Kawarayaji

Kawarayaji is an ancient temple located on Mount Minasukuri in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, at an address called Takebe Kawarayaji-cho. The temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Buddhism, Myoshinji branch, and is also known as Kawara Zenji (Kawara Zen Temple). Its mountain name (sango) is Ishizakizan, and the principal object of worship is a thousand-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon). The temple is listed among the 'Lake Biwa Country 100 Selections: Shrines and Temples' as a scenic destination. Nestled in the quiet mountain environment surrounding Minasukuri Castle, the temple has long been cherished as a place of spiritual solace for local residents.