What kind of place is Ashiura Kannonji, a designated Japanese Heritage Site?

What is Ashiura Kannonji?

This is a Tendai sect temple that was deeply involved in the unification of Japan promoted by Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period.

Within the grounds, remains such as moats and earthworks that recall what the temple was like back then remain in good condition even today.

National Historic Site Designation and Japan Heritage Certification

It was involved in the unification of Japan by Toyotomi and Tokugawa and played an important role as the ship magistrate in charge of all transportation on Lake Biwa. Because of its importance in considering Japanese history from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, the temple was designated a national historic site in 2004 as the "Ashiura Kannonji Ruins."

On April 24, 2015, it was added to the list of Japan Heritage sites as a constituent cultural asset of "Lake Biwa and its Waterside Landscapes - A Water Heritage of Prayer and Life."

Preserving historical sites for future generations

Because it was difficult for the owners to maintain and manage the designated area, Kusatsu City was designated as the management organization under the Cultural Properties Protection Act in 2005.

In order to ensure the appropriate preservation and utilization of the historic site and pass it on to future generations, the "Ashiura Ashiura Kannonji Ruins Preservation and Utilization Plan" has been formulated and work is underway to develop the historic site.

Ashiura Kannonji changes with the seasons

Spring flowers and green trees

Autumn leaves

A place name derived from the name of Ashiura Kannonji

Kanonjicho

The site of the Kannonji magistrate's office remains as Kannonji-cho in Otsu City.

Kannonzaka

There is a hill in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, named "Kannonzaka" because the Ashiura Kannonji was located at the foot of the hill.

Kannonzaka Map

Access to Ashiura Kannonji

Address: 445 Ashiura-cho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Ashiura Kannonji Map

Phone: 077-568-0548

* Visitors must make a reservation in advance, so please make a reservation by phone if you wish to visit (for groups of 5 or more).

By bus

Omi bus from the west exit of JR Kusatsu Station

Take the bus bound for Lake Biwa Museum and get off at Ashiura bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes

Ashiura Kannonji Website