Sekitoji Temple

Overview

Sekitoji Temple, located in Higashi-Omi City, Shiga Prefecture, is a Tendai Buddhist temple with a long history, traditionally founded by Prince Shotoku. The temple grounds are awe-inspiring, filled with tens of thousands of stone pagodas and Buddhist statues. The stone three-storied pagoda, known as the Asoka Pagoda, is the oldest and largest of its kind in Japan, commanding attention with its sheer presence. Built in the early Nara period by immigrants from the Korean Peninsula, its style is distinctly different from other pre-medieval stone pagodas found throughout Japan. Legend also connects this pagoda to the relics of Buddha, with a story claiming two of the three thousand pagodas scattered across the world by King Asoka of India were brought to Japan by a monk who had studied in Tang Dynasty China during the Heian period. Sekitoji Temple exudes a mystical atmosphere in its tranquil setting, deeply moving those who visit. Immerse yourself in the serene environment and experience its rich history and mystery.