Miidera Temple Otsu
A sprawling Buddhist temple complex in Otsu, famous for its seasonal beauty, iconic pagoda, and the unique reflective Kangetsu Butai.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Miidera Temple Otsu
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling Buddhist temple complex in Otsu, famous for its seasonal beauty, iconic pagoda, and the unique reflective Kangetsu Butai.
"The temple with the reflective flooring is also quite extraordinary."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The temple grounds are extensive with stairs. You'll want comfortable footwear for exploring.
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple's beauty and various sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangetsu Butai (Moon Viewing Stage)
Main Hall
Experience stunning reflections on its polished floor, especially magical during cherry blossom season.
Three-Story Pagoda
Temple Grounds
An iconic symbol of Miidera, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into historical Japanese architecture.
Koi Pond Bridge
Near Entrance
A charming spot to feed large Koi fish, offering a peaceful moment amidst the temple's grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Navigating the Temple Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The temple grounds are extensive with stairs. You'll want comfortable footwear for exploring.
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple's beauty and various sections.
Feed the Koi fish :fish:
A small bag of fish food costs 100 yen and is a delightful experience for all ages.
Check for special events :calendar:
Miidera sometimes hosts special illuminations, especially during cherry blossom season.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The temple grounds are extensive with stairs. You'll want comfortable footwear for exploring.
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple's beauty and various sections.
Feed the Koi fish :fish:
A small bag of fish food costs 100 yen and is a delightful experience for all ages.
Check for special events :calendar:
Miidera sometimes hosts special illuminations, especially during cherry blossom season.
Enjoy the views :camera_with_flash:
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the temple grounds and Lake Biwa.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Miidera Temple to be a beautiful and expansive complex, offering a peaceful atmosphere and stunning seasonal scenery, particularly cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. While some find it a bit commercialized with entry fees, many appreciate the tranquil vibe and unique features like the reflective Kangetsu Butai.
"It’s nice but visit only if you have some time. It had gigantic Koi Fish and beautiful rock formations. I found it bit commercial, to visit main alters, one has to pay."
Manpreeth Nishter
"I’ve visited twice, I enjoy the quiet vibe and the surrounding area makes me feel like I’m in a different world. The temple with the reflective flooring is also quite extraordinary. The staff are ok."
Téa EM
"Beautiful and large temple grounds with signs in multiple languages and my favourite section was a small bridge with many koi fish you could feed with a bag of fish food for 100¥. I spent about 2hrs here. Make sure to go all the way to the top for great views of the grounds and Lake Biwa."
Matthew French
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Miidera Temple is easily accessible from Kyoto. Take the Keihan Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line from Kyoto to Miidera Station, which is about a 5-minute walk to the temple.
Alternatively, you can take a JR train to Otsukyo Station, followed by a 15-minute walk.The closest station is Miidera Station on the Keihan Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line, just a 5-minute walk away.
Keihan Railway Otsu-Shiyakushomae Station is also a viable option, about a 7-12 minute walk.Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors, costing 500 yen.
Absolutely! Miidera Temple is a perfect day trip from Kyoto, located just about 20 minutes by train.
Besides walking from the nearest stations, local buses also serve the area. Taxis are readily available if you prefer direct transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general admission fee to enter the main temple grounds is 600 yen.
There is an additional fee of 300 yen to enter the Treasure House.Yes, the Treasure House, which houses important artifacts, requires a separate admission fee.
Photography is generally not allowed inside the main temple buildings.
However, the grounds and exterior structures are excellent for photography.The temple is typically open from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most current hours, especially during different seasons.
Advance booking is generally not required for Miidera Temple. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kangetsu Butai (Moon Viewing Stage) offers stunning reflections, especially during cherry blossom season.
The three-story pagoda and the koi pond bridge are also highly photogenic. Don't miss the panoramic views from the higher grounds.Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful lighting for the temple structures and gardens.
Yes, spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, with nighttime illuminations adding a magical touch.
Autumn brings vibrant red and gold foliage, transforming the temple grounds into a colorful spectacle.Tripod usage rules can vary. It's advisable to check with temple staff upon arrival, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you're following guidelines.
Many visitors capture the temple's architecture, seasonal beauty (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves), reflections on the Kangetsu Butai, and the serene garden landscapes.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the main temple grounds.
If you plan to visit the Treasure House or simply want to soak in the atmosphere, allow for 2-3 hours.While the temple grounds are large and have some stairs, it's generally manageable for those with mild mobility issues.
However, some areas might be challenging. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility if needed.The Kangetsu Butai, or Moon Viewing Stage, is known for its highly polished floorboards that create beautiful reflections, making it a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and the surrounding scenery.
Miidera is historically significant and has been featured in popular culture, including scenes for the 'Rurouni Kenshin' movie.
It's also known for its association with the legend of Monk Raigo.You can enjoy the tranquil gardens, feed the koi fish, and appreciate the historical architecture. The temple offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with Japanese culture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Serenity
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves
Autumn paints the temple grounds in vibrant hues of red and gold, making it another prime time to visit. The contrast between the ancient temple structures and the colorful foliage is a photographer's delight. Many visitors find the autumn scenery particularly captivating, offering a different yet equally impressive experience compared to the spring bloom.
The Reflective Magic of Kangetsu Butai
This reflective quality is particularly striking during cherry blossom season, where the delicate pink petals are beautifully mirrored, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the scene. Visitors often describe the experience of viewing the blossoms from this stage as extraordinary and almost surreal. It's a testament to the thoughtful design and aesthetic principles embedded in Japanese temple architecture.
Historical Significance and Cultural Connections
The temple complex has been a backdrop for significant events and even featured in popular culture. Notably, scenes from the 'Rurouni Kenshin' (Samurai X) movie were filmed within its grounds, adding a layer of cinematic appeal for fans. The temple is also associated with legends, such as the tale of Monk Raigo, which adds to its mystique.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit