple is part of the three famous Koto Sanzan temples which also includes Saimyoji and Kongorinji.
