soujidera

Sojiji Temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan sect stands in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. Known by the mountain name Iozan, it enshrines Yakushi Nyorai as its principal image and has long been venerated for blessings of healing and longevity. The temple is also cherished as a peony garden — locally called Botan-dera — where colorful peonies bloom spectacularly in spring. During the Edo period it flourished under the patronage of the Ii clan, lords of Hikone domain, and trained many learned monks. Though its halls were burned in the Warring States period, the temple was rebuilt through local support and continues to preserve the history and faith of Nagahama.