Top 10 Must-Visit Popular Tourist Spots in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture

Yasu City is located on the southern shore of Lake Biwa. There are many tourist spots in the city related to Lake Biwa. As a result, there are numerous spots where you can enjoy nature. In this article, we will introduce 11 popular tourist spots in Yasu City. Let's visit places like temples, shrines, and parks, where you can experience the charm of Yasu City.

1. "Mikami Shrine" Built in the Late Kamakura Period

A popular spot for shrine tours in Yasu City is Mikami Shrine, which was established in the late Kamakura period. This shrine is highly recommended and popular among tourists. The main hall is considered a national treasure.

The shrine grounds include the worship hall, the gate tower, and the Wakamiya Shrine, all of which are designated important cultural properties of Japan. The annual autumn festival, the Zuiiki Matsuri, held every October, has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. While the shrine can get crowded on the festival day with tourists coming from outside the prefecture, it is still well worth a visit.

Although many popular tourist shrines require an entrance fee, Mikami Shrine does not, so you can enjoy the visit freely.

2. "Hyozu Taisha" - Fantastical Light-Up during Autumn Foliage

Hyozu Taisha is a recommended tourist spot in Yasu. If you visit in the fall, you can enjoy the autumn foliage of the large trees on the shrine grounds. At night, the foliage is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

Hyozu Taisha is worth visiting not only during the autumn but also in spring. The grounds feature a large patch of violets, and when they bloom together, the sight is breathtaking. The violet species here bloom later than typical violets, reaching their peak around the end of April. If you're visiting Yasu during this time, it’s a must-see.

Since the shrine is located to the east of the Biwako Ohashi Bridge, it's a great stop before or after visiting the bridge. Visit Hyozu Taisha and experience the beauty of the seasons.

3. "Shiga Prefectural Omi Fuji Flower and Greenery Park" for Mountain Walking

The "Shiga Prefectural Omi Fuji Flower and Greenery Park" is a popular spot in Yasu, where people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can enjoy themselves. It’s a year-round tourist spot where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of Yasu. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom beautifully. If you visit Yasu during the cherry blossom season, a visit to this park is highly recommended.

Another appeal of this park is the opportunity for mountain walking. With uphill and downhill paths, you can work up a good sweat even in winter. Whether you want to relax or work out, this park can satisfy your needs. There is a large koi pond in the park, and you can buy food to feed the fish. It’s a fun activity to do with children.

The park also has lodges for overnight stays. The prices are reasonable, and the facilities are clean, which has received positive reviews. If you plan to stay overnight, consider choosing the lodge as an option.

4. "Oosaharahara Shrine" Wrapped in Silence

For those interested in visiting shrines and temples, Oosaharahara Shrine is highly recommended. It should definitely be on your list for shrine tours. Yasu has many national treasure buildings, and the main hall of Oosaharahara Shrine, built with cypress bark roofing and in the style of a three-bay hall, is a national treasure. If you love temples and shrines, make sure to visit here.

Although Oosaharahara Shrine is not very large, it is quite impressive. While many national treasure buildings require an entrance fee, Oosaharahara Shrine does not, so you can visit it easily. Also, despite being a national treasure, the shrine is not typically overcrowded, making it a hidden gem in Yasu. It’s especially recommended for those who want to be enveloped in tranquility and relaxation.

Spend some leisurely time at this national treasure shrine.

5. "Kinshokuji Temple" Built in the Early Heian Period

Kinshokuji Temple is a historic temple in Yasu City, built in the early Heian period. The temple grounds are well-maintained, allowing for a pleasant visit. The name "Kinshokuji" originates from a legend where, when Saint Shinran restored the temple, a celestial maiden descended from the heavens and wove brocade from lotus threads, offering it to the temple.

Yasu is home to many historical buildings, and Kinshokuji is one of them. If you’re thinking of visiting temples in Yasu, Kinshokuji is a must-see for experiencing the city's charm.

Kinshokuji Temple is relatively easy to access by train. It is about a 13-minute bus ride from Yasu Station, and from Kibe bus stop, it is just a 1-minute walk. There is also free parking for those traveling by car.

