kan'onji

Kannon-ji is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple located in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, with the mountain name Ifukisan and the principal image of an eleven-faced Kannon. It was founded during the Ninjyu era (851–854) by the monk Sanshu. Originally affiliated with the Hosso sect as one of the four great guardian temples of Mt. Ibuki, it converted to the Tendai sect in 1383. The temple is also famous for the legend that castle lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi discovered the talented young Ishida Mitsunari serving as a temple boy here. The well from which Mitsunari drew water for tea still remains on the grounds. The main hall, bell tower, and main gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties.