Miidera Temple

Officially named Nagara-san Onjo-ji, Miidera was established 1,300 years ago as the head of the Tendaijimon sect of Buddhism. From its spot high on a hillside, the temple has sweeping views over Lake Biwa. Miidera offers accessible spiritual experiences to visitors, including Zen meditation, copying sutras and crafting prayer beads. Visitors can train in Tendai style asceticism, wearing the traditional white garments of "Yamabushi", or mountain monks, as they hike to the top of Mt. Nagara. You can also stay overnight at the temple lodging, called a "shukubo", and join morning prayers. The restored lodging is simple but comfortable, and takes just one group at a time. It has Western-style beds, kitchen facilities, a large cypress bathtub and private gardens.