6. "The Site of the End of the Taira Clan" for Quiet Reflection

The "Site of the End of the Taira Clan" is famous as the place where, in the late Heian period, the heads of the Taira clan were decapitated. Today, there is only a stone monument left at the site. The area is quiet and has a rustic atmosphere, making it a great spot for those interested in history.

Yasu has many historical buildings and relics, and the site of the Taira clan's end is one of them. Now, only statues and stone monuments remain, but it is undeniably the place where the Taira clan met their downfall. For those looking for a relaxing trip, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the site and reflect on the Heian period.

7. "Renchouji Temple" Famous for the Wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon Statue

The highlight of Renchouji Temple is the "Wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon Statue," which is designated as an Important Cultural Asset. It is housed in the temple's storage building, and a reservation is required to visit. If you're interested and have the time, be sure to make a reservation before you go.

The statue is made from a single piece of cypress wood and is elegantly posed with a twist at the waist to the left. It is believed to have been created during the mid-Heian period. Since it is a relatively hidden gem with fewer tourists, it is a great spot for those who want to enjoy a quiet journey in Yasu City.

To access Renchouji, take the JR Biwako Line to Yasu Station, then take a bus for 15 minutes. Get off at "Sazanami Hall Mae," and it’s a 10-minute walk from there. The temple has a small parking lot with space for four cars, so you can also access it by car.

8. "Sugawara Shrine" Where Time Passes Quietly in the Large Grounds

Sugawara Shrine is famous for the "Fire Walking Ceremony" held every year on February 25th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It’s a well-known event in Yasu City, and tourists from outside the prefecture visit on this day.

The Fire Walking Ceremony involves walking barefoot across embers after burning gomagi (prayer sticks). It looks like walking through a sea of fire when viewed from the sides. This ritual is meant to purify impurities with the divine fire and pray for good health and safety.

You can experience the fire walk for 1,500 yen per person. There is a time limit, and the event is limited to the first 130 people. If you plan to try the fire walk, it’s recommended to arrive early. To access by train, take the JR Biwako Line to Yasu Station, then take an Omi bus and get off at "Ebe." It’s a 7-minute walk from there. There is a parking lot with space for 20 cars, but since the event can get crowded, it’s more convenient to use public transport.

9. "Sakuramizu Historical Site Park" Where You Can Visit Three Ancient Tombs

"Sakuramizu Historical Site Park" is a park with beautiful greenery. It’s a hidden gem where you can spend a peaceful time. The charm of this park lies in the fact that it is home to three ancient tombs. You can see tombs that resemble small hills.

The three tombs are "Koyama Tomb," "Maruyama Tomb," and "Tennozan Tomb." Not only can you view them from the outside, but you can also see the house-shaped stone coffins and the chamber-style stone coffins inside the horizontal stone chambers. The park has information boards and explanatory signs around the tombs, allowing you to reflect on the history and background as you explore. It is a great spot for those who love history or are interested in ancient tombs.

Enjoy a unique experience that is one of the special offerings of Yasu tourism.

10. "Enkōji Temple" - A Hidden Gem in Yasu You Must See with Your Own Eyes

Enkōji Temple is a temple of the Tendai Shingon sect. It is a historic temple located 15 minutes on foot from Yasu Station. Although it is not a large temple, it is definitely worth visiting for those interested in temples.

Enkōji Temple was formed when Chōfukuji Temple and Enkōbō merged during the Edo period. The main hall belongs to Chōfukuji, which was founded during the Kamakura period. The temple's principal image is Amitābha Buddha, which was stolen in 1996 but later recovered safely. Visiting Enkōji Temple allows you to truly experience the history of Yasu.

While Yasu City has many temples worth visiting, the unique feature of Enkōji is the structure of its main hall. It is an unusual design for a temple, with a flowing roof style and copper plate roofing, which is typically used in Shinto shrine architecture.

◎Summary

Yasu City has many historical buildings, including temples, shrines, and ancient tombs, making it a great destination for history enthusiasts. Besides its history, Yasu also offers many spots where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. If you’re planning to visit the surrounding areas, make sure to check out the tourist spots introduced here.