Miidera Temple — Historic Tendai Temple with City Views

Miidera Temple (三井寺, formally Onjo-ji) is a major Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 672 CE, located on Mt. Hiei's eastern slopes above Otsu. The temple's name derives from a sacred spring (Reisen, 霊泉) whose water was used to bathe three emperors at birth — 'mii' (三井) means 'three wells.' The temple complex has over 40 buildings spread across hillside terraces, including a National Treasure main hall (Kondo) from 1599.

Miidera is less touristy than Enryakuji but historically significant — it served as headquarters for the Tendai Jimon sect after splitting from Mt. Hiei's Enryakuji in the 11th century. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times in conflicts between rival Buddhist factions. The observation deck provides panoramic views of Lake Biwa and Otsu city